The United States and Canada launched last week an initiative designed to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and situational awareness technologies during critical incidents. Officials representing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and Canada's Defence Research and Development Canada Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS) said the effort stems from a desire to ensure next generation first responders are better connected, protected and fully aware during emergencies. "Canadian and American responders have very similar requirements," John Merrill, DHS S&T's director of the Next Generation First Responder Apex Program, said. "By jointly determining research and development priorities between the two countries, we can reach our goal faster and more efficiently, eliminating duplication of effort and optimizing funding." Over the course of the next two years, the countries will collaborate on new research and development projects, hold joint workshops and field experiments and share best practices and lessons learned to ensure the safety and effectiveness of first responders and the public.