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The DHS Science and Technology Directorate believes responders should be protected, connected and fully aware
before, during, and after an incident.
That means knowing which technologies to deploy, how they work,
and how they complement all of the other tools at their disposal.
That’s why they recently headed to Birmingham, Alabama
host of the 2021 World Games
to test the city’s readiness well in advance of the major international event.
[Background speaking by Cory Moon] You have more than 10 to 15 patients... [inaudible]
[Background speaking by Cory Moon] So having technology to track those vital signs...
MOON: We're emergency responders. Technology plays a big role in what we do.
the more technology that we have to help us as... to help assist us in completing our mission,
the better for us. And the better for our citizens.
SMITH: gives us an opportunity to test out some equipment that will probably be key
in our successful hosting of the 2021 World Games
NARRATOR: The event at Legion Stadium brought together responders; government,
industry; and other stakeholders to simulate joint disaster response.
LUU: Ah, to be able to interact directly with the first responder end user is very valuable for us,
because, um, we be able to hear, direct feedback from them in terms of how the technology being used and also,
get validation on technology is working for them or not, because in the end of the day,
they are the ones, where we using it and then operate, you know, on the technology.
NARRATOR: This testing event was the culmination of S&T’s participation in the
Shaken Fury disaster preparedness exercises.
The goal: expose responders to new technology, ensure they know how to use and integrate it,
and allow developers to refine the technology based on feedback.
ST JOHN: it gives the responders the opportunities to work together across particular disciplines
to collaborate and to cooperate, to come up with a cogent plan
that will see them through an actual event
because in public safety, we always know that the next big one is right around the corner.
NARRATOR: The 2021 World Games may seem a “world away” now,
but the scope of what it takes to protect a city, a stadium, the athletes,
and all of the spectators requires all involved to be as prepared as possible.
LUPO: we always think that we're very well-prepared, and I do believe we are.
Jefferson County experiences virtually every kind of disaster you can think of.
This helps us even get more prepared.
This helps our police department, our fire department, and all of the surrounding cities,
These drills, or, preparation that we're doing with Homeland Security Science and Technology,
just add to our ability to have that kind of successful response should something really happen.
I get excited about this.
It gives us the opportunity to do good work, but with the technology
and with the knowledge that you all are sharing with us,
it just gives us that much more knowledge, and that, it gives us that opportunity
to do a better job for the people that we serve.
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