Communities turn to new technologies to enhance capabilities and improve outcomes
It may require a hefty investment, a lot of research, and a leap of faith, but integrating new technologies allow municipalities to enhance their capabilities, improve safety and streamline operations for their employees as well as the residents that they serve. Whether adopting smart city tech, digitization, artificial intelligence and robotics, municipalities and states are turning to the latest gear to get the job done.
An invaluable tool
As one of the Chesapeake region’s most popular spots for water recreation, Ocean City, Md., sees more than its fair share of water rescues. In August, the Ocean City Fire Department introduced its new advanced underwater scanner that uses the latest sonar technology and artificial intelligence to identify human bodies that may be lost below the surface. Created by Vodasafe, the AQUAEYE will assist the Ocean City Fire Department with water rescues in large areas within a short period of time. It is also suitable for missions to rescue and recover victims from smaller water areas, such as canals, which typically have poor visibility.
Ryan Whittington, community/department engagement officer for the Ocean City Fire Department, said the team was initially introduced to the device at the FDIC Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., and was so impressed that they requested additional information and a demonstration. Afterwards, a proposal was presented to the department’s command staff, and a recommendation was made to proceed with the purchase of not only the device but a two-day training course. The proposal was then adopted by the town of Ocean City and the funding was approved.
Whittington said an underwater sonar device can be an invaluable tool for a fire department in an aquatic rescue operation. It enhances search and rescue capabilities, improves safety for personnel, results in faster response times and provides versatility in various conditions. While the initial investment may be significant, the long-term benefits, including reduced time and resources spent on manual searches, can make it cost effective. Efficient and successful rescues can also reduce the need for additional personnel and resources during operations.
“While this device has only been in service for about a month, it has only been in use for training scenarios at this time,” he said. “We are thrilled with the performance and its potential. This advanced piece of technology has already made a significant impact on our operations and training sessions, and we are excited about its future applications.”
Cutting out the complications
With thousands of acres of land to maintain along California’s highways, the Caltrans landscaping crews are always looking for ways to enhance efficiency and minimize roadside dangers. Last year, Caltrans District 6, which includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties, has turned to game-changing robot mowers to access those hard-to-reach areas.
The remote-control mowers are used at locations with steep slopes that typically require multiple staff to be on foot to perform weed abatement and tight areas where deck mowers cannot maneuver. With the RC mower, a single operator can now mow inaccessible places without the need of multiple staff using string trimmers or the deck mower being pulled by a tractor.
Alex Aguilera, public information officer for Caltrans District 6 said that the cost of the mower ranges from $45,000 to $80,000, depending on the size of the device, but the price is worth it when you consider the improved efficiency and safety. While the maintenance team has had an overall positive experience with the technology, it’s not without its challenges.
Although the RC mowers help reduce the number of staff members needed to work in the area, staff are needed to help minimize the possibility of equipment striking an object that could cause a spark or fire on the state right of way. To help diminish the chances of this occurring, staff members visually scan the area to help identify potential hazards prior to working in the area. This method is functional, but fallible, and because of this, staff members, who are trained on proper usage, ensure that fire suppression equipment is present at all mowing operations.
Implementing the RC mowers has caused District 6 to look into other technologies to help them get their work done such as drones for graffiti abatement in hard-to-reach places.
“Graffiti is found under bridges and along steep concrete sloped embankments, and with the ability to utilize the drones to apply paint from aerial positions, we seek to improve the safety of our staff and incorporate efficiency,” Aguilera said.
Navigating technology
Whittington said that the Ocean City Fire Department continues to assess its needs to prioritize the kinds of technologies that may help its firefighters with their work. As technology evolves rapidly, it is committed to stay informed about emerging trends and is ready to adapt to those new advancements that can further enhance the department’s capabilities.
“We would advise other departments to explore and invest in next generation technologies … (because they) can significantly improve their operational effectiveness, enhance safety and better serve their communities,” he said.
The fire department has been training with the AQUAEYE sonar device and, so far, has not had to use it for search and rescue. (Photo provided by Ocean City Fire Department) The Ocean City Fire Department believes that its use of the underwater sonar device underscores their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve operations and service. (Photo provided by Ocean City Fire Department) Caltrans District 6, which includes Fresno, Calif., has started using robot mowers to get into tight places for grass and weed abatement, which is especially important during the summer when dried grass becomes fuel for potential wildfires. (Photo provided by Caltrans District 6)
