ARES Security Corporation partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate and other technology innovators to integrate and evaluate advanced first responder technologies. Using their industry leading situational awareness platform AVERT C2, the cutting-edge successor of the CommandBridge software, ARES Security integrated over 100 disparate sensors that included biometric, location, HAZMAT, and environmental data streams. During the exercise, which took place December 4th and 5th at the Port of Houston, AVERT C2 served as the focal point to aggregate, distribute, process and manage information from the first responder’s sensors to improve their safety, response times, and effectiveness. 13 public safety agencies from the Houston area participated in the exercise with the objective of testing leading edge technologies in live HAZMAT, rescue, recovery, and security events.
“Today’s first responders must have advanced technology to communicate and provide situational awareness as they face dangerous and evolving threats,” said William N. Bryan, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “Most importantly, these next generation technologies need to be interoperable in coordinated response efforts.”
The mission of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Next Generation First Responder Program is focused on developing technologies for the responder of the future that will keep them better protected, connected and fully aware. Throughout the exercises responding personnel used AVERT C2 to collaborate and manage the evolving situations. Using the platform’s advanced incident management application, the command unit was provided with real-time data to track assets and identify health issues of both victims and the first responders who are putting their lives in danger.“
The DHS Next Generation First Responder exercise proved to be beneficial to all parties involved,” said ARES Security’s CEO, Ben Eazzetta. “The DHS team, the First Responder participants and our technology partners were able to create a real-world test bed for the newest technology innovations that will prove to save lives and resources in the near future. We are proud to have participated and look forward to seeing these technologies implemented in the field where they can save lives.”