Emergency responders using more digital data and technology

Recognizing that digital data is more valuable than gold or oil, a panel at the CES show in Las Vegas today discussed how the public and private sectors are teaming up and using new technology to better respond to emergencies and disasters. The panel discussed how new innovations, such as smart home technology, can give emergency responders valuable data when responding to calls. The panel members also discussed how cyber-physical infrastructure is becoming just as important as physical infrastructure for local governments and first responders when responding to calls. Chrissie Coons, a public safety liaison with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), highlighted how FirstNet provides emergency responders with a nationwide, high-speed, broadband network dedicated to public safety. Ms. Coons pointed out how some emergency responders have experienced buffering and outages during emergencies. Chris Rezendes, chief business officer with Spherical Analytics, which helps develop environmental impact solutions that combine blockchain technologies with big data and machine learning, also discussed how the private sector and the public sector can forge relationship and share valuable today. Mr. Rezendes said, “We are helping public and private entities to better manage risk.” Mr. Rezendes added, “Most of the infrastructure we use today is outdated and uses outdated models. We are realizing we have some systems that are central to all different kinds of activities.”

Spherical Analytics helped create a new marine data bank in Massachusetts using data and sensors from fishing boats to provide for more coastal resilience. Mr. Rezendes stated that through collective action, business can create a new marketplace where data can be shared, licensed, or sold. But the data has to be trustworthy and relevant. Based on conversations with emergency responders at the ground level, Mr. Rezendes noted that first responders want three things with new technology: (1) better audio with hands-free and noise cancellation; (2) the best data available such as schematics and floor plans for buildings used by firefighters; and (3) a heads-up display that is cost effective and easy to use.

https://blog.npstc.org/2019/01/09/emergency-responders-using-more-digital-data-and-technology/