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First Responders

Last Updated: | Publication

Real-Time Indoor Visualization System Fact Sheet

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)-sponsored the C-THRU Real-Time Indoor Visualization System, which enables first responders to see surface edges and detect exit routes quickly. C-THRU is a real-time, helmet-mounted indoor visualization system currently in development that makes hazardous environments navigable and shares critical information. Because of this vital situational awareness tool, first responders will no longer be handicapped in smoky, dark, low-visibility environments.

Last Updated: | Publication

Gunshot Detection System OFA Report

Responders need a portable, intuitive technology that can be set up quickly and alert them of shooting incidents instantaneously and provide them critical information ahead of their on-scene arrival.  DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) funded the research and development of a portable outdoor Gunshot Detection System (GDS) with the intention of improving emergency response time and identifying shooter locations. The GDS consists of Guardian outdoor gunshot detection sensors and Guardian Gateway (GW) and situational awareness (SA) applications.

 

Last Updated: | Publication

DePLife OFA Report

A technology that detects the presence of life (people) through building walls and displays their location and movement would be a game-changing tool for SWAT teams, giving them valuable situational awareness before breaching a room. Similarly, this technology would be invaluable to law enforcement officers searching for kidnapping or human trafficking victims. DHS S&T awarded a contract to MaXentric Technologies, LLC (MaXentric) to develop three radar sensor Detection of the Presence of Life (DePLife) prototypes.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Helping DHS Mitigate Explosive Threats

New Explosives Planning and Research Tool (ExPRT) aggregates decades of research and data into a central, accessible, and actionable repository.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

S&T Concludes Testing for Carbon-Free Vehicle for Disaster Preparedness

DHS S&T announced the completion of a series of tests and demonstrations for the H2@Rescue Emergency Relief Truck.

Last Updated: | Blog

Finding Common Ground for Disaster Response

As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season opens, learn about an S&T collaborative tool that will help agencies conduct more effective and efficient response operations.

Last Updated: | Blog

First to Respond, Come What May

The 2023 First Responder Resource Group meeting offered Under Secretary Kusnezov a "boots on the ground" perspective of responders' technology priorities and how S&T can address them.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Putting Our Heads Together for Firefighter Safety

S&T is partnering with Texas Tech University (TTU) to develop the Next Generation (NextGen) Firefighter Helmet.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Reimagining Gunshot Detection for Enhanced Community Safety

New portable system employs two methods of detection for increased accuracy and reduced false positives.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Feature Article: Channeling NEXTGEN TV so Responders Can Answer the Call

New ATSC 3.0 digital paging system will leverage public broadcasting to improve state and local emergency communications capabilities.