There have been lots of heart-pounding Hollywood hits that have showcased the tasks and lives of a section of our society. Ladder 49, anyone? The people in this section can be truly termed as unsung heroes. No Google Search results, how-to YouTube videos, or generative AI can come even close to replacing them and performing their tasks. That’s the brave section of First Responders. Without them, chaos and mayhem are guaranteed during emergencies. That’s their value.
But is society doing enough for first responders? And it’s not mere monetary compensation. There’s a lot more we can do for them. Businesses managing first responders must empower these capeless heroes with access to the best of technologies. One such technology that can have a direct positive impact on the work of first responders is Unified Endpoint Management (UEM).
In this blog, we will address how a UEM solution can help manage first responder devices effectively and efficiently. We will delve into the UEM features that enhance first responders’ services so they can execute their tasks in the most demanding environments.
Who Are First Responders?
Well, first responders are not really harbingers of good news. But by the time they’re done, there’s relief (‘situation under control’) most of the time; except some ‘reinforcements required’ scenarios. First responders have many categories. Below are a few typical types of first responders.
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Paramedics
- Firefighters
- Law Enforcement
- Rescue & Evacuation (Disaster Management)
| As per the US Homeland Security Presidential Directive, “The term ‘’first responder’ refers to those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers.” |
Whether things are under control or reinforcements are needed, the situational awareness and dedication of first responders are unparalleled. That’s why they need the right devices to improve their operational effectiveness.
What Devices Do First Responders Use?
First responders perform their tasks in the most challenging and harshest environments, which are, at times, even life-threatening. While advancements in technology allow for the incorporation of features such as location tracking and GPS into devices like smartphones or tablets, there is a significant challenge to address. The adverse conditions in which these dedicated individuals operate are often unfriendly to standard electronic devices.
Hence, it is crucial to equip them with resilient purpose-built, rugged devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, etc., that can withstand tough conditions. First responder devices need to be sturdy as well as agile and should be able to resist sudden impacts, temperatures, water, dust, and more such environmental parameters. In addition, their device specifications, like battery life, display, etc., must be industry-grade.
Why First Responders Must Use Rugged Devices?
Rugged devices are specifically engineered to function effectively in challenging environments. As integral tools for emergency services, they frequently operate in diverse scenarios, spanning firefighting, emergency medical services, coastguard rescues, and mountain operations. These situations frequently entail unforeseen events and elevated stress levels, necessitating devices with superior capabilities compared to standard commercial smartphones.
Advantages of Rugged Devices
In the working circumstances of first responders, rugged devices offer plenty of benefits—both for end users and IT professionals managing these devices.
- Reliable connectivity facilitates nearly instant communication, enhancing the speed of decision-making processes.
- High-resolution displays enable information access in adverse conditions.
- 100% operability with protective gear, including thick gloves.
- Durability and dependability in extreme climates, remaining functional even after brief submersion in water.
- Extended battery life complemented by replaceable batteries or fast charging options.
- Near real-time location information (a key feature).
- Integration with cloud computing and AI, enhancing mapping efficiency.
UEM for First Responder Devices
As the name suggests, ‘unified’ endpoint management supports a host of endpoints and devices. These can then be managed by IT teams with a minimum of fuss and complete control. All the endpoints are brought under one purview—the UEM console or dashboard.
Rugged device management with a UEM solution is a win-win. End users, i.e., first responders, are empowered with the right devices to perform their tasks. Businesses or agencies managing first responders get to streamline their operations.
Key UEM Features Tailored for First Responder (Rugged) Devices
Here are some UEM features that are the best cut for managing first responder devices on the field.
A. Quick Enrollment (with Multiple Options)
Enrolling your devices marks the initial phase in transforming them from ordinary devices into effectively managed ones. The smoother the enrollment process, the more convenient it becomes. UEM solutions offer effortless enrollment methods, ensuring a trouble-free onboarding experience for all your devices or endpoints.
Some widely common enrollment options include:
- OOB (out-of-the-box) or Zero-touch Enrollment
- Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME)
- ROM-based (UEM) Enrollment
- QR Code Enrollment
- Email/SMS Enrollment
- 7-Tap Enrollment
- BYOD Enrollment (in rare cases when first responders need to use their personal devices on the field)
B. Remote Troubleshooting
First responders are often on the move, and the ability to troubleshoot and update devices remotely is invaluable. UEM provides administrators with the capability to troubleshoot devices efficiently, regardless of their physical location.
C. Customizable Policies and Profiles
Different roles within the first responder community require tailored policies. UEM enables administrators to create and enforce customizable policies and profiles, ensuring each device is optimized for its specific function.
D. Application Management and Whitelisting
Applications play a crucial role in first responder operations. UEM facilitates the management of applications, allowing administrators to whitelist specific applications for enhanced security and performance.
E. Geofencing & Location Tracking
Real-time location tracking is essential for optimizing response times. UEM includes features such as geofencing and location-tracking, providing administrators with the capability to monitor and coordinate first responders effectively.
F. Maximum Security
In the world of first responders, secure and encrypted communication channels are non-negotiable. UEM ensures the establishment of security protocols such as passcode policies, encryption, factory reset protection (FRP), and BYOD containerization, among others. These help safeguard sensitive information and ensure reliable device access.
In the kind of circumstances in which first responders perform, chances of device loss, permanent damage, or theft are high. This is where another critical UEM feature comes to the rescue. With a UEM solution, admins can remotely lock and wipe a lost, damaged, or stolen device. Thus, even if the device falls into the wrong hands, the data in it remains untouched.
G. Compliance & Reporting Capabilities
a. Regulatory Compliance
First responder communications are subject to stringent regulatory requirements. UEM aids organizations in staying compliant by automating tracking and reporting features, ensuring all communication aligns with regulatory standards.
b. Comprehensive Reporting
UEM goes beyond basic management by offering comprehensive reporting capabilities. IT administrators can generate detailed reports on device performance, compliance, and other key metrics, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Manage Your First Responder Devices with Scalefusion UEM
Rugged devices prove to be the optimal choice for first responders, given the critical nature of their tasks and the challenging conditions they frequently encounter. Nevertheless, incorporating these devices into your enterprise is not enough on its own; you require effective solutions to safeguard both your devices and data, especially if they end up in unauthorized hands.
Scalefusion UEM simplifies the entire rugged device management process. It guarantees that first responders can focus on addressing emergencies without unnecessary concerns about the security and performance of their rugged devices.
| Scalefusion UEM supports OEMConfig to manage rugged devices. |
Contact our experts to learn about how Scalefusion UEM can empower first responders. Sign up for a 14-day free trial now!
