GM Ventures Invests in 911 Crash Response Tech

With the goal of accelerating next-generation 911 technology for quick crash response notifications, GM Ventures has committed to help fund a $40 million Series B investment round for RapidDeploy, a public safety technology company. 

The investment will enable RapidDeploy — and OnStar Emergency Services, a leader in safety and security services in 911 centers across jurisdictions within the U.S. — to help improve the public safety community’s situational awareness with a cloud-native, data-driven solution.

OnStar and RapidDeploy kicked off an innovative program earlier this year. The mission was to supply every 911 call center in California with OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response notifications. Using built-in sensors on vehicles with an active OnStar service plan, OnStar Automatic Crash Response notifications can help detect a moderate-to-severe crash and send notifications directly to 911 Centers via RapidDeploy RadiusPlus maps.

Moreover, the technology activates without having to rely on the driver or passengers relaying information verbally, including the location, make and model of the vehicle, and available crash details.

Most significantly, the technology also indicates the likelihood of severe injury and whether the vehicle involved in a crash is electric — providing first responders with information they need to respond safely, and quickly rescue occupants, when applicable.

When a moderate-to-severe crash is detected, OnStar Automatic Crash Response can also automatically connect to a specially trained Emergency-Certified Advisor, who can offer help if an OnStar member is involved in a crash. OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisors are Emergency-Medical-Dispatch-certified and can provide medical assistance until help arrives, ensuring members will not face the emergency alone.

The increased availability and speed of incident data into the hands of responders is a game-changing improvement, say first responders. Having as much information as possible as personnel respond to an incident is paramount to not only providing the best emergency services, but also to improving responder incident awareness and safety, note experts.