The growing importance of data sharing and the breaking down of silos when it comes to public safety is among the rising trends in the world of government technology.
That’s why RapidDeploy teamed up with Rave Mobile Safety to create Exchange Link–a cutting-edge interoperability solution designed to break down communication barriers between emergency response agencies.
The original solution was designed to help advance the California OES Data Information Sharing (DIS) project in the state of California to solve incident data sharing capabilities, and now can allow more integrated communications, despite agency boundaries and siloed communications. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Exchange Link works, why it’s a critical tool for agencies to implement, how it’s transforming emergency response, and how it drives seamless interoperability.
Exchange Link is an advanced interoperability solution that connects Rave Mobile Safety’s Rave Link solution with RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform, creating an interconnected emergency response ecosystem. This integration enables agencies to:
This integration eliminates the inefficiencies often found in traditional communication methods and automates data sharing across emergency communication centers (ECCs)––ensuring all responding agencies have instant access to accurate, up-to-date information.
By streamlining data sharing and enhancing interagency communication, Exchange Link accelerates response times and enhances situational awareness, ultimately leading to more effective emergency response.
1. Enhanced Situational Awareness
In large-scale emergencies—such as wildfires, natural disasters, or multi-agency responses—coordinating mutual aid can be complex. Exchange Link integrates multiple data sources into a single, unified interface, providing a comprehensive view of incidents, vehicle locations, and available resources. This level of visibility allows call takers and first responders to make informed decisions in real-time.
2. Automated Mutual Aid Coordination
Traditionally, mutual aid requests rely on manual communication methods, causing delays in dispatch and response times. Exchange Link automates CAD data sharing, reducing reliance on outdated communication processes and ensuring that the closest and most appropriate resources are deployed faster.
3. Cross-Jurisdictional Data Sharing
Many jurisdictions operate disparate CAD systems that do not communicate with one another. Exchange Link acts as an interoperability bridge, allowing ECCs to securely share incident details, Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data, and responder locations across multiple agencies, regardless of their CAD vendor.
4. Optimized Emergency Response Workflow
By displaying real-time agency CAD incidents and AVL data, Exchange Link streamlines the workflow of telecommunicators and responders. The tool enables selective data sharing among ECCs using Radius Mapping, ensuring that only relevant, critical information is shared without overwhelming emergency responders with unnecessary data.
Breaking Down Barriers to Data Sharing
The Next Generation 911 (NG911) movement is transitioning emergency response from traditional voice-centric systems to IP-based data-sharing networks. Exchange Link is a key enabler of this shift, facilitating secure and seamless interoperability between agencies while preserving local control over data-sharing permissions.
Seamless CAD and AVL Data Integration
Exchange Link’s seamless connection between Rave Mobile Safety’s Rave Link solution and RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping creates an interconnected emergency response ecosystem. This integration helps to facilitate seamless interoperability between agencies, with the ability to share live CAD incident data with neighboring ECCs, track emergency vehicles in real-time across jurisdictions, and request resources directly through a single screen.
Configurable Rules Engine for Incident Data Sharing
Exchange Link provides local control for agencies to determine data sharing access. The solution includes an agency-to-agency rules engine, allowing agencies to define what data gets shared, with whom, and under what conditions. For instance, an agency can choose to share:
Alignment with National Interoperability Standards
Exchange Link is built to align with NG911 interoperability standards, including:
By aligning with these national interoperability standards, Exchange Link empowers emergency response agencies to break down technological and jurisdictional silos, fostering a more connected and resilient public safety ecosystem.
Exchange Link is changing the way we think about and respond to emergencies by breaking down communication barriers and empowering first responders with real-time coordination.
Accelerating Mutual Aid During Large-Scale Incidents
In a wildfire scenario, multiple agencies—fire, EMS, law enforcement—must collaborate to coordinate evacuations, fire suppression, and medical aid. Without real-time data sharing, response times suffer, and lives are at risk. With Exchange Link, agencies can instantly view and request available resources, improve coordination, and enhance first responder safety, ensuring faster deployment and improved coordination across jurisdictions.
Enhancing First Responder Safety
By providing live tracking of responder locations, Exchange Link improves first responder safety. Supervisors can monitor the exact positions of units in the field, allowing for better resource allocation and risk management during dynamic emergencies.
Proven Technology, Trusted Partners
Exchange Link is a partnered solution between RapidDeploy, a leader in cloud-native public safety solutions, and Rave Mobile Safety, a pioneer in emergency communication technology. Together, these companies deliver a solution that is:
✅ Cloud-native, ensuring fast deployment and scalability
✅ Secure, with role-based data sharing and encryption
✅ Customizable, allowing agencies to tailor data-sharing permissions
Next Steps: How to Get Started
The future of Next Generation 911 depends on seamless data interoperability. Exchange Link is more than just a tool—it’s a game-changer for public safety, ensuring every agency has the right information, at the right time, to save lives. By embracing this technology, ECCs can streamline mutual aid, enhance situational awareness, and drive faster emergency responses—exactly what the future of public safety demands.
For agencies looking to improve their interoperability and mutual aid capabilities, Exchange Link offers a seamless path to NG911 readiness. To learn more or schedule a demo, contact RapidDeploy today at info@rapiddeploy.com.
As 2024 comes to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on the impactful stories and trends that resonated most with our community this year. From celebrating our public safety heroes to showcasing game-changing technology, each of these stories highlights the trends, stories and technologies making a measurable difference in emergency response in 2024.
Get ready to count down RapidDeploy’s Top 5 Most Impactful and Popular Resources of the year—with the trends, innovations, and stories that sparked momentum in 2024 and are sure to shine even brighter in 2025!
Trend: Enhancing Safety for Schools
What it’s about: This comprehensive guide explores how NG911 solutions can enhance safety in schools. Released in June 2024, this Ebook provides detailed strategies for leveraging technology to improve emergency preparedness, from real-time communication tools to actionable response frameworks. It also features case studies and practical insights tailored to educators and administrators. By enabling better location accuracy and faster response times, NG911 tools are helping schools prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Why it was popular: School safety remains a top concern for communities, parents, and educators. According to recent data, 77% of schools say improving emergency preparedness is a top priority. This Ebook provides actionable solutions backed by real-world use cases in an easy-to-digest format, and covers topics such as Alyssa’s law, panic buttons, indoor floor plans, caller-in-motion detection, cctv, real-time communication, and smart building tools.
Why school safety matters: Ensuring school safety is crucial because schools represent a place of learning and growth for the youngest members of our communities. This Ebook was one of our most popular because it demonstrates how leveraging advanced technology can help protect students and staff, creating an environment where education can thrive without fear.
Trend: Elevating NG911 Awareness
What it’s about: In November 2024, Good Morning America ran a feature story covering RapidDeploy and our cutting-edge solutions, showcasing how NG911 technology can pinpoint callers’ locations, improve response times, and ultimately save lives. The segment highlighted real-world scenarios where RapidDeploy’s technology has made a life-saving difference, from urban settings to rural communities. It also emphasized how this next-generation technology is bridging critical gaps in emergency response systems.
Why it was popular: Exposure on a reputable program like Good Morning America brings widespread attention to the importance of upgrading 911 infrastructure. As Good Morning America highlighted, “Modern technology can turn confusion into clarity during the most urgent moments”, and this segment featuring customer interviews in Arlington, VA captured real-world examples of RapidDeploy’s tools and their capability of saving lives.
Why it matters: Public safety agencies are often working against the clock to save lives. By increasing public awareness of NG911 advancements, this feature discusses the necessity of modern, location-based emergency response systems in ensuring timely and effective interventions.
Trend: Innovation Born from Purpose
What it’s about: Inc. Magazine told the story of RapidDeploy’s origins, inspired by a personal tragedy that became the catalyst for building a company with a mission for modern, reliable 911 technology. The article shared how RapidDeploy’s solutions are transforming emergency response nationwide, from reducing call transfer times to providing real-time mapping and analytics. Read the article to learn more about our CEO’s journey, the obstacles faced, and the life-saving impact of the RapidDeploy’s innovations.
Why it was popular: This story shines a light on how personal experiences can lead to groundbreaking innovations that benefit entire communities. It’s a reminder that technology is not just about progress—it’s about saving lives and making the world safer for everyone. This article provides a powerful look at how personal experiences fuel innovation and drive change. In a year when technological advancement was top of mind, this piece stood out as an example of how tech can save lives.
Why it matters: Public safety technology often arises from deeply personal motivations, and this story gives life to RapidDeploy’s mission. This story highlights how advancements born from tragedy can lead to meaningful, system-wide improvements in emergency response.
Trend: Interoperability Drives Collaboration
What it’s about: Originally aired in September 2024, this webinar brought together public safety leaders to discuss how NG911 solutions can break down communication barriers between neighboring jurisdictions. Featuring Chris Guerrero, Senior Customer Success Manager at RapidDeploy, and Karen Sutherland, Services Support Director, Scottsdale Police Department, this session explored real-world examples from the Scottsdale Police Department of enhanced interoperability. Topics included how shared data platforms and cross-jurisdictional collaboration improved response efficiency and saved lives during large-scale emergencies.
Why it was popular: Interoperability remains a top challenge for public safety agencies, and leaders need solutions. This webinar strikes a chord with our audience by offering actionable insights and showcasing the tangible benefits of NG911 technology. "Interoperability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline when seconds matter," said Karen Sutherland during the session.
Why it matters: In public safety, collaboration can mean the difference between life and death. Interoperability allows agencies to share critical data in real time, ensuring seamless coordination during emergencies. This webinar demonstrated the importance of breaking silos to improve outcomes for communities.
Trend: Honoring the Heroes of 911
What it’s about: During National Telecommunicators Week, we spotlighted 911 telecommunicators across Hawaii, Arizona, California, and Florida who use RapidDeploy's solutions to improve emergency response in their communities. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to save lives every day, and this celebration shared real-life stories of their dedication. The content featured interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at their work, and heartfelt testimonials from the communities they serve.
Why it was popular: We are proud to honor our telecommunicators—the backbone of emergency response. Their critical role is often unseen but never unappreciated. As one telecommunicator from Florida shared, “RapidDeploy’s tools allow us to focus on what matters most: helping callers and first responders in the moments that count.”
Why it matters: Let’s join together to recognize the contributions of 911 telecommunicators, elevate their visibility, and show our support for their role as first, first responders. By highlighting their stories, we aim to foster greater appreciation for their essential work and the technology that supports them.
This year’s most popular content reflects the issues that matter most to our customers: supporting 911 telecommunicators, enhancing public safety through interoperability, and advancing emergency response with modern technology. As we look ahead to 2025, RapidDeploy continues to dedicate our work, time, and energy to our mission to make a life-saving impact with every call.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are transforming emergency response and building safer communities for all.
In the ever-evolving landscape of public safety, Kansas is setting a remarkable precedent with its groundbreaking adoption of RapidDeploy’s Lightning mobile application. This transformative tool is redefining how first responders operate, fostering seamless communication, enhancing situational awareness, and delivering faster emergency response times. As a state known for its commitment to innovation, Kansas is leading by example, demonstrating the powerful impact of modern technology in saving lives and improving community safety.
Public safety agencies face increasing challenges in today’s complex emergency response environment. From natural disasters to public health crises and active threats, the demand for effective collaboration across agencies has never been greater. Unfortunately, traditional emergency response systems often function in silos, limiting their ability to share real-time information and coordinate effectively. This lack of interoperability can lead to delayed responses, miscommunication, and missed opportunities to save lives.
Recognizing these challenges, Kansas has embraced the power of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology, with Radius Mapping and companion mobile application, Lightning, at its core. These innovative technologies bridge the gap between PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) and field responders, enabling seamless collaboration across fire, EMS, and police departments.
Lightning moves beyond traditional incident location tools to provide first responders with comprehensive real-time data. This mobile-first application ensures that responders have access to mission-critical information at their fingertips, empowering them to act swiftly and decisively in emergencies. Key features include:
Kansas’ journey with Lightning began with a pilot program involving 100 mobile applications. Following its success, the state launched an ambitious initiative to scale the deployment to 20,000 licenses. This commitment highlights Kansas’ vision to create a unified, interoperable emergency response system that serves every corner of the state.
Lightning Mobile App to Improve Kansas Emergency Response
Lightning was adopted to bring tangible benefits to emergency response across Kansas. For instance:
Lightning’s user-centric design reflects the needs of first responders in the field. The app’s discipline-based filtering ensures that responders see only the data relevant to their roles, reducing noise, and enabling focused decision-making. For example:
This tailored approach ensures that every responder operates with precision, regardless of the complexity of the situation.
Safety is at the heart of Lightning’s design. By equipping responders with real-time data and tools for effective communication, the application can significantly improve unit safety and preparedness. Responders gain visibility into potential hazards and can coordinate strategies to mitigate risks. Features like stealth mode allow responders to operate discreetly when necessary, ensuring their safety during sensitive operations.
Kansas’ leadership in adopting Lightning serves as a blueprint for other states seeking to modernize their emergency response systems. By leveraging NG911 technology, Kansas demonstrates how interoperability, real-time data, and cross-agency collaboration can drive better outcomes in public safety.
As more states and agencies follow Kansas’ lead, the potential for nationwide transformation becomes evident. Lightning is not just a tool—it’s a lifeline that empowers responders, protects communities, and redefines what’s possible in emergency response.
The journey doesn’t stop here. Kansas’ adoption of RapidDeploy’s Lightning application marks a transformative step in the evolution of public safety. By fostering interoperability, enhancing situational awareness, and enabling faster response times, Lightning empowers first responders to save lives and protect communities more effectively. As the nation looks to Kansas as a model of innovation, one thing is clear: the future of emergency response is here, and it’s powered by Lightning.
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, it’s worth pausing to reflect on a transformative year for public safety. At RapidDeploy, our mission to save lives by reducing response times is not just a goal—it’s a promise. Every feature, every enhancement, and every partnership we pursued in 2024 was guided by one simple belief: we can save lives by reducing response times.
Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to the communities we serve, in 2024 we have worked to reshape what’s possible in emergency response. Let's explore our journey through 2024—a year of milestones, challenges, and breakthroughs—toward a safer, more connected future.
It begins in a bustling emergency communication center (ECC), where seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Here, RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping has become the heartbeat of operations, empowering telecommunicators with a single pane of glass that seamlessly integrates location data, GIS layers, and live communications.
In early 2024, Tennessee’s Carter County faced a nightmare scenario: a string of 911 calls from an untraceable 911-only phone. The initial call was cryptic—the call disconnected, leaving telecommunicators scrambling. The address provided didn’t align with their jurisdiction, and follow-ups proved fruitless. But then, another call came in, this time mentioning the local school system and a potential shooting threat. Within moments, RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping pinpointed the call to cell towers near the county border, setting the stage for a coordinated response
When the same phone initiated a third call, the stakes escalated. RapidDeploy’s platform mapped the location in real time to Happy Valley High School. The ECC immediately activated a full-scale lockdown, alerting school resource officers and dispatching patrol units from multiple jurisdictions. Thanks to Radius Mapping’s precise location accuracy, the suspects were apprehended, averting a potential tragedy and safeguarding thousands of students across 16 schools.
Meanwhile, in Scottsdale, Arizona, another emergency was unfolding—a potential active shooter at a local grocery store. The call volume overwhelmed the Scottsdale Police Department’s communication lines, spilling over to a neighboring agency. In a critical moment, RapidDeploy’s ECC Messaging stepped in. Through interagency chat, Scottsdale Police and their counterparts seamlessly exchanged updates, including a description of the suspect.
This rapid collaboration enabled swift decision-making and the deployment of coordinated resources, from SWAT teams to medical responders. Within hours, the scene was stabilized, and the threat was contained. Reflecting on the event, Karen Sutherland, Support Services Director at Scottsdale Police Department, remarked, “RapidDeploy’s Interagency Chat enabled us to act quickly and coordinate across teams. It’s now essential to our emergency response.”
Radius Mapping wasn’t just a tool; it was a lifeline.
The transformative power of RapidDeploy’s tools comes from the thoughtful features introduced this year:
These features collectively support how public safety agencies approach emergencies, making 2024 a year of impactful innovation within Radius Mapping.
In Kansas, first responders often work in remote areas, and for them, RapidDeploy’s Lightning Mobile app can be a trusted companion. By extending the capabilities of Radius Mapping to field responders’ smartphones, Lightning transforms the way field responders connect with the ECC and each other.
Picture this: a responder arrives at the scene of an electric vehicle crash. With a few taps on their phone, they access OnStar extrication details, enabling them to assess risks and act decisively. Moments later, they receive live updates on the nearest available resource, ensuring units are deployed where they’re needed most.
This level of precision isn’t just technology at work—it’s peace of mind for the people who rely on it.
In a world where school emergencies have become a painful reality, RapidDeploy committed itself to innovation that protects our schools and personnel. In 2024, we partnered with panic button providers and indoor mapping platforms, including Critical Response Group (CRG), Datamark, ZeroEyes, Singlewire, CrisisGo, GeoComm, and Raptor Technologies, to bring critical tools directly to ECCs and first responders.
Imagine a telecommunicator guiding a team into a school during an active threat. With the help of indoor floor plans integrated into Radius Mapping, responders know the layout of every hallway and classroom. Panic alerts pinpoint the exact location of the emergency, shaving precious minutes off response times.
These moments remind us of our responsibility—not just to innovate but to stand as a shield for communities when they need us most.
In 2024, Eclipse Analytics became the backbone of smarter, data-driven decisions for ECCs nationwide. By standardizing call data and providing instant insights, Eclipse empowers agencies to optimize staffing, identify trends, and allocate resources more effectively.
In Texas, where PSAPs can operate with limited resources, Eclipse Analytics became a game-changer. With its Normalized Call Records (NCR) framework, agencies can onboard and analyze data faster than ever before. For one supervisor, the ability to identify misrouted calls and adjust routing protocols in real-time was nothing short of transformational.
These insights are not just numbers—they’re the stories of people who made it home because PSAPS had the tools to act swiftly and decisively.
In Walton County, Florida, a telecommunicator answered a call from a frantic woman whose husband had fallen overboard. The bay was choppy, and she was drifting away in the boat from where her husband had fallen into the water. Using RapidDeploy’s RapidVideo feature, the responding telecommunicator initiated a live video stream and guided her back to her husband. He was pulled to safety just as emergency teams arrived.
In another intense emergency, Anderson County telecommunicators Derek Kennedy and Zachary Mcmillion used non-voice communication to guide students barricaded in a classroom through a high-stakes ordeal. Utilizing RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping and Text-from-911 capabilities, they maintained a discreet line of communication with the students, providing critical instructions while avoiding detection by the threat. The platform’s precise location tracking allowed responders to pinpoint the exact classroom and coordinate with law enforcement to neutralize the situation safely. This seamless blend of technology and human expertise ensured a rapid and effective response, safeguarding the lives of everyone involved.
2024 was a year of growth, but it was also a year of innovation. We learned that the best technology doesn’t just solve problems; it listens to the needs of those on the front lines. We learned that partnerships—with schools, vehicle telematics providers, and GIS experts—are the foundation of real progress. And we learned that in every call answered, every text read, and every rescue completed, there is a story worth telling.
As we look ahead to 2025, our mission remains unchanged: to save lives by reducing response times. Together with our partners, we are building a future where every community, no matter how remote or urban, has access to the tools they need to respond faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.
The path is clear. The tools are ready. And the future of public safety has never looked brighter.
To learn more about how RapidDeploy is shaping the next generation of emergency response, visit www.rapiddeploy.com.
In today’s emergency response landscape, collaboration is no longer optional—it’s a lifeline. Communities face increasingly complex threats that demand precise, coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines. From fires to medical emergencies and active shooter incidents, the ability to share information instantly and act as a unified force is critical for saving lives. Yet, many emergency response systems remain siloed, limiting their ability to meet these challenges head-on.
RapidDeploy’s Lightning mobile application is changing this space by providing a cutting-edge tool designed to empower first responders from fire, EMS, police, and other emergency services. With its real-time data sharing, seamless interoperability, and robust situational awareness capabilities, Lightning is redefining how agencies collaborate and respond to emergencies.
Let’s dive into how Lightning addresses the unique needs of cross-disciplinary teams and fosters interoperability. We’ll also explore how Kansas’ statewide adoption of Lightning is setting the gold standard for unified emergency response.
Traditional emergency response systems often operate in isolation, with police, fire, and EMS teams relying on separate communication tools and databases. These silos can result in delayed information sharing, missed opportunities for collaboration, and, ultimately, slower response times.
Lightning eliminates these barriers by enabling real-time information sharing across all disciplines. With a unified mobile app accessible to all first responders, Lightning ensures that everyone involved in an incident is working from the same set of data. Whether it’s sharing live location tracking, responding to evolving threats, or accessing critical GIS data, teams can coordinate seamlessly, regardless of their agency or role.
For example:
· Police departments can provide fire departments with immediate updates on evacuation zones during a hazardous material spill.
· EMS crews can access real-time traffic updates to navigate to incident locations faster, avoiding roadblocks or detours flagged by other first responders.
· Firefighters can share situational updates from the field, such as wind conditions or the spread of flames, to ensure everyone involved stays safe.
By replacing fragmented systems with a single interoperable platform, Lightning equips first responders with the tools they need to act as a cohesive unit.
Every second matters during an emergency, and situational awareness can enhance the ability to respond to an emergency. Lightning’s ability to provide real-time, location-based insights empowers first responders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
1. Live Mapping and GPS Tracking
Lightning’s GIS-powered live maps offer a dynamic view of an incident as it unfolds. Responders can see not only their own location but also the positions of their colleagues, vehicles, and other critical assets in real time. This allows for precise coordination, whether teams are navigating through a city block or responding to a large-scale disaster.
2. Incident-Specific Data Integration
The app integrates data such as caller locations, medical history, or building blueprints, providing responders with actionable insights before they arrive on the scene. For example, EMS teams can prepare for specific medical emergencies based on information shared by telecommunicators or other responders.
3. Push Notifications and Alerts
Lightning enables instant communication through push notifications and alerts, ensuring that every team member receives the latest updates. This is particularly vital in scenarios like active shooter events or multi-vehicle accidents, where the situation evolves rapidly.
By equipping responders with a comprehensive operational view, Lightning ensures they can anticipate challenges, adapt strategies, and mitigate risks effectively.
A defining feature of Lightning is its discipline-based filtering, which allows users to tailor their experience based on their specific role in an emergency. Responders can focus exclusively on events and resources relevant to their discipline, reducing noise and enabling faster, more effective action.
For example, a firefighter can filter out non-fire-related events and focus on hydrant locations or evacuation routes, while an EMS responder can zero in on incoming medical emergencies and nearby hospitals. These filters ensure that every team member operates with precision and clarity, no matter the complexity of the incident.
In Lightning, emergencies are categorized as “events”, encompassing everything from911 calls to crash events and panic alarms. By filtering these events based on their discipline, responders can avoid distractions and prioritize incidents within their scope of responsibility.
Additionally, Lightning integrates customized mapping resources, allowing responders to access discipline-specific layers:
· Firefighters can view hydrants and areas prone to structural risks.
· EMS teams can see hospital locations and optimized routes.
· Police officers can access live traffic updates and incident scenes.
This tailored mapping ensures responders have the right tools and insights to manage their unique responsibilities effectively.
Kansas has emerged as a leader in adopting Lightning for cross-disciplinary use. Following a successful pilot program with 100 Lightning mobile applications, the state is now driving the adoption of 20,000 licenses across its emergency response agencies. This initiative exemplifies how a unified platform can transform emergency response at scale and support public safety’s commitment to saving lives.
· Faster Response Times: Real-time communication and GPS tracking can help teams navigate rural and urban areas more efficiently, ensuring faster response to emergencies.
· Improve Resource Allocation: PSAPs and first responders can now have better visibility into available resources, allowing for optimized deployment during peak demand.
· Enhance Interagency Collaboration: Police, fire, and EMS teams across Kansas can improve coordination, especially in large-scale incidents requiring multi-agency support.
By embracing Lightning, Kansas is not only improving outcomes within the state but also serving as a model for how other regions can achieve interoperable emergency response.
Lightning represents the future of emergency response: one where barriers between agencies are eliminated, and data flows freely to empower those who protect and serve. As more states and agencies follow Kansas’ lead, the potential to save lives and enhance community safety will only grow.
For first responders, Lightning is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline that connects teams, strengthens operations, and ensures that every decision is informed by real-time insights. For communities, it’s a promise that help will arrive swiftly, collaboratively, and with the full strength of every agency involved.
Interested in learning more about Lightning and how it can transform emergency response in your community? Contact us today or schedule a demo to see it in action.
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We’ve just returned from the 2024 911 Early Adopter Summit, where some of the most innovative minds in public safety came together to shape the future of emergency response. From cutting-edge technologies to game-changing strategies, the summit spotlighted the latest advancements designed to enhance responder safety, bolster school security, and integrate transportation networks with 911 systems. We’re thrilled to share our key takeaways and the breakthroughs that will shape emergency response in the years to come.
At this year’s summit, Rodger Mann, Director, GIS Strategy at RapidDeploy and Rob Clark, Sr. Director, Public Safety at NextNav, delivered a compelling session on how real-time data integration and 3D location technology are transforming emergency response capabilities in multi-story environments and improving first responder safety. They discussed how the NG911 Radius Mapping platform is significantly enhancing emergency response by incorporating map layers and data including “Height Above Terrain” (HAT) and “Height Above Ellipsoid” (HAE). This allows responders to not only pinpoint an emergency's exact location but also identify the caller’s floor level within multi-story buildings—a vital feature in urban environments.
Now armed with integrated vehicle telematics, real-time GIS data, and interagency connectivity, responders can quickly access critical data for more informed decision making as they approach a scene. For example, vehicle crash data provides real-time information about injury severity, vehicle type, and even extrication guides. This comprehensive situational awareness ensures agencies can coordinate quickly across jurisdictions and deliver life-saving support when every second counts.
School safety took center stage in a powerful session led by Patrice Coleman, Assistant Director, and Paul McCallister, Assistant Director Support Services, both from Metro Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications. Reflecting on the tragic Covenant Church incident, they highlighted how RapidDeploy and ZeroEyes are transforming the response to school threats through the seamless integration of their technologies. ZeroEyes’ AI-driven weapons detection platform identifies visible firearms in real-time and sends alerts to human operators for rapid verification. Once a threat is confirmed, the alert integrates directly with RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping, which immediately relays precise geolocation and visual context to 911 telecommunicators. This connection ensures that first responders are notified instantly, with critical information in hand, to make informed decisions as they head to the scene.
RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping enhances the response further by providing detailed indoor mapping data, panic button functionality, and geo-fencing for campus-wide alerts. Telecommunicators can view precise campus layouts, identify the locations of students, staff, and responders, and share this information directly with field teams in real-time. By combining ZeroEyes’ rapid detection capabilities with RapidDeploy's comprehensive situational awareness, the partnership ensures a unified and efficient response. As schools increasingly implement advanced safety protocols, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for protecting students and faculty with rapid, coordinated action.
Transportation safety was a key area of focus during the summit, with Todd Komanetsky, VP of Strategic Partnerships at RapidDeploy, Jennifer Kirkland, State 911 Program Manager for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, and Mark Peck, Director Video Platform Strategy at Skyline Technology Solutions, highlighting how collaborative innovation is bridging the gap between transportation and emergency response. A central theme of the discussion was RapidDeploy’s partnership with Skyline, which integrates advanced video management and data-sharing capabilities into RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform. This integration enables agencies to leverage live camera feeds from Skyline's ecosystem alongside real-time traffic updates, vehicle telematics, and incident data. The result is a unified view of road conditions and emergencies, empowering responders with actionable insights across jurisdictional boundaries.
The seamless combination of Radius Mapping and Skyline’s video technology creates a collaborative emergency response network for agencies like state patrol, EMS, and fire departments. By integrating CAD and AVL data with Skyline's visual intelligence, responders can quickly assess situations and make informed decisions in dynamic environments like Colorado, where weather and road conditions can change rapidly. This collaborative approach breaks down traditional silos between transportation and emergency response systems, fostering faster, more coordinated actions that ultimately enhance public safety. The session demonstrated how these partnerships are setting a new standard for using technology to ensure safer, more efficient responses to high-stakes incidents.
The 911 Early Adopter Summit highlighted the public safety industry’s unwavering commitment to advancing innovation, enhancing safety, and strengthening community resilience. By integrating real-time data, nextgen mapping, and AI-powered firearm detection, RapidDeploy and its partners are leading the way in transforming how public safety operates––creating a more agile, responsive, and secure environment for communities.
We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, collaborating with first responders, agencies, and innovation partners to deliver solutions that make every second count. Together, we’re shaping a future where communities are safer, more confident, and better prepared to face any challenge that comes their way.
