FIRST Responder. FAST Responder. CONNECTED Responder.

Technology is bringing care exactly where it needs to be.

Back in the 1980s, I was a first responder and member of the Perth Amboy, Fire Department First Aid Squad. I have many fond memories of my brothers and sisters that put service first and helped so many people in need. During my time on “the squad” I had the honor to serve as President of the organization, teach first aid to friends in the community, and even deliver two babies. Sadly, I also lost friends whose heroic deeds cast a long shadow of memory, even today.

Back in those days, one of the most powerful tools we had was simply the speed at which we could respond. I guess you can add to that the siren and the flashing lights, but when it came right down to it, the most effective tool we had was getting to the scene quickly and transporting the patient to the emergency room.

We did have some rudimentary first aid tools — bandages, splints, and a canister of oxygen — but they pale in comparison to today’s equipment. Technology, in those days, might have been a blood pressure cuff at best. But even back then, typical first responder treatment did not include blood pressure as a standard of care and evaluation. Technology just wasn’t that prevalent, with the exception of the sophisticated rescue equipment that was used to extricate people from mangled cars.

On rare occasions, we would use our radios to alert the local ER that we were on our way with a “code blue,” but those rare communications could be complicated by radio static and distracted ER staff.

We’ve come a long way since then. While we still find the red lights and siren useful, we now have something that has transformed the first responder methodology and saved many lives. The advantages of speed have been replaced with the power of connectivity!

How connectivity helps save lives

In many ways, we no longer race to an emergency call, but bring emergency care to the call itself.

Technology has become an integral part of first responder operations, helping to save countless lives each year. From digital health tools that provide real-time monitoring and analytics to sophisticated medical devices that assist in critical examinations, technology is bringing new levels of efficiency and effectiveness to the field.

Empowering first responders with real-time data

One example is real-time telemetry which can track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, and more. This data is instantly delivered to hospital staff and advanced analysis and care can begin, right on the spot. Further, sensors can be paired with artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze the data in real time, giving responders immediate insights into a patient’s condition and helping them make more informed decisions about treatment options.

Overall, technology is transforming the way first responders operate and helping them save more lives than ever before. Whether it’s through a sensor that provides real-time data about patients’ conditions or 5G connectivity, technology is truly making a difference for first responders and the lives they serve.

This post was written in honor of our brave first responders on First Responders Day and was sponsored by AT&T Business. The opinions are my own and don’t necessarily represent AT&T Business’s positions or strategies