Artificial Intelligence Means Better, Faster and More for First Responders
S&T is working to identify the best ways to incorporate AI/ML into daily operations.
Edge Computing at the Wildfire’s Edge
S&T and the University of California San Diego collaborated with local California fire departments to evaluate WIFIRE’s edge computing and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Digital Mapping Helps First Responders Better Navigate Inside Buildings
The Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) First Responder Capability Program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and safety of first responders. The program is designed to address the unique and evolving challenges faced by emergency personnel by developing, testing, and deploying innovative technologies and solutions.
Our work emphasizes collaboration and user-centered design, involving first responders throughout the research, development, test and evaluation process. By prioritizing the input and feedback of first responders, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application, ultimately enhancing the preparedness and response capabilities of emergency services. Through the First Responder Capability Program, S&T demonstrates its unwavering commitment to equipping first responders with the best tools and technologies, thereby strengthening the overall resilience and safety of communities across the nation.
View First Responder Capability Program Fact Sheet
Our First Responder Capability Program provides technical assistance and develops innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by responders in the following areas:
Our programs support the development, testing, evaluation and validation of first responder equipment and technology needs.
The System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program provides objective, practitioner-relevant, and operationally-focused assessments and validations of commercially available, emergency response equipment.
P25 CAP is a voluntary program that allows suppliers to publicly attest to their products’ compliance through P25 CAP testing at DHS-recognized laboratories.
The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory serves as a central federal resource to support the successful development, evaluation and transition of homeland security technologies into field use for law enforcement, fire and other emergency response agencies.
FEMA Authorized Equipment List (AEL)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Authorized Equipment List (AEL) a list of approved equipment types allowed under FEMA’s preparedness grant programs. The intended audience of this tool is emergency managers, first responders, and other homeland security professionals.
