From AI to 'Drone First Responders,' new technology helping advance EMS responses
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- From artificial intelligence (AI) to drones in the sky – new technology is changing how first responders are answering calls.
When a call comes in – every second matters.
“The goal is to reach the incident, then respond as quickly as possible so we can make better, more informed decisions,” said Sgt. Christopher Boss, with the Milwaukee Police Department.
That’s why in Milwaukee – first responders are using every tool they can.
“They receive the very best service we have to offer,” said Tony Bueno, Director of the Department of Emergency Communications. “We’re not automating emergency call handling, and we are not removing human judgement from life critical decisions.”
It’s called Project Forward 911, using artificial intelligence to train dispatchers on how to answer emergency calls.
“It’ll allow them to experience that. We can program the AI to introduce sound effects, gunshots in the background, a frantic caller,” said Bueno.
It’s not the only advancement happening.
A new pilot program will allow officers to launch drones from MPD District 7 to assess a scene before officers arrive.
“The goal is to reach the incident, then respond as quickly as possible so we can make better, more informed decisions,” said Sgt. Boss.
Meet DFR – Drone First Responder.
“The vehicle ascends to 200ft and flies directly whatever incident it's responding to,” said Sgt. Boss.
Milwaukee became the first city in Wisconsin to implement DFR, joining 50 other police departments across the nation.
“Upon arrival, we’re essentially covering our officers as they respond,” Sgt. Boss.
The Milwaukee Police Department had previously launched its drone team in 2024, ahead of the Republican National Convention.
“It’s better to have eyes in that situation, confirmation of what people are seeing,” said Milwaukee Police Department Chief Jeffery Norman.
Officials say these advancements in technology could help keep the city and its first responders safer.
“It’s about taking the emergency response here in the city to the next level,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.