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  1. Science and Technology
  2. Research & Development
  3. First Responder Capability

First Responder Capability

Picturing the Future of Firefighting

S&T is guiding responders through darkness with real-time indoor visualization technology.

Digital Mapping Helps First Responders Better Navigate Inside Buildings

Supporting First Responders

Three new reports highlight resources and in-process R&D in support of firefighting and EMS, emergency management, and law enforcement.

The Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) First Responder Capability Program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and safety of first responders. The program is designed to address the unique and evolving challenges faced by emergency personnel by developing, testing, and deploying innovative technologies and solutions. 

Our work emphasizes collaboration and user-centered design, involving first responders throughout the research, development, test and evaluation process. By prioritizing the input and feedback of first responders, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application, ultimately enhancing the preparedness and response capabilities of emergency services. Through the First Responder Capability Program, S&T demonstrates its unwavering commitment to equipping first responders with the best tools and technologies, thereby strengthening the overall resilience and safety of communities across the nation.

View First Responder Capability Program Fact Sheet

Our First Responder Capability Program provides technical assistance and develops innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by responders in the following areas:

Our programs support the development, testing, evaluation and validation of first responder equipment and technology needs.

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SAVER
The System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program provides objective, practitioner-relevant, and operationally-focused assessments and validations of commercially available, emergency response equipment. 
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Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP)
P25 CAP is a voluntary program that allows suppliers to publicly attest to their products’ compliance through P25 CAP testing at DHS-recognized laboratories.
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NUSTL. National Urban Security Technology Laboratory.
The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory serves as a central federal resource to support the successful development, evaluation and transition of homeland security technologies into field use for law enforcement, fire and other emergency response agencies.

 

FEMA Authorized Equipment List (AEL)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Authorized Equipment List (AEL) a list of approved equipment types allowed under FEMA’s preparedness grant programs. The intended audience of this tool is emergency managers, first responders, and other homeland security professionals.

Last Updated: 07/01/2024
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