Citizen Now First On-Scene

A story in the Boston Globe newspaper notes the technical advances in 911, including the handling of video, photos and text messages from citizens in the field. The newspaper notes that the concept of “first responder” has now changed–usually it means the police, fire, and rescue workers who come to the aid of victims. “But the digital age has given rise to a new kind of first-responder — ordinary citizens with cellphones, computers, and Internet access. These people leap into action without being asked. They shoot snapshots and video of ongoing disasters. And they set up instant social networks that provide vital information to the public, the news media, and even the government,” the newspaper writes.” Read more here.