Now imagine that you're a paramedic and you're trying to get information about your patient to the doctors who will take care of them at the hospital. You run into the same problem.

Without a program like our Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) division's partnership with FirstNet and the federal First Responder Network Authority, those two vastly different communications needs would be treated the same by the network, neither given priority over the other.

While most of the time networks can handle both without any issue, they can get congested in major emergencies, causing communication delays that can be costly.

“Communication during an emergency can literally save lives," ECN's wireless broadband program manager Melinda Miller said. “It is the No. 1 reason plans fail or succeed in the field."

A project 11 years in the making will ensure first responders have the option to use a network just for them, without needing to compete for access in an emergency. Earlier this year, FirstNet completed building two dozen network towers across Minnesota specifically for public safety.

“Public safety deserves its own network," Miller said. “We have different needs than a regular member of the public. FirstNet gives us that."

ECN first began working with FirstNet in 2012; however, the recent tower construction will increase connectivity across greater Minnesota. The program is meant to supplement voice communication, offering affordable and reliable internet access, even in rural areas. While nothing beats ECN's Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system for voice communication, FirstNet offers first responders unparalleled data services.

The network allows first responders to reliably and securely access the internet and use phone apps to perform vital job duties such as:

• Transmitting and receiving sensitive patient data.
• Accessing photos and real-time audio and visual feeds.
• Searching criminal and motor vehicle databases.
• Following GPS maps and travel directions.

While the terms of the initial state plan have been met, FirstNet will continue developing the network. Technology is always evolving, and the network will evolve with it.

“Seconds matter in an emergency," ECN Director Dana Wahlberg said. “Giving first responders a dedicated fast lane on the network to have the ability to coordinate an appropriate response will save precious time that will help save the lives of Minnesotans."

Visit our website to learn more about how ECN makes sure first responders can stay connected during an emergency.