Artificial intelligence helps in preparing for various emergencies and crises faced by government and private agencies, and many crisis management agencies have begun to rely on AI-powered systems to improve the speed of emergency response.
Emily Martuscello, director of Emergency Management in Nashua, New Hampshire, USA, said in an interview with Forbes:” I have seen firsthand how artificial intelligence is reshaping our field by enhancing speed, awareness, and decision-making.
She explained that AI-based platforms can process real-time data from geospatial tools, social media, and emergency calls to provide responders with a clearer picture of emergency situations.
Artificial intelligence helps in planning and preparing for crises
Emily Martuscello added: "AI models predict extreme weather events, fires and hazardous events; allowing managers of emergency agencies to pre-equip resources and optimize evacuation plans “ The ability of artificial intelligence to analyze data has significantly reduced the time required for planning, giving respondents more time to interact with communities and prepare for the worst scenarios,” he added.
Artificial intelligence fire detection
According to a report published by Statescoop, in 2023 the California Fire Department (Cal Fire) added artificial intelligence and fire detection technologies to 1,114 cameras distributed in high-altitude areas, such as mountain peaks and hills across the state.
These cameras can perform 360-degree scans approximately every two minutes, and can monitor distances of up to 60 miles on clear days, and up to 120 miles on clear nights.
Emergency response training through artificial intelligence-powered simulation
Samuel Dorison, CEO and co–founder of ReflexAI, said in an interview with Forbes: “By simulating realistic crisis scenarios, training for responders can be conducted at a low cost. Engaging in a risk-prone environment allows for the development of effective decision-making and communication skills. This type of interactive and challenging training boosts confidence and improves adaptability in complex situations.
He also pointed out that one of the main benefits of artificial intelligence in the field of Crisis Response Training is scalability; AI-powered simulations allow responders to practice training anytime, anywhere, helping teams hone basic skills.
Artificial intelligence is an auxiliary tool and not a substitute for the human component in crisis management and emergency response
Artificial intelligence is still in its early stages in the field of emergency response, but its potential is great. It enhances early warning systems, such as fire detection, severe weather, earthquakes, and environmental pollution, enabling emergency managers to predict the likely place and time of disasters with great accuracy.
Artificial intelligence is also changing response methods, integrating with drones, robots, and cameras. These technologies demonstrate their exceptional capabilities in high-risk operations such as search and rescue and Hazardous Materials Handling, reducing the vulnerability of responders and enhancing the efficiency of operations.
As disasters become more complex and overlapping, the future of emergency response lies in shared systems, so that humans and artificial intelligence work together to improve decision-making, coordinate response, and enhance public safety efforts.
Challenges facing the adoption of artificial intelligence in the field of emergency response
Emergency response agencies are usually very careful in their work because decisions made in times of crisis can affect the lives of many people. Unlike sectors that are rapidly adopting AI in order to increase efficiency at work, public safety stakeholders cannot adopt AI quickly and tolerate errors caused by misinterpretations or system failures.
This means that the accuracy of the outputs provided by AI-Powered Emergency Response Systems is a major challenge, and some of these systems may lack verification mechanisms, resulting in inaccurate information.
The promising future of artificial intelligence in the field of emergency response
Even with the obstacles and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the field of crisis management and emergency response, it remains a powerful tool that can significantly improve crisis response. As AI technologies continue to be developed and implemented in a thoughtful manner, they will have an increasing impact on the way emergency teams deal with and manage disasters effectively.
Although artificial intelligence will not completely replace the human component, it provides vital support that can contribute to saving lives, reducing losses, and enhancing the resilience of societies to crises.