Every second counts when responding to a fire. Whether it’s a structure fire, a vehicle blaze, or a hazardous materials incident, firefighters must make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. The more intelligence they have at the onset of a 911 call, the better they can assess the severity of the fire, determine the appropriate resources, and ensure firefighter safety.
However, one of the greatest dangers responders face isn’t just the emergency itself––it’s getting there. Every year, approximately 20-25% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths are caused by motor vehicle crashes on their way to or returning from an emergency, according to FAMA. Reducing unnecessary resources deployed during responses can help minimize these risks while ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
That’s why access to real-time intelligence is crucial. The Valley Emergency Communications Center in Tucson, Arizona, recently demonstrated this when they used RapidDeploy’s RapidVideo technology to optimize their response to a reported residential fire.
In Pima County, Arizona, a 911 caller reported a small fire near a residential structure they were passing by. The caller reported the houses were in close proximity, and that one appeared to be catching on fire.
Given the potential danger of the situation and without more information, the Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) initiated a full-scale emergency response, including two Battalion Chiefs, three fire engines, and two paramedic units.
To improve decision-making, the telecommunicator used RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping and integrated RapidVideo technology. This innovative tool enabled the telecommunicator to send a video link to the caller’s mobile device, providing live footage of the incident.
By reviewing the video in real-time, the VECC quickly assessed the situation and determined the fire had already been put out by good Samaritans. The Battalion Chief decided to downgrade the response, and rather than sending all seven units with lights and sirens engaged, only the closest engine proceeded at emergency speed––reducing risk to responders and citizens and reserving resources for other emergencies.
By leveraging RapidVideo to gather critical intelligence about the emergency and real-time updates, the VECC successfully:
Watch the below video to see the critical footage provided by RapidVideo, and how it ultimately changed the response outcome:
RapidVideo enhances 911 intelligence by providing real-time visual insights, helping telecommunicators and responders make faster, more informed decisions. This one-way video service, integrated with RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping, allows PSAPs to initiate a live video feed, offering a direct view of the caller’s surroundings. By deepening situational awareness, RapidVideo enables responders to assess emergencies more accurately and deploy resources more efficiently.
Using RapidVideo is seamless for both telecommunicators and callers. Once a 911 call is active, telecommunicators can quickly send a secure link via SMS to the caller’s mobile device. With just one tap, the video feed is activated—providing responders with real-time visual intelligence that helps refine their response strategy, reduce unnecessary resource deployment, and enhance overall safety.
The integration of RapidVideo with Radius Mapping is transforming emergency response. By providing first responders with instant visual intelligence, PSAPs can make smarter, safer decisions—ultimately saving lives and resources. As technology continues to advance, solutions like RapidVideo will play an increasingly vital role in modern public safety operations.
Some of the key benefits of RapidVideo include:
For more information on how RapidVideo and Radius Mapping can enhance your emergency response operations, reach out to our team today!
