U.S. Markets for First Responders

Channel Growth Signals a Consequent Boost for the U.S. Markets for First Responders

In the 1990s, new technologies were implemented only intermittently in the U.S. first responder market. However, post 9/11, there has been renewed focus on interoperable communications and other technologies that help interface agencies and hospitals. These solutions are also expected to increase the efficiency, productivity, and communications capabilities of first responders. Apart from this need to link various end-user points, improved federal initiatives and funding also drive growth in all types of technologies including communications and monitoring devices as well as software and hardware.

This Frost & Sullivan research service provides data and analysis on the emerging U.S. markets for first responders with a focus on workflow technologies, emergency medical services (EMS) software, and telecommunications. The study discusses the prevailing market and associated challenges, as well as various existing and needed technologies. It provides a comprehensive discussion of industry challenges as well as market drivers and restraints.

Sophisticated EMS Field Data Collection Software Enhances EMS Operations and Productivity

EMS software vendors are improving applications with new modules, hands-free design, and integration capabilities. Field data collection software quickly integrates with state and local data set requirements and increases the efficiency of EMS personnel. Moreover, EMS coordinators and other individuals are moving away from paper and are demanding electronic software for field data collection, billing, scheduling, and records management.

"EMS field data collection software effectively integrates the workflow of the emergency personnel and decreases the total cost of ownership to the organization," says the analyst of this study. "The ability to interface the system with other technologies and the user-friendly applications not only increases productivity of EMS personnel but also provides the state and local agencies with 48-hour outcome reporting, improving patient care."

Implementing Both Existing Technologies as well as Next-generation Concepts are Critical to the First Responder Market

In the next five years, the federal government is expected to allocate huge amounts of money for interoperable communications alone and provide grants and funding for other first responder technology initiatives. For communications, mesh networking and other communication links will be designed to seamlessly link multi-jurisdictional agencies and health delivery organizations. Technologies such as voice activation, RFID, wireless monitoring devices that integrate with EMS software, and telemedicine video, image, and data relay will find their way to the emergency medical treatment (EMT) and paramedic environment.

"First responders can now either upgrade their land mobile radios to next-generation, interoperable systems, or look at novel solutions including mesh networking, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-Max)," notes the analyst. "Innovations, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless monitoring devices, telemedicine, emergency department software, and smart phones, have the potential to revolutionize the EMS and public safety markets." In the current market, software providers are enabling all companies to interface with their proprietary applications. Agreements, and even partnerships, are becoming more prevalent in the market as each company positions itself to be a better integrative platform provider to its customers.