Broadband is transforming emergency communications in America. For the first time, first responders are equipped with real-time data that can change the course of response. From mapping resources on the fire line to securely sharing patient data en route to a hospital, broadband has opened endless possibilities for public safety.
One source of this transformation is FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network. Overseen by the federal government and built in partnership with AT&T, the network has been a catalyst for changing how first responders operate.
A New Way to Communicate
FirstNet provides first responders a reliable, secure, and interoperable network for both voice and data communications. And public safety is using their network in new and innovative ways:
• The police department in Dallas, Georgia, has forgone radios and now exclusively uses smartphones on FirstNet.
• Paramedics in Jackman, Maine, use telehealth connections over FirstNet to connect with physicians so they can treat patients locally rather than transporting them hours away to the nearest hospital.
• 9-1-1 telecommunicators in Alexandria, Virginia, answered and dispatched calls from home using FirstNet during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• An emergency manager in Somerville, Massachusetts, envisions virtual emergency operations centers that benefit from FirstNet’s reliability.
• Firefighters in Colorado experienced FirstNet on the fire line with the help of network deployables—mobile assets that bring coverage to where responders need it most.
These trailblazers are a snapshot of where public safety communications are trending.
The Connected First Responder
As technology has become integral to first responder operations, public safety officials are more connected than ever.
FirstNet itself has created an ecosystem of devices, apps, and tools that are designed for public safety operations instead of retrofitted from consumer purposes.
This ecosystem is built around direct feedback from the public safety community. The FirstNet Authority relies on our rich history of engagement with first responders across all disciplines, levels of government, and in all 56 states and territories to ensure the network and its surrounding ecosystem meets their needs.
Now, as we look to the future, we ask ourselves: what comes next? How do we innovate solutions that enhance the connected responder’s experience? What is the future of public safety communications?
Introducing 5×5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit
To address these questions, we are launching 5×5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit in collaboration with the Public Safety Communications Research Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or PSCR.
PSCR conducts cutting-edge R&D that drives innovation in public safety technologies. For the last decade, our two organizations have worked together to advance public safety communications. 5×5 is the next step forward in reaching this goal.
5×5 will bring together public safety, academia, government, and industry leaders to map out the future of responder communications technology. The event will provide a place for public safety thought leaders to connect and share their expertise, describe their communications successes and challenges, and move the needle on improving operations for first responders.
Dereck Orr, Division Chief for PSCR, sums up the importance of the 5×5 Summit. “I’ve seen firsthand how an informal comment can become a new partnership and an audience question can transform into research. That’s the magic in bringing together an audience like this—everyone is there because they believe in the importance of advancing public safety technology and each attendee plays a critical role in making that happen.”
We cannot shape the future alone. We invite you to add your voice to the conversation and help us advance public safety communications. Register now to join us at the 5×5 Summit in San Diego on June 28-30. I hope to see you there.
The author, Jeremy Zollo, Chief Market Engagement Officer, First Responder Network Authority.