Washington Can Continue Its Leadership on Lifesaving Innovation

There is perhaps no more admirable position than that of a first responder. These women and men put their lives on the line to ensure our safety, day in and day out. In Washington, we are lucky to have some of the best first responders anywhere in America, who are trained to handle any number of unique circumstances or events. Whether it’s freezing winters or summer wildfires, our first responders constantly put themselves in harm’s way to keep Washingtonians safe.

For that reason, we must ensure our first responders are equipped with every tool at our disposal so that they can both effectively do their jobs to keep us safe and return home safely at night themselves. Fortunately, new and revolutionary technology that can help our first responder communities emerges regularly. And oftentimes, this innovative technology comes as the result of public-private partnerships, where we can harness the creativity and power of America’s private sector with the resources of our government.

One such partnership is the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority – or BARDA – program, which has spurred collaborations like one between Philips and Oregon Health & Science University that combines artificial intelligence with ultrasound technology. This project will allow first responders to quickly analyze situations in real time during their treatment of patients in the field.

This technological advancement allows first responders to analyze ultrasound images immediately using handheld devices, including ones small enough to fit inside our pockets. Whether it’s assisting first responders in triaging patients during a catastrophic event or any of the dire situations they face in their daily work, the ability to more quickly and efficiently process images, diagnose internal injuries, and treat patients will undoubtedly save lives and improve the effectiveness of first responders in the field. Not only can this help first responders treat patients, but it can help first responders should they suffer an injury in the line of duty.

With advancements like these, it is easy to see the benefits of public-private partnerships and the positive effect they can have on our communities. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray is in a unique position to see that these public-private partnerships receive the support necessary to further innovate. Further, as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committees, these types of partnerships that can directly benefit first responders, the military, and those on the front lines are directly in Senator Murray’s purview.

The future success of our innovation depends, in large part, on having strong advocates in the halls of Congress for programs like the one between Philips and Oregon Health & Science University that came as a result of BARDA. Senator Murray has proven to be a great champion of public-private partnerships during her time in the United States Senate and knows the value they can bring.

As evidenced through BARDA and other programs, the benefits that innovation can have for health and safety cannot be overstated. We can continue building on the success private sector companies like Philips and others have had with continued investment by Congress. With advocates like Senator Murray, who knows what could be the next great innovation that will result in countless future lives being saved.

Alec Berg, PA