The CCT Podcast

How are artificial intelligence, next-generation emergency calling systems and cross-border cooperation shaping the future of emergency response?

In this episode of the Critical Communications Today Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Benoit Vivier, Public Affairs Director at the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), at Critical Communications World (CCW).

Benoit discusses EENA's work to improve emergency response across Europe and beyond, highlighting the importance of connecting emergency calling systems with the critical communications networks used by first responders.

The conversation explores the development of the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), the evolution of Next Generation 112, and the need for greater interoperability between countries, including the UK's ongoing role in European emergency communications.

They also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in emergency call centres, from real-time translation and transcription to noise reduction and dispatch support, alongside the practical, ethical and regulatory challenges of implementing these technologies.

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Jason Day, Deputy Director of DRONERESPONDERS, joins CCT to discuss how drone technology is transforming public safety operations, from search and rescue and disaster response to securing some of the world’s largest events. 

Drawing on decades of experience in aviation and his work helping to build one of the largest public safety UAS programmes in the US, Jason explains how drones are now being integrated into complex, layered airspace alongside helicopters, aircraft and commercial drone operations.

With the FIFA World Cup bringing huge crowds across multiple US host cities, the conversation explores the role drones and counter-UAS technology will play in protecting stadiums, fan festivals, training sites and other major gathering points.

Recorded at Critical Communications World, this episode looks at how drones have moved from emerging technology to an increasingly vital part of modern public safety operations.

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CCT speaks with Brad Morell, Director for Network Technology Operations and International Engagement at the First Responder Network Authority, and Mathew Walsh, Head of Public Safety Product at AT&T, about the evolution of FirstNet and the future of public safety communications.

Brad reflects on his three decades in public safety, including his experiences around the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics and the response to 9/11, and how communications failures helped drive the creation of a nationwide dedicated broadband network for first responders.

Together, Brad and Mathew discuss the partnership behind FirstNet, the continuing challenge of interoperability, the importance of international collaboration, and how technologies including IoT and AI could help make communications increasingly seamless for emergency services.

Ultimately, their ambition is simple: first responders should be able to focus on the incident in front of them, while the technology they rely on simply works.

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What will the next generation of mission-critical communications look like — and how can networks work seamlessly across borders?

In this episode of the CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason is joined by Ultan Mulligan, Chief Services Officer at ETSI, and Ari Toivonen, Chair of ETSI TC CCS and Chief Specialist at Erillisverkot, to discuss ETSI’s newly established Technical Committee on Critical Communications Systems.

Recorded at Critical Communications World, the conversation explores the move towards mission-critical broadband and 5G-based systems, the continuing role of TETRA, and the work required to create interoperable communications between countries.

They also discuss the relationship between ETSI and 3GPP, the importance of testing and certification, lessons from cross-border TETRA deployments in the Nordic countries, and why EUCCS could help create a more consistent critical communications ecosystem across Europe and beyond.

For emergency services and other critical users, the ultimate ambition is straightforward: when networks and people need to work together, the technology should simply work.

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Recorded at Critical Communications World 2026, host Philip Mason speaks with Brooks Shannon about how mapping, location data and spatial intelligence can support faster and safer emergency response.

The conversation explores the potential of indoor mapping to locate people inside large or complex buildings, guide responders directly to an incident and help protect firefighters working in smoke-filled or unfamiliar environments. Brooks also discusses the importance of accurate, specialist mapping data for control rooms, emergency call handling and frontline teams.

From locating callers who cannot describe where they are to improving shared situational awareness across multiple agencies, the episode considers how better location intelligence could help emergency services make quicker, more informed decisions when every second counts.

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In this episode of The CCT Podcast, Philip Mason speaks with Stanley Song, Vice President of Hytera, about how AI could shape the next stage of critical communications.

The conversation explores how AI-powered tools could support emergency response, from helping control rooms manage repeated calls during major incidents to live translation for call takers and frontline teams.

Stanley also discusses Hytera’s wider approach to critical communications, including the continued role of TETRA, the shift towards broadband and MCX, and how technology providers are moving beyond devices to support more complete operational solutions.

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In this episode of The CCT Podcast, CCT Editor Philip Mason speaks with Mladen Vratonjic, former Chair of the TCCA Board, during his final Critical Communications World as chair.

Reflecting on 11 years leading TCCA, Mladen discusses how the critical communications sector has evolved from fragmented radio ecosystems towards more global, standardised and interoperable communications. He explores TCCA’s role in bringing critical communications into the 3GPP standardisation process, the growing importance of public safety, and why cross-border cooperation is becoming increasingly vital across Europe.

The conversation also looks at the development of Critical Communications World, the progress of initiatives such as EUCCS, and the challenges facing the sector as it moves towards broadband critical communications. Mladen shares why resilience, trust and realistic expectations will be essential as the industry continues to develop technologies that people rely on when lives are at stake.

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What happens when someone needs emergency help in another country, and you’re the only person who can raise the alarm?

In this episode of The CCT Podcast recorded at BAPCO, Louis Fraser-Wilson from the London Ambulance Service discusses international emergency call coordination, life inside ambulance control rooms, and the growing importance of global interoperability between emergency services.

The episode also explores a remarkable real-world case where a call to 999 in London helped save the life of a man in Canada.

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Phil Mason is joined by Darryl Keen and Matt Leat to reflect on BAPCO 2026

In this episode of the Critical Communications Today podcast, BAPCO Journal Editor Phil Mason sits down with Darryl Keen (Vice-Chair & Trustee, BAPCO) and Matt Leat (Trustee, BAPCO) for a wrap-up discussion at the close of BAPCO 2026. 

Recorded live at the event, this conversation reflects on two busy days of networking, innovation, and insight across the public safety communications sector. The discussion explores key themes from the exhibition, including the growing momentum behind ESN, the importance of collaboration, and the increasing focus on wellbeing and people within a technology-driven environment.

The episode also highlights the value of global partnerships, emerging technologies, and the role of BAPCO in supporting and developing professionals across the sector. This is the first episode in a new live podcast series recorded at BAPCO 2026, with more conversations and insights to come.

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Heather McGaffin, Director of the Office of Unified Communications in Washington, D.C. joins the CCT Podcast live from BAPCO to discuss one of the most demanding periods her team has faced.

From a presidential inauguration and state funeral to extreme weather and a major aviation tragedy, Heather shares how her team managed continuous high-pressure events and the leadership lessons that followed.

The conversation explores emergency communications, staff wellbeing, crisis leadership, and why people must remain at the heart of public safety technology.

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