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.
