The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) www.dhs.gov/science-andtechnology has launched several high impact Apex programs to find innovative solutions to help Next Generation First Responders (NGFR).
S&T initiated the NGFR Apex program to address capability gaps for First Responders as identified in the report “Project Responder 4: 2014 National Technology Plan for Emergency Response to Catastrophic Incidents” www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/ngfr resulting from focus groups offering comments from over 250 federal, state and local first responders, first responders from associations, industry, and academia, plus experts from the national laboratories
As the next step, the DHS S&T began a five year program in January 2015 to assist the first responder of the future. Basically, the plan is to develop protective gear to protect against all hazards and provide for hands-free, more reliable, and integrated communications equipment, and sensing technology.
The goals are to integrate plug-and-play sensors and advanced communications devices, develop effective mobile computing, advanced visualization capabilities, plus advance real-time network data exchange.
NGFR plans to look at modular and flexible solutions and provide real-time situation awareness to help 1st responders by developing wearable sensors and smart devices to connect first responders with vital information utilizing sophisticated analytical and visualization capabilities.
To watch the video, go to www.firstresponder.gov.