In the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting tragedy, Dr. Maria Bell, an oncologist from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pivoted her virtual reality surgical company to address a glaring need — providing first responders with life-saving building maps during emergencies.
“First responders are also able to use their renderings while in training,” Bell explained in a recent interview. “Those models are available 24/7 for first responders to train in or do debriefings, and they’re deployable through the current dispatch software to the field.”
Bell’s company, Digital Twin Imaging, uses laser scanning to create stunningly accurate 3D virtual models of schools, public buildings and soft targets. The renderings allow responders to virtually walk through and familiarize themselves with the interiors before arriving on scene.
“The renderings are created using LiDAR technology or laser scanning,” Bell said. “The technology can bring details along with accurate measurements into the hands of emergency personnel to allow for a quicker response.”
The impact is profound. Tests with a SWAT team showed those using the 3D maps reached targets in under 30 seconds, compared to over 7 minutes for those without them. Dickinson County, Iowa has already adopted the technology for its schools, seeing drastic response time improvements.
As Bell stated: “First responders love it.” Her revolutionary visualization tool is poised to save countless lives during crisis situations.
