LAFD Video-Aided 911 Dispatch Initiative

Community safety

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is facing a critical situation. Since 2010, 911 call volume have surged by 55%, while the department has 68 fewer firefighters due to City budget cuts. In 2023 the LAFD managed over 500,000 calls, with 80% of these calls for emergency medical issues. LAFD Emergency Dispatchers rely on the information they are receiving from the caller, which often limits their capability to accurately assess emergencies based solely on the caller's descriptions.
This system often results in misallocated and overuse of LAFD resources. Dispatchers may send multiple units, such as ambulances, paramedics, and fire engines when less manpower would suffice. For example, a caller stating "I am bleeding badly" might lead to the unnecessary dispatch of both a fire engine and a paramedic rescue for a minor cut. Conversely, a caller describing a small fire might not mention a nearby large grass field, resulting in insufficient response and the need for more units later.

To address the critical challenges faced by the LAFD and enhance public safety, there is an urgent need to integrate cutting-edge video-aided dispatching technology. This innovation allows dispatchers to visually assess the emergency scene and the caller's condition, greatly improving their ability to triage calls accurately. Additionally, AI-assisted biometric technology can monitor a caller's heart rate and breathing rate through a smartphone link, providing crucial information that voice communication alone cannot convey. By enabling dispatchers to see the emergency scene and access critical vital signs, this technology significantly enhances the accuracy of dispatching the appropriate resources on the first call. As a result, public safety is dramatically improved, with faster and more precise responses to emergencies. The integration of this advanced technology is crucial for maintaining effective and timely emergency medical responses in Los Angeles. The success of such innovations is evident from the San Antonio Fire Department, which implemented video-aided dispatching systems. Over an 11-month period, they saved 7,393 unit resource responses out of 9,962 calls, demonstrating the potential for significant resource optimization and efficiency gains. Adopting similar technologies in Los Angeles will not only enhance public safety but also improve resource management and unit availability, ensuring the LAFD can meet the growing demands of the City of Los Angeles.

If the LAFD use of video-aided dispatching and AI-assisted biometric technology for the LAFD is successful, Los Angeles could experience significant improvements in public safety and emergency response efficiency. This pilot program will result in faster and more appropriate responses to emergencies, reducing the likelihood of both over-dispatching and under-dispatching resources.
Residents will benefit from quicker, more precise emergency services, leading to better outcomes in critical situations. The ability to accurately assess and respond to emergencies will also reduce the strain on LAFD resources, allowing the department to maintain high levels of service despite increasing call volumes and budget constraints.
This innovative program will contribute to a safer, more resilient community where emergency services can effectively meet the growing demands on their services, ensuring the well-being of all residents.

Defining and measuring the success of the implementation of video-aided dispatching and AI-assisted biometric technology for the LAFD will encompass key performance indicators (KPIs), qualitative assessments, and continuous feedback mechanisms to ensure the program achieves its goals of enhancing public safety and optimizing resource utilization. Success Metrics:
- Resource Utilization Efficiency: Total number of dispatched LAFD paramedic rescue ambulances and fire engines versus actual units needed for effective incident management.
- Cost Savings: Reduction in operational costs due to optimized resource dispatching. Data Collection and Analysis:
- Incident Reports: Detailed analysis of dispatch and field reports to evaluate response times, resource allocation, and triage accuracy.
- Financial Audits: Regular audits to assess cost savings and resource utilization efficiencies.