Wearables

Sudden cardiac events are the top cause of firefighter death. The District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department is testing a wearable device to track the cardiac health of its training class. Deputy Fire Chief Shawn talks about what they are learning from the pilot program and what they hope to achieve.

Biometrics and wearables are ushering in a new wave of public safety technologies. These innovations have the potential to greatly improve the health and safety of firefighters — and get us closer to the goal of zero deaths or injuries.

Successful response to a suspicious package incident relies on good communications. Technology can make a difference in ensuring response teams have the most up-to-date information. FirstNet technologies can help with a coordinated, connected, and safe response.

With 5G, first responders will have access to more data in near real time. And through a series of strategic investments, the FirstNet Authority is working to bring these capabilities to public safety. Discover why 5G is essential to the future of emergency response and how FirstNet’s evolution makes this a reality.

The FirstNet Authority is investing $6.3 billion to enhance 5G capabilities on FirstNet. This is a major strategic investment in the future of public safety communications. 5G on FirstNet will generate faster speeds, enhance the quality of service for first responders, and drive innovations in mission critical services.

Hear from FirstNet Authority Board member Sheriff Kristin Graziano on how FirstNet is helping law enforcement to get the job done safer and more efficiently. She explains that with first responders at the table explaining their challenges and needs, FirstNet is truly built FOR public safety, BY public safety.

FirstNet Authority Board member Sheriff Kristin Graziano is a seasoned public safety leader with more than 30 years in law enforcement. We had the opportunity to catch up with Sheriff Graziano to discuss her proudest accomplishments, how FirstNet supports law enforcement, and her personal approach to public safety.

Body cameras make the job of law enforcement easier and more efficient. They can improve situational awareness, provide details for reports, and help protect officers on scene. Officer Monica Lee of the Daytona Beach Police Department in Florida shared why her agency uses livestreaming body cameras for officer safety and tactical advantage.

Brian Schoonmaker was named Chief of Police in Hazleton, Pennsylvania in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. With FirstNet, Chief Schoonmaker jumped right into developing policies to keep the community and police officers safe during this unprecedented event.

First responders rely on dogs for many tasks that no human or technology can do. As K9 units continue to proliferate across public safety, industry is designing new technologies to keep them safe and increase their effectiveness. Many of these technologies require a reliable, secure broadband connection to function properly.

As technology rapidly evolves, more and more tools are becoming available to first responders. Over the past year, the FirstNet Authority has supported several innovation contests that encourage entrepreneurs, researchers, and public safety professionals to develop solutions to assist emergency responders. Brian Hobson, Director of the FirstNet Authority Enterprise Strategy Division, breaks down some of these contests and how the FirstNet Authority is helping drive innovation forward.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security has relied on FirstNet for a variety of incidents and emergencies, from Hurricane Michael to a lost hiker to the 2019 Super Bowl. With priority and preemption on the FirstNet network and access to deployable assets such as SatCOLTs (satellite cells on light trucks) and COWs (cells on wheels), first responders have reliable connection when and where they need it. 

Senior Public Safety Advisor Bill Schrier highlights emerging technologies that can benefit first responders and transform public safety services.

San Bernardino County’s Assistant Fire Chief Dan Munsey reflects on emerging technologies, such as drones and wearables, and how they will transform fire service operations in the years to come.