Through the engagement of and partnership with first responders and the emergency preparedness and response community, S&T pursues a better understanding of the response to communities' needs and requirements, provides technical assistance, and develops innovations to the most pressing challenges faced during day-to-day and large-scale emergencies. These efforts, which help secure the nation through science and technology, are occurring at every stage of technology and solution development, and are involving first responders at the local, state, tribal and federal levels.

First Responder News and Announcements

Datacasting for Instant Situational Awareness
Sept. 13, 2018 -- DHS S&T saw a requirement to provide responders with a secure, readily accessible way to allow both the picture and the words to help responders make better decisions in a crisis.

Fentanyl Video Released
Sept. 6, 2018 -- A new video on first responders and fentanyl is available. The video, Fentanyl: The Real Deal, highlights protective actions first responders should take to perform daily activities safely when the presence of fentanyl is suspected, exposure occurs, and Individuals exhibit signs of opioid intoxication. A Federal Interagency Working Group coordinated by the National Security Council developed Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders and the companion fentanyl training video. Learn more and access the safety recommendations and watch the video through https://www.bja.gov/Events/fentanyl-the-real-deal.html.

S&T and NIST Projects in Support of NYPD Explosive Trace Detection
Sept. 5, 2018 -- S&T recently took part in a demonstration of the NYPD’s FIDO X-3 Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) system, under the sponsorship of the Secondary Screening Program led by S&T Program Manager Dr. Laura Parker. This event showcased work S&T funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to optimize NYPD trace detection processes in these areas.

DHS S&T Awards $3.5M to Improve X-Ray Detection Technology
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2018 -- S&T has awarded a total of nearly $3.5 million in funding to three new R&D projects designed to improve the threat detection capabilities of current X-ray technologies for checked baggage systems.

DHS Awards $199K for Development of Energy Harvesting Fabric
Aug. 28, 2018 -- S&T has awarded $199,260 to Boston-based Protect the Force, Inc. for the development of photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting fabrics. Energy harvesting fabrics produce and store electricity within a fabric weave to power portable devices.

For a complete listing of First Responder news articles, visit our S&T Responder News page.

Our Mission

Partnering with first responders at all levels, S&T identifies, validates, and facilitates the fulfillment of needs through the use of existing and emerging technologies, knowledge products, and standards. Prioritized areas of S&T focus and initiatives include:

• Making first responders safer
• Helping first responders share data and critical information
• Helping first responders communicate through interoperability
• Engaging, communicating and partnering with first responders

First Responder Publications

• Download the First Responders Fact Sheet
• Download the S&T - Prioritizing the Security and Well-Being of Americans Infographic
• Read First Responders Publications and First Responder Fact Sheets.
• Read the latest edition of The Siren, S&T's bi-monthly newsletter.

First Responder Communities of Practice (FRCoP)

First Responder Communities of Practice is a professional networking, collaboration and communication platform created by S&T to support improved collaboration and information sharing among the nation's First Responders and other federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and private sector stakeholders supporting homeland security efforts. This vetted community of members focuses on emergency preparedness, response, recovery and other homeland security issues.

With a FRCoP account, you can:

• Collaborate on wikis, blogs and discussion boards
• Find, share and store documents and best practices
• Create and search profiles
• Connect, chat, and email with other professionals

To request an account, complete the online form on communities.firstresponder.gov

Connect with S&T

Keep up with what S&T is doing in the first responder community.