First responders serving and protecting their communities are receiving a helping hand of their own thanks to new technology from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., the POINTER system is a tracking technology that helps first responders combat the unreliability associated with current GPS devices.

POINTER, which stands for Precision Outdoor and Indoor Navigation and Tracking for Emergency Responders, could represent a "Holy Grail" capability for the men and women who brave dangerous environments during emergencies, according to Greg Price, first responder technologies division director at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"To this day, the ability to track and locate first responders is a number one priority for disaster agencies across the country," Price said. "If the POINTER project continues along its current path of success, first responders will be safer in the future."

When GPS is life or death
First responders such as firefighters rely on GPS to navigate treacherous environments. Reliable GPS data can make all the difference between escaping a burning building or rescuing a civilian trapped under debris.

Xenophon Gikas, fire captain at the Los Angeles Fire Department and part of the DHS' First Responder Resource Group, recently set the scene for Newsweek, illustrating how even in-depth first responder training is no match for the harsh realities of the job.

"It's hot and it's loud [at a fire]," Gikas said. "People are screaming, saws are going off.… We have blowers that we turn on to blow heat and smoke. It's a crappy environment. It's the worst one we have. That problem of trying to find one of us who's trapped or down or lost – whoever figures that one out is going to have the Holy Grail in their hand."

Instead of relying on radio waves, which can ricochet off walls or fail to penetrate indoors, the POINTER system utilizes magnetoquasistatic fields. This class of electromagnetic field has shown high accuracy and reliability indoors, providing first responders with detailed information regarding individuals' location, elevation and orientation.

Salvation the size of a cell phone
While POINTER is life-saving technology for first responders, it's also cumbersome in its current state. As highlighted by Newsweek, POINTER is approximately the size of a shoebox and weighs three pounds. Firefighters wear it like a backpack, with the field it generates being tracked by a separate device nearby.

Now plans are in motion to miniaturize this technology, replacing the backpack with a device the size of a cellular phone. It's hoped that in addition to being used by fire and police departments, the technology could be adopted by military personnel. There are also applications for POINTER to be used in space exploration.

"POINTER could be used in space robotics," said Darmindra Arumugam, the NASA researcher who led the technology's development. "It could be used for tracking robots in underground tunnels, caves or under ice. They need to be able to navigate themselves, and we don't have sensors today that would be able to track them. For us, this is a great opportunity to develop a technology for NASA and non-NASA uses."

The development of POINTER is in keeping with the DHS' renewed focus on new technologies for first responders. For example, the DHS selected 10 startup companies last year as part of its EMERGE 2016: Wearable Technology Accelerator Program. The program is intended to invigorate tech companies to create wearable tools that can replace the heavy and unwieldy equipment many first responders are forced to carry.

Field trials for POINTER are on the horizon, and following them, perhaps speedy adoption among first responders across the country.

Responding to emergencies as a police officer, firefighter or EMT is one of the most dangerous and demanding job descriptions in existence, no matter what season it is. However, in winter, the brave men and women who serve in these roles deserve an extra salute for their commitment to keeping their communities safe. Winter weather can be the cause of innumerable different types of accidents, and it's up to first responders to deal with bad conditions when carrying out rescue operations. It's worth taking a moment to pay tribute to the dedication that carries public safety personnel through the months from December to March.

New risks open up
When the temperatures drop, snow and ice can become hazards on roads, leading to the potential for car crashes and making it harder for emergency vehicles to respond. Furthermore, heating elements can pose a fire risk if people aren't careful. On top of these seasonal dangers, the cold itself can cause serious harm.

Fox 28 in Spokane, Washington, recently explained that local first responders are worried about individuals falling victim to hypothermia when temperatures drop. Spokane Valley Fire Department Health Services Manager Mike Lopez told the news provider that when conditions become extreme, hypothermia can develop in as little as 15 minutes. When merely being outside is a risk, first responders must step up to educate the public and take action to protect the vulnerable.

Lopez added that the elderly are especially at risk of developing hypothermia. The homeless are also in danger, as not having anywhere warm to shelter can put someone at immediate risk of serious harm or even death. First responders in Spokane and around the country will be looking out for people who need help. Lopez told Fox 28 that individuals out in the cold should look out for one another, watching for confusion, lack of coordination and other warning signs that hypothermia is a possibility.

Working through the holidays
Another prominent element of first responders' work in winter is the need for them to remain on duty when others take time off for the holidays. Fox 7 in Austin, Texas, described the weekend duties local emergency personnel faced, while many individuals in other lines of work took Monday off to celebrate a belated New Year's Day. Rescuers had to help several injured individuals in harsh weather conditions, with fog and rain getting in the way. The news provider added that five years ago, first responders in the region faced an especially tough New Year, dealing with three different fire emergencies.

With their nonstop dedication to keeping their communities safe, first responders deserve unfailing respect at all times, but especially during the holidays. Those in other lines of work can enjoy their festive days off because these brave individuals are vigilant about their duties, and equipped with the training and experience to carry out rescue operations, even when the conditions become harsh. Everything from icy roads to the reduced visibility of short daylight hours may make emergency responders' jobs harder, making it even more impressive when they safeguard the lives of their neighbors.

With technology progressing rapidly in recent years, it seems appropriate that first responders and emergency personnel, in general, should reap the benefits of new developments. It's hard to think of work more important than the duties these brave individuals take on every day, so advanced software and hardware developments that could improve their success rate and keep them safe in the field are clearly worth pursuing.

If there is one theme to tech development today, it is that every kind of item is up for reinvention. From backend software systems to everyday devices, consumer-friendly products to industrial-use-only assets, these are all fair game. First responders will have a variety of exciting new options in the years ahead.

Real-time tracker goes beyond GPS
The Mercury News recently highlighted an exciting new solution that could overcome the problems with conventional GPS tracking and help first responders when responding to fires in buildings or carrying out underground rescues. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is hard at work on the solution, which is called Precision Outdoor and Indoor Navigation and Tracking for Emergency Responders, or POINTER. The product is based on using electromagnetic fields to project location data, even through steel walls or the ground, obstacles which hamper GPS reception.

POINTER could become a go-to position-tracking option in time, provided responders have access to the schematics of buildings they want to see inside of. The Mercury News pointed out that despite its great future potential, it isn't quite ready for use. As of now, the tech is large – approximately the size of a backpack. The next step for NASA's team is to make a receiver the size of a modern cellphone.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is also developing technologies that will pair well with POINTER, such as an artificial intelligence system called AUDREY. According to the news provider, the latter solution is based on analyzing real-time information and feeding first responders information automatically. Combining the two systems could help firefighters get out of compromised structures effectively, among other emergency-response applications.

Drones to the rescue
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on another tech innovation in the public safety sector, this one already in limited use: drones. From aerial fire observation to detailed searches for missing persons, drones can provide a set of eyes that travel in three dimensions, letting emergency personnel reach places they can't go in person. With the technology so young, departments are just learning the best practices of drone operation, which are becoming clearer due to trailblazing work by early-adopter agencies.

The news source explained that organizations are trying to ensure wider use of drones goes smoothly, with Virginia emergency agencies working toward a set of unique regulations, standards and protocols. Whenever a new technology enters use, there is a need to ensure it is used in a consistent and safe fashion, and adjusting rules to suit the new assets is a natural stage of this process. As long as there are good use cases for the technology, such an adjustment period is worth it.

Responding to emergencies, whether in a police, fire or EMS capacity, can place an enormous strain on an individual. The scenes witnessed by public safety workers in their daily duties can be traumatic, leaving lasting effects. It's important that the first responders who put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe have ways to deal with this stress when necessary.

If ignored, mental strain can cause serious harm. Fortunately, groups today are addressing the very real issues affecting emergency personnel. These helpful groups differ by region, but they all serve the same purpose: ensuring first responders don't feel alone or abandoned after dealing with trauma.

Group springs from tragedy
In South Carolina, a number of responders banded together to form a permanent support group after the shooting death of a local police officer. Area news provider WRDW explained that Support 1 was founded as a response to the trauma that lingers with those who responded to Scotty Richardson's death in the line of duty. It has been five years since Richardson died. The society now helps give a feeling of community and comfort to area emergency personnel who are dealing with their own stresses.

Feeling isolated is a major problem for individuals who have seen traumatic events. When peers can meet up and share experiences, this may help prevent mental scars from growing worse. Teaming up with people who understand the after-effects of experiencing similar stresses, such as other first responders, is one way to cope.

The news source noted that Support 1 has expanded its geographic reach considerably over the years. Now, the support group has partner organizations in six other states, including Connecticut. With funding coming from charity events, the support group intends to continue giving first responders a place to express themselves and move forward together after traumatic and scarring experiences.

Walk-in sessions in Florida
Communities around the country are handling first responder trauma in their own ways. TC Palm recently pointed to a new twice-monthly series of sessions for emergency personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder in Vero Beach at the Mental Health Association Walk-In Center. The program's meetings will be led by therapist and retired firefighter Jim Ranahan.

Mental Health Association Director Dr. Robert Brugnoli explained to the news provider that sometimes, individuals living with PTSD don't know about the chances they have to speak with others about their experiences and seek potential relief. By publicizing this group, the center hopes it can reach out to individuals who aren't sure where to turn. Brugnoli expressed his hope that first responders in the region will reach out and join in, rather than suppressing what they're feeling, adding that one suicide among emergency personnel is one too many.

As long as there are disasters in this world, first responders will step up and face them to keep their communities safe. One way to give back to these brave individuals is to ensure there are always mental health services and support groups ready to assist them in dealing with the considerable stresses of their everyday roles. No one should have to face disasters, or their aftermath, alone.

The strain associated with serving as a first responder is considerable, and can lead to problems for those who take on these demanding roles. It's comforting to know that programs exist to help emergency personnel cope with difficulties they may face as a result of their roles, as they suffer those stresses while serving their communities and keeping others safe. These selfless duties are absolutely vital, and the people who put their lives on the line deserve only the best treatment in return.

Post-traumatic stress is one of the many dangers facing first responders. When conditions in the field get particularly intense, emergency personnel

may experience mental effects for a long time afterwards. Having the resources and programs in place to deal with this often-misunderstood issue is therefore important for communities around the country.

Logging PTSD stories
When PTSD takes first responders to dark places, one of the most effective coping mechanisms is sharing information and learning from others. Orlando's WKMG recently spotlighted Central Florida firefighter James Geering, who has created an online repository for PTSD testimonials. He hopes that the exchange of experiences can help emergency responders through their toughest times. He has already felt the positive effect of telling his own story.

"It was therapeutic for me," he told WKMG. "Once you realize by doing this you're helping, it gives you more purpose."

Geering is turning to the internet to get his message out, using both a Facebook page and an audio podcast to connect first responders to one another. He hopes that by highlighting cases where individuals overcame their toughest times and faced down their demons, his projects will send a hopeful message to firefighters, EMTs and police officers who are at their lowest point.

Training Seminars on Offer
Some agencies use PTSD training as a part of official personnel programs. Jeffersonville, Indiana, is one such community, according to local news source WHAS. The fire and police departments brought representatives from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to speak with emergency personnel and ensure that the memories of traumatic events they deal with in their duties – from battling deadly fires to responding to heroin overdoses – don't permanently drag first responders down.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Gage Donohue told the news network that part of his role is getting through to the physically tough and hardened firefighters and encouraging them to be more emotionally vulnerable about their own experiences. Bottling up problems rather than dealing with them head-on can cause long-term problems, uncomfortable though it may be. Jeffersonville Fire Chief Eric Hendrick noted that when firefighters are mentally and physically healthy, the community as a whole benefits.

Fighting Back on PTSD
Awareness, community and dedicated programs can help reduce rates of trauma among first responders. Acknowledging that these roles are some of the most dangerous and stressful in the world is a vital first step to giving police, fire and EMS personnel the attention they deserve. When these professionals are looked after and receive top care, they are better able to keep the public safe, and that's the result departments are most eager to achieve.

There are many ways for first responders to interact with their communities, and they're worth pursuing. It's always heartening to see a strong bond between a town or city and the brave professionals who put their lives on the line to keep people safe. Sometimes, these bonding exercises involve learning, and the emergency responders can be either the learners or the teachers.

In some cases, they'll acquire new skills that help them engage with those around them, and in other cases, they'll share their accumulated knowledge. Both types of programs are worth investigating for community leaders and department chiefs.

South Carolina: Learning sign language
A recent report from WACH revealed employees of the Irmo, South Carolina, are learning American sign language to ensure that they'll be able to better serve deaf and hearing-impaired members of the community. The importance of communication can't be understated. Program director Dave Bitters noted that teaching sign language to emergency responders may help avoid a repeat from a tragic incident earlier this year. A deaf man in North Carolina died when he was shot by police officers – his family has suggested that inability to communicate played a role in what happened.

The training has taken hold with several different departments throughout the state. Police officers in Lexington and Rock Hill, as well as Lexington County Sheriff's deputies have taken sign classes. Contact between departments and the people they serve is always critical. Without the aid of sign language, hearing deficiencies can be a huge impediment to communication.

Even when situations are more mundane, mutual understanding between civilians and first responders is at a premium. In emergency circumstances, the value of easy contact becomes extreme. This is one case where gaining knowledge beyond their basic job descriptions will help police officers, firefighters and paramedics better serve their departments.

Washington: Outreach in schools
Of course, first responders can improve their bonds with their communities by teaching as well as learning. The Highline Times recently zoomed in on interactions between police and fire personnel and students in Port of Seattle, Washington. The officers and firefighters treated kids from local high schools to demonstrations of equipment, as well as a chance to see police dogs in action. The first responders also spoke at length with the students, describing what it takes to join the force.

The departments intend to hire aggressively over the next few years as the Port of Seattle community grows. This means the bonds established in school outreach programs may encourage more high schoolers to become interns and potentially join the force. This pipeline of new talent may dry up in communities where the bond and trust between first responders and young residents isn't strong, which adds importance to the idea of running such programs.

With their years of experience in a unique and exciting field, emergency services employees are well qualified to speak engagingly to young people, and this could be a great way to establish a deeper connection to the community. Whether learning new skills or acting as the teachers, education may be key to improving first responders' role in towns across the country.

With Veterans Day right around the corner, city officials across the country are putting the final touches on celebrations to honor American service members. Of course, this happens every year during the days leading up to November 11. Literally thousands of events take place on this hallowed holiday, whose roots can be traced back to World War I. In 1918 on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to a cease-fire with the Allied nations of the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This marked the unofficial end of the Great War, which would formally conclude with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles eight months later.

Soon after, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 Armistice Day in honor of the historic truce. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed the occasion Veterans Day in an effort to make it applicable to service members who participated in other armed conflicts outside of World War I. Fourteen years later, Congress moved the holiday to the fourth Monday in October. However, this change left many Americans unhappy. After more than a decade of complaints, President Gerald R. Ford in 1975 signed into law new legislation that declared November 11 Veterans Day once again.

Every year on this day, citizens flood the streets to express gratitude and support for veterans, and demonstrate their passion for the country they call home. This November 11 will be no different, as most cities have planned exciting festivities to celebrate their local service members.

New York
Since the 1970s, New York City has hosted America's Parade, the single largest Veterans Day celebration in the country. Though the event got off to a shaky start and struggled to gain traction throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it has become a staple in recent years, Business Insider reported. Now, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers line the streets to look on as veterans and allies march along the parade route, which winds through Midtown Manhattan.

This year, America's Parade will once again take place. Retired Army Colonel Stephanie Dawson, who now serves as the chief operating officer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will helm the procession, along with local Iraq War veterans Joseph Duggan Jr. and Nelson Vergara, both of whom were also first responders during the 9/11 attacks.

Los Angeles
For the first time ever, the city of Los Angeles will host its own version of America's Parade, according to the American Legion. Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs collaborated with United War Veterans Council, the organization behind the original celebration in New York, and the American Legion to put on this event.

"This parade will honor veterans from all wars and all eras, creating a sea to shining sea of Veterans Day parades throughout our great country," Stephanie Stone, chief deputy of the Los Angeles County VA, explained.

Paraders will depart from West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and continue on a one-mile route through the campus.

Seattle
Veterans in Auburn, Washington, a southern suburb of Seattle, are expected to participate in the annual Veterans Day Parade and Observance, the Seattle Times reported. Despite its modest trappings, this mile-long parade is actually one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in the country, regularly drawing crowds numbering in the thousands. This year, the event will include more than 200 units and end with a veterans fair and showcase.

There are few roles more demanding than a first responder. The police officers, firefighters and paramedics on the front lines of disasters and everyday emergencies end up facing down complex and dangerous situations on a regular basis, all to keep their communities safe. It can be easy to take these facts for granted at times, which is why it's so heartening when towns find fun ways to thank first responders for their service.

In sharp contrast to the intense demands of an emergency responder's job responsibilities, neighborhood gatherings and parties are laid-back affairs where residents can meet the people who safeguard their lives. By taking the pressure off, these events can rebuild connections between departments and civilians and just act as good-natured fun for all involved. Below are a few examples of this formula in action.

Games in Virginia
Hampton Roads, Virginia, boasts a unique event for its local first responders: an athletic competition called the Hero Games. Local news station WTKR explained that the contest stretches over three days and consists of eight different challenges. The games are designed for local firefighters, police officers and paramedics, as well as their families and retired department members. The public can also come by to compete, mingle and get to know the heroes who serve the community.

The event doubles as a charity drive. Vigilant Watch, which collects money to help local first responders, is raising funds from the games. WTKR reported that this is the first year for the competition, which could quickly become a way to bond the community together through the power of sport.

"These are the men and women who take care of us so we wanted to take care of them," the Hampton Roads Sports Commission's Lauren Bland told the news provider. "We wanted to put together a week long event for them to build morale have fun and have some competitive flare with their men and women in uniform."

Annual party in many communities
Towns and cities around the nation held more traditional gatherings Oct. 5, for National Night Out. The Eagle, a Texas newspaper, spotlighted a few of the related parties from its region, with emergency responders in towns such as Wixon Valley and College Station meeting with the public in a relaxed environment where they could enjoy an outdoor dinner and good company. Each department adds its own twist to the night, with paramedics showing off a medevac helicopter and firefighters letting kids see real fire engines up close.

The news provider added that college students on campus at Texas A&M also got into the spirit. A chat between police and pupils, as well as a meet-and-greet with the K9 unit's friendly dog, set the tone for the gathering. Creating a connection between communities and their first responders is a great step to take, whether the area in question is a university, a rural town or a crowded city. Positive relations between the groups help morale and let emergency personnel know their efforts are appreciated when they put their lives on the line.

It's important that communities don't forget the important role first responders play in keeping their fellow citizens safe. These brave individuals are ready to risk their lives to protect and save others in times of crisis. When towns and cities come together to create tributes to their first responders, either to show support for those currently active or to honor the sacrifices of those who have passed on, it sends a valuable message that firefighters, police officers and EMTs have the support of their communities. Some examples of effective shows of support include the following:

Community bonds through mural
Large-scale art projects provide ways to show unity and bring people together, especially when many hands contribute. According to the Columbus Dispatch, one such effort is now underway in the town of Millersport, Ohio. The finished piece will be a mural carrying the imagery of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and the canvas is the wall of the Millersport Police Department. Students from the art club at Millersport High School are doing the painting themselves, based on an initial idea by Police Chief Mark Consolo.

The news provider added that the mural is set to be unveiled on the 11th, paying tribute to first responders' sacrifices on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. A local business, the Millersport Hardware Store, made a donation of the materials the students will need to finish the mural. The club members involved voiced their enthusiasm for the project, explaining they are happy to be involved with a public piece that will remain visible for years.

Memorial to firefighter honors all first responders
The town of Hamilton, Ohio, recently dedicated a more somber tribute to the sacrifices of emergency personnel, installing a memorial flagpole in memory of firefighter Patrick Wolterman, WHIO reported. Wolterman died in December 2015 while putting out a house fire. The new monument outside Fort Hamilton Hospital will serve to honor both Wolterman and all first responders serving in the county. Local EMS Coordinator Jennifer Mason explained that the death of a colleague moved her and others to raise funds and have the flagpole installed.

"The service, flag and flagpole represent the great partnership among Fort Hamilton Hospital, City of Hamilton and Butler County first responders," Hamilton Mayor Patrick Moeller said, according to WHIO. "The flag is a fitting tribute to those heroic people, including firefighters, EMT staff, police personnel and military personnel, who live and work for a higher purpose. Firefighter Patrick Wolterman fits that heroic standard."

Many project types available
Each community has its own first responders to honor, and residents can choose from a long list of public displays when they want to show they care. The important part is to create lasting monuments that cement bonds between fire, police and EMS departments and the populations they protect. The sacrifices and risks that come with these job descriptions are deserving of recognition and thanks.

While first responders perform difficult and dangerous work every day, they may go a long time without receiving thanks or support for their efforts. Some communities, however, have made concrete plans to rally around their firefighters, police officers and EMTs, letting them know that the services they provide are invaluable.

While such celebrations can seem downright understated – after all, first responders' jobs are about saving lives – appreciation can have an immense impact. Knowing that cities and towns are behind them and support the vital work they do can buoy emergency responders' spirits and forge strong bonds between communities and departments. The following are two examples of how these kinds of events can come together.

Family Fun Night in Gulfport
The Sun Herald, a Mississippi news source, described a recent gathering for Harrison County first responders and their families. The idea came from Mark and Alicia Powell, the proprietors of a party equipment rental business. When the couple called the police to help deal with an incident in which a renter refused to return an item, it served as a reminder of how much aid police, fire and EMT personnel provide to citizens every day. The Powells decided to organize a regional event showing the community's support for its first responders.

Since the couple behind the gathering rent out inflatable party equipment for a living, it was easy to set up a party that attendees' young children could enjoy. Despite rain, the party involved playtime for the kids and free food for everyone. The Sun Herald noted that a local youth group, WINGS for Performing Arts, put on a skit, and a fitness demonstration allowed guests to try a new kind of exercise set to music. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and local small businesses made the event possible by donating time and facilities.

Day of celebration declared in Winston County
In another example from the same state, Winston County declared a day of celebration for its first responders, according to local news station WTOK. In this case, Vowell's Market and Bennett's Do It Center decided to create a day that would highlight unity between the county and its police officers, firefighters, EMTs and sheriff's deputies. Louisville, Miss., police chief L.M. Claiborne explained why these events are so important.

"We're only as effective as a community will allow us to be and through their cooperation and working with us. I think it's important that we come out and meet them so they can put a name to the face," he told the news provider.

When communities band together to show their appreciation for fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel, they can choose from plenty of different gathering types. A meet-and-greet is one option, as is a dinner, carnival or talent-based event. The choice of agenda, however, is less important than ensuring that a forum exists for civilians and first responders to meet. Celebrating the aid these hard-working professionals give for their communities is always worthwhile.