DHS announces launch of mobile navigation app designed for first responders

QuickRoute takes into account emergency vehicle-specific factors that aren't included in other navigation apps

By Laura French

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) has announced the launch of a mobile navigation app specifically designed for first responders and their emergency vehicles.

The QuickRoute app, available for iOS devices on the Apple App Store, takes into account emergency vehicle-specific factors such as size and turning radius, road hazards and special road rules applicable to public safety personnel when calculating a route, according to a DHS S&T news release. The app was developed with DHS backing by Azimuth1, LLC, based out of McLean, Virginia.

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has announced the launch of a navigation app designed specifically for emergency vehicle operators. (Photo/Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate)

"First responders now have a commercially-available navigational tool which takes into consideration their emergency vehicle specifications," said S&T Program Manager Kimberli Jones-Holt, in a statement. "QuickRoute calculates the best way for responders to get to an emergency scene fast and safely."

A basic version of the app that can be used by civilians is available free of charge, and the version for emergency services vehicles is available at a monthly cost of about $10. The full version requires a special code provided by the developer so that verified first responders can access the advanced features.

The QuickRoute project began in March 2018 with the aim of addressing the challenges of emergency vehicle operators that aren't addressed by typical GPS applications. The app takes into account narrow lanes, inclement weather, downed power lines, and other hazards that emergency vehicles may face en route to an emergency.

Azimuth1 is inviting agencies across the country to demo QuickRoute, along with an emergency communications component that dispatchers can use to send destinations directly to individual app users.