AUGMENTED REALITY for EMERGENCY MESSAGING and RESPONSE!

Augmented reality is the process of adding a 3D computer-generated image onto a view of the real world, and does not require any kind of glasses or goggles, while virtual reality requires glasses or goggles, and removes the user from the real world. 

Augmented reality provides an opportunity to engage children by turning study time into AR edutainment experiences. FirstLine specifically refers to learning preparedness principles as a “mind-boggling” experience. 

As the children see the 3D images appear before their eyes, there is also an element of surprise. “When you’re surprised about something, you remember it, It goes into your long-term memory.  Children are able to learn about individual and family readiness concepts in a variety of ways because augmented reality uses multiple modalities. 

Children see images, hear sounds, interact and speak, they experience emotional imagery, and AR technology can be applied for cross-curricular activities.

Learning through different modalities creates unique pathways in the brain, which helps with recalling information. 

With higher levels of engagement, augmented reality can also help with behavior management while improving a child's attention span.

FirstLine over the past decade began building an innovative multi-platform preparedness messaging app. An app consisting of the latest technological developments to help civil protection, first-responders, as well as enabling citizenry to cope with disastrous events more efficiently.     

During a disaster, data is coming from multiple sources – emergency workers on the ground, citizens, satellite climate services – all trying to provide information in real time. FirstLine' multi-level app platform is a must have tool mitigating disaster scenarios. A tool making all mobile geo-referencing devices a game changer.
 

FirstLine follows the principles of disaster mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. However, today the disturbing reality about public sector organizations is that they have completely failed to recognize that,   

“Everyone is a First Responder.”   

 Preparedness only occurs when citizenry is ready and willing to receive qualified preparedness information and training.

FirstLine understands the challenges Emergency Managers face when trying to deliver information to their constituents. These challenges include apathy and keeping relevancy among the citizens and stakeholders of the Emergency Management agency. The FirstLine app helps with both challenges.

Challenge of Apathy 

Apathy among citizens and Emergency Management stakeholders is an ongoing challenge. If an area has not been affected by a large-scale emergency or disaster for a period of time, people have a tendency to let their guard down, forget what they’ve been told, or just figure “it doesn’t happen here.” 

In the case of transient communities, there may be large segments of the population that have never experienced a large-scale emergency or disaster, and therefore are further lulled into the false preconception that the community is immune from such events. We all know that there is no such place that is immune. Whether it be hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, fires, hazardous material events, or pandemic flu – there is no immunity from all hazards.

The FirstLine App helps the local government keep the citizens and Emergency Management stakeholders engaged through an interactive platform that enhances preparedness and emergency planning, as well as communication and coordination.   

Challenge of Relevance

Since the origins of Civil Defense and Emergency Management, Emergency Managers have consistently sought to reach their constituents through never-ending public education efforts. Oftentimes, this involved the distribution of a tangible medium, such as a brochure or a pamphlet. However, with the rise of the information age and the increasing use of technology, many citizens now get their information from electronic sources, such as websites or apps. 

Emergency Managers increasingly find themselves attempting to provide information via print materials, only to either find a lack of interest in the material, or to simply see it thrown away without it being read. Print materials are not only costly to have produced, but they also are losing relevancy in the electronic age that we currently find ourselves in. 

To meet the needs of citizens in the electronic age, many governments, including their Emergency Managers, have turned to posting information on websites and social media outlets. While this is certainly progressive, these websites often involve one-way communication and are “flat” as far as engaging constituents. 

While they provide information, they often do not allow for interaction or engagement of the users. The FirstLine app fills this gap by integrating Augmented Reality (AR) to bring the “wow” factor to an app that encourages participation and engagement from the citizens being served. This two-way interaction allows for better communication and coordination, thereby allowing citizens to be engaged in being part of the solution in being a survivor (and not a victim), who has a plan and is engaged and armed with the tool of information following a large emergency or disaster.