Joint Statement of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch and Priority Dispatch Corp.

Like most everyone else in this field, we are intrigued and encouraged by the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies to enhance emergency dispatch, and by extension public safety overall.

Over the past 46 years, our scientifically developed medical, fire, police, and nurse triage protocols (automated logically by ProQA®), performance standards (embodied logically in AQUA®), specialized training and curriculum resources, and other methods and resources too numerous to list here—what we collectively refer to as the Unified Protocol System—have been the driving force behind the continuous evolution and improvement of emergency dispatch. Today, this spirit of invention and innovation continues as we actively explore, research, and evaluate how AI can be safely and responsibly integrated within this system.

These achievements did not come easily. They are the result of decades of commitment, focus, dedication, sacrifice, and plain, incremental, never-flagging hard work, and as it relates to the topic of AI, these well-earned achievements are clearly legally protected intellectual property.  

Amid the recent flurry of new AI-themed offerings, it has become apparent that some companies may have begun using our intellectual property—without authorization—to provide certain AI dispatch-related services to our users, whether for free (initially) or for hire.  

Specifically, these AI services have possibly used the various discipline protocols, ProQA®, AQUA®, written text, curriculum, Continuing Dispatch Education and College of Emergency Dispatch materials, and/or apparent logic and recording or software methods in, or as part of, AI services. In turn, these services claim to “teach,” direct, evaluate, and so on, emergency dispatchers, or assist QI personnel, supervisors, and managers, by audio listening, text transcription, or other representations of our intellectual property.  

These and any other unauthorized uses of intellectual property are strictly prohibited by IAED and PDC, unless a formal licensing agreement has been entered allowing the use of any or all of our intellectual property. This prohibition applies equally whether the IP is being incorporated, transcribed, translated or otherwise used directly by an entity providing AI services, or indirectly by an agency in the use or application of those AI services. PDC, as the exclusive distributor, cannot and will not allow any such use in any way, method, activity, or scheme to occur. We assume that this knowledge will be understood and treated with respect, thereby avoiding any further necessary action on our part.  

We value the partnerships and longstanding relationship with our agencies, and we understand the desire to improve emergency dispatch services, as well as the value of collaboration. However, we have a legal duty to protect our intellectual property and guard against its unauthorized use or misuse, and more importantly, we have a moral duty to maintain the integrity of the Unified Protocol System that is so critical for public safety, and which has served so well for almost half a century.

We value your ongoing support, mutual cooperation, collegiality, and friendship.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please direct any questions or inquiries to:  

Jerry Overton

President, International Academies of Emergency Dispatch

Jerry.Overton@emergencydispatch.org  

Chris Murdock

President, Priority Dispatch Corp.

Chris.Murdock@prioritydispatch.net