First Responders

FEMA has reduced the payments that local fire departments receive for the use of their equipment when they're asked to help with wildfires outside their jurisdiction. Western states rely on this mutual aid for fire response.

By being classified as first responders rather than administrative workers, dispatchers could see improved access to benefits and support in a demanding profession that often operates behind the scenes.

Iowa City and Johnson County are taking part in a pilot program that will aim to develop a protocol that will serve as another response to 911 or other crisis line calls typically handled by local law enforcement.

Responder MAX will focus on marketing, communications, recruitment and other areas. First Arriving, which has worked with some 1,300 agencies, will keep involved with its "real-time information platform."

By responding to 911 calls involving mental health crises with a specialized team including a clinical social worker, the program cut hospitalization rates. Permanent funding may be on the way.

The dispatch center serving Benton and Franklin counties will take non-emergency calls with AI starting next week. Staff will reportedly save three hours per day and callers won't have to wait on hold for help.

North Dakota lawmakers are exploring telemedicine as a solution to the shortage of paramedics and volunteer first responders statewide. One option connects responders in ambulances with medical providers for support.

City Council is considering two options that would charge for paramedic care provided by the Monterey Fire Department when ambulance transport is needed. Some are concerned it would discourage people from calling 911.

People in need of police, fire and medical attention can now share live video of their situations with dispatchers and first responders. Motorola Solutions and RapidSOS will help promote the tool to their own customers.

Drones can enhance emergency response, but they’re only one part of the public safety toolkit, ideally making the jobs of the officers and first responders safer and more efficient.

The purchase of CloudGavel promises to give Tyler more software for electronic warrants — which can improve safety and speed. Tyler and other vendors are counting on public safety for even more growth.

The small mountain town of Vail, Colo., has introduced agentic AI tools to aid in fire detection, public engagement and other areas. Being more efficient with mundane, everyday tasks is a key focus.

The new funding round follows the recent acquisition by the company of a Canada-based emergency communications tech provider. RapidSOS has raised more than $450 million since its launch in 2012.

City-commissioned independent research found that the gun detection technology was accurate and improved police response times, but noted that it doesn't integrate with other technology and doesn't deter crime.

The grants, for which public agencies must apply, promise to benefit the business of government technology. The federal agency also announced $500 million in grants for protection against unlawful use of drones.

Clark County first responders report their current 911 infrastructure is long overdue for a digital transformation. The county proposes a $1 monthly fee per telephone line to help offset costs.

RapidSOS, backed by Black Rock, acquired the Canadian company as gov tech suppliers race to sell the last tools for emergency calls and responses. It follows a larger Axon acquisition announced last week.

Axon announced its acquisition of 911 tech provider Prepared earlier this year. This new $625 million buyout of the emergency dispatch and communications tech firm is meant to help Axon craft a public safety ecosystem.