OnStar is committed to helping public safety agencies keep up with the progression of advanced technology and data access to help shorten emergency response times and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.
That idea inspired a recent training event in Topeka, Kan., where 125 public safety professionals statewide — including 911, fire/EMS, law enforcement, auto-theft task forces, government health departments and emergency management — participated in instruction and demonstrations on several topics, including:
- Automatic Crash Incidents — the benefits of available crash data and Injury Severity Prediction (ISP) for dispatch and patient transport decisions
- GM Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) — covering specific safety training for interacting with electric vehicles during an emergency
- Vehicle-location assistance technologies — including Stolen Vehicle Slowdown® demonstrations with participants in the driver’s seat
- RapidDeploy technology — such as Radius Mapping, which offers access to OnStar crash data and an app that can bring real-time data directly to First Responders through mobile devices
- OnStar Guardian app1 — which provides Members key OnStar features beyond a GM vehicle, anywhere our Members go
The KS911 (Kansas 911) Coordinating Council, OnStar and RapidDeploy collaborated on the daylong session. Planning is underway to provide similar training in other states for 2024.
“It’s a great opportunity for First Responders to get together and have a deep dive on everything that’s available to them,” says Michele Abbott, Communication and Training Coordinator for the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council and member of OnStar’s Public Safety Advisory Committee.
“This gave everyone a chance to talk to those who know these technologies best,” Abbott says. “There were some discussions on best practices and when to implement something like Stolen Vehicle Slowdown [from Stolen Vehicle Assistance2]. Everyone was discussing common scenarios and previous case studies and walked through the training. It was a really good event; everybody was learning from each other.”
Directly From the Source
One of the highlights of the training, Abbott says, was a presentation on OnStar’s collaboration with RapidDeploy, a cloud-based platform that integrates data and applications in a centralized 911 ecosystem. RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping helps with location accuracy, situational awareness, communications and streamlined emergency-response workflows to provide what can be life-saving data in critical situations, such as vehicle crashes.
OnStar-equipped vehicles with Automatic Crash Response (ACR) have built-in sensors to automatically alert an OnStar Advisor of a crash. Once an automatic crash incident occurs and is validated, the OnStar data feed is electronically routed to the RapidDeploy ECC customer (along with a voice call from an Advisor) to alert them of a crash in their jurisdiction. With this integration, ECCs will now be able to see crash data including ISP information, if applicable, to send the proper life-saving resources in a more expeditious manner.
Evolving Technologies
As the automotive industry introduces new vehicles, features and technology, public safety professionals need continuous education to help keep communities safe and secure. Hosting events such as this First Responder training helps provide that vital information.
Participants in Kansas received an up-close look at OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service with outdoor demonstrations and an overview of what’s legally required for OnStar when assisting law enforcement to locate stolen vehicles. This also included case studies of law enforcement agencies successfully using the service, highlighting safer and quicker resolutions to potentially dangerous situations.
OnStar also trained participants on working with BEVs, such as how to approach electric vehicles, where the batteries are located within a vehicle, where to cut power, Battery Management System notifications, and available first responder guides and/or reference sheets to assist in emergency incidents.
Participants also learned more about OnStar’s Guardian app, including how the app allows Members to access key OnStar safety services from anywhere. This means First Responders can get valuable, verified information for a greater number of emergency situations.
For more information about these and other OnStar features that can support First Responders, visit onstar.com/public-safety.
- U.S. and Canada only. Available on select Apple and Android devices. Mobile Crash Response services are intended for use in select vehicles only and can connect automatically on Android devices only. Service coverage varies with conditions and location. Service availability, features and functionality vary by device and software version. OnStar Guardian service plan (standalone plan, add-on plan or plan that includes the service), cell reception, GPS signal, and device data connection required. Terms apply. Device permissions are required for app to operate properly. OnStar links to emergency services. Device and app may not transmit all crash data. See onstar.com for details and limitations. Pricing and availability subject to change. You may cancel at any time by calling 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827)
- Requires paid plan, working electrical system, cell reception, GPS signal, armed GM factory-installed theft-deterrent system, contact method on file and enrollment to receive alerts. Additional messaging and data rates may apply. Services are intended to assist with vehicle recovery and do not prevent theft or protect against damage or loss. Check here for details and limitations.
