Content provided by Hexagon
By Bill Campbell
An AI tool now being developed at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) can pinpoint visual cues to predict flashover – that catastrophic moment when everything ignites at once – and warn firefighters in time to get out of a building.
In wildfire-prone California, a network of 1,144 AI-powered cameras scans the forests day and night, comparing images of the landscape every two minutes. The ALERTCalifornia network can let fire officials know the second a potential smoke plume is detected.
Wearable devices for firefighters use biometrics and AI analytics to monitor vital signs and location data in real time. If a firefighter collapses during a response, the device can alert dispatchers and nearby units, providing critical information like heart rate and oxygen levels.
AI tools like these offer not only the promise of new capabilities for fire and rescue agencies, but the ability to do more with less, all while improving safety, response times, situational awareness and overall efficiency.
But the adoption of AI is not just about adding flashy features or chasing trends. It’s about embedding practical, assistive tools into the workflows agencies already trust, helping them meet growing demands with limited resources.
The message is clear: Fire and rescue agencies and other first responders need to embrace these tools to stay ahead of the challenges they face.
AI in computer-aided dispatch
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are the lifeblood of fire and rescue operations. They coordinate emergency responses, allocate resources and ensure that help gets to where it’s needed most. With the integration of AI, CAD systems are evolving into something much more powerful.
AI enhances CAD systems by analyzing vast amounts of data in real time, identifying patterns and providing actionable insights. For example, AI can help filter priority calls from non-emergencies, suggest the best responders for the situation and provide valuable context such as nearby hazards or a history of calls from the same location.
This level of intelligence allows dispatchers to make faster, more informed decisions. It also reduces the load on call-takers, freeing them to focus on the human side of their work – reassuring callers and coordinating responses with precision.
Extending the reach of AI
Today’s next-generation CAD systems can come embedded with assistive AI that sifts through terabytes of data to pull critical information and alert busy dispatchers. On top of that, there are dozens of third-party AI apps that can be integrated into CAD, creating a seamless ecosystem of tools that work together to enhance fire and rescue operations.
For instance, third-party apps can integrate with IoT devices like chemical sensors and traffic cameras. Imagine a scenario where a chemical sensor in a factory detects a gas leak. The app instantly communicates with the CAD system, which uses AI to analyze the situation and recommend the nearest fire unit to dispatch while notifying nearby residents to shelter in place. This capability not only saves time but could also save lives.
AI apps also enable advanced features like real-time translation for 911 calls, automatic transcription and keyword flagging for high-priority incidents such as a fire in progress. These tools ensure that language barriers or incomplete information don’t delay critical responses.
AI can also analyze data from drones, body cameras and other sources to provide real-time updates to responders, helping them navigate dangerous situations more effectively.
These innovations are not about replacing people – they’re about giving them the tools to handle an ever-increasing call volume. AI helps responders see more, act faster and make decisions with greater confidence.
No longer a luxury
The integration of AI into CAD systems is not just a luxury – it’s becoming a necessity. Fire and rescue agencies are facing increasing demands, limited budgets and a growing need for faster, smarter responses. AI tools, particularly, provide the means to address these challenges head-on.
However, the shift to AI requires a cultural change within fire and rescue agencies. Some may view AI as an intimidating or unnecessary addition to their workflows, but the reality is that these tools are designed to assist, not replace. Fire and rescue agencies must recognize that AI is not a threat to their expertise but a complement to it.
The path forward
The integration of AI into CAD systems represents a huge leap forward for fire and rescue agencies. But this is just the beginning. As AI continues to evolve, so too will its applications in public safety.
The key to success lies in thoughtful implementation. AI must be seamlessly embedded into existing workflows, ensuring that it enhances rather than disrupts operations. Agencies should focus on building ecosystems of interoperable tools that work together to support their missions.
Ultimately, the goal is not to replace the human element of fire and rescue work but to augment it. AI can handle the heavy lifting of data analysis and decision support, allowing firefighters and dispatchers to focus on the human aspects of their jobs – providing reassurance, making judgment calls and acting with courage and compassion in the face of danger.
Bill Campbell is senior vice president, global public safety for Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division.