DALLAS, June 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --
What's the news? In advance of the 2021 storm
season, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T* – the nation's only network
built by public safety, for public safety – is introducing "ROG the
Dog" animal assisted therapy to support public safety on the front
lines. This new initiative builds off of the launch of the FirstNet
Health & Wellness Coalition and reinforces our commitment
to Be There for America's first responders by further
supporting the health and well-being of those who serve their
communities each and every day.
Why is this important? Compared to the general
population, first responders experience higher rates of depression,
PTSD, burnout, anxiety and other mental health issues.1
In law enforcement, one study found a more than 20 year difference
in life expectancy compared to the average American
male.2 In addition, it's estimated 20-25% of all first
responders experience post-traumatic stress.3 Therapy
dogs are proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical
health. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can
improve coping and recovery, enhance morale, decrease stress, and
reduce the effects of PTSD and emotional distress.4 And
as public safety's partner, we have a responsibility unlike any
other wireless carrier to deliver for the first responder
community. That's why we've gone beyond our commitment to build and
operate FirstNet and are providing this unique type of support to
keep them mission ready.
What is ROG the Dog? Affectionately named after the
FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) – the team led by
former first responders that guides the deployment of the FirstNet
fleet of dedicated deployable network assets – ROG the Dog is
actually a fleet of trained Labradoodles who specialize in animal
assisted therapy for first responders. We're collaborating
with Global Medical Response (GMR) to provide the therapy dog
services, which are especially meant for times of crises following
natural or man-made disasters. GMR chose Labradoodles as
their therapy dog breed because of their temperament, they are
hypoallergenic, and well suited to providing calm and care in the
middle of chaos. The ROG the Dog initiative is currently comprised
of over 30 animals located across the U.S.
What is the FirstNet Response Operations
Program? To strengthen public safety's command and
control of their network, we launched the FirstNet Response
Operations Program in 2018. This program aligns with Homeland
Security's National Incident Management System with a
focus on life safety, incident stabilization and property
conservation. With FirstNet, public safety agencies have access to
a dedicated, nationwide fleet of 80+ land-based and airborne
portable cell sites, like FirstNet One – all at no additional
charge. The deployable network assets are designed to keep FirstNet
subscribers connected to the information they need, no matter where
their mission takes them. This allows first responders to make
rescues, communicate and coordinate their emergency response, or
aid in recovery, even in the hardest hit areas or most remote parts
of the country.
When public safety calls upon the FirstNet fleet for additional
support, the FirstNet Response Operations Group works with the
agency to assess the situation and either deploy an asset, or
identify and provide alternate solutions that could better serve
public safety – such as expediting network restoration, quickly
turning-up indoor coverage, and now, providing therapy dog services
following a crisis. So far this year, public safety has requested
support more than 125 times for planned and emergency events
covering everything from COVID-19 vaccination centers to
winter storms.
How can public safety request ROG the Dog? Agencies on
FirstNet can request ROG the Dog in the same way they request an
asset from the FirstNet fleet. And just like the fleet, ROG the Dog
is available at no additional charge. Simply, call 1-800-574-7000
or contact their FirstNet Solutions Consultant and the Response
Operations Group team will work with you to determine if your
request meets the requirements for therapy dog services.
What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide,
high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and
purpose-built for America's first responders and the extended
public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the
first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks,
FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with
AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder
Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency
within the federal government. With more than 16,000 public safety
agencies and organizations subscribed – accounting for more than
2.2 million connections nationwide5 – the
FirstNet network is providing first responders with truly dedicated
coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like
always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14
spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law
enforcement and more save lives and protect their communities.
Where can I find more information? For more about
the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out
FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet
news.
What people are saying:
Jason Porter
President, Public Sector
and FirstNet, AT&T
"Nothing is more important than the
lives of first responders and the people they serve. That's why
we're bringing ROG the Dog to the front lines for the men and women
who run toward emergencies. We understand the service these
everyday heroes provide to our communities does not come without
burden and personal sacrifice. Serving public safety is our
mission, and it's an honor to grow FirstNet beyond delivering
innovative new technologies and mission-centric features, but
also helping ensuring that those who put their lives on the line
are at their best day in and day out."
Rhonda Kelly
National Director, Health, Wellness and Resilience, GMR
Life
Executive Director, All Clear Foundation
"Emergency response work has always been challenging, demanding so
much from those sworn to protect our communities. Recent years have
increased those challenges and stressors, in many cases
significantly increasing the mental, emotional and physical tolls
on responders. We are proud to partner with FirstNet to provide
additional supports during the times when responders need them
most, giving back to those who give so much for us."
1 Purvis, M., Fullencamp, L. & Docherty, M.
(2020). Animal Assisted Therapy on Law Enforcement Mental Health: A
Therapy Dog Implementation Guide. Bowling Green University.
2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4734369/
3
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf
4 Tedeschi, P. and Jenkins, M. (2019). Transforming
Trauma: Resilience and Healing through our connections with
animals. Purdue University
Press.
5 As of April 2021.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and
service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other
marks are the property of their respective owners.
*About AT&T Communications
We help family,
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@ATT innovate to improve lives.
AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For
more information, please visit us at att.com.
©2021 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and
service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other
marks are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE AT&T Communications