As extreme weather events become more and more frequent, first responders are constantly challenged to keep up with the changing conditions. In particular, floods have caused devastating damage in many areas around the world, and it is vital for first responders to be equipped with the right tools to assist them in their work.
Wearable technologies such as smartwatches and augmented reality glasses have emerged as a powerful ally for emergency personnel during floods, providing valuable data that can help them stay safe and make informed decisions. Let us discover more about how these technologies to aid in flood detection.
How Does Wearable Technology Work?
Data from the wearer is gathered, sent, and processed by sensors and microprocessors so that the data can be shared with other devices. Information can be tracked in real-time by using them to take snapshots of daily activities and sync them with a mobile device or computer.
Depending on your technology’s intended use, your wearable gadget may collect one type of data or several. Built-in GPS and accelerometers allow smartwatches and fitness trackers to keep tabs on your whereabouts and speed while you’re out for a run or stroll, as well as the number of calories you expended. Some devices worn on the body can detect both the ambient air temperature and the body’s internal temperature. In most cases, you’ll also have the option to manually enter data, such as what you’ve consumed and how much you weigh.
6 Effective Ways Automation, Mobile Services, and AI Can Improve Emergency Response Times, Precision, And Efficacy
The first 911 call was made fifty years ago in Haleyville, Alabama. This basic three-digit sequence was then turned into a national emergency number that hundreds of millions of Americans have committed to memory, ultimately saving countless lives in the decades since its inception.
Emergency services have lagged behind in adopting new technologies, so while a national emergency number is a huge resource for saving lives, it isn’t always used. This resistance to change undermines the efficiency of responders, highlighting the importance of adopting new technologies for the good of all citizens.
The good news is that numerous recent innovations have been made that improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of emergency responses. The more widely these technologies are used, the better the quality of services will be, which in turn will lead to faster, more effective responses and more lives saved.
Take a look at these six innovative uses of technology in the emergency services industry.
1. Automobiles That Call Emergency Services
All newly manufactured vehicles sold in the European Union as of this year must include eCall, an alarm system that sends an automatic message to emergency personnel after an accident and provides their precise position. Sensors in the vehicle, such as those used to release airbags, can activate the system, or passengers can press a button.
Auto sensors can report more than only location information, such as the rate of impact, the condition of the tires and engine oil, and the severity of any injuries to the vehicle’s occupants. The European Commission estimates that eCall will reduce reaction times to crashes by up to 50 percent in rural areas and 40 percent in metropolitan areas, saving up to 2,500 lives annually.
2. Introducing AI To 911
NASA and the Department of Defense created a system called AUDREY (Assistant for Understanding Data through Reasoning, Extraction, and sYnthesis) to aid firefighters. Through the use of AI, AUDREY is able to take in temperature readings, recognize potential threats, and safely direct firefighters through active situations and the allocation of resources. In a nutshell, AUDREY can serve as a “guardian angel,” directing first responders through burning buildings at just the right time to preserve lives and property.
Emerging artificial intelligence tools, such as voice analysis, can speed up the diagnosis of heart attacks, saving precious time for emergency responders. Additionally, AI can provide real-time flood forecasts to aid communities and emergency services to “better anticipate the severity of a flood,” allowing dispatchers to maximize resource deployment.
3. Drones For Rescue Missions
At least 59 lives were saved as a result of the use of crewless aerial vehicles in a sample of 18 instances in which drones were deployed by volunteers, including fires, floods, and natural catastrophes. By giving a safer vantage point from above, drones can help authorities analyze the damage caused by natural disasters.
4. Digital Medical IDs
Innovations have been made to improve emergency health care using the fact that our cell phones have more computational capability than an Apollo spaceship. Take, for example, Apple’s Health app’s Health ID features: With the app’s users’ agreement, medical responders will have access to vital information such as emergency contacts, allergies, prescriptions, and blood type.
5. Life-Saving Online Social Networks
The emergency benefits of social media are on the rise. In an emergency, first responders can monitor the situation in real-time by accessing Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter. Citizens armed with smartphones and social media apps may be able to save lives by recording and broadcasting their experiences during active shooter situations.
6. Location Access
Have you ever wondered why an Uber or pizza delivery driver could pinpoint your location with GPS but 911 couldn’t? The antiquated triangulation equipment used by 911 operators is to blame. Triangulating cell tower signals is a common method used by 911 systems to pinpoint the location of callers in need, although this technology has limitations in both urban and rural settings. However, modern location-based systems powered by emerging technology are bringing 911 response into the digital age.
These innovations in technology are merely the start. The variety of vital resources that can help those who provide emergency services will continue to expand as innovation moves at a rapid clip. Using technology, we can give first responders the resources they need to save lives and reduce response times, meaning more people will survive after being injured.
Limitations Of Wearable Technology In Helping First Responders During Floods
Wearable technology is often looked to as a potential answer for improving emergency response times, but it has its limitations. During floods, first responders are tasked with helping those in danger despite treacherous conditions. This can prove difficult when wearable technology does not always provide the necessary support and resources.
For example, when floods occur in remote locations or if the water level rises too quickly, first responders may be unable to reach those who need help, even with the help of GPS tracking devices or other wearables. Additionally, extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains and high winds can cause wearables to malfunction or become damaged, making them unreliable sources of information in these situations.
Finally, due to their limited battery life and lack of waterproofing capabilities, many wearables cannot withstand extended exposure to water and may completely fail during a flood incident.
