Advancing Emergency Communications in a Fast-Paced Technology Landscape

Logo techtoprotectchallenge.org   Fast and reliable communications are vital to the work of emergency services professionals. From apps to software programs, there are increasing opportunities to create technologies to ensure emergency personnel – including emergency medical personnel and firefighters – can work safely and effectively to protect communities nationwide. Kevin McGinnis, MPH, understands the critical need for these advancements in technology. A pioneer in the development of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), the dedicated broadband network for emergency responders, he has devoted his career to advocating for public safety broadband communications and building EMS systems that can thrive in it. A supporter of the Tech to Protect Challenge, a national open innovation contest aimed at improving emergency responder communications, McGinnis shares how the development of these technologies can be achieved and the impact it can have on improving emergency response for both providers and the public they serve. JEMS: Why do you think public safety communications technology isn’t progressing at the same rate as current consumer technology? McGinnis: The largest reason is due to the hurdles we face in our industry to get communications companies to invest in technologies designed specifically for emergency response. The requirements for an app that is built for emergency personnel differ greatly than the requirements for consumer-based apps relate...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Mobile Integrated Healthcare Source Type: news