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Collaboration Between King County, Rave and OnStar Results in First-in-Nation Demonstration Delivering Automatic Crash Notification Data to a 9-1-1 Center


car crash

FRAMINGHAM, MA--Nov. 6, 2013: Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted partner for campus and public safety, today announced the successful delivery of telematics crash data to a King County, Washington Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Rave worked closely with public safety officials from King County, and leading telematics service providers including OnStar, to execute this first-of-its-kind demonstration.

Based on patented technology developed for Rave's acclaimed Smart911 public safety service – now used by emergency responders in more than 400 U.S. municipalities – the Smart911 Connect platform was shown to uniquely recognize 9-1-1 calls originated from vehicle telematics service providers. Smart911 then rendered rich data about the automatic crash notification directly on the 9-1-1 call taker's desktop screen. This process included converting the complex Vehicle Emergency Data Set (VEDS) into a format which could be readily interpreted by 9-1-1 personnel. This successful demonstration in a live 9‑1‑1 environment sets the stage for increased crash response capabilities nationwide.

"What we have accomplished here in King County is landmark. Together with Rave using Smart911 Connect and our existing Smart911 installation, we have pioneered automated delivery of critical crash data directly to a 9-1-1 call taker," said Marlys Davis, E9-1-1 Program Manager, King County, Washington. "The integration was straightforward and we are encouraged by the outstanding results. Now that this test was successful, our 9-1-1 centers have the technology necessary to receive live data from real accidents, which will improve the safety of King County residents."

Rave, King County and participating telematics data providers worked in close collaboration to determine how complex vehicle telematics information should be displayed to maximize the benefit delivered to personnel responding to a crash. After completing the design and creating anonymous test data, this technology was then integrated into King County's existing 9-1-1 infrastructure where the first successful demonstration in a live 9-1-1 call center was performed.

"The intent of the Vehicle Emergency Data Set is to establish a uniform data template for collection and transmission of vehicle crash information among multiple emergency responders," said Brian Fontes, CEO of NENA: The 9-1-1 Association. "NENA applauds this important step in enhancing the availability and delivery of data to telecommunicators and first responders."

"OnStar is committed to improving vehicle safety and the effective use of telematics data to improve crash responses," said OnStar's Cathy Bishop, Global Emergency Services Outreach and Strategy Manager. "The Smart911 Connect platform offers the potential for a simple yet powerful way to deliver this data directly to first responders."

"Seeing King County, OnStar and Rave work together with a common goal is rewarding. Together we've shown that we can improve the data available to call takers, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of emergency response," said the CEO of Rave Mobile Safety, Tom Axbey. "We commend King County for again demonstrating their leadership in using technology creatively to enhance public safety. It is also gratifying to see our patented Smart911 Connect platform delivering NG9-1-1 data in a production environment."