Technology

To prepare for the reality of extreme weather, emergency managers are turning to a new tool: virtual emergency operations centers (EOCs). When a virtual EOC is activated, staff can log on from anywhere and response operations can start without delay. Emergency managers are looking at ways to integrate FirstNet into virtual EOCs to provide the reliable connectivity for public safety to consistently communicate in a virtual environment.

FirstNet Authority Board Member Mayor Billy Hewes beats the drum for public safety communication and coordination. With a lifetime career of service and decades long career in public service, he strives to ensure the FirstNet network works when it is needed most. We had the opportunity to sit down with Mayor Hewes and delve into his views on the importance of FirstNet in Gulfport, the unique role of a mayor during emergencies, and his journey working in public service.

In Wisconsin, Winnebago County has adopted FirstNet, a broadband communication network dedicated to first responder use. The FirstNet network will help improve the county’s communication capabilities and public safety services across its departments, including the Sherriff’s Office. With this initiative in place, the county is now equipped with cutting-edge tools, a secure network, and guaranteed priority access to help streamline their operations.

Thank everyone who came to 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit hosted by NIST PSCR and the First Responder Network Authority. Revisit three days of building the future of public safety communications together. 

Macon Bibb County, Georgia is redefining they way it prepares for disasters and major events each day. Spencer Hawkins, Emergency Management Director for the Macon-Bibb County government discusses the county’s plans for facing all types of issues including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other major weather events. The Emergency Management team also works tirelessly to ensure all stakeholders in the area work on integrated communications when they approach disasters including local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and secondary users like public works.

Nearly 500 thought leaders from public safety, government, industry, and academia came together to talk about the future of public safety communications. As we close out on the inaugural 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, we thank all those who attended and made their voices heard. Stay tuned for news about next year's conference at FirstNet.gov/5x5!

5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, a reimagined summit for public safety, academia, government, and industry leaders, hosted by The FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Public Safety Communications Research Division, begins today. We hope you'll join us in exploring the future of first responder technology, connecting with industry leaders, engaging in can't-miss sessions led by some of the top minds in public safety, and more. Learn more and register now: https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/events/5x5-public-safety-innovation-summit

The FirstNet Authority Roadmap guides programs, activities, and investments to enhance FirstNet. The 2023 update to the Roadmap was created with feedback from public safety and aligns the FirstNet Authority’s efforts with the ongoing operational needs of responders.

The CommanDING Tech prize challenge explored ways to improve the quality of incident command dashboards. Participants worked to create a solution that would help commanding officers visualize actionable information, without overloading them with unnecessary data. The challenge—hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division and judged by FirstNet Authority staff—produced four winning solutions.

Prepare to unlock the boundless potential of innovation and collaboration at the highly anticipated 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, presented by NIST PSCR and the FirstNet Authority. Immerse yourself in a dynamic program featuring thought leaders, captivating keynotes, hands-on demonstrations, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Researchers who are driving innovation and making a real impact in the emergency communications field won’t want to skip 5x5.

Want a sneak peek at five sessions public safety professionals won’t want to skip at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovative Summit? Join us in San Diego in June for a three-day event hosted by the FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division. If you’re interested in learning more about current and upcoming trends in public safety technology, then 5x5 is the place you need to be.

5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, brought to you by NIST PSCR and the FirstNet Authority is an event designed to revolutionize the way innovators from industry approach public safety communications and technology. With a lineup of influential speakers, keynotes, hands-on demos, and invaluable networking opportunities, 5x5 promises to be a transformative experience. Be part of the movement that is shaping the future of public safety communications technology.

When a rural fire in Brooks County, Texas engulfed 6,500 acres of land, the Falfurrias Fire Department faced significant communication and coordination challenges due to the remote location of the fire. FirstNet provided a solution to this problem with the deployment of a SatCOLT, a vehicle with its own cell site non-reliant on commercial power supplies, that provided crucial connectivity and support to over 40 agencies and public safety personnel. This subsequently enabled efficient mapping of the location, real-time weather updates, and seamless communication among first responders.

In rural Jackman, Maine, the community has taken an innovative approach to providing emergency care quickly and efficiently. With the help of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, local paramedics can conduct telehealth sessions and treat residents at the local health clinic or in their homes. Through the use of telemedicine and a reliable broadband connection, paramedics can treat patients on site rather than transporting them to a hospital over an hour away. Learn more: https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/firstnet-enables-telehealth-inland-island-jackman-maine

A prominent leader in the 9-1-1 community—Renee Gordon, Director of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the City of Alexandria, Virginia—recently joined the FirstNet Authority Board. Renee has led some particularly innovative efforts in remote 9-1-1 operations and in regionalizing ECCs. We asked Renee about the current and future state of 9-1-1, the role of FirstNet in the ECC, and her priorities while serving on the FirstNet Authority Board.

Superior Ambulance has adopted FirstNet to strengthen paramedic communications and data sharing. The service has outfitted its emergency vehicles with FirstNet-enabled devices, facilitating secure and efficient data transmission between their medical professionals. The partnership will enhance public safety services across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

The FirstNet Authority has made substantial progress over the past five years to improve how the fire service uses voice communications, video, and data. Despite these advances, firefighters continue to search for a device they can use while wearing full protective gear and operating in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health. So, we’re asking—what should that technology look like?

FirstNet’s Cell Booster Pro is a valuable tool for EMS to bridge the gap between FirstNet service in the field and when responders return to the station. This in-building solution boosts FirstNet coverage indoors where EMS officials work. Two EMS agencies that use the device share their experiences and advice for other agencies.

The Super Bowl — America’s largest sporting event — requires significant pre-planning to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators. Coordinating public safety communications for Super Bowl LVII involved more than a dozen different cities and jurisdictions and posed unique challenges, including overlap with another major sporting event the same week. Through the FirstNet Authority’s Network Experience Engagement Program, public safety officials in Arizona received pre-planning assistance for the Super Bowl, helping responders be ready on game day.

The Super Bowl — America’s largest sporting event — requires significant pre-planning to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators. Coordinating public safety communications for Super Bowl LVII involved more than a dozen different cities and jurisdictions and posed unique challenges, including overlap with another major sporting event the same week. Through the FirstNet Authority’s Network Experience Engagement Program, public safety officials in Arizona received pre-planning assistance for the Super Bowl, helping responders be ready on game day.