GMU to help Fairfax County adopt AI tech for 911 call center |(VA)

Thanks to a grant of nearly $1 million, Fairfax County’s emergency response stands to capitalize on recent gains in artificial intelligence.

The county’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) is partnering with George Mason University’s Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities (C-RASC) for a project that will embrace AI solutions to tackle challenges faced by emergency communications systems across the region.

‘911 saved my life’: Cayman’s dispatchers celebrated

One dark day two years ago, Brooke Bodden tried to end it all, but with the timely intervention of her mother and the guidance of a 911 dispatcher, the 16-year-old was revived, granting her a new lease on life.

“I was really, really grateful because obviously when all of that happened I had wanted to die so much. But they not only saved me physically, I feel like they also saved me mentally and gave me another chance at living,” Bodden, 18, said as she spoke with the Cayman Compass recently about her experience.

AI on call: George Mason and Fairfax County dial up emergency response (VA)

When you have a dire emergency you want help from wherever you can get it. Even if it’s from an AI voice assistant.

George Mason University received a grant of nearly $1 million from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for enhancing emergency response, specifically using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve training and other capabilities of the emergency communication systems in Northern Virginia. The funding was made possible through the efforts of Congressman Gerry Connolly, who sponsored the proposal.