In a new 12-year partnership with intelligent mobility solutions company Miovision, Harris County emergency medical services will now be able to develop quicker routes to destinations in the northwest area during an emergency.
The breakdown
Miovision is the provider of Opticom, a cloud-based system that recognizes first responder vehicles at traffic signals and changes signals to ensure emergency vehicles are able to clear intersections in a timely manner.
While Harris County implemented a similar system in 2007 to provide more streamlined communication between traffic signals and first responders, a number were damaged or destroyed due to multiple severe storms and weathering.
With the cost too high for individual first responder agencies to afford replacing the sensors and keep up with the cost of maintenance, the new system was adopted by seven emergency services districts in northwest Harris County as an alternative.
"When we saw Miovision’s Opticom system, it was a no-brainer. The fact that we don't need resources committed to supporting the day-to-day operation of the system is a godsend because in public safety, you never have enough money and you never have enough people," Mike Pate, project manager at Harris County ESD 16, said. "With the new system, we'll know within minutes after [first responders] finish their work whether the intersection is back up or not. The visibility of the system's effectiveness was an instant sell with the chiefs."
How it works
According to Miovision officials, the software will work with existing equipment in fire and EMS vehicles and centralize route information and signal change needs.
"Northwest Harris County exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that will define public safety infrastructure for the next generation," Miovision CEO Kurtis McBride said. "Moving to a hardware-free, cloud-based system gives these agencies the operational confidence, cost predictability, and data-driven tools they need to protect their communities long into the future."
The system will be in place at 437 intersections across northwest Harris County, and will be utilized by seven ESDs across the Spring, Cy-Fair and Cypress areas.
