LAPLACE — Acadian Ambulance joined FirstNet, connecting its medics and ambulances to the nationwide public safety broadband network. The tech upgrade equips Acadian’s EMS personnel with new capabilities and reliable access to critical information while in the field, so they can better serve patients.

“Our connected medical devices share important information with hospitals,” said Joey Branton, director of Technology for Acadian Ambulance. “From voice and data to photos and video, being able to send that information while en route to the hospital is crucial. It can make the difference in getting patients to the proper treatment centers and, ultimately, saving lives.

“Whether it’s during a routine call, a widespread disaster or even just a large event, FirstNet gives us the connectivity we need to give patients the best possible care.”

Acadian Ambulance is using handheld devices and mobile gateways in its ambulances to keep EMS personnel connected to FirstNet. This lets them tap into the benefits of the public safety network, like always-on priority and preemption, a separate and highly secure communications platform, and access to a dedicated applications ecosystem.

FirstNet is helping to improve communications among Acadian’s medics. During mass-casualties and large events, Acadian has already seen the advantages of using FirstNet in the field. It’s helped them to operate smarter, faster and safer.

“We’re only going to see an increased need for sharing more and more data in near real time,” Branton added. “With wide-scale adoption, FirstNet can make solutions that we’ve only dreamed of a reality.”