What’s the Deal With Fire & EMS Technology?

The progression, improvement, and availability of Fire and EMS technology is critical for modern day public safety agencies to protect their communities. This Q&A offers an insightful look into how Tyler Technologies, through its acquisition of Emergency Networking, is advancing fire and EMS services with innovative technology solutions.

Chris Schultheis, product manager at Tyler and former co-founder of Emergency Networking, has dedicated his professional life to public safety. He also serves as a firefighter with the Norwich Township Fire Department in Ohio. 

With decades of experience both in the field and on the tech side, we asked Chris a few questions about the future of fire and EMS and how Tyler’s Fire & EMS suite is positioned to be the comprehensive solution for every stage of an emergency call: before the phone rings, while the call and response is happening, and after it’s resolved.

Q: How has the role of technology evolved for fire and EMS over the last decade?

Chris: Technology in fire and EMS has grown rapidly. What used to require bulky, rugged hardware has shifted to more flexible and accessible tools like iPads and mobile apps. Departments now have smarter systems that improve communication, streamline documentation, and support faster decision-making in the field. AI is also playing a bigger role, regarding automating various processes. Most importantly, the quality of data available today is stronger than ever, giving fire chiefs and EMS leaders real insight to drive operational decisions, justify resources, and improve response across their communities.

Q: What do Fire & EMS agencies need right now? What are their biggest challenges?

Chris: One of the biggest challenges that we hear agencies are facing right now is fragmentation in their tools and systems. Many departments are juggling multiple platforms for documentation, communication, training, and patient care, which means logging into several different apps throughout a single shift. There’s a growing need for a more unified experience, ideally with single sign-on access across all the essential functions in one place.

Outside of software, departments are also facing major logistical and financial challenges, especially when it comes to equipment. The cost of fire trucks has skyrocketed, and the wait times to receive them are now measured in years, not months. Agencies are often paying upfront but not seeing the vehicles for two or three years due to ongoing supply chain issues that started during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s straining budgets and slowing down operations, and it's a problem that even lawmakers are starting to address.

Q: In your opinion, how can Tyler's Fire & EMS suite meet those needs?

Chris: Tyler’s Fire & EMS suite is aimed at helping departments solve both operational and strategic challenges by starting the movement to bring everything into one platform. For starters, it gives agencies the ability to track things like vehicle maintenance, mileage, and repair costs, so chiefs can make data-driven decisions about when it’s time to replace equipment. Instead of relying on guesswork or a set replacement cycle, they can show city government officials at their local city council meetings exactly how much a truck is costing and justify the investment in a new one with real numbers.

These offerings also help departments plan for the future. By tracking where calls are coming from, agencies can identify growing areas in the community and make the case for a new station location long before it’s urgently needed. Combined with response time data, this kind of insight supports better planning and improves ISO ratings, which directly affect insurance costs for residents.

On the admin side, the system generates the reports agencies need for annual grant applications, which can help them stay eligible for key funding. 

Q: Can you talk about the importance of prevention and operations for fire crews? How does being prepared change outcomes?

Chris: Prevention and operations are critical on both sides of the job, keeping the public safe and making sure crews stay healthy and able to respond. For the community, fire prevention efforts like inspections and pre-plans are the foundation. They make sure buildings are up to code and hazards are caught before they become emergencies. On the EMS side, there’s been a growing push toward prevention too, through programs like mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine. If medics are responding to the same patient multiple times, the goal is to connect that person with resources like safety improvements in the home or meal services. This is aimed at lowering the number of repeat 911 calls by increasing safety and providing direct solutions to on-going issues with residents in the community. 

There’s also a strong focus on firefighter health and safety. Tyler’s Fire & EMS suite includes a health exposure module that lets crews document exposure to things like smoke, chemicals, or blood on every incident. This module is not just about tracking, but the support of long-term health monitoring for first responders that can be used if issues pop up in future years. Departments are also using these tools to reinforce best practices, like decontaminating gear or showering within an hour after a fire.

Mental health is another critical part of prevention and operations. Agencies are starting to treat traumatic incidents as exposures too. Departments are building wellness into their station culture with workout areas, saunas, and other tools to keep crews both physically and mentally strong. Prevention isn’t just about stopping the next fire, it’s about making sure responders are ready for the next call and can go home safely at the end of their shift.

Q: Let's talk dispatch and response. What's the value of having a fast, strong dispatching system for fire and EMS?

Chris: Reliable dispatch is absolutely essential in fire and EMS. If it fails, it doesn’t just slow things down, it creates real risk. Crews rely heavily on dispatch systems to get accurate information fast, especially during mission-critical calls like structure fires or major medical events. If the CAD data isn’t flowing into their systems in real time, responders can find themselves in the dark en route to a scene which can be dangerous.

Strong dispatch integration isn’t just about response times; it’s about setting responders up for success before they even arrive. 

At the big-picture level, this kind of connected dispatch has the ability to help different agencies coordinate and share resources more effectively. In the end, it's about making the job easier and safer for crews while protecting life and property.

Q: Let's say the call is over, the fire is out, or the patient has been transported to the hospital. What makes reporting easier for first responders?

Chris: What makes reporting easier is simple: fewer clicks, more automation, and easy access to data anytime, anywhere. When systems are integrated and information flows in automatically like call details, pre-plan information, incident details, or possible exposures, responders spend less time typing and more time focusing on the next call.

With Tyler’s Fire & EMS suite, data from previous calls can be pulled forward into a new report. That’s especially helpful in EMS, where you might treat the same patient more than once. In that case, you can quickly access important medical details like medications, allergies, and history. On the fire side, truck times, incident details, and other info from dispatch flows directly into the report, saving time and reducing errors.

There’s also value in seeing the bigger picture. If a responder can quickly access a patient’s prior history within the system, it helps them make better decisions in the moment. 

At the end of the day, the more you can automate and connect, the more you support responders in doing their job quickly, safely, and accurately, without burying them in paperwork.

Q: How are first responders leveraging analytics these days?

Chris: Analytics are playing a huge role for fire and EMS agencies today, from grant funding and operational decisions to public transparency. One of the most immediate uses is supporting grant applications like AFG, where departments need to show detailed data on call types, volume, and response times to qualify for funding. It’s no longer just about collecting numbers; it’s about proving impact.

Departments are also using analytics to answer tough questions from city councils and communities. With younger, more data-savvy leadership and better informed citizens, expectations are high. Having fast access to clear, visual data helps fire chiefs and administrators make their case, whether it’s for a new fire truck, added personnel, or a new station in a high-call area.

These insights also inform real-time decision making. Mapping tools, for example, can pinpoint where overdoses are happening or highlight areas with repeated fire incidents, helping departments respond more strategically. In cases of suspected arson or identifying hot spots with rising call volumes, analytics can help validate the need for targeted responses.

At both the user level and administrative level, analytics help agencies improve quality control, monitor performance, and plan smarter, while the tools make it easy to access and act on the data.

Q: What does a “good day” look like for a Fire and EMS crew, and how does Tyler’s suite help make that possible?

Chris: A good day for a Fire or EMS crew is when everything just works. Systems are running smoothly, technology does what it’s supposed to do, and responders can focus on their jobs instead of fighting with software. Tyler’s Fire & EMS suite helps make that possible by simplifying both the input and output of data, making it quick and easy to document and access the information they need.

Strong client support also plays a big role. When something goes wrong, getting a real person on the phone quickly, someone who understands the urgency and can help solve the problem fast, is paramount. That kind of support helps crews feel confident and taken care of.

At the core, it’s about enabling safe, efficient work. When tools work as expected and crews aren’t bogged down by tech frustrations, they can stay focused on what matters most: responding to calls, protecting their communities, and getting home safe at the end of the shift.

Q: How do you think Tyler is shaping the next chapter of fire and EMS response?

Chris: Tyler Technologies offers a unique position in the fire and EMS tech space. Unlike many competitors acquired by private equity and potentially losing their original focus, Tyler brings the stability and reputation of a large company, while Emergency Networking adds agility and a personalized touch that is deeply focused in the needs of Fire and EMS.  

Tyler’s acquisition of Emergency Networking allows them to offer a robust solution that spans from CAD to ePCR, allowing agencies to improve efficiency and collaboration across the board. By learning from each other’s strengths, they’re streamlining internal processes and support, which directly benefits customers with faster problem resolution and better tools.

Clients get the best of both worlds: the innovation and nimbleness of a specialty company alongside the resources and reliability of a trusted industry leader. 

Overall, this collaboration is shaping the future by fostering innovation, improving efficiency, and providing clients with comprehensive, integrated solutions tailored to their evolving needs.

Fire & EMS: The Future is Bright

With Emergency Networking now part of Tyler, the future of fire and EMS response technology is stronger and more unified than ever. This integration combines the agility and specialized expertise of Emergency Networking with the scale and resources of Tyler, delivering comprehensive solutions that streamline data management and improve operational efficiency. Fire and EMS crews can benefit from seamless technology that supports their safety and decision-making in the field, backed by responsive client support. 

As Tyler continues to innovate, their commitment to collaboration and adaptability ensures clients receive the best of both worlds, cutting-edge tools with a personal touch. Together, they are shaping the next chapter in emergency response, helping communities stay safer and responders work smarter.

Explore Tyler's Fire & EMS Suite

From prevention and preparedness to reporting and administration, Tyler's Fire & EMS suite offers innovative tools to support public safety needs at every level.