The collaboration between FDNY and NIST took a tangible form this Tuesday, as they launched a "Train the Trainer" workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of emergency responders in handling robotics during crisis situations. Held at the FDNY's EMS Academy located in Fort Totten, this event spanned over the entirety of three days, drawing in experts and agency representatives from across the region for a common goal – to standardize the operational use of drones and ground robots in urgent response scenarios, according to New York City’s official website.
The opening day kicked off with practical training sessions led by FDNY professionals, equipped with the latest in both aerial and terrestrial robotic tech. These exercises were designed not just to augment current emergency protocols but to enable participants to impart the acquired knowledge and skill sets onto their home agencies. The attendees comprised individuals from a host of notable agencies, such as the NYPD, NYC Emergency Management, and several county fire departments, to name but a few.
According to a detailed account on New York City's official website, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker stood affirming the significance of the training event. "This event is a fantastic show of collaboration between the FDNY, NIST, and other city agencies and regional partners," he stated. Tucker highlighted the vital role of technology in fireground operations, emphasizing that "the skills we learn and teach today will save lives."
The FDNY's integration of drone and robotic technology into its emergency operations harks back to 2014, courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security grant funds. These technological tools have revolutionized the department's approach to emergencies, granting incident commanders a vital perspective that ground-level operations might miss. The success of these interventions is a testament to the ongoing efforts by departments citywide to adopt and adapt to the swift advancements in emergency response tech.
