Thousands of emergency calls last month from Texas flood victims went unanswered because the federal government had laid off hundreds of call center workers. Cities and states are now bracing for the impacts of federal budget and staffing cuts on emergency response for the upcoming storm season.
Tech startups are trying to help first responders use limited resources more efficiently.
New York-based Carbyne is developing AI-based emergency response to assist 911 call centers during demand surges. The company says its software is in use in 300 call sites.
“From dramatically reducing response times to alleviating frontline staffing pressures… it’s already delivering tangible outcomes in the field,” the company said.
Carbyne has raised $100 million from AT&T Ventures, Axon Enterprise, Cox Enterprises, Global Medical Response and other investors.
The company has a presence in the US and six other countries. It is focusing on expansion in the US, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
Separately, Versaterm, a Canadian software provider for first responders and public safety agencies, has acquired Austin-based DroneSense, which provides emergency response drones. Integrating drones into emergency response supports “faster response times, enhanced situational awareness and greater safety for first responders and the communities they serve,” Versaterm said in a statement.
