In the interview, Zach Levali, CTO of Rapid SOS, discusses how AI technology enhances emergency response by providing real-time data integration, language translation, and administrative support to 911 call centers, thereby improving efficiency and addressing staffing challenges. He also highlights the importance of collaboration, privacy, and upgrading legacy systems to expand interoperability and save more lives through smarter emergency services.
In this insightful interview on Sea Suite Unscripted, Maggie McGrath speaks with Zach Levali, CTO of Rapid SOS, a company revolutionizing emergency response through AI technology. Rapid SOS works with over 5,700 911 call centers across the U.S., integrating data from phones, wearables, vehicles, and connected buildings to provide emergency responders with richer, faster, and more accurate information. Their goal is to modernize the emergency response ecosystem, ensuring that critical resources are deployed efficiently and that responders have a clearer picture of the situation before arriving on scene.
Zach explains that while AI is not used to replace human interaction on emergency 911 calls, it plays a crucial role in supporting telecommunicators by filtering and translating information, especially in multilingual scenarios. For example, AI can auto-detect languages and provide real-time translations to help call takers communicate effectively with callers who switch between languages. Additionally, AI assists in administrative tasks, such as handling non-emergency 311 calls, freeing up human operators to focus on urgent emergencies. This approach helps address staffing shortages and improves overall response times.
Rapid SOS also partners with major technology companies like Apple, Google, and car manufacturers to integrate automatic crash detection and health data into their platform. This collaboration allows emergency services to receive alerts and vital information even when a 911 call is not made, such as when a person is unconscious after a car accident. The company emphasizes the importance of trust and privacy, ensuring that sensitive data remains within emergency agencies and is not used to train AI models externally, maintaining public confidence in the system.
A significant challenge Zach highlights is the complexity of upgrading legacy emergency infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted service—akin to “rebuilding a plane while it’s in flight.” He stresses the importance of collaboration among responders, agencies, and private partners to foster innovation and improve interoperability across jurisdictions. Rapid SOS aims to expand its network and solve technological silos in more states, enhancing coordination and information sharing during emergencies that cross municipal boundaries.
Zach’s career journey from co-founding a sports technology startup to leading engineering at Athena Health and eventually becoming CTO at Rapid SOS reflects his passion for leveraging technology to improve lives. He shares valuable leadership insights, emphasizing the need to harness team wisdom and gradually implement change without disrupting existing systems. Looking ahead, Zach hopes Rapid SOS will double its connected safety network and help more states overcome interoperability challenges, ultimately saving more lives through smarter, faster emergency response.