In an emergency, a fast response saves lives. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or “drones” have become a critical tool for providing real-time situational awareness in public safety operations. A Drone as First Responder (DFR) system includes prepositioned drones at launch stations, enabling rapid, remote UAS deployment to an incident. Launch stations are spaced strategically so drones can arrive on the scene in minutes, often before emergency response personnel. The drones transmit critical information back to emergency teams in real time, allowing for faster and better-informed decision-making.

Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) have been part of law enforcement’s toolkit for well over two decades. ALPR systems use cameras and software to automatically capture, analyze, and store vehicle license plate information. ALPR systems compare license plate numbers against databases to generate alerts and create records of vehicle activity. ALPR systems have proven to be a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement. Advances in machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) have made ALPR systems more affordable and more effective.

Emergency response agencies, including the fire service and law enforcement, use robotic technology to enhance their capabilities and improve response efficiency in hazardous environments and situations. Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) designed to assist in public safety come in various sizes, configurations, and capabilities tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges encountered by responder personnel. A UGV system typically consists of a specialized mobile platform equipped with a range of sensors, cameras, and manipulator systems.

Emergency responders use powered ambulance gurneys (PAGs) to ensure safe patient transport and to ease the biomechanical load placed on personnel.

Video security systems (VSS) provide surveillance capabilities used to protect people, assets, and systems. A VSS serves mainly as a security force multiplier, providing more frequent surveillance across a larger area than would be feasible with security personnel alone.

First responders are exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxins, and particles as part of their response operations, and those hazardous contaminants may collect on and be absorbed by their protective gear. The gear bags that many first responders use to store their personal protective equipment (PPE) are not designed to effectively provide containment of hazardous contaminants. 

Port authorities and security agencies use maritime surveillance technologies to surveil and safeguard ports and other critical infrastructure, such as airports located near or surrounded by water. 

Advanced life support monitoring systems are specialized medical devices used by emergency medical services to continually monitor and analyze vital signs and body functions of patients in critical care situations.

Smart stethoscopes are a medical technology designed to augment the precision, efficacy and accessibility of healthcare diagnostics. Integrating sensors, digital signal processing, wireless connectivity, software algorithms and artificial intelligence, smart stethoscopes offer enhanced capabilities to healthcare providers.

Emergency responder agencies are interested in crowd analysis technology to determine how to address emergencies and effectively manage large crowds during planned events and unplanned incidents to prevent delayed, inadequate, or misplaced responses across the first responder community.

The use of unmanned systems integrated with a sensor payload can provide a remote chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosives (CBRNE) detection capability in hard- to-reach or potentially hazardous environments.

Non-detonable training aids (TAs) are specialized tools used in training explosives detection canines (EDCs) to recognize various explosives and explosives-related threats and alert their handlers to the presence of those materials.

A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is an essential piece of personal protective equipment for the first responder community and for industry. SCBAs supply breathing air from a source carried by users, allowing them to enter areas that pose an immediate danger to life and health.

Over the past decade, first responders have begun integrating small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as a resource for a variety of operational needs. UAS, often referred to as “drones,” are used by first responders in support of public safety activities such as search and rescue, firefighting, and post incident reconstruction.

Highly sensitive radiation detection systems mounted in mobile platforms such as automobiles, boats, or small aircraft can detect, assess and characterize radiation for multiple first responder missions.

Rechargeable or single-use disposable batteries are used to power electronic-based firefighting equipment. A variety of battery types including, but not limited to Alkaline, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-CAD), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium (Li-Ion) each have unique characteristics and applications for recommended equipment.

Augmented Reality (AR) training systems use digital media to enhance or simulate training scenarios. AR systems superimpose digital content over a user’s real-world view.

Virtual reality (VR) training systems use digital media to enhance or simulate training scenarios. VR systems immerse the user in an alternate digital environment.

AI- facilitated emergency medical services (EMS) call center software leverages legacy technologies along with the addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to support first responders in the events unfolding during a medical emergency.

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) can be applied to address various operational challenges in the first responder community.

Air-purifying (APRs) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are small and portable and offer protection to users like wildland firefighters from hazardous air particles, smoke and gases.

Battery-powered rescue tools for vehicle extrication, including spreading, cutting and spreading/cutting combination tools, are used by emergency responders to create greater access to persons trapped within vehicles by spreading or removing areas of damaged vehicle from around them.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can help facilitate, standardize and automate inventory and asset tracking tasks for law enforcement’s management of evidence.

First responders use infrared thermal detection technologies for a variety of applications, including search and rescue, structural navigation, hostage negotiation, scenarios with barricaded individuals, and enhanced visibility in poor operational conditions.

Laser protective eyewear is used to protect wearers against eye damage from commercial or industrial lasers.