AUSTIN (KXAN) — Technology can be a lifesaver for first responders during natural disasters.
The Austin Fire Department uses 5G technology meant for first responders to communicate quickly and clearly with each other.
KXAN’s Sally Hernandez talked to safety expert Craig Martinez for a more in-depth look. A transcript of their conversation — edited for clarity — is below.
Hernandez: “Technology has come a long way. How is telecommunications doing when it comes to warning people about emergencies?”
Martinez: “When you think of the 200 million emergencies or 911 calls that first responder agencies go to every year, you know, and communication is always key during those emergencies. First responder agencies are using not only radios, smartphones, tablets, drones, asset tracking, and body-worn cameras, and all of those things take data.”
Hernandez: “When it comes to first responders, how are you helping them in times when there’s extreme congestion because of an emergency?”
Martinez: “Think of it as a traffic cop directing traffic during an emergency, giving you the fastest lane or lanes that you need at that time. It gives you a 5G network slice for all those data-driven applications and life-saving services they use to give them more capacity, faster 5G speeds, lower latency at those times they need it most.”
Hernandez: “Craig, thank you so much for your time.”