VITAS® Healthcare is the first approved hospice provider to connect to FirstNet- the nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety. The company’s access to FirstNet enables VITAS employees to use the highly secure and reliable communications tool for patient care and assistance in any circumstance while in the field.
FirstNet is designed to improve communications across public safety entities nationwide, allowing first responders to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events or emergencies. This capability is integral to solving communications roadblocks that previously have been imposed on public safety agencies and first responders.
VITAS was selected to join FirstNet and utilize services because of the support the company provides to hospitals for both patient care and emergency preparedness. VITAS serves as an extended primary user– an organization or agency that could be called on during an emergency response to help support public safety. Eligibility for extended primary user status is rigorously reviewed before service is approved to help ensure that FirstNet’s unique capabilities remain dedicated to first responders and those who support them.
“We are honored to join FirstNet and be given the opportunity to serve our patients quickly, efficiently and securely,” said Nick Westfall, President and CEO of VITAS. “We applaud AT&T for the development of this innovative program and dedication to public safety.”