We are thrilled to announce that the City of Conway, Arkansas, has chosen RapidDeploy’s Next Generation 911 technology suite to elevate their emergency response capabilities. This enhancement marks a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety and the modernization of its emergency communications infrastructure.
At RapidDeploy, we understand the importance of empowering first responders with the most advanced tools available to ensure every emergency receives the fastest, most effective response possible. Conway’s Mayor Bart Castleberry echoed this sentiment in Conway’s press release announcing their system upgrade, saying, “Our commitment to public safety drives us to adopt cutting-edge technology that benefits the people of Conway. The new system will provide our telecommunicators with the tools they need to help our first responders rapidly respond to emergency situations. We’re proud to lead the way in emergency response innovation.”
The implementation of NG911 is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a game-changer in how emergency responses are managed. By providing first responders with real-time, actionable data, the City of Conway will ensure telecommunicators are equipped to drive faster, more effective and safer incident response.
Important features Conway telecommunicators will have access to include:
Our platform is trusted by over 1,500 ECCs nationwide, providing an intuitive, data-driven solution that integrates seamlessly with existing systems. By empowering telecommunicators and first responders with real-time information, we help ensure that every emergency receives the swiftest, most effective response possible.
The City of Conway’s adoption of NG911 represents more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a pivotal step towards a safer, more responsive community. With RapidDeploy, Conway is leading the charge in emergency response innovation and helping to set a new standard for public safety. The future of emergency response is here, and it’s transforming lives every day.
We’ve just returned from the annual APCO 2024 conference in Orlando, Florida, where Hurricane Debby made landfall and caused a few bumps in the road, including canceled flights, flooding, and schedule changes, but nothing that the first responders at the conference couldn’t handle! We spent four days at APCO taking notes, roaming the exhibit hall, and talking to customers, and we’re excited to share our top five takeaways from the event.
As the premier gathering for public safety communications officials, APCO offers a unique opportunity to explore new solutions and connect with public safety industry leaders. This year, our key takeways from the conference focus on how our technology empowers the connected first responder, enhances school safety, and drives innovation in public safety. Let’s dive into the highlights!
1. Revolutionizing Emergency Response: The Connected First Responder
At RapidDeploy, our mission is to empower the Connected First Responder with state-of-the-art technology and tools that make a real difference in emergency situations. During APCO 2024, we demonstrated to clients and prospective customers how our Lightning app, integrated with Radius Mapping, is transforming public safety by giving responders instant access to critical data like text, video, and real-time location information – all at their fingertips!
Imagine a first responder arriving at a scene with everything they need right on their mobile device. The Lightning app seamlessly integrates with NG911 systems to provide real-time analytics, enabling responders to make informed decisions faster than ever before. It’s all about giving them the tools they need to respond more efficiently and effectively, and the Lightning app is a critical component of effective emergency response and delivers on the promise of NG911.
2. Advancing School Safety: Protecting Our Future
School safety is a top priority in public safety, and we’re leveraging the Lightning app to make educational environments safer. At APCO 2024, our COO Dami Bullock, participated in a panel session with Metro Nashville, AT&T, FirstNet, and NTT Data Services on the NG911 Case Study: Nashville School Shooting, where experts from these organizations discussed strategies for improving school safety with advanced technology. This session highlighted the importance of rapid and informed response in crisis situations.
We are proud to partner with AT&T, FirstNet, and Critical Response Group (CRG) to amplify school safety measures. By integrating CRG's detailed indoor maps into our Radius Mapping, first responders gain access to enhanced tools and precise location information during critical incidents. This integration offers essential capabilities, such as:
These capabilities make it easier for emergency teams to respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring the safety of students and staff. We are committed to empowering first responders with the resources they need to protect students and staff, fostering a more secure and responsive school environment.
Download our Transforming School Safety with Next Generation 911 Solutions Ebook to learn more about these vital features and join us in making schools safer and more prepared for any emergency.
3. Community Building: Scavenger Hunt and Partner Collaborations
Following the success of our scavenger hunt at NENA 2024, we brought the fun back to APCO 2024! The exhibit hall scavenger hunt was a hit, encouraging attendees to explore our partners’ booths, solve riddles, and discover the innovative solutions we offer. It was a fantastic way to build connections and emphasize the collaborative spirit that drives public safety innovation.
Partnerships are at the heart of our mission and working with organizations like Critical Response Group (CRG), OnStar, PulsePoint, FirstNet Built with AT&T, GeoComm, and 1Spatial expands our capabilities, allowing us to deliver real-time data and advanced tools to first responders. These collaborations enhance our NG911 landscape, helping us lead the charge in public safety advancements.
In addition to the scavenger hunt, RapidDeploy was also proud to host the Women in 911 Mixer, an inspiring evening celebrating the incredible contributions women make to the emergency response field.
We love bringing people together, and these events showcased our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
Watch our scavenger hunt recap below to see the fun with the public safety and our partner community.
4. Building Effective Emergency Response for Live Events
APCO 2024 offered an ideal setting to explore the challenges and solutions for emergency response during large-scale events. In a session led by Steve Raucher, CEO of RapidDeploy, Jerel Frazier, 911 Program Coordinator for Arizona, and Karen Sutherland, Support Services Director for Scottsdale Police Department, the focus was on preparing Scottsdale/Glendale and surrounding areas for events like the Waste Management Open and Superbowl LVII.
In this session the speakers provided insight on:
A particularly impactful moment came when Karen from the Scottsdale PD shared a real-world incident from the night before in Arizona. The Scottsdale Police Department had just trained on RapidDeploy’s Interagency Chat tool, which they used that evening during an active shooter situation at a local grocery store.
The interactive chat tool served as a secure, real-time communication channel between two PSAPs in different jurisdictions, and allowed them to quickly exchange information on incoming calls, what was happening live on the scene, and to help coordinate law enforcement, SWAT, and firefighters across different jurisdictions, who established a perimeter around the incident, ultimately improving decision-making and management of the crisis.
The Scottsdale Police Department's quick application of this NG911 tool highlighted the immediate value of RapidDeploy’s technology in real-world emergencies. This session emphasized the importance of continuous training and adaptable solutions that can be deployed quickly in critical situations.
5. Real-World Success Stories: Driving Adoption Across ECCs
Change management and training were hot topics at APCO 2024. In partnership with NCT9-1-1, we shared insights into the challenges and successes of implementing NG911 systems. The key takeaway? Effective change management is all about stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training, and ongoing support.
NCT9-1-1’s experience showcases the transformative power of NG911 technology in:
The onboarding process, supported by the RapidDeploy Academy and in-app tutorials, ensures ECCs are ready to leverage NG911’s full potential. Our customer experience team provides targeted training and step-by-step instructions to help organizations embrace new technology effectively. There is a need to emphasize a culture of continuous learning and innovation, and regularly updating training and technology needs to meet evolving emergency response needs. Being able to build trust and transparency with the community is crucial, and we strive to educate the public about NG911 to foster confidence in these systems.
Committed to a Safer Tomorrow
APCO 2024 showcased the public safety community’s dedication to transforming emergency response through innovation and collaboration. We are continuously inspired by the courage and commitment of first responders and are driven to support all first responders with solutions that make every moment matter. Together, we are building a future where communities feel safer, stronger, and more connected than ever before.
Hi, my name is Lemanja, and I am a Technical Writer for RapidDeploy. I am on the Product team, based out of Bellville, South Africa. I chose to be a technical writer at RapidDeploy (RD) because I am passionate about technology that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. What I love about my role is that I can match my analytical and technical skills with my enthusiasm for content creation. Knowing that each effort I make (no matter how small) can potentially save a life is important to me.
On a more personal note, I love to be outdoors, travel with loved ones and friends, dancing, and wine tasting. I’ve globe-trotted to 13 different countries, earned the honorary title of Grandma, and spent years rocking out in a folk band. I am a runner who has collected a stash of silver medals from half-marathon runs and used to be a fitness dance instructor.
Get to know Lemanja as she shares more about her experience working at RD over the last three years in Product.
What originally attracted you to work at RD? The mission. It helps me to live and offer service with a purpose.
What do you like about working at RapidDeploy? The awesome team, the mission to help save lives, working fully remote, and the work culture. I get the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in saving lives. I appreciate the flexibility of working remote in a well-organized system structure. We use Teams channels which significantly enhances communication and collaboration not only on my team, but all teams across the org. I regularly talk and communicate with others via Team’s chat, meetings, email, and events.
How do RapidDeploy’s values align with your personal values? I am driven by a passion to make a difference, and I believe that succeeding at RD requires a deep commitment to help save lives. My personal connection to this mission is profound: eight years ago, my daughter was in a severe car accident and the quick response of first responders saved her life. She was in critical condition on a rural road, and it was only thanks to the timely discovery by one of her friends that she received the help she needed. The experience greatly impacted my life and made me realize the critical importance of accurate location data and the impact it can have on helping to save a life in an emergency.
How would you describe RD’s company culture? Vibrant and forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and positivity. The team is composed of innovative, culturally aware individuals who maintain a “glass half-full” attitude and are passionate about making a meaningful impact.
Can you describe a time when teamwork was essential to your success? Teamwork is ALWAYS essential at RD -so, all of my projects.
Describe your role and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like. As a technical writer, my role focuses on supporting our internal RD audience (stakeholders such as Product Management, Customer Success, Implementation, Support, Training, Experience, and our U.S. Sales team) with clear and accurate product documentation. Daily, you will find me creating and updating product documentation and collaborating closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), including Project Managers, Product Owners, and Engineers, on various documentation tasks. These tasks include documenting new features for Eclipse, Radius, and Lightning, mapping out the user experience, compiling content in our internal wiki, obtaining sign-off from SMEs, and distributing the finalized documentation to internal audiences. This documentation unlocks additional go-to-market activities such as videos and release notes created by the training team.
What are some key projects you have worked on? When I first joined RD, there was no centralized space to share our technical writing and communications. Documents were hard to manage and access because of the lack of structure, which made it difficult when we introduced new features, provided usage instructions, and explained configurations in simple terms. Sprint reports were basic and lacked detailed context, so I took the initiative to develop a comprehensive product documentation system and wiki which is our single source of truth and is easily accessible. I selected Confluence as our tool for this, which has been the most user-friendly platform for this purpose. Other meaningful projects I have worked on at RD include updating and creating essential security documents. I think creating the product documentation wiki for Radius, Lightning and Eclipse has had the most significant impact for the company and therefore our customers.
How has your career progressed since you started at RD and what opportunities for professional development have you taken advantage of? Initially, I was hired as a temporary employee and became full-time. I received my Chartered IT Professional certification which specializes in technical writing) as well as a WordPress certification. I have completed numerous courses and certifications since starting at RD and received numerous training sessions from a senior QA Engineer, Marcy. I am currently excited about transitioning into a QA role. I love that RD offers paths for professional development courses which allows me to grow.
What professional achievements are you most proud of while working at RD? My Chartered IT Professional qualification and the product documentation wiki.
What resources are available to help you succeed? In addition to the excellent onboarding process, RD LMS, and tools, I appreciate the ability to access LinkedIn Learning at any time, and the support from qualified team members who are available to assist as needed. RD has a wonderful tuition and professional development allowance that anyone can take advantage of.
How does RapidDeploy support you in your role, both professionally and personally? RD helped me by providing the additional documentation needed for my Chartered IT Professional qualification. Additionally, I am grateful and excited to have been offered the opportunity to transition into a QA role.
What’s a memorable moment or project for you at RD? Radius v5 was particularly memorable due to the extensive hours spent leading teams and SMEs while ensuring we met rigorous documentation requirements.
How does RapidDeploy accommodate your family and personal life? Work-life balance is highly valued at RapidDeploy. I had a memorable experience when my grandchild was born in Amsterdam. RD supported me by allowing me to work remotely from Europe, which gave me valuable time to spend with my family during this special occasion. Also, when my mother was in the hospital and I needed to take family leave, RD was incredibly accommodating and understanding throughout the situation.
What do you do personally to maintain a healthy work-life balance? For me, maintaining a healthy work-life balance here has largely achieved by staying deadline-driven and employing effective planning and implementation skills. There is a lack of micro-management, and I am able to adopt a “project completion and deadline-oriented” approach which provides essential flexibility.
What are you most excited about for the future of RapidDeploy? Radius and Lightning, and the impact this combination will make.
When telecommunicator Ashley Willis (previously Rodriguez) saw an attempted 911 call appear on her primary call mapping screen, she immediately sprang into action. Using RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology, she pinpointed the exact location of the dropped call, immediately deployed officers to the location, and simultaneously called back the number. Despite no answer, Ashley’s instincts told her something was wrong, and she quickly coordinated a response.
Her actions proved crucial. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a 7-month pregnant woman who had been a victim of domestic abuse. Thanks to Ashley’s rapid response, the suspect was promptly arrested, and the victim was given life-saving assistance.
The advanced capabilities of RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology played a vital role in this successful rescue. By providing precise caller location data, Ashley was able to use that pinpoint to give her the exact address of the dropped call and to coordinate an effective response, showcasing how advanced NG911 tools and human intuition can work together in emergency situations.
On July 10, 2024, RapidDeploy was thrilled to honor Ashley’s life-saving actions and present to Ashley the prestigious RapidDeploy Superstar award, which acknowledges the resourcefulness and resilience of those on the front lines. Whether it’s the first call coming in or the teams in the field, we continue to be inspired by the heroic work of first responders.
“Ashley Willis demonstrated extraordinary dedication and quick action during a critical moment,” said Steve Raucher, RapidDeploy CEO and co-founder. “We are proud to honor her life-saving actions and commitment to public safety.”
Ashley’s story is a powerful reminder of the tremendous impact first responders can have when empowered by advanced technology that enables swift response and coordination.
Watch the full award presentation, which took place at Indialantic Police Department in Florida, and catch behind-the-scenes action in our video recap below:
Do you know a colleague or friend who has shown bravery on the frontlines? We welcome you to submit a Save Story to celebrate and honor your colleagues!
For more stories like Ashley's and to learn about how RapidDeploy makes a difference in public safety, check out our save stories in action.
Hey everyone! We just got back from the NENA 2024 conference that took place over the course of five days in sunny Orlando, FL. The NENA conference boasts more than ninety hours of breakout sessions and is where public safety leaders go to hear about the current and future state of public safety, meet real-life heroes who inspire others, and share the newest innovations changing the way we protect our communities. While in years past the NENA conference focused on the promise of NG911, this year centered on the role of the connected first responder and how recent innovations are delivering on what was once the promise of 911.
Here is a recap from NENA 2024 of five ways the connected first responder is changing the way we think about and plan for emergency response:
1. Communication tools like text and live video enhance situational awareness and response accuracy
The digital age has ushered in a new set of expectations for emergency response, where precision, accuracy, and access to real-time data and applications are necessary to meet modern needs. In the session, "Exploring the Life-Saving Impact of NextGen 911," Steve Raucher, RapidDeploy CEO and Co-Founder, led a discussion with Meghan Gonzalez, 911 Communications Officer II from Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and Corey Dobridnia, Public Information Officer from Walton County Sheriff’s Office, where the two shared their firsthand accounts of how modern communication tools like text-from-911 and RapidVideo, RapidDeploy’s live video tool, had a real life-saving impact. The session highlighted the life-changing potential of NG911 and how innovative NG911 solutions are setting new standards for emergency services.
The stories and insights shared in this session exemplify the heroism, resilience, and technological adeptness that define the role of the connected first responder and the critical, lifesaving work of telecommunicators. RapidDeploy was honored to recognize individuals from these PSAPs with our quarterly Superstar Award.
Want to hear the full stories? Watch the recap videos on our blog post Celebrating Our RapidDeploy Superstars During Telecommunicators Week.
2. Real-time vehicle telematics data transforms incident response
One of the standout moments at NENA 2024 was the session on "Using Vehicle Telematics to Transform Incident Response." This session was part of the Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Situational Awareness track, and focused on how telematics data—like location, speed, incident severity info, and driving behaviors—helps emergency teams gather the intelligence they need to enable faster response times, assist law enforcement, and improve standard operating procedures. Todd Komanetsky, VP of Partnerships at RapidDeploy, and Jim Lanier, Global Public Safety Engagement/Strategy Manager at OnStar, showed insights on how shared vehicle telematics between PSAPs and field responders can drastically improve response times and resource allocation.
Learn more about RapidDeploy’s partnership with OnStar, and our other partners, here: https://rapiddeploy.com/partners
3. 911 call data and actionable intelligence maximize collaboration and communication between PSAPs and Field Responders
NG911 technology connects all first responders with the same data, in real-time, through instant access and communication with each other. In the Innovation Theater on July 1, Steve Raucher spoke about the transformative impact of advanced connectivity and real-time data integration for the effectiveness and safety of first responders. RapidDeploy’s mobile application for field responders, Lightning, was highlighted in this session for its critical role in extending NG911 to the field. Today, when responding to an emergency, first responders have little direct visibility into the scene, minimal information about the victim, lack instant information on location, and have limited communication options. With Lightning, first responders move beyond the incident location with mission-critical information directly from the PSAP into the palm of their hand, for a faster, more effective, and safer response.
See a short highlight reel here of Lightning in Action.
4. Collaborative partnerships play a key role in the future of the connected first responder
Throughout the entire event, we saw firsthand how unity, inclusion and partnerships bring people, technology, and the public safety community together. RapidDeploy’s first-ever scavenger hunt at NENA 2024 was a huge success and an example of partnerships both in and out of the innovation room. Attendees participating in the Scavenger Hunt visited our booth to solve riddles and discover our suite of NG911 solutions, including Radius Mapping, Lightning, and Eclipse Analytics. The interactive Scavenger Hunt riddle then led game players to explore and engage with RapidDeploy partners located on the showroom floor, including DATAMARK, AT&T, OnStar, EagleView, and CRG. Participants who completed the Scavenger Hunt were rewarded with RapidDeploy “I Saw Lightning in Orlando” T-shirts. It was fantastic to see attendees proudly wearing the Lightning logo, fostering a sense of community and shared excitement.
In addition to the scavenger hunt, we hosted several insightful demos at our booth. Lee Anne Storey, our Training Specialist, and Jenni Wade, our Customer Success Manager, led in-depth sessions on mapping & analytics best practices. They shared valuable insights on ways to better utilize mapping and analytics, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage these tools effectively.
The combination of the Scavenger Hunt and the engaging demos made learning about RapidDeploy both enjoyable and informative. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how RapidDeploy is transforming emergency response through our innovative solutions.
However, NENA 2024 wasn’t just about sessions and tech—networking was a huge part of the experience. The LGBTQ+ Mixer and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mixer were fantastic opportunities for attendees to connect and discuss important topics around diversity and inclusion in emergency services. The mixers were lively, with lots of great conversations and new connections being made. The Young Professionals Pool Party was another highlight, providing a fun and relaxed setting for the next generation of leaders to meet, share ideas, and unwind. It was great to see so many people from different backgrounds coming together to shape the future of public safety.
5. The connected first responder is committed to safety and innovation
The big theme at NENA 2024 was leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety, and we’re all in. Our Radius Mapping NG911 technology unifies communication and precision location data and creates a seamless emergency response experience. Tools like the Lightning app give first responders crucial information in real-time, making sure they have everything they need right when they need it. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement, and we’re just getting started! Our mission is to save lives by reducing response times and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency services.
We’ve put together a recap video of all the excitement at NENA 2024. Check it out below!
Let’s Connect!
Want to know more about what we do? Visit our website or reach out to schedule a demo. We’d love to chat!
At RapidDeploy, every year we receive hundreds of save stories from our customers, sharing with us how telecommunicators, field responders and 911 agencies are using our Next Generation 911 technology to aid in emergency situations, and how these technologies played a crucial role in their emergency responses.
In this blog post, we want to highlight some recent examples of save stories that showcase the profound impact of collaboration, precision, and advanced technology in saving lives. Here, we highlight four remarkable incidents from Florida and Arizona, demonstrating how RapidDeploy aids in these critical moments.
1. Cross-County Collaboration Saves Child in Florida
In a tense situation where every moment matters, RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping was instrumental in rescuing a child who had sustained a head injury. The incident began with a misrouted call from a cell phone, reporting that a child had fallen into a pool. Despite losing the connection and failing to re-establish contact after two attempts, the telecommunicator from Santa Rosa County, Florida, utilized RapidLocate, RapidDeploy’s proprietary location technology, to pinpoint the caller’s location within Radius Mapping, and trace the call's origin—surprisingly nearly 100 miles away in Bay County!
The Challenge of Misrouted Calls
Misrouted calls present a unique challenge in emergency response. Often, cell phone calls connect to a cell tower that might not accurately reflect the caller's actual location, which can mislead responders into deploying resources to an incorrect area. This can have severe consequences in time-sensitive situations where minutes, or even seconds, count.
In this instance, the telecommunicator leveraged RapidDeploy's Radius Mapping to quickly identify that the call originated outside of Santa Rosa County's jurisdiction. By identifying the exact location in Bay County, the telecommunicator immediately alerted emergency response counterparts in that region.
Coordinated Response Across County Lines
Upon arrival at the scene, the emergency response teams discovered the child had fallen beside the pool and struck her head, contradicting the original report that the child had fallen in the pool. The response teams provided immediate care, ensuring the child received treatment in time.
Scott Markel, Communications Chief of Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Communications Center, reflected on how this technology played a pivotal role in expediting the response to prevent a tragic outcome, and applauded his team’s efforts:
"I commend my team for the quick-thinking and use of the RapidDeploy platform, which allowed us to swiftly redirect the call to the appropriate agency and coordinate a multi-agency prompt response."
A Lesson in Interagency Collaboration
This precise location tracking enabled a well-coordinated response between the Santa Rosa and Bay County emergency teams, leading to the successful discovery and treatment of the child. This situation emphasizes the importance of NG911 technology and demonstrates how crucial information can cross county boundaries to facilitate an emergency response. RapidDeploy technology effectively serves as a bridge that allows different agencies to collaborate seamlessly.
2. Arizona's Quick Response to Offroad Accident
From the deserts of Arizona, another success story emerges involving two teenagers in a dirt bike accident. The call, initially received by the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department (CRIT PD), was transferred to the La Paz Sheriff’s Department. However, the caller provided inconsistent location information, making it challenging for the emergency responders to pinpoint the accident site.
Unreliable Caller Information in Remote Regions
In rural and remote regions, callers often struggle to describe their exact location due to the absence of clear landmarks. This poses a significant challenge for telecommunicators who must rely on technology to gather accurate location data.
Aurora Wilson, a telecommunicator at the La Paz Sheriff’s Department, quickly consulted the Radius Mapping platform. She identified two cell signals in the Parker area, one of which appeared in a desert near the Lazy D Mobile Home Park. She shared the GPS coordinates with the responding units and confirmed the location with the CRIT PD responders.
Seamless and Accurate Emergency Response
This accuracy expedited the arrival of emergency teams, and they were able to find the accident site quickly. One of the teenagers had suffered multiple injuries and was airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for further treatment. The coordinated response across multiple agencies minimized delays, ensuring both teenagers received the necessary medical attention.
Wilson emphasized the importance of RapidDeploy’s platform:
“Had I not been able to utilize the RapidDeploy system, the response would/could have been further delayed. I use this system religiously when checking on my shift. It has multiple tools that make it almost effortless to locate a person in need of Law Enforcement, Medical, and Fire responders.”
Leveraging Technology to Save Lives
The seamless coordination between multiple agencies and the utilization of RapidDeploy ensured an effective rescue, showcasing the power of teamwork and technology in emergency management. This incident also highlights the importance of real-time data sharing between telecommunicators and field responders. With tools like RapidDeploy, telecommunicators can provide first responders with accurate GPS coordinates, increasing the chances of locating the injured quickly.
3. Desert Rescue Through Precision Mapping
The vast and treacherous terrains of Arizona’s deserts pose unique challenges, as illustrated by a distress call about a man suffering from heat-related issues. The Rural Metro telecommunicator, unfamiliar with the area and receiving inconsistent location details from the caller, provided different landmarks to responders heading to the scene.
Challenges of Heat-Related Emergencies in Deserts
Desert rescues are particularly challenging due to the vast, featureless landscapes and extreme temperatures that can quickly become life-threatening. In this instance, the caller was disoriented due to the heat and provided the dispatcher with unclear information, making it difficult to identify the exact location.
To pinpoint the exact location, the telecommunicator at Phoenix Fire Department 911 used the RapidDeploy system to send a request link via text message to the caller. The caller accepted the link, which shared his exact GPS location. Using the map, the telecommunicator measured the distance from the main road to determine the best route for emergency responders.
Precision Mapping for Accurate Response
The team dispatched first responders to the coordinates and guided them directly to the caller, who was transported to the nearest hospital for treatment. The quick-thinking and rapid response facilitated by RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping solution may have saved the man's life. This is a testament to the effectiveness of RapidDeploy’s NG911 solutions in delivering life-saving assistance where and when it's most needed.
Jim Frazier, Fire Communications Administrator, Phoenix Fire Department added:
"Using RapidDeploy's Radius Mapping in emergencies saves valuable time and lives."
Technology Transforming Desert Rescue Operations
In the absence of precise landmarks, RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping solution allows telecommunicators to analyze the topography and features of the landscape accurately. This capability ensures emergency teams reach the exact location, even in the most challenging terrains. The incident showcases how RapidDeploy empowers telecommunicators with tools that make a significant difference in emergency outcomes.
4. Real-Time Rescue in the Arizona Wilderness
The Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) faced a challenging scenario on May 1, 2024. They received a call from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office regarding an injured 28-year-old hiker with a possible broken leg in the wilderness. The VECC team immediately opened a call in RapidDeploy's Radius Mapping and gathered vital information like medical details, name, and emergency contact information from the cell provider.
SMS Communication Reassures and Informs
The VECC telecommunicators initiated a conversation with the victim and her companion via SMS, using text-from-911. This allowed them to provide immediate reassurance that help was on the way while also collecting crucial information about the victim's condition and location. They were able to precisely identify the victim’s location and follow movements down the trail to find a shadier spot.
Establishing an Effective Rescue Plan
The VECC dispatchers relayed this live information to the responding crews. The incident commander used it to establish a detailed rescue plan, with rescue crews entering the trail and locating the calling party just over two miles up the trail. With a clear strategy and live data from RapidLocate, the teams efficiently transformed actionable information into a life-saving encounter.
Jason Moore, Deputy Chief - Director of the Valley Emergency Communications Center, emphasized the significance of RapidLocate in the rescue operation:
"RapidLocate proved extremely useful in obtaining actionable information very early on in the emergency, and aided in responders making critical decisions to support locating and rescuing the victim."
RapidDeploy’s technology played a crucial role in helping the teams make informed decisions early in the emergency, aiding in finding and rescuing the victim. This story is just one example of how teamwork and technology can come together to transform an urgent call for help into a successful rescue mission.
Join Us in Celebrating These Heroes
Every call that turns into a save story is a testament to the courage of telecommunicators and first responders alike, and the efficacy of RapidDeploy. We are committed to enhancing the capabilities of emergency services with our cutting-edge solutions, ensuring that when disaster strikes, help is just a call away.
These save stories are great examples of how RapidDeploy technology is helping emergency agencies across the country improve their response times and outcomes, ultimately saving more lives. We invite you to share your own experiences and how technology has aided you in critical moments. Visit us at RapidDeploy to learn more about our technology and share your story. Through these stories of resilience and innovation, RapidDeploy continues to be inspired in our commitment to public safety. Whether it's cross-county collaboration or navigating vast deserts, NG911 solutions prove to be the linchpin that connects telecommunicators and first responders in their life-saving mission. By leveraging advanced tools like Radius Mapping, emergency teams can collaborate seamlessly and provide accurate responses that reduce critical delays.
These stories reaffirm the transformative power of technology in emergency response. At RapidDeploy, we are dedicated to providing emergency agencies with the most advanced tools and technology so that every moment makes a difference.
