Many of the most prominent modern emergency response challenges stem from a lack of complete situational visibility … and the guesswork that follows.

But imagine a future where automatic surveillance helps officers eliminate surprises when responding to a break-in and understand everything from the entry point to the number of armed individuals inside. Or one where EMS teams can immediately access OnStar data to deploy an adequate number of responders to an accident site and ensure full and proper treatment.

Thanks to elevated CAD systems with Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) technology, this future already is a reality. More emergency response teams are turning to these tools to raise their intelligence while minimizing their reliance on manual dispatching and routing processes.

 Better yet, many adopters are quickly realizing the unlimited potential of next-level CAD technology to deliver benefits beyond fundamental response.

Guilford Metro 9-1-1 (NC), for example, expanded its CAD response platform to improve overall department efficiency. Thus far, the integration has proven fruitful, as the center has reduced its dispatch time from several minutes to a few seconds, while enabling employees to respond to more calls and eliminate operational bottlenecks.

However, while Guilford Metro 9-1-1 public safety IT manager Glenn Lamb notes excitement around these improvements, he sees even greater opportunity for the next generation of CAD to improve public safety.

“Next-generation CAD paves the way for the future,” said Lamb.  “I can have a video link from security cameras or even use Ring, for instance, and see a doorbell. I can also pull information from a fire alarm panel, and even access crash impact ratings from OnStar.”

In particular, Lamb believes these analytics will significantly alter future response patterns. By understanding the nature of the emergency and integrating historical data, responders can take appropriate action. For example, dispatchers can allocate resources in alignment with an accident’s OnStar impact rating, preventing excess deployment while freeing up responders for newer or more pressing emergencies.

 Given the advantages, why aren’t more agencies rushing to adopt more powerful and intelligent CAD systems? According to Lamb, it all comes down to having the right technology available to organize and process incoming data.

“The biggest hurdle right now is working on a reliable and user-friendly interface to help connect all of these various data points into one streamlined system,” explained Lamb. “The ideas are there, the collaboration is there, and the interface design and programming are on their way.”

 As the future of CAD focuses on extending data integration and refining predicative analytics, agencies can improve dispatch procedural preparedness, streamline call processes and increase safety and efficiency.

With the progression of CAD technology, we will no longer have to imagine a future where officers and EMS teams are better prepared. We can live it, and benefit from it.