Partnership aims to improve communication for firefighters in dangerous environments
In an effort to improve firefighter safety and operational efficiency, 3AM Innovations and Somewear Labs have entered into a new partnership that merges cutting-edge personnel tracking and resilient communication technologies. By combining 3AM Innovations’ FLORIAN platform with Somewear Labs’ software-defined network, the collaboration aims to deliver real-time tracking and seamless communication solutions for firefighters operating in dangerous environments.
The partnership integrates 3AM’s renowned FLORIAN platform, which enables real-time tracking of personnel on the ground, with Somewear Labs' patented multi-network hardware and software-defined network. This system ensures continuous communication, even in challenging conditions, such as wildland fires or urban wildfire scenarios, by supporting mesh, satellite, cell, and wifi networks. As a result, firefighters are now able to use their preferred tracking tools while FLORIAN consolidates the data into one unified, real-time view.
"With the increasing threat of wildland fires encroaching on urban environments, the need for collaboration in the public safety tech space is greater than ever," said Patrick O'Connor, president and co-founder of 3AM Innovations. "This partnership with Somewear Labs is a testament to that, combining our strengths to provide firefighters with every possible advantage on the fireground."
The integration of Somewear’s hardware, specifically their multi-network device, Node, alongside their SmartRouting technology, ensures robust and uninterrupted communication across various networks. This system allows tracking data to flow into the FLORIAN platform without requiring operator intervention. In a critical development for emergency response teams, the availability of continuous, real-time data at command posts and Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) enables faster decision-making, critical for managing fast-evolving wildland fires.
"Our partnership with 3AM Innovations demonstrates Somewear’s open and flexible integration framework that empowers us to connect with industry-leading situational awareness platforms like FLORIAN," said James Kubik, Co-founder and CEO of Somewear Labs. “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing a reliable software-defined network that delivers critical data directly into the operational workflows of first responders, ensuring they have the information they need to make informed decisions in high-stakes situations.”
This partnership addresses critical safety and resource management challenges as outlined in the 2019 Dingell Act, which advocates for advanced technological solutions in wildfire management. The combined expertise of 3AM Innovations and Somewear Labs is a direct response to this legislation, aiming to reduce the risks faced by firefighters, improve resource management, and decrease both human and financial costs in firefighting operations.
This collaboration between two public safety tech leaders underscores the growing importance of technology in ensuring firefighter safety and the effectiveness of emergency operations. As wildfires increase in both frequency and severity, the combination of resilient communication and advanced tracking tools offers a critical lifeline for first responders on the front lines.
