April 21, 2023
Vector Solutions Launches Its Guardian Tracking Solution For Fire Service And EMS Agencies
Industry:
EMSFireSolution:
EMSFireGuardian TrackingThe industry leading Guardian Tracking solution, already used by more than 1,200 law enforcement customers, is now available for Fire and EMS agencies
Tampa, FL, April 20, 2023 – Today, Vector Solutions, the leading provider of impactful technology solutions dedicated to training, preparing, and retaining first responders and other licensed professionals in the world’s most critical industries, announced the launch of its Guardian Tracking solution for Fire Service and EMS agencies. Guardian Tracking is a performance management and early intervention solution that equips first responders with a process for consistent feedback and positive recognition, and helps identify those in need of intervention before an adverse event takes place. The solution has already been widely utilized across the law enforcement and 911 emergency communications and will now be available to the full spectrum of first responders.
Therefore, addressing how the role the mental and physical health of our first responders plays in day-to-day situations is essential for continuing to protect and serve the public. Both physical and mental health remain critical issues for all first responders. Though the physical dangers for first responders are more obvious, the overall dangers and risks do not end in the field of duty. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation estimates that there are between 100 and 200 firefighter deaths by suicide each year, double the rate of the general population. According to Jeff Dill, founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, as of April 24, 2023, the organization has validated a total of 1888 suicides, 96% of which occurred between 2000 and present day. In 2023 alone, FBHA has validated 24 firefighter losses and six EMS losses. The FBHA was founded in 2010 and offers education to firefighters, EMS and dispatcher personnel, and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, addictions, moral injury, as well as losses to suicide. Additionally, according to the PTSD 911 documentary, 34% of police officers, up to 24% of 911 dispatchers, and up to 24% of firefighters suffer from PTSD. Addressing the risk to first responder physical health is also of utmost importance as increasing evidence validates the risk of developing cancer over time for those in the fire service.
To help address these challenges, Guardian Tracking’s unique Early Intervention (EI) software identifies trending behaviors and potential issues that may stem from triggering events. The software easily notifies supervisors of EI flags, tracks exposures and sends notifications when thresholds are met allowing them to act quickly. Additionally, 24/7 web-based access makes it easy to provide systematic feedback and peer-to-peer or supervisor-to-personnel recognition in order to build a desirable, productive workplace. Implementing an early intervention system like Guardian Tracking enables public safety agencies to focus on increasing communication, transparency and retention.
Other benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Better Safety and Wellbeing – When EI flags are added, supervisors who know their team can make the best decisions on how to help (mental health days, rest, counseling, training, etc.).
- Protect the Health and Well-Being of Personnel – Through exposure tracking, at-risk first responders are flagged in the system for increased screening. In addition, proactive health screenings assure that first responders receive the healthcare they need.
- Attract and Retain Top Talent – Recognizing positive performance is one of the most powerful tools a manager can use to create a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
“At Vector Solutions, our mission is to serve frontline workers and everyday heroes by delivering intelligent software solutions that empower them to make decisions and take actions that positively impact themselves and their community,” said Jonathan Cherins, CEO at Vector Solutions. “We are thrilled to offer the Guardian Tracking solution to Fire Service and EMS agencies to equip more public safety personnel with tools to support behavioral health programs, exposure tracking and proactive health screenings, and a platform for consistent feedback and recognition for all first responders. Early intervention systems help identify those in need of intervention before an adverse event takes place, making a tremendous difference in the lives of first responders and the communities they serve.”
“Guardian Tracking offered us an opportunity to strengthen our recognition procedures and ensure better consistency in our documentation, said Tyler Grace, Fire Management Analyst at Buffalo Grove Fire Department. “We have a high overtime volume and young lieutenants bouncing from one station to another who may not have consistent insight to pick up behavior patterns, whether negative or positive.”
Guardian Tracking can be viewed in action this week (April 24-29, 2023) at FDIC International, North America’s leading firefighter conference, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attendees can find more information at Vector Solutions booth #1912.
For more information, visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/solutions/guardian-tracking/
ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS for FIRE & EMS
Vector Solutions for Fire & EMS is the industry leader in training and workforce management technology that enables Fire and Rescue Departments to meet their demanding training, compliance, and preparedness objectives. The Vector Solutions public safety suite of products includes software for training management, policy distribution, personnel scheduling, critical incident and exposure tracking, and promoting a positive department culture. Its online course library includes more than 450 hours of fire department training with 250+ hours of CAPCE-approved EMS recertification courses. Trusted by 10,000 public safety agencies and 2 million first responders, Vector’s purpose-built technology streamlines the full lifecycle of personnel management because readiness saves lives. For more information about Vector Solutions for Fire & EMS, visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/industries/public-safety/. ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS
Vector Solutions is the leading provider of impactful technology solutions dedicated to driving safer, smarter, better decision-making in the world’s most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, risk communication, operational readiness, and more. Vector’s unique combination of information and technology – delivered when and where it is needed – is integral to our more than 34 thousand clients looking to achieve better outcomes and safeguard lives. Vector is committed to providing resources to support those who need them most and launched a collection of free courses on critical mental health and safety topics through Vector Cares. For more information, visit www.vectorsolutions.com. For access to free Vector Cares courses visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/about-us/vector-cares/