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First Responder Commercialized Technologies

S&T works hand-in-hand with first responders across disciplines to identify their technology needs and capability gaps, and then partners with research and development organizations, academia, industry, and the innovation community to develop solutions. The following technologies were envisioned and field-tested by first responders and are now available for agencies to procure.

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photo showing an encoder device

Encoding device securely transmits compressed high definition video and audio streams to remote locations.

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Vendor

Digital Barriers

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Man with headphones looking at training video on laptop

The Enhanced Dynamic Geo-Social Environment (EDGE) is a free virtual training platform that first responders, and now education institutions, can use to plan for a coordinated response to critical incidents. Built on the Unreal gaming engine, EDGE is not a traditional video game with pre-programmed respond-and-react scenarios. Rather, EDGE is one tool in a comprehensive preparedness toolbox, complementing and honing training protocols already in place in communities nationwide. 

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Vendor

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI)

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ERAD Prepaid Card Reader

The ERAD Prepaid Card Reader is a small, handheld device that wirelessly allows law enforcement officers in the field to identify and check the balance of suspicious cards, and to put a temporary hold on the linked funds until a full investigation can be completed.

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Vendor

ERAD Group

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Fire Ground Compass

The FireGround Compass® provides firefighters operating in dark, smoky, disorienting environments with a tool that will help them keep their directional bearings and always know their entry and exit points. It was also developed to be easily manipulated while wearing thick firefighting gloves.

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Vendor

Halcyon Products, Inc.

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First App

FiRST app is a simple yet powerful bomb response tool that puts key decision-making data—such as safe standoff distances, damage and injury contours, nearby areas of concern, and suggested roadblocks—directly at responders’ fingertips.

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Vendor

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

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Low Light Internet Protocol Camera

This surveillance camera is easy to conceal and provides optimal high-resolution video footage in a variety of lighting conditions, especially in very low light. The camera transmits real-time data over internet protocol to locations where law enforcement can discretely monitor footage.

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Vendor

Industrial Video and Control Co.

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Mechanical Shooter

Developed via the Small Business Innovation Research Program in partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, the Mechanical Shooter mimics exact movements of a human shooting a handgun in order to reduce injuries and prevent strain from repetitive firing during firearm testing.

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Vendor

Radiance Technologies

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QuickRoute

QuickRoute provides custom driving routes to ensure first responders can navigate to an emergency as quickly as possible. Off the shelf mapping solutions like Google Maps are great for everyday driving but QuickRoute accounts for first responders’ ability to use alternative procedures during an emergency and some of the restrictions that can come with operating a larger vehicle. QuickRoute uses multiple data streams including a global database of road and infrastructure that is updated daily; manufacturer specs for common vehicle types (Ladder, Ambulance, Crash Truck, Patrol Car, Water, Tender, etc.); and road and bridge weight limits and tunnel and bridge clearance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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Vendor

Azimuth1

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Radio Internet-Protocol Communications Module (RIC-M)

This is a P25-compatible, after-market technology solution that allows agencies to easily upgrade and reconfigure legacy systems at a low cost. RIC-M allows many older base station systems to be used for another 10 to 20 years.

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Vendors

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Firefighter in burned building

Chronic exposure to toxic combustion products and particulate matter found in the fireground environment are believed to contribute significantly to higher firefighter cancer rates. To combat this, S&T collaborated with North Carolina State University’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center and LION First Responder PPE, Inc. to develop a structural turnout ensemble with enhanced infiltration protection at ensemble interfaces—preventing smoke and particulates from reaching the firefighters’ skin and protecting them from hazardous vapors and materials.

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Vendor

LION First Responder PPE, Inc.

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Semi-Autonomous Pipe Bomb

SAPBER removes end caps and collects video and physical evidence from pipe bombs while keeping operators at a safe standoff distance.

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Vendor

RE2, Inc.

S&T formed an Integrated Project Team (IPT) and initiated the WUI Fire Operational Requirements and Technology Capability Analysis Project. Over the course of the project, the IPT identified areas of innovation in wildland fire incident relating to wildland fire preparedness and mitigation and enhanced wildland fire suppression practices, including resistant infrastructure planning, building materials, and building codes.

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Wireless Patient Monitoring Device

The ViSi Mobile® System monitors vital signs without connecting wired sensors from the patient to other equipment.

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Vendor

Sotera Wireless, Inc.

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Firefighters outing a fire in the wild

National Fire Protection Association-certified suite of personal protective equipment, WLFF APPS reduces wildland firefighter heat stress injuries. The garment system improves radiant thermal protection and has increased form, fit, and function.

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Vendors

Last Updated: 07/01/2024
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