Emergency services drivers are on hand to save lives every day and rely on rapid driving to get where they are needed. Following Brigade’s article in last month’s edition, which focused on maximizing safety to minimize risk when responding to emergencies the commercial vehicle safety solutions experts now investigates how to keep drivers and other road users safe during a quick and critical emergency callout.
Emergency vehicles often need to travel at a considerably higher speed than surrounding traffic. Drivers must make split second decisions to ensure they get where they’re needed safely and in the shortest possible time. This involves intensive training, but also support from vehicle safety solutions, which can literally mean the difference between life and death.
However, high speed driving, even with the very best training and experience, can still lead to incidents. The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) published “United States Firefighter Injuries” in November of 2024. This study revealed that in 2023 an estimated 19,225 collisions involved fire department emergency vehicles responding to or returning from incidents. Sadly, this is the second highest number of collisions since reporting on collisions began in 1990 and the highest number of injuries reported in a single year due to collisions.
Along with the requirement of maintaining a CDL license, Drivers of fire trucks receive extensive training in high-speed driving designed to mitigate the risk of death, injury, and collisions. Because of their size and weight, fire trucks are more likely to cause major injuries and fatalities if involved in a collision. This poses a risk not only to those in the vehicle but also delays emergency response – where every second matters.
So what can be done to support drivers of emergency vehicles to ensure they and those around them stay safe during emergency call outs?
Devices utilizing AI, such as Brigade’s Backeye AI 360° Intelligent Detection Camera System, are revolutionizing emergency vehicle safety.
This 360° high-definition four-camera system uses AI to identify humans. Providing a comprehensive view of the surrounding area in a single image, Backeye®360 AI audibly and visually alerts the driver when a person is detected, eliminating blind spots and actively saving lives.
The AI, which uses machine learning, is programmed to receive more information about the surroundings or situation prior to providing alerts or responses in the vehicle.
AI cameras have been a groundbreaker in commercial vehicle safety and are becoming faster and sharper all the time. Algorithms take the information they receive and learn from it, which means the safety benefits they provide are constantly improving. Whatever the situation, these cameras will alert drivers to hazardous situations such as a cyclist cutting across in front of the vehicle during an emergency call-out, or a pedestrian stepping into the road behind a reversing vehicle.
Corey Heniser, CEO of Brigade INC, said:
“Emergency workers risk their own lives daily to help others - protecting them so they can continue to do their critical and life-saving work is one of the most important things we can do in our business. Seconds count when it comes to emergency call outs and having the right safety devices fitted to a vehicle could be the difference between life and death, not only for those individuals who responders are trying to reach but the emergency workers themselves.”
About Brigade Electronics
Brigade Electronics provides emergency vehicle safety technologies, along with many more, to provide operators with the extra second or two they need to save lives. Its engineering team has designed these systems based on the environment, vehicle type, manoeuvrability, and work site conditions. The team is happy to assist in building the safety solution that best fits any needs and requirements. Learn more at brigade-inc.com.
