AI Company ‘Prepared’ Is Translating 911 Calls in Real-Time to Help Non-English Callers

Prepared, a company specializing in 911 technology, is introducing a groundbreaking two-way audio translation feature for non-English emergency calls, potentially transforming how dispatchers handle diverse language needs in critical situations.

Innovative solution for language barriers: Prepared’s new technology aims to bridge the communication gap between non-English speaking callers and 911 dispatchers, addressing a growing need in an increasingly diverse United States.

• The feature automatically translates Spanish calls into English for dispatchers, allowing them to understand and respond to emergencies more efficiently.
• Dispatchers can type responses in English, which are then translated to Spanish and communicated through an AI-generated voice, ensuring clear two-way communication.
• This development is particularly significant given that nearly 20% of U.S. residents speak a non-English language at home, highlighting the importance of multilingual emergency services.

Addressing critical challenges in emergency services: The new translation feature tackles several pressing issues faced by 911 centers across the country.

• It helps alleviate staffing challenges at 911 centers by reducing the need for bilingual dispatchers or translation services.
• The technology aims to improve efficiency in handling non-English calls, potentially reducing response times and improving outcomes in emergency situations.
• Prepared reports that approximately half of non-English 911 callers hang up before completing their calls due to language confusion, a problem this new feature could significantly mitigate.

Expanding language capabilities: Prepared’s commitment to multilingual emergency services extends beyond this new audio translation feature.

• The company already offers text translation for over 140 languages, ensuring a wide range of linguistic support for emergency communications.
• Audio transcript translation is available for more than 30 languages, further enhancing the ability to handle diverse emergency calls.
• While the two-way audio translation currently supports Spanish, Prepared plans to add more languages to this service in the future, expanding its reach and impact.

Technological and financial backing: Prepared’s innovative approach to emergency services has garnered significant support from major players in the tech industry.

• The company has raised over $30 million in venture funding since its inception in 2019, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its mission and technology.
• Notable investors include Andreessen Horowitz, a leading venture capital firm, and Google’s AI investment arm, highlighting the potential impact of AI in emergency services.
• This financial backing suggests that Prepared is well-positioned to continue developing and expanding its translation services for emergency situations.

Potential impact on emergency response: The introduction of this technology could have far-reaching effects on the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency services.

• By reducing language barriers, the technology may lead to faster and more accurate emergency responses, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes.
• The system could help standardize the handling of non-English emergency calls across different regions, ensuring more consistent service regardless of local language resources.
• As the technology evolves and includes more languages, it could become an essential tool for emergency services in multicultural communities across the United States.

Looking ahead: Implications for emergency services: While Prepared’s technology offers promising solutions, its implementation and long-term effects on emergency services remain to be seen.

• The success of this technology will likely depend on its accuracy, reliability, and ease of integration into existing 911 systems.
• As AI-powered translation becomes more prevalent in emergency services, it may reshape training requirements for dispatchers and influence hiring practices in 911 centers.
• The technology’s ability to handle nuanced or emotionally charged conversations in emergency situations will be crucial to its widespread adoption and effectiveness.