First Responders

The world’s biggest sporting event, set for the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is months away, and that means gov tech suppliers are preparing to make sure everyone stays safe. Drones are a main area of concern.

In December the county upgraded its emergency alert system with technology that allows the Emergency Management Agency to draw targeted subgroups that include first responders and city, county and school officials.

The mobile unit provides dual capability to cover continuity and backup 911 operations as well as incident support for field communications. The current unit it will replace is almost 30 years old.

The county's Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management upgraded its computer-aided dispatching system to one that is cloud-based and can work more easily with neighboring agencies.

The city expects to launch three drones as first responders by mid-March. The program is anticipated to cost roughly $180,000 a year and will save the police department time and resources.

The rollout follows several years of planning and state-funded upgrades to Laredo's 911 infrastructure, including new dispatch technology and cybersecurity protections approved by City Council in 2024 and 2025.

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.