Emergency Services and First Responder IoT Solutions

Communication is critical for disaster and crisis management. First responder communication devices are vital for relaying and recording details about emergencies.

The first responder cellular network enables critical communication for first responders during disasters and crises.

IoT First Responder Network Solutions

IoT first responder network applications must support Band 14 and commercial LTE bands to leverage mission-critical features like voice and push-to-talk.

Market Opportunities

First responders will have reliable coverage with access to Band 14 and commercial LTE bands for priority and preemption. They will need to leverage:

Push-to-talk
Voice
Data
Text
Video

Robust IoT modules and data cards are crucial for these solutions to support clear, fast communication during emergencies.

IoT-enabled first responder solutions need robust IoT modules and data cards.

Innovation and Design

The mobile network ecosystem has delivered business value to organizations for years. Developers can leverage private-sector technology and expertise to develop rugged IoT-enabled first responder applications.

To encourage innovation, AT&T announced that public safety personnel could sign up for the network at one of 5,300 U.S. retail stores.

IoT public safety devices must be rugged enough to withstand extreme temperatures and rough environments.

Ruggedness and Reliability

First responders often find themselves in rough environments. The best network availability can’t make up for device functionality issues. To prevent device failure, IoT device developers must ensure that first responder IoT devices are ruggedized to handle:

Wind
Water
Extreme temperatures
Rough treatment

Read our white paper to learn more.

First Responder Applications

Applications for first responder IoT devices include:

Ruggedized tablets and laptops
Handhelds
Video surveillance
Dash and body cameras
Telematics
Passenger information systems
Asset tracking
Emergency monitoring and detection

OEMs and applications developers must design devices and select modules with emphasis on ruggedness and reliability.

How to Develop a Durable Connected Device

Choose the Right IoT Module Partner

The cellular module is vital for a reliable connection. If the module fails, the device fails. Partner with a manufacturer with cellular modules and cards tested for extreme environments.

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Test Your Rugged IoT Devices

There’s no official ruggedness testing for the first responder certification process. However, OEMs should perform ruggedness testing in-house for these devices. Testing should adhere to the MIL-STD-810 performance guidelines.

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IoT Enablement for First Responder Applications

More Information

What Is FirstNet, and how is it used alongside IoT for first responders?

The first responder network (FirstNet) is the nationwide public safety communications platform dedicated to first responders in the U.S., including:

Police
Fire
EMS

It provides emergency responders with a high-speed mobile broadband network for public safety. This network prioritizes first responder communication using a tiered strategy to ensure those responding to crises have uninterrupted communication. FirstNet was built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority).

What is the history of public safety broadband in the U.S.?

2001: After the 9/11 tragedy, it became clear that the U.S. needed to make changes to improve communication for public safety officials.

2010: The 9/11 Commission recommended the creation of a national public safety network. The FCC began developing a more reliable way for first responders to communicate in March 2010.

2012: The First Responder Network Authority was authorized to develop and oversee the first responder network in February 2012.

2017: Building out the first responder cellular network began in March 2017. This network leveraged 20 MHz of government spectrum in the 700 MHz band, Band 14. In December 2017, every U.S. state and territory opted in to using this mission-critical communication service.

2019: COVID-19 began its rapid spread worldwide. Even as the crisis continued in 2020, the first responder network kept emergency personnel connected without interruption.

2020: FirstNet expands its LTE coverage area, surpassing 2.61 million square miles in the U.S.

2021: FirstNet achieves significant milestones:

Upgrading the network core for 5G
Increasing coverage to more than 2.71 million miles
Connecting over two million devices

FirstNet also enabled local and state governments and health organizations to coordinate COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

How is IoT technology used to support emergency services?

IoT technology supports emergency services in several impactful ways:

Real-time monitoring: IoT-enabled sensors can monitor critical infrastructure (e.g., water levels, gas leaks, fire hazards) and provide real-time data to emergency response teams.
Location tracking: IoT devices like GPS trackers help emergency services locate vehicles, personnel or individuals needing assistance.
Remote patient monitoring: In health care, IoT devices can monitor patients’ vital signs in real time. They send data to health care providers or emergency responders to assess the severity of a situation and prepare accordingly.
Smart emergency alerts: IoT systems can trigger automatic alarms and alerts in emergencies, such as fires or natural disasters.
Asset and equipment management: IoT can track and monitor the condition of emergency equipment (e.g., ambulances, fire trucks and medical devices) to ensure they are always ready for use.
Disaster response coordination: IoT systems enable seamless communication and data sharing between various emergency response teams (e.g., police, fire and medical services) during large-scale incidents or natural disasters.

What are the most important factors for an emergency services IoT solution?

The most important factors for an emergency services IoT solution include:

Reliability: The solution must operate in real-time with high uptime and minimal delay to ensure timely responses in critical situations.
Scalability: It should be able to scale quickly to accommodate varying levels of emergency or large-scale incidents.
Interoperability: The solution must integrate with existing emergency response systems and communication networks for seamless data sharing across teams.
Security: Ensuring data integrity and secure communication is crucial to protect sensitive information in health care or public safety.
Real-time monitoring and alerts: The solution should provide instant alerts and continuous monitoring for any potential hazards or emergencies.
Location accuracy: IoT solutions that track personnel or assets need highly accurate location data to support efficient coordination and fast response times.
Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces for emergency responders and control centers ensure the system can operate under pressure.
Durability: Devices and sensors must be rugged and able to withstand harsh environments, whether it’s extreme weather conditions or hazardous situations.

Start Designing Your Cellular First Responder Device with Telit Cinterion

We’ve pioneered IoT products and solutions for over 30 years. Speak with our IoT experts to find the right module or data card for your first responder application.

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Documents, Training and Resources

White Papers

Designing Mission-Critical Communications for First Responders

Blogs

Use Cases of Smart Utility Applications for First Responders