Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Incident Response

A View from Above: Increasing first responder situational awareness with drones

Aerial view of a firefighter wearing a helmet using a drone next to a firetruck
From missing person searches to HAZMAT incidents and holiday celebrations, first responders in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas use drone technology to gather critical situational awareness during emergencies and planned events. With FirstNet, footage from the drones can be streamed seamlessly back to decision makers on the ground.

Remote Work Opens New Possibilities for 9-1-1: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how dispatchers work from home

An Arlington 911 operator remotely taking calls in her home; a Palm Beach 911 remote go-bag with a phone and laptop; A group of Fulton County 911 operators remotely taking 911 calls

One thing the 9-1-1 community learned from the pandemic was the need to plan for alternate ways to work. Rather than be tied to workstations at fixed locations, 9-1-1 telecommunicators need flexibility to remotely take, dispatch, and supervise calls. 9-1-1 leaders looked to technology for a solution. Through FirstNet, the nationwide public-safety broadband network, first responders had access to a secure, reliable connection outside of the ECC. 

Driving Innovation for Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery

View of Hurricane Laura from space

Long before the rain starts falling or the wind starts blowing, first responders are focused on planning for hurricanes. Innovative features and functions on FirstNet and programs available through the FirstNet Authority help public safety agencies as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from these disasters.

Supporting Marshall Fire Responders with Priority Service and On-Demand Coverage

A FirstNet Satellite Cell on Light Truck and Communications Vehicle sit in a parking lot during the response to the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, Colorado

As the Marshall Fire burned through Boulder County, it quickly became the most destructive fire in Colorado state history. The fire damaged critical infrastructure and commercial networks were congested, but responders were able to communicate with FirstNet deployable assets on site, including a compact rapid deployable that was able to traverse steep terrain and establish coverage quickly.

Behind the Scenes at a Mass Vaccination Site in New Hampshire

As vaccines became available, the New Hampshire Department of Safety set up a large vaccination clinic in Loudon. “Go-kits” with cameras, battery packs, routers with FirstNet SIM cards, and other internet-based devices were used to oversee and coordinate the operation, and the ability to stream video footage to unified command was critical to decision-making.

Behind the Scenes at a Mass Vaccination Site in New Hampshire

 A New Hampshire State Police trooper uses a tablet to monitor and steer a drone

As vaccines became available, the New Hampshire Department of Safety set up a large vaccination clinic in Loudon. “Go-kits” with cameras, battery packs, routers with FirstNet SIM cards, and other internet-based devices were used to oversee and coordinate the operation, and the ability to stream video footage to unified command was critical to decision-making.

Episode 60: FirstNet Enables Enhanced Disaster Assessments, Faster Recovery in Alabama

When disaster strikes, most emergency managers and public safety officials rely on pen and paper to conduct damage assessments. The process involves slow, manual data entry and can delay disaster aid for weeks. In Cherokee County, Alabama, emergency management personnel are using FirstNet devices to collect and upload damage assessment information in real time so that communities can get the help and resources they need faster.

FirstNet becomes a game changer for Palm Beach County 9-1-1 during the Pandemic

A phone, laptop, hot spot, and other dispatching equipment sit on a table.

Palm Beach County 9-1-1 in Florida answers roughly 10,000 calls per month, making reliable connectivity critical to serving the community. When the pandemic hit, this became even more important as call takers and dispatchers needed remote capabilities to stay safe. The agency is using FirstNet to keep staff connected through SIM cards in routers, on 9-1-1 busses, and in “go-bags” that enable remote capabilities.

Subscribe to Incident Response