Latest news with #CRG
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SaferWatch and CRG Unite to Enhance School Safety in Florida Schools with Advanced Mapping Integration
Integration of Critical Response Group's Cutting-Edge Maps into SaferWatch Platform Boosts Emergency Response in Florida Schools and Around the Nation FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SaferWatch and Critical Response Group (CRG) today announced a new partnership and integration of CRG's critical incident mapping technology into the SaferWatch Command Center platform for thousands of schools in the State of Florida. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Duval County School District, and Pinellas County School District, some of the State's largest districts, highlight the utilization of SaferWatch and CRG. This collaboration provides 911 dispatchers, school police, and first responders with instant access to detailed digital maps of every school campus – improving situational awareness and communication during emergencies when every second counts. Florida Schools and Florida 911 Centers have implemented this joint solution to aid in compliance with Florida House Bill 301 (2023), to assist local first responders in responding to emergencies in public schools by providing emergency response mapping data. "Our mission at SaferWatch has always been to bridge the information gap between the public and first responders," said Geno Roefaro, CEO of SaferWatch. "Integrating CRG's state-of- the-art maps into the SaferWatch platform takes that mission to the next level. Now, when an emergency alert is triggered on a campus, whether it's an active threat or a medical crisis, our 911 centers, police and first responder partners can immediately see exactly where it's happening and what resources are nearby. This kind of live situational intelligence is a game- changer – it means faster, more precise responses and ultimately safer outcomes for our schools, students and teachers." SaferWatch is a safety and security platform that has been used successfully throughout the State of Florida for the past 5 years which enables real-time communication between schools and law enforcement, including mobile panic alerts, two-way incident reporting, anonymous tips, mass notifications and more. Its 11-in-1 platform has been credited with helping prevent numerous incidents, including at least 13 planned school attacks since its launch. SaferWatch is widely adopted by thousands of schools, municipalities, agencies and 911 centers/PSAPs across the country, providing services to over 6,000 locations and 200+ public safety agencies. Founded by U.S. Special Operations veterans and public safety experts, CRG creates precise, high-resolution maps of building interiors and campuses – known as Collaborative Response Graphics® – that integrate floor plans, aerial imagery, and key emergency assets into one common operating picture. These visual tools allow all responders to "speak the same language" and coordinate effectively during a crisis. CRG is both the national leader in critical incident mapping and the leader in the State of Florida. CRG has mapped more than 2,500 schools in 54 counties across every region of the State, including counties like Escambia, Leon, Alachua, Duval, Brevard, Sarasota, Pinellas, Orange, Collier, St. Johns, and Miami-Dade. "CRG is interested in partnering with school safety companies that have a proven record of integrating their software thoroughly with a school district's public safety partners," said Mike Rodgers, CEO of CRG. "For a school map to be useful to first responders, it needs to be accurate, accessible, and understandable under stress. CRG ensures every school map we create is accurate and understandable, while SaferWatch provides one of the best integrations available to ensure school maps are accessible to front-line first responders." The integration works seamlessly: the moment a 911 call or panic alert is received from a school, the SaferWatch Command Center will pull up CRG's digital map for that campus in real- time, highlighting the precise location of the incident along with critical details. CRG's maps include room numbers, entry/exits, and important safety assets (like AEDs, Stop The Bleed kits, fire extinguishers, cameras and alarm systems), so first responders know exactly where to go and what to expect upon arrival. All of this information is shared across agencies through the SaferWatch platform without any new software required, as CRG's mapping data is compatible with the existing systems used by schools, police and 911 centers. Key features of the integration include: Live Campus Mapping: When an emergency alert or 911 call is triggered at a school, an up-to-date digital map of that campus automatically displays in the SaferWatch Command Center for dispatchers and responders, showing the precise location of the incident within the building or grounds. Room-Level Detail & Points of Interest: CRG's maps provide clearly labeled classrooms, offices, hallways and entry/exit points, as well as icons for important safety assets (e.g. first aid kits, defibrillators, fire alarms, cameras). This granular detail gives first responders pinpoint guidance to navigate complex school facilities. Unified Communication Platform: All stakeholders – 911 operators, local police, school district police, and other first responders – share the same real-time view and updates through the SaferWatch platform. This common operating picture eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is coordinating using identical information. Incident Updates: As an incident unfolds, any new information (e.g. a suspect's movement, areas secured, or students evacuated) can be annotated on the map and instantly disseminated to responders. This helps Incident Commanders adjust tactics on the fly as situations change. This powerful integration is designed to assist in a range of school emergency scenarios. In the case of a critical security threat like an active shooter, police can form a rapid action plan using the digital floorplans to contain the attacker and guide evacuations. For medical emergencies, dispatchers can direct school staff to the nearest lifesaving equipment (such as an AED and Stop The Bleed kit) while paramedics en route visualize exactly where to go upon arrival. By providing instant access to accurate campus maps, the SaferWatch-CRG integration reduces delays and confusion during critical incidents. About SaferWatch SaferWatch is a leading provider of safety and security software, offering a comprehensive platform for real-time incident reporting, mass notifications, and emergency communication. The platform connects citizens, schools, businesses, and public agencies on one network, enabling features such as anonymous tip submission, live video streaming to real-time crime centers, mobile panic alarms, and two-way messaging with law enforcement. SaferWatch has expanded to serve thousands of locations across the U.S., and has been instrumental in averting crimes and enhancing emergency preparedness at schools, public venues, workplaces, and major events. For more information, visit About Critical Response Group (CRG) Critical Response Group, Inc. is the nation's premier provider of critical incident mapping data for public safety. CRG's flagship product, Collaborative Response Graphics® (CRGs), combines gridded overlays with detailed floor plans, true-to-scale aerial imagery, and site-specific labels of key features to produce highly accurate maps usable under stress. These maps have been adopted by first responders and school districts nationwide to enhance coordination and situational awareness during crises. CRG has mapped over 20,000 schools across the country and partnered with numerous agencies to streamline emergency response – from everyday incidents to complex multi-agency operations. For more information on CRG's mission and technology, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SaferWatch Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SaferWatch and CRG Unite to Enhance School Safety in Florida Schools with Advanced Mapping Integration
Integration of Critical Response Group's Cutting-Edge Maps into SaferWatch Platform Boosts Emergency Response in Florida Schools and Around the Nation FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SaferWatch and Critical Response Group (CRG) today announced a new partnership and integration of CRG's critical incident mapping technology into the SaferWatch Command Center platform for thousands of schools in the State of Florida. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Duval County School District, and Pinellas County School District, some of the State's largest districts, highlight the utilization of SaferWatch and CRG. This collaboration provides 911 dispatchers, school police, and first responders with instant access to detailed digital maps of every school campus – improving situational awareness and communication during emergencies when every second counts. Florida Schools and Florida 911 Centers have implemented this joint solution to aid in compliance with Florida House Bill 301 (2023), to assist local first responders in responding to emergencies in public schools by providing emergency response mapping data. "Our mission at SaferWatch has always been to bridge the information gap between the public and first responders," said Geno Roefaro, CEO of SaferWatch. "Integrating CRG's state-of- the-art maps into the SaferWatch platform takes that mission to the next level. Now, when an emergency alert is triggered on a campus, whether it's an active threat or a medical crisis, our 911 centers, police and first responder partners can immediately see exactly where it's happening and what resources are nearby. This kind of live situational intelligence is a game- changer – it means faster, more precise responses and ultimately safer outcomes for our schools, students and teachers." SaferWatch is a safety and security platform that has been used successfully throughout the State of Florida for the past 5 years which enables real-time communication between schools and law enforcement, including mobile panic alerts, two-way incident reporting, anonymous tips, mass notifications and more. Its 11-in-1 platform has been credited with helping prevent numerous incidents, including at least 13 planned school attacks since its launch. SaferWatch is widely adopted by thousands of schools, municipalities, agencies and 911 centers/PSAPs across the country, providing services to over 6,000 locations and 200+ public safety agencies. Founded by U.S. Special Operations veterans and public safety experts, CRG creates precise, high-resolution maps of building interiors and campuses – known as Collaborative Response Graphics® – that integrate floor plans, aerial imagery, and key emergency assets into one common operating picture. These visual tools allow all responders to "speak the same language" and coordinate effectively during a crisis. CRG is both the national leader in critical incident mapping and the leader in the State of Florida. CRG has mapped more than 2,500 schools in 54 counties across every region of the State, including counties like Escambia, Leon, Alachua, Duval, Brevard, Sarasota, Pinellas, Orange, Collier, St. Johns, and Miami-Dade. "CRG is interested in partnering with school safety companies that have a proven record of integrating their software thoroughly with a school district's public safety partners," said Mike Rodgers, CEO of CRG. "For a school map to be useful to first responders, it needs to be accurate, accessible, and understandable under stress. CRG ensures every school map we create is accurate and understandable, while SaferWatch provides one of the best integrations available to ensure school maps are accessible to front-line first responders." The integration works seamlessly: the moment a 911 call or panic alert is received from a school, the SaferWatch Command Center will pull up CRG's digital map for that campus in real- time, highlighting the precise location of the incident along with critical details. CRG's maps include room numbers, entry/exits, and important safety assets (like AEDs, Stop The Bleed kits, fire extinguishers, cameras and alarm systems), so first responders know exactly where to go and what to expect upon arrival. All of this information is shared across agencies through the SaferWatch platform without any new software required, as CRG's mapping data is compatible with the existing systems used by schools, police and 911 centers. Key features of the integration include: Live Campus Mapping: When an emergency alert or 911 call is triggered at a school, an up-to-date digital map of that campus automatically displays in the SaferWatch Command Center for dispatchers and responders, showing the precise location of the incident within the building or grounds. Room-Level Detail & Points of Interest: CRG's maps provide clearly labeled classrooms, offices, hallways and entry/exit points, as well as icons for important safety assets (e.g. first aid kits, defibrillators, fire alarms, cameras). This granular detail gives first responders pinpoint guidance to navigate complex school facilities. Unified Communication Platform: All stakeholders – 911 operators, local police, school district police, and other first responders – share the same real-time view and updates through the SaferWatch platform. This common operating picture eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is coordinating using identical information. Incident Updates: As an incident unfolds, any new information (e.g. a suspect's movement, areas secured, or students evacuated) can be annotated on the map and instantly disseminated to responders. This helps Incident Commanders adjust tactics on the fly as situations change. This powerful integration is designed to assist in a range of school emergency scenarios. In the case of a critical security threat like an active shooter, police can form a rapid action plan using the digital floorplans to contain the attacker and guide evacuations. For medical emergencies, dispatchers can direct school staff to the nearest lifesaving equipment (such as an AED and Stop The Bleed kit) while paramedics en route visualize exactly where to go upon arrival. By providing instant access to accurate campus maps, the SaferWatch-CRG integration reduces delays and confusion during critical incidents. About SaferWatch SaferWatch is a leading provider of safety and security software, offering a comprehensive platform for real-time incident reporting, mass notifications, and emergency communication. The platform connects citizens, schools, businesses, and public agencies on one network, enabling features such as anonymous tip submission, live video streaming to real-time crime centers, mobile panic alarms, and two-way messaging with law enforcement. SaferWatch has expanded to serve thousands of locations across the U.S., and has been instrumental in averting crimes and enhancing emergency preparedness at schools, public venues, workplaces, and major events. For more information, visit About Critical Response Group (CRG) Critical Response Group, Inc. is the nation's premier provider of critical incident mapping data for public safety. CRG's flagship product, Collaborative Response Graphics® (CRGs), combines gridded overlays with detailed floor plans, true-to-scale aerial imagery, and site-specific labels of key features to produce highly accurate maps usable under stress. These maps have been adopted by first responders and school districts nationwide to enhance coordination and situational awareness during crises. CRG has mapped over 20,000 schools across the country and partnered with numerous agencies to streamline emergency response – from everyday incidents to complex multi-agency operations. For more information on CRG's mission and technology, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SaferWatch Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
North Wales Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
DNA ‘barcodes' shed light on how the blood ages
It is hoped the discovery could help prevent illnesses such as blood cancer or heart disease before symptoms appear. It could also pave the way for the exploration of therapies that slow down or reverse ageing, researchers suggested. The study, published in the journal Nature, identified stem cells that gradually take over blood production between the ages of 50 and 60. These cells, known as 'clones', prefer to produce myeloid cells, a type of immune cell linked to chronic inflammation. Young people have between 50,000 and 200,000 stem cells, which are responsible for replacing between 100 billion and 200 billion blood cells every day. 'As we age, some of these stem cells disappear and their function needs to be taken over by others, which then expand,' said Dr Lars Velten, group leader at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona. 'And by the age of 50 or 60, we get these clones. This is a group of cells that stem from the same mother stem cell. 'And these clones are important because they are first step in leukaemia formation, and they also contribute to inflammation, because the blood cells that derive from them are emitting molecules that fuel the inflammation process, and therefore there's also this link to heart disease risk.' According to Dr Velten, tracking every blood cell back to its original stem cell has been possible only in animal research. His team looked at changes in the chemical tags, known as methylation marks, attached to DNA. Theses tags help cells know which genes to switch on and off, and when a stem cell divides, methylation marks are copied to its daughter cells. 'This is sort of like having a unique barcode for every cell when we're young, and then this barcode identifies all the descendants, all the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of these cells as we age,' Dr Velten added. To read these 'barcodes', scientists developed a technique known as EPI-Clone. They used it to reconstruct the history of blood production in both mice and humans, tracing which stem cells contributed to making blood. In older mice, EPI-Clone showed that blood stem cells comprised just a few dozen large clones. The pattern was also found in humans, with larger clones taking over blood production from age 50. This discovery could one day allow doctors to look at how a patient's blood is ageing, potentially years before diseases develop, researchers suggested. Dr Alejo Rodriguez-Fraticelli, also group leader at IRB Barcelona, said: 'The idea is that this could be an early intervention tool for cancers, starting with blood cancers, where we know that expansions in these stem cells identify individuals that are at risk of developing blood malignancies.' The study also found many of the dominant clones produced myeloid cells, which are linked to chronic inflammation. Research using mice has shown removing these particular clones can rejuvenate blood stem cells. Researchers are hopeful the tool could pave the way for the exploration of rejuvenation therapies in humans as it allows for scientists to pinpoint problematic clones. Dr Rodriguez-Fraticelli added: 'If we target the expanded clones, there may be the hope that we may ablate them and then let the diversity of the hematopoietic system, the blood regeneration system, really rejuvenate.' Dr Velten said: 'If we want to move beyond generic anti-ageing treatments and into real precision medicine for ageing, this is exactly the kind of tool we need. 'We can't fix what we can't see and for the first time, EPI-Clone can facilitate this for humans.'
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
DNA ‘barcodes' shed light on how the blood ages
It is hoped the discovery could help prevent illnesses such as blood cancer or heart disease before symptoms appear. It could also pave the way for the exploration of therapies that slow down or reverse ageing, researchers suggested. The study, published in the journal Nature, identified stem cells that gradually take over blood production between the ages of 50 and 60. These cells, known as 'clones', prefer to produce myeloid cells, a type of immune cell linked to chronic inflammation. Young people have between 50,000 and 200,000 stem cells, which are responsible for replacing between 100 billion and 200 billion blood cells every day. 'As we age, some of these stem cells disappear and their function needs to be taken over by others, which then expand,' said Dr Lars Velten, group leader at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona. 'And by the age of 50 or 60, we get these clones. This is a group of cells that stem from the same mother stem cell. 'And these clones are important because they are first step in leukaemia formation, and they also contribute to inflammation, because the blood cells that derive from them are emitting molecules that fuel the inflammation process, and therefore there's also this link to heart disease risk.' According to Dr Velten, tracking every blood cell back to its original stem cell has been possible only in animal research. His team looked at changes in the chemical tags, known as methylation marks, attached to DNA. Theses tags help cells know which genes to switch on and off, and when a stem cell divides, methylation marks are copied to its daughter cells. 'This is sort of like having a unique barcode for every cell when we're young, and then this barcode identifies all the descendants, all the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of these cells as we age,' Dr Velten added. To read these 'barcodes', scientists developed a technique known as EPI-Clone. They used it to reconstruct the history of blood production in both mice and humans, tracing which stem cells contributed to making blood. In older mice, EPI-Clone showed that blood stem cells comprised just a few dozen large clones. The pattern was also found in humans, with larger clones taking over blood production from age 50. This discovery could one day allow doctors to look at how a patient's blood is ageing, potentially years before diseases develop, researchers suggested. Dr Alejo Rodriguez-Fraticelli, also group leader at IRB Barcelona, said: 'The idea is that this could be an early intervention tool for cancers, starting with blood cancers, where we know that expansions in these stem cells identify individuals that are at risk of developing blood malignancies.' The study also found many of the dominant clones produced myeloid cells, which are linked to chronic inflammation. Research using mice has shown removing these particular clones can rejuvenate blood stem cells. Researchers are hopeful the tool could pave the way for the exploration of rejuvenation therapies in humans as it allows for scientists to pinpoint problematic clones. Dr Rodriguez-Fraticelli added: 'If we target the expanded clones, there may be the hope that we may ablate them and then let the diversity of the hematopoietic system, the blood regeneration system, really rejuvenate.' Dr Velten said: 'If we want to move beyond generic anti-ageing treatments and into real precision medicine for ageing, this is exactly the kind of tool we need. 'We can't fix what we can't see and for the first time, EPI-Clone can facilitate this for humans.'
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
‘Barcodes' in the DNA could prevent disease and slow down ageing, researchers say
Scientists have discovered "barcodes" within DNA that reveal how blood ages, potentially paving the way for preventing age-related illnesses like blood cancer and heart disease before symptoms emerge. The research, published in the journal Nature, also suggests the possibility of developing therapies to slow or even reverse the ageing process. The study pinpointed specific stem cells, referred to as "clones," that progressively dominate blood production as individuals age, typically between 50 and 60. These clones preferentially generate myeloid cells, a type of immune cell associated with chronic inflammation. This shift in blood cell production could be a key factor in the development of age-related diseases. In younger individuals, a diverse pool of 50,000 to 200,000 stem cells is responsible for replenishing a staggering 100 billion to 200 billion blood cells daily. The discovery of these DNA "barcodes" offers a new understanding of how this intricate system evolves over time and how age-related changes might contribute to disease. 'As we age, some of these stem cells disappear and their function needs to be taken over by others, which then expand,' said Dr Lars Velten, group leader at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona. 'And by the age of 50 or 60, we get these clones. This is a group of cells that stem from the same mother stem cell. 'And these clones are important because they are first step in leukaemia formation, and they also contribute to inflammation, because the blood cells that derive from them are emitting molecules that fuel the inflammation process, and therefore there's also this link to heart disease risk.' According to Dr Velten, tracking every blood cell back to its original stem cell has been possible only in animal research. His team looked at changes in the chemical tags, known as methylation marks, attached to DNA. Theses tags help cells know which genes to switch on and off, and when a stem cell divides, methylation marks are copied to its daughter cells. 'This is sort of like having a unique barcode for every cell when we're young, and then this barcode identifies all the descendants, all the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of these cells as we age,' Dr Velten added. To read these 'barcodes', scientists developed a technique known as EPI-Clone. They used it to reconstruct the history of blood production in both mice and humans, tracing which stem cells contributed to making blood. In older mice, EPI-Clone showed that blood stem cells comprised just a few dozen large clones. The pattern was also found in humans, with larger clones taking over blood production from age 50. This discovery could one day allow doctors to look at how a patient's blood is ageing, potentially years before diseases develop, researchers suggested. Dr Alejo Rodriguez-Fraticelli, also group leader at IRB Barcelona, said: 'The idea is that this could be an early intervention tool for cancers, starting with blood cancers, where we know that expansions in these stem cells identify individuals that are at risk of developing blood malignancies.' The study also found many of the dominant clones produced myeloid cells, which are linked to chronic inflammation. Research using mice has shown removing these particular clones can rejuvenate blood stem cells. Researchers are hopeful the tool could pave the way for the exploration of rejuvenation therapies in humans as it allows for scientists to pinpoint problematic clones. Dr Rodriguez-Fraticelli added: 'If we target the expanded clones, there may be the hope that we may ablate them and then let the diversity of the hematopoietic system, the blood regeneration system, really rejuvenate.' Dr Velten said: 'If we want to move beyond generic anti-ageing treatments and into real precision medicine for ageing, this is exactly the kind of tool we need. 'We can't fix what we can't see and for the first time, EPI-Clone can facilitate this for humans.'
