This blog is republished from First Responder Network Authority, originally published on March 2, 2023.
One of the biggest challenges in training first responders is the ability to train in a realistic environment that mirrors the environment they will encounter every day. Technology has dramatically advanced these capabilities, with augmented and virtual reality able to simulate a variety of situations. Recognizing this public safety need, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) partnered with the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop the Public Safety Penetration Test Center (Test Center).
Inside the Public Safety Submersible Test Center
The 1,100-square-foot center, located at the FirstNet Authority Technical Facility in Boulder, Colorado, is equipped with a motion capture system, 62 high-speed optical tracking cameras, a variety of augmented and virtual reality headsets, and gear and gadgets that make it tactile. component of simulations. Using this space, first responders can experience different scenarios, such as coordinating complex events or simulating a burning building. The device allows for deep engagement. once participants see and feel the chair in virtual reality, they will be able to touch and move the chair in the test center.
In addition to training, the test center will be used for research and development, answering key questions about the future of user interfaces and location-based services for public safety training and operations. For location-based services, the Test Center will allow us to verify the accuracy of internal location tracking technologies. And as virtual and augmented reality tools for public safety are developed and improved, we can evaluate their usefulness to real-world responders in the test center.
Looking to the future of public safety operations
Scott LedgerwoodUIUX Lead with NIST PSCR, explained: “This space is a truly unique laboratory that allows us to look at future communication technology systems that can support public safety operations by looking at things like virtual. reality by integrating real-time tracking and beacons to create more immersive experiences, and our systems to seamlessly track and provide ground truth or reference systems to enhance these technology systems.”
The test center is open to the public for free. FirstNet Authority and NIST PSCR encourage first responders to come engage with experts and experience some of these cutting-edge technologies. This provides a unique opportunity for responders to learn more about the development of the technology and gain insight into how it can be used to implement operations on the ground.
“This is my second time at the test center and I learn more every time I come,” said the lieutenant. Luke Hawkins, a firefighter and paramedic with Mountain View Fire Rescue in Colorado. “I’m excited to be back again [and] looking at the support and innovation these facilities bring to our industry. I think for a lot of guys who line up, we don’t know how much [work] involved in development and invention to help us get better at our jobs and become safer. So it’s always exciting to come back here to the test center to see what’s being improved, what’s being implemented and what the future holds for us.”
Partners in Advancing Public Safety Communications
From prize challenges to technology trials, the FirstNet Authority and NIST have a long history of collaboration on innovative projects that benefit public safety. The goals of this partnership have always been to advance public safety communications technology and implement state-of-the-art technology to improve the operations of first responders.
Talking about the joint creation of the test center. Jeff BratcherFirstNet Authority’s Chief Network and Technology Officer explained: “The collaboration with NIST PSCR has been ongoing for more than ten years, leveraging their cutting-edge research and capabilities. They had ownership of the research and development funding in the legislation that created FirstNet. In our FirstNet Authority lab facility, we had a large open warehouse type area and it fit perfectly. They were able to bring in their equipment and create an immersive test center.”
The institution is central to understanding the changing needs of public safety and driving those needs into standards development. Local collaboration enables both industry and public safety to develop technology that strategically supports their life-saving mission.
If you are interested in learning more about the test center or if you would like to schedule a visit, please contact me at: kim.coleman: [at] firstnet.gov:.