DHS and Canada Team Up

Artificial Intelligence Meets Boots on the Ground to Improve Patient Outcomes

The United States and Canada have joined efforts to work together over the next two years to develop and test new technologies for response to critical incidents. This initiative between DHS and Defence Research and Development Canada Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS) will serve to help both countries improve the skills of paramedics providing essential, lifesaving care.

The focus is on research and redefinition of the priorities of first responders and the elimination of duplicated efforts. By working in accord with Canada, the two countries share the cost and benefits of the initiative.

An upcoming field experiment by the DHS Office of Science and Technology and DRDC CSS will use the Assistant for Understanding data through Reasoning, Extraction and Synthesis (AUDREY) to help paramedics in the field. This artificial intelligence system is capable of adaptive “human-like intelligence” and can analyze incoming data and provide first responders with information specific to the immediate situation. The hope is enhanced decision making and improved patient outcomes.

Traditionally, A.I. tools have not been able to interpret data and respond with specific data pertinent to the situation. First responders are inundated with data at the scene. AUDREY can react and recalculate to give response-specific data.

In addition to outfitting first responders with wearable technology and up-to-date equipment, DHS S&T and DRDC CSS will “also test vital signs, sensors, indoor personnel tracking, virtual reality training tools and other budding emergency response technologies”.

You may also feel free to contact us; we are more than happy to assist you in reviewing your facility’s emergency plan, assist with developing a plan, or conduct response assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of your current plan during a test scenario or red-teaming exercise.