Latest news with #firstResponders
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israelis face daily fears amid missile attacks as conflict with Iran escalates
On Thursday, Jimmy, a volunteer paramedic and one of the first respondents on site during the 7 October Hamas attack, rushed to action when a series of sirens sounded across Holon, a city south of Tel Aviv. "When the sirens sound, first respondents have to get into their vehicles and wait for the calls from the control hub to start coming in," Jimmy, a 36-year-old Arab-Israeli, who grew up in Jordan and East Jerusalem, told Euronews. "As we headed to the impacted site, I realised that we were nearing my building. When we got there, I discovered that yes — it was my building which had been destroyed by a missile." "I had only moved in the day before, because the apartment I had been living in for four years in Revohot — south of Tel Aviv — was destroyed by an Iranian missile earlier this week," explained Jimmy. "All the remaining clothes I own are ruined, as is the few bits of furniture I had left." "I've been through — and seen — a lot in the last few years, but with time I have learned to disconnect my feelings, because otherwise I would just sit and cry at this never-ending war," said Jimmy, who runs a delivery business, alongside his volunteering activities. "The hardest part for me is that I have an eight-month-old son who I haven't seen for months now, because my wife and he are in Eilat, in the south of Israel, where it's much safer than here." "The thing is, I have to keep working when I can, and I also feel that I am needed as a volunteer," added Jimmy. Although the country has been on standby since Wednesday — the sixth day of Israel and Iran's open conflict — restrictions on civilians were eased, and workplace activities, as well as small gatherings, were allowed to resume. Despite this, schools remain shut and the streets are empty. For many in Israel, raising children in this climate is tough. "I wouldn't be so worried if I didn't have her", 30-year-old Emma from the US told Euronews. She lives in Jaffa in southern Tel Aviv, with her husband and their 10-month-old son. "We don't have a bomb shelter in our building because we live in an Arab neighbourhood, my husband is an Arab Israeli. Many of the affordable apartments in Israel are not equipped, so at night we take our baby and go sleep at my mother-in-law's house," Emma told Euronews. For Emma, there is a clear reason that Israel finds itself in this situation. "I think my morale is better than most Israelis' and that's because I don't believe that what the government is doing is right — so I understand why we are in this position." Nitzan, 34, is a tech entrepreneur and father-to-be who usually resides in Tel Aviv. But since Israel's escalating conflict with Iran, he and his wife have relocated to Haifa, in the north of the country, to stay with her family. 'The noises we are hearing from the shelter are very different to those we hear when there are missiles fired from Hamas or by Hezbollah. Even with the Iron Dome, it sounds like a truck is going through a tunnel right over your head," Nitzan told Euronews. Many in Israel fear being caught out by a missile when they are out doing essential things like heading to the shops or driving to pick up supplies, as the conflict remains particularly hard on civilians. According to health officials, some 24 Israelis were killed by Iranian rocket salvos in the first week of the conflict, while more than 2,400 have received medical treatment for injuries. All were civilians. Meanwhile, Iranian rights groups based abroad have reported that at least 657 people were killed in Iran by Thursday. "If you are out, the instructions are to just lay on the ground with your hands above your head — but I don't think that really does much. On the evening of Iran's first attack, we were driving to Haifa and we saw the sky light up with so many missiles." "We weren't sure whether to stop because there are alarms all over the country, and you don't know if it's for the area. If it's safer to go on, or to stop on the side of the road," added Nitzan. As a business owner, Nitzan manages his team remotely, despite workplace restrictions having been lifted. "I run a business of 12 people. Every morning I get worried calls from my colleagues, who tell me they have children who are scared because of a nearby missile or something, it's hard for them to focus", explained Nitzan. "I feel misunderstood by people living in Europe. Israel escalated the conflict because Iran has repeatedly stated they want to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth." "However, the success of this open conflict will of course be measured by whether this fighting between Israel and Iran continues long-term", concluded Nitzan. Oriella, a teacher who lives in Tel Aviv, told Euronews that she feels "exhausted." "There are no nights, your head is filled with worries and insecurities, because you are mentally exhausted, because we have been at war for years," she said. "In my apartment block we have a shelter, people share small talk, but they don't really want to speak — they are tired of having to converse in the middle of the night. They want to sleep. The children in the shelter are either chatting or crying", said Oriella, 59. "I don't like wars, I believe in diplomatic solutions — I think that is what we should be working towards with Iran. People are experiencing so much suffering and for what? To have wars again, and again, and again," sighed Oriella. 35-year-old Zohran lives in Tel Aviv and works in the nightlife industry. However, his work has been placed on hold, and he is now waiting to see whether he will receive any financial compensation from the government, he explained. "I would say I am used to having my life on hold", Zohran told Euronews. Not having a shelter in his building is a major worry, he added. "Two minutes away from my flat there is an underground parking lot. So I run there, with many other people." "Although I am a strong opponent of Netanyahu, with this war against Iran's regime, most of us are with the government. This is a war with a country, where the leaders say they want to destroy us", concluded Zohran.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Program helping veterans find civilian work
Edmonton Watch Alberta is spending $1.2 million on a program that helps veterans and first responders transition into civilian careers.
Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
My 2001 Hit Song, ‘Superman,' Is for the Hostages in Gaza
When I first released 'Superman (It's Not Easy)' in April 2001, I couldn't have imagined it would become an anthem for first responders, men and women in uniform, and the broken everyday people working to heal our country. My song struck a chord because it wasn't about capes or flying. It was about the vulnerabilities we all share and the burdens we all carry. The country felt united after 9/11. Red and blue became meaningless labels. We all felt the same fear, the same heartbreak, and the same determination to rebuild. Music bridges divides. I saw that firsthand when I performed 'Superman' at the Concert for New York City on Oct. 20, 2001. I took pride in the American spirit, our resilience after such an atrocity. I remember somehow locking eyes with a 250-pound union worker in the crowd who held a beer in each hand. We sang 'Superman' together, loud and proud, and the tears streaming from his eyes were my tears, too.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
How Drone, 5G, And AI Technologies Are Enabling First Responders
Firefighters and police on the scene of a house fire. Focus on foreground hose. First responders are special people. They often risk their lives to save people who might not otherwise have encountered them. They include members of the Coast Guard, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, law enforcement, and the military. These leaders need our support and the latest technology to carry out their responsibilities. The capabilities of drones, 5G, and artificial intelligence (AI) are significantly making a difference in their ability to succeed at their jobs. drone quadrocopter with camera in flight Drones and Emergency Response Drones for emergency response are transforming the way first responders work by offering quick assessments, real-time data, and improved situational awareness during emergencies. Drones are extremely versatile and effective when fitted with payloads of cameras, thermal imagers, and other sensors. UAVs can also guide rescue responders to the location or bring life-saving medical supplies. Police use drones to enhance public safety, investigate crimes, and respond to emergencies. Police drones can be quickly deployed to record accidents, monitor active crime scenes, and conduct surveillance during events with large crowds. The integration of drones into emergency response has revolutionized the way first responders operate, offering unprecedented capabilities that enhance situational awareness and efficiency. Equipped with advanced cameras, thermal imagers, and various sensors, these versatile tools enable rapid assessments and deliver real-time data that are crucial during critical moments. By guiding rescue teams and facilitating the delivery of life-saving medical supplies, drones bolster the effectiveness of emergency operations and contribute to public safety on multiple fronts. Additionally, their ability to record accidents, monitor crime scenes, and conduct crowd surveillance underscores their invaluable role in both immediate responses and longer-term investigations. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for drones to further transform emergency response efforts remains vast, promising a future where safety and efficiency are paramount in crises. The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office in Maryland recently touted the first conviction as a result of their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. Key to the prosecution was drone footage that provided visual evidence of the crime. The Montgomery County Police caught the crime via their Drone as a First Responder program. Montgomery County Police Captain Nicholas Picerno, who leads the Special Operations Division, highlighted the success of the program. 'The Drone as First Responder program has proven to be a transformative tool for the Montgomery County Police Department,' said Picerno. 'It allows us to respond more quickly, enhance situational awareness, and ultimately increase the safety of officers and community members.' 'In this case, the drone footage was invaluable in securing the conviction.' Montgomery County Drone Conviction - DRONELIFE In summary, drones can save lives with unmatched speed and precision. They solve serious flaws in traditional emergency systems by enhancing situational awareness, decision-making, and the delivery of essential supplies to even the most challenging locations. Because of their versatility, they are also helpful in a range of circumstances, from natural disasters to urban crises. 5G mobile signal Communication Mast (cell tower) Super fast data streaming concept. 3D illustration. The 5G Backbone of First Responder Communications For public safety to conduct effective response operations, smartphones, tablets, drones, and Internet of Things devices are essential for critical communications. First responder connectivity must go beyond the limited coverage and functionality of Land Mobile Radio (LMR). Mobile carriers around the world have been in the process of implementing 5G, or the "fifth generation" of cellular network technology. With a peak speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s), 5G networks provide faster download speeds and more reliability than older networks. 5G also has a significantly lower latency, which allows for almost instantaneous communication over cellular base stations and antennas for first responders. Wireless connectivity is considered a fundamental concern for two-thirds of first responders. The matter is being addressed. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, among other major telecom carriers, have pledged their commitment to supporting the First Responder Mission on 5G networks. Recently, T-Mobile announced an innovative solution that allocates a portion of its 5G network to help first responders. Their advanced stand-alone 5G features gives a greater degree of information sharing for data-intensive communications, including files, data, position monitoring, and real-time video. According to T-Mobile's research, T-Priority, which prioritizes speed for data-intensive communications, can now provide up to 40% more 5G capacity to guarantee first responders can remain connected. Nicole Hudnet—a disaster response adviser for T-Mobile Business Group—said they have been working to deploy new technologies and deliver increased network coverage to places impacted by wildfires and hurricanes. In response to a spate of wildfires in Southern California earlier this year, T-Mobile activated more than 350 T-Priority hotspots and routers to allow the Los Angeles Fire Department to use the dedicated slice of the provider's 5G network. T-Mobile is using 5G, drones and AI to help first responders - Nextgov/FCW Female security officer works on computer in police monitoring center. Bringing Critical Data to 911 Centers in Real Time Call centers also play a key role in first responders' efficacy. Recent advancements in emergency intelligence platforms have introduced AI-powered tools designed to support 911 call centers. By consolidating data from connected devices, AI-driven workflows streamline telecommunicator tasks, reduce cognitive load, and enhance the efficiency of emergency response. For years, emergency call centers have relied on traditional systems to gather information from distressed callers, often piecing together location details and situational context through frantic conversations. However, the emergence of connected devices, including mobile phones, security cameras, smartwatches, and in-vehicle systems, has changed how emergency intelligence can be collected and utilized. A company called RapidSOS, RapidSOS Portal Emergency Interface, has played a key role in integrating data from over 540 million connected devices, allowing 911 centers to access details like caller location, emergency contacts, and health profiles. Their platform now includes emergency data from 9,000+ connected schools, tens of millions of vehicles, trains, and trucks, and streaming video feeds from mobile phones and connected security cameras; these data points give responders greater situational awareness, reducing response times and improving the ability to assess emergencies remotely. "The landscape of emergency response has fundamentally changed. We're no longer limited to the information provided by a distressed caller,' said Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS. 'Connected devices, from vehicles to smart buildings, are now rich sources of real-time, life-saving data. This situation involves more than just locating faster; it also emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of an emergency before responders arrive. Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Data Technology AI-Powered Workflows for Faster, Smarter Decision-Making The work of 911 telecommunicators extends beyond answering calls; they must quickly interpret information, manage multiple screens and systems, and communicate effectively with callers and first responders. The complexity of these tasks increases the risk of errors and delays, particularly when calls involve language barriers or high-stress situations. The problem isn't a lack of data and information—it's simply that there's too much data for any human to process when every second counts. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role, acting not merely as an additional monitoring system, but rather as a sophisticated collaborator that effectively filters out irrelevant information and provides precise, actionable insights when they are most needed. Peregrine Technologies, Peregrine - Home, is a company that integrates and analyzes large and complex data stores and streams to create intelligence and inform enterprise decision-making for law enforcement and public safety agencies across the country. Peregrine's decision-support platform merges back-end AI software tools that integrate and model data—from license plate reads to 911 calls—with front-end applications to help command staff and users up and down agencies access critical insights from their data to conduct real-time crime analysis, support investigatory work, and make , evidence-based decisions around resource allocation and incident response. In practice, this might mean an AI system that receives crash data directly from a vehicle, automatically determines crash severity based on speed, impact angle, and airbag deployment, identifies the likely injuries based on these factors-- and rapidly presents telecommunicators with clear recommendations for response resources—all before the first 911 call is even answered! By viewing AI as an assistant that manages complexity and provides context, emergency services can address their greatest challenges: staff shortages, increasing call volumes, growing data complexity, and the need for faster responses. The emergency response integration of 5G, AI, and drones provides technological advancements and brings a fundamental change in how communities are protected when they need it most in a field where seconds can decide results and accurate information saves lives. One World for Life identifies and empowers First Responders worldwide by fundamentally changing the ... More International Disaster Paradigm through the use of technology to protect our global First Responders. In addition to and including the foraging of AI, 5G, and drone technologies, One World For Life , One World For Life – Connecting First Responders Around The Globe , a non-profit organization created by Hon. Curt Weldon, who also founded the Congressional Fire Fighters Caucus, was established to bring first responders together around the world and to find and use the right military and civilian technology to mitigate the severity of loss, improve response and recovery, predict and prevent disasters, and improve first responders' safety and protection. The organization's goals entail identifying and cataloguing dual-use technologies that are now in use around the world and fostering laboratory- and university-based research that may have an impact on catastrophe prediction, prevention, response, mitigation, recovery, prevention, and prediction. Additionally, the goal is to identify the technologies that can aid in the creation of new emergency, regional, and global capacities. These initiatives and combined efforts to use new technologies for disaster response are vital, as first responders are there for us when we need them! * Chuck Brooks serves as President of Brooks Consulting International. He has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. He is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in the Cyber Risk Management Program. Chuck has received numerous global accolades for his work and promotion of cybersecurity. Recently, he was named the top cybersecurity expert to follow on social media, and also as one top cybersecurity leaders for 2025. He has also been named "Cybersecurity Person of the Year" by Cyber Express, Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year, and a "Top 5 Tech Person to Follow" by LinkedIn' where he has 125,000 followers on his profile. He is the author of the book 'Inside Cyber: How AI, 5G, IoT, and Quantum Computing Will Transform Privacy and Our Security.' * H.E. The Hon, Sir Dr. Thomas A. Cellucci, PhD, MBA is a serial entrepreneur, currently managing several high-tech firms. He was appointed the US Department of Homeland Security's Director of the Research & Development Partnerships (RDP) Group managing over $12B in assets and over1700 team members. He was also the first Chief Commercialization Officer in the US Federal Executive Branch and continues to assist the President of the United States and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. In 1999, he founded Cellucci Associates, Inc. with headquarters at Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. Cellucci writes about the intersection of emerging technology, commercialization, and implementation to protect the homeland.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Motorcyclist involved in Mapleton crash
An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patch is seen in Ottawa, on September 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby A crash in Mapleton sent a motorcyclist to hospital and closed Wellington Road 17 in both directions Monday. In an email to CTV News, Ontario Provincial Police confirmed the crash was reported to them at 3:10 p.m. First responders attended the crash, that happened between a motorcycle and a sedan and caused the motorcyclist to be ejected. The motorcyclist was sent to hospital with minor, non life-threatening injuries. The driver of the sedan was not hurt. Wellington Road 17 was closed in both directions between Eighth Line and Wellington Road 8. According to OPP, reopened around 10 p.m. Police said the investigation was on-going and charges were pending.
