FirstNet - Experts & Thought Leaders

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) strives to provide volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and rescue workers with the resources they need when they need it. Recognizing the gap in behavioral health support services for many volunteers, the NVFC partnered with Provident to launch the First Responder Helpline in October 2022. NVFC Responder Helpline Similar to an employee assistance program, the NVFC First Responder Helpline is there in times of crisis as well as to provide support and assistance with work-life stresses. NVFC members and their household family can call the helpline for confidential counseling, resources, and referrals for a range of issues including stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, financial or legal concerns, substance misuse, grief or loss, child or elder care, and more. First responder groups BHS has been feeding mental and behavioral health favors to corps since 1983 The NVFC First Responder Helpline is provided through Provident by BHS, a pioneer in providing emotional and behavioral health consultations, in partnership with Responders 1st Call. BHS has been providing mental and behavioral health services to organizations since 1983.  The contact center is staffed by master's level clinicians with an average of five years of experience specially trained in assisting and supporting first responder groups. Volunteer Voices forum Individuals can join the NVFC to access the helpline and many other benefits, including free training, an AD&D policy, and access to the Volunteer Voices forum. Chiefs looking to support their department members’ mental well-being can supply them with an NVFC membership to provide them with all of these benefits. The NVFC First Responder Helpline is brought by the NVFC and Provident and supported by FirstNet, Built with AT&T; Josh Cellars; and Lincoln Financial Group.

MSA Safety, Inc. announced that its handheld LUNAR™ Connected Device can be used on FirstNet® to provide firefighters with a solution to help strengthen the incident response. LUNAR, a wireless, search and rescue device for firefighters that doubles as a personal thermal imaging camera, is the first device of its kind to work with the FirstNet network. FirstNet, built with AT&T, is designed with and for America's first responders and the extended public safety community that could be called upon to support them. FirstNet was born and shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government.  The FirstNet network provides first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when needed. LUNAR devices manufactured and shipped as of May 2023 have already been certified as FirstNet capable. FirstNet ecosystem FirstNet embedded solutions go through a review process to ensure the highest standards "We continuously look for ways to enhance firefighter safety and to help keep firefighters better connected to each other and incident commanders," said Jason Traynor, MSA Safety's General Manager of Global Fire Service Products. He adds, "LUNAR delivers on MSA's vision of bringing new-to-world technology to the fire service, while also delivering on our mission of helping to keep firefighters safe on the job." LUNAR joins the FirstNet ecosystem through the FirstNet Embedded IoT Program, which allows organizations like MSA Safety to integrate FirstNet into industry-pioneering FirstNet-eligible devices. This creates a single, end-to-end solution for FirstNet-eligible customers. FirstNet embedded solutions go through an extensive review process to ensure they meet the highest standards for reliability, security, and performance. MSA Connected Firefighter Platform LUNAR is part of the MSA Connected Firefighter Platform, which is a suite of products engineered to work together to help firefighters see and assess a situation like never before.  The platform helps to improve firefighter safety by bringing together technology-based equipment and tools to enhance connectivity, accountability, and communications, both on and off the fireground. FirstNet IoT Embedded Program Beyond thermal imaging capability with edge detection, LUNAR also features GPS capability "We're pleased to welcome MSA Safety as a member of our FirstNet IoT Embedded Program," said Matt Walsh, Assistant Vice President of Product Management and Development, FirstNet Program at AT&T, adding "This allows us to further our mission to deploy, operate, maintain, and enhance the only nationwide wireless platform dedicated to public safety and the extended community that supports public safety response." Beyond enhanced thermal imaging capability with edge detection, LUNAR also features firefighter-to-firefighter ranging, GPS capability, and MSA's proprietary Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.), which alerts and provides other LUNAR devices with real-time information to aid in locating downed team members. FireGrid Monitor Map View A LUNAR device's GPS capabilities enable FireGrid Monitor Map View and shows the approximate location of firefighters while they're outside of a structure, which can aid incident commanders with situational awareness. Additionally, LUNAR offers cloud connectivity to enhance firefighter safety and accountability by providing incident command with an overview of on-scene operations by aggregating data from other MSA devices, including the G1 self-contained breathing apparatus. In use, LUNAR can transmit helpful self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) information such as cylinder air pressure, battery status, and various alarm indicators.

At fire scenes, maydays are declared nearly 80 percent of the time due to a lack of firefighter situational awareness, according to Project Mayday, a collective study of mayday incidents, responses and prevention. While mayday calls are just one of many challenges facing firefighters on the fireground, MSA Safety, Inc., will showcase solutions that address these challenges at this week's Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.  FDIC is one of the world's largest firefighter conferences and attracts more than 30,000 fire service professionals. This year, to address the connectivity, accountability, and communications challenges facing those firefighters and their colleagues, MSA will feature the latest enhancements to its Connected Firefighter Platform. Portable gas detectors The MSA Connected Firefighter Platform is an ecosystem of technology-based equipment and tools centered around the industry-leading MSA G1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The Platform includes the LUNAR® Connected Device, a handheld device that provides search and rescue capabilities for firefighters and serves as a personal thermal imaging camera, FireGrid software, HUB, and ALTAIR® portable gas detectors. MSA will feature FireGrid™ Map View, its latest enhancement to the Connected Firefighter Platform Specific to accountability and situational awareness, MSA will feature FireGrid™ Map View, its latest enhancement to the Connected Firefighter Platform. Map View utilizes the LUNAR device's GPS capabilities to enable tracking of a firefighter's estimated location when outside of a structure. In use, Map View provides incident commanders with additional firefighter information from other devices on the Connected Firefighter Platform, including team assignment, G1 SCBA air pressure, and alarm status. Public safety communications network "We're using technology to drive change and enhance safety in the fire service industry," said Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding "By providing customers with connected solutions, we are solving unique and challenging customer needs and leading a transformation in the ways firefighters do their jobs." Since LUNAR's release in 2019, MSA has continuously enhanced the capabilities of the device, Mr. Vartanian explained. At FDIC, MSA will highlight the latest LUNAR update – inclusion with FirstNet®, a nationwide public safety communications network. LUNAR LUNAR is the first device of its kind to work with the FirstNet network LUNAR is the first device of its kind to work with the FirstNet network, which helps to ensure critical data and information from first responders are transmitted during high-traffic situations when cellular network usage is constricted, such as during natural disaster or national emergencies. FirstNet was developed by the U.S. Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Fire product safety solutions In addition to connected technologies, MSA will highlight a broad range of other fire product safety solutions, including the G1 SCBA, MSA Cairns® fire helmets, and MSA Globe fire protective clothing and boots. Attendees can also learn more about the ALTAIR io 4™ portable gas detection wearable and MSA+™, the company's comprehensive safety subscription offering. MSA+ is currently available for the LUNAR device and ALTAIR gas detectors. "Thanks to the strength and diversity of our fire safety product portfolio, MSA is uniquely positioned to drive change in the fire service," Mr. Vartanian said. "Firefighting is a challenging profession, and we pride ourselves in providing the firefighters who put their trust in the MSA brand with innovative solutions and technologies that help keep them safe." This year MSA Safety Inc. is in Booth 2511.

Faster 5G data speeds and low latency profoundly impact the speed of detection and response in the fire market. When seeking early detection of wildfires, for example, faster data speeds translate almost directly into a faster response. New intelligent detection technology New intelligent detection technology for wildfires combines artificial intelligence (AI) with Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to achieve earlier detection of wildfires that could spread quickly in dry, windy conditions. 5G communication sends signals from high-definition cameras to specialists for analysis. In addition to cameras, sensors detecting air moisture, soil content, and temperature also help to determine fire risk.  5G Leveraging 5G enables newer technologies to perform various functions in near real-time 5G is the 5th generation mobile network, a global wireless standard that enables networks designed to connect machines, objects, and devices. Leveraging 5G’s speed and bandwidth and combining it with multi-access edge computing enables newer technologies to perform various functions in near real-time.  Advantages Advantages of 5G technology for firefighters include faster communication, improved situational awareness, and enhanced safety. 5G networks offer significantly faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations of wireless technology, which means firefighters can send and receive data more quickly when every second counts.  bandwidth and capacity 5G networks’ greater bandwidth and capacity enable firefighters to access more data and analytics in real time. This can help them better understand the situation on the ground and make more informed decisions. For example, firefighters can use 5G-enabled drones to gather real-time video and thermal imaging data to identify hot spots or other hazards. 5G-enabled wearable devices Firefighters can use 5G-enabled wearable devices to track location to help other responders locate them Firefighters can also use 5G-enabled wearable devices to track their location and vital signs, which can help other responders locate them in an emergency.  The secure communications of 5G networks enable more reliable systems. limitations Obstacles to the more significant usage of 5G technology include costs, which can be significant, especially for smaller agencies with limited budgets. The higher frequency of 5G signals can also cause interference with other electronic devices, including some radios and emergency communication systems. There are also limitations to the coverage areas; first responders in remote or rural areas may not have access to 5G coverage. Multiple players and factors are at play as the competitive landscape of 5G evolves. FirstNet FirstNet is a nationwide, high-speed wireless broadband network that is dedicated to public safety. It was created through a partnership between the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&T, which holds the contract to build and operate the network. FirstNet is the only network that is dedicated to public safety, and it has been adopted by many public safety agencies across the United States. public safety networks  Commercial wireless carriers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, are also building out 5G networks In addition, commercial wireless carriers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, are also building out 5G networks. These networks are not dedicated to public safety, but public safety agencies may use them in some cases. Other public safety networks in the United States include the Wireless Priority Service (WPS) and the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS). These networks provide priority access to commercial wireless networks for public safety agencies. reliable and secure communication Furthermore, technology providers, such as Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung, are developing 5G infrastructure and devices that can be used by public safety agencies. In a nutshell, 5G networks offer more reliable and secure communication than previous generations of wireless technology. This can be critical during emergencies, where communication breakdowns can put firefighters at risk.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend toward working from home has accelerated. New technologies are now making it possible for 911 dispatchers to work from home, too, whether to ensure social distancing or to supplement operations during evolving emergencies. The computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems offer web-based interfaces and mobile capabilities that enable public-safety answering point (PSAP) operators to work from anywhere. Other technologies that are paving the way for dispatchers to work from home include the cloud, virtual private networks (VPNs), and faster data speeds. Remote emergency dispatchers An innovative implementation in Alexandria, Virginia, involves remote emergency dispatchers using equipment including a laptop, headset, smartphone, mobile hotspot, mobile router with computer-aided dispatch and other hardware. The city uses the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) network, provided in partnership with AT&T. A dedicated, secure and reliable connection ensures operation for public safety, everyday functions, and/or for emergency communications. In Alexandria, hotspots and smartphones powered by FirstNet enable 911 dispatchers to take calls In Alexandria, hotspots and smartphones powered by FirstNet enable 911 dispatchers to take calls and handle CAD operations from their homes and remote locations. The dependability of the FirstNet connection is critical; relying on a dispatcher’s home Internet service could be risky if it loses connectivity. Initially hesitant because of concerns about the unknown, Alexandria’s Director of Emergency and Customer Communications was spurred into action by the COVID-19 crisis. Emergency Communications Centers They had tested the system in January. During the first month of implementation, remote workers only answered non-emergency phone calls before beginning to handle 911 calls. The approach helped with social distancing in the midst the COVID -19 crisis, during which dispatchers could not work together as usual in close quarters. To ensure social distancing, dispatchers worked from two different Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) – one primary and one a backup location – in addition to some dispatchers working from home. There was also a fourth ‘isolation’ team, comprised of two fire dispatchers, two police dispatcher and one call telecommunicator – staying and working remotely in a nearby hotel for 10 days in a row. Deciding whether to allow dispatchers to work remotely depends on factors such as employee performance, operational effectiveness and available tools, according to experts. Careful evaluation of these factors ensures a successful implementation. Home-Based operators Technology requirements include a VPN and a dependable, high-speed internet connection In addition to providing flexibility during a global pandemic, remote dispatchers can help departments augment their regularly scheduled staff members more quickly. Dispatchers who can work immediately from home are not delayed by the practicalities of getting to work. Staffing can be augmented immediately rather than several hours from now – an essential consideration during a developing emergency. Technology requirements include a VPN and a dependable, high-speed internet connection. Connectivity might especially be a problem in rural areas, where operators are also more likely to need to travel a long distance to work. There might also be legal issues, such as access to confidential databases. There might also be concerns about discipline of home-based operators and challenges when it comes to working together cohesively as a team. In the end, though, such questions are about ‘how’ a home-bound dispatcher scenario might be managed rather than whether it is feasible. The changing situation during the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated that the technical hurdles have been overcome.

A new report highlights FirstNet’s progress in its goal of enhancing public safety communications using a nationwide interoperable broadband network for first responders. The report provides an update after three years of a public-private partnership between AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority, which oversees the development of FirstNet. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for FirstNet is more critical than ever. The report comes from the First Responder Voice project, a source of information, news and analysis that seeks to ensure that FirstNet serves first responders effectively. First Responder Voice is a project to the Communications Workers of America (CWA), a labor union. AT&T is the country’s only unionized wireless carrier. First responder network deployment and subscriber progress FirstNet’s subscribers are on the increase: The number of public service agencies and organizations subscribed to FirstNet has increased tenfold in less than two years. As of February 2020, 11,000 organizations have subscribed and connected 1.2 million devices to the network Between January and July of 2019, the monthly levels of device connections to FirstNet outperformed expectations at approximately 196% of projected targets. In May 2019, a majority of agencies and nearly 50% of FirstNet’s total connections were new subscribers (not AT&T migrations), suggesting that first responders are seeing FirstNet as a credible value-add proposition. As of March 2020, FirstNet network deployment is 80% complete. The achievement was accomplished in just two years and a year earlier than expected. The First Responder Network Authority gave AT&T the go-ahead in March 2018 to deploy the network’s Band 14 spectrum across dedicated radio access networks in all states and territories. AT&T was given exclusive access to Band 14, which is 20 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band. So far, Band 14 spectrum has been deployed on existing cell sites in more than 675 markets nationwide. AT&T added more than 170,000 square miles to its LTE network coverage in 2018 and 2019 “The current pandemic is magnifying the need for our country’s first responders to have access to an interoperable broadband network, and FirstNet provides that solution,” says Bianca Garcia, CWS’s FirstNet Project Coordinator. Professional and volunteer fire departments are among the long list of FirstNet subscriber agencies and jurisdictions. Career fire departments in Las Vegas, Miami-Dade, and Seattle are subscribers, as are volunteer departments in Snyder County, Pa.; Allegany County, Md.; and Delaware. The Georgia and Rhode Island emergency management agencies are subscribers, as are law enforcement agencies in Anchorage, Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas and New Mexico. Federal agencies who are subscribers include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of the Navy. Impending innovations for FirstNet subscribers High-powered user equipment (HPUE) will be available in coming months and will almost double the coverage range for FirstNet subscribers. The equipment is currently being certified, and early deployment will likely be in devices such as in-vehicle routers. AT&T is working with Assured Wireless to develop the devices. The technology increases the range of a cell sector by about 80%, especially useful in rural areas. Mission critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) service is available on FirstNet during the first quarter of 2020 According to the First Responder Voice report, FirstNet’s innovations include unthrottled connectivity; a separate, purpose-built network core with end-to-end encryption; priority and preemption capabilities; local control of users and applications; and more than 75 deployable solutions such as land-based Satellite Cell on Light Trucks and Flying Cells on Wheels. Operational benefits of public-private partnership The future roadmap of the First Responder Network Authority will be shaped by nurturing a deep and shared understand of public safety’s operational needs and by collaborating with public safety to realize the operational benefits of the FirstNet experience. The public-private partnership model that drives FirstNet will ensure that financial resources are invested based on agreed-upon priorities. The First Responder Voice report also finds that AT&T could provide greater transparency about its progress on state-specific buildout commitments and should detail the states that are seeing lower-than-target-level FirstNet subscribership.