Emergency vehicle equipment is one of the many critical elements of public safety. However, emergency response vehicles require materially different technology than traditional cars and trucks to not only help emergency responders meet the public demand for ever-decreasing response times, but also to help improve situational awareness, decision-making, and communications during an event or incident.
Today’s emergency vehicle equipment encompasses a wide array of devices and technology which, in this modern age, allows those that protect and serve our communities the ability to stay connected and response-ready. For instance, a police cruiser in-vehicle camera can share video with dispatchers when connected to the internet via a mobile local network device that offers Wi-Fi, 4G LTE and/or 5G. Vehicle maintenance can be monitored via device applications to help keep response fleets in top form. In addition to things like automated vehicle location systems, which help enable law enforcement to track and monitor vehicles and equipment in near real time, there are multiple options of emergency response vehicle equipment available today.
Examples of emergency response vehicle equipment
Some current examples of emergency response vehicle equipment include:
- Mobile hotspot devices - Mobile hotspots can help to ensure that first responders are able to connect several devices to a reliable network virtually anywhere.
- Tablets with app support and connectivity - Thanks to app support for voice mapping and messaging, these devices can help to monitor whether first responders are following the fastest route and communicating in near real time with dispatchers and other first responders.
- AED/IV monitoring devices - Critical devices like these can help first responders care for injured individuals while en route to an emergency care provider.
- K9 unit temperature - Sensors with the ability to keep a close watch on your canine friend.
- In-vehicle routers - They have the ability to create a larger WiFi footprint than mobile hotspots devices. They can help you achieve virtual LAN connectivity with a multicast source and multiple receivers.
The right emergency vehicle equipment can help improve connectivity, increase collaboration, and ultimately help make communication seamless for response personnel. This way, their time and attention can be solely focused on and devoted to addressing the situation at hand and saving lives.
Future emergency vehicle equipment for first responders
The field of emergency response vehicle equipment has seen tremendous innovations. Take for example, Verizon Frontline’s Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response (THOR) vehicle, which is an innovative, first-of-its-kind prototype capable of deploying Verizon Frontline technology, including private Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, along with additional applications and advanced computing solutions for partners including first responders and the Department of Defense. Innovation built onto a uniquely-modified Ford F650 chassis, THOR can help us glimpse a future brimming with possibilities.
Other innovative solutions in the field today include Cell on Wheels (CoW), mobile mesh technology and Mobile Connectivity Trailers (MCTs). These transformative innovations mobilize networks, helping to bring the signal closer to the frontline.
Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), such as drones, are being used not only to improve and facilitate connectivity, but capture video otherwise unseen. Drones can help reduce the burden on first responders by being the eyes in the sky to help assess the situation.
With these technological advancements, fueled by 5G and the ever-growing Internet of Things (IoT), emergency vehicle equipment will become more effective than ever.
Learn more about Verizon's emergency response vehicle equipment solutions and how they can support first responders in their effort to save lives.