Media Advisory 13-010
NSF to Hold Virtual Media Briefing on Next-Generation Emergency Response Technology
At June 11 briefing, researchers will preview, demonstrate and discuss smart phone apps to be unveiled at a major 911 conference
A smarter response to 911 calls is a life-saver for first responders.
June 6, 2013
This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.
At a virtual media briefing on June 11 at 1 p.m. EST, researchers will demonstrate an innovative new smart phone app that virtually places 911 operators at the scene of an emergency, allowing them to quickly and accurately collect information, assist victims and empower first responders to save lives.
The software system, developed by a team of researchers led by University of North Texas Engineering Professor Ram Dantu, offers users text-to-speech technology for clear communication, as well as remote control of smart phone cameras so an operator can view an emergency scene, and monitor breathing and vital signs to accurately gauge a victim's status.
Dantu will present the software, which was developed with support from the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, at the upcoming 2013 National Emergency Number Association conference. The conference will be held from June 15-20 in Charlotte, N.C., where emergency operators will assess the software and provide feedback.
Journalists are invited to participate in the webcast by phone or online on the Science360 website. (Note: the URL will only be live during the event.) Please contact webcast@nsf.gov for phone number and passcode information.
Dantu and Chief Technology Officer for the Federal Communications Commission and Columbia University Engineering Professor Henning Schulzrinne will respond to media questions throughout the webcast.
| What: | Call 911: Smarter Emergency Response |
| When: | Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 1 p.m. EST |
| Who: | Ram Dantu, University of North Texas Henning Schulzrinne, Federal Communications Commission and Columbia University |
Media are encouraged to direct questions before and during the webcast to webcast@nsf.gov.
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A smart phone on a victim's chest can monitor breaths and determine whether CPR is needed.
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The victim himself, if physically able, can transmit vital-sign information to emergency responders.
Credit and Larger Version
Media Contacts
Bobbie Mixon, NSF, (703) 292-8070, email: bmixon@nsf.gov
Lisa-Joy Zgorski, NSF, (703) 292-8311, email: lzgorski@nsf.gov
Leslie Wimmer, University of North Texas, (940) 565-4835, email: Leslie.Wimmer@unt.edu
Program Contacts
Jeremy Epstein, NSF, (703) 292-8950, email: jepstein@nsf.gov
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