The CCT Podcast

How can AI help emergency operators hear through chaos when every second matters?

In this episode of The CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Mette Carstensen, CEO & Co-founder of Augmented Hearing, about the real-world impact of AI-powered audio technology in emergency communications.

Mette shares powerful stories from emergency call handlers, including a rescue in Iceland where clearer audio helped dispatch a helicopter significantly sooner, alongside wider discussions around operator stress, hearing protection, situational awareness, and the future of AI within public safety environments.

The conversation also explores how technologies like Sharpi are helping emergency services improve clarity during high-pressure calls involving wind, traffic, crowds, distress, and other challenging background noise, while still preserving the critical sounds operators need to hear.

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Philip Mason speaks with Fire Chief Dan Munsey on prevention-first thinking, wildfire risk, and the cultural shift needed across public safety.

In this episode of the CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason, Editor of Critical Communications Today, sits down with Fire Chief Dan Munsey of San Bernardino County Fire to explore one of the biggest challenges facing public safety today: how we rethink our approach to wildfires.

Drawing on his experience and testimony before Congress, Munsey challenges some of the most widely accepted assumptions around wildfire risk, what he calls the “lies we tell ourselves as truth.” From mislabelling wildfire crises to misunderstanding the role of technology, he outlines why the real issue is not response, but prevention.

Munsey also shares insights into how leadership, policy, and public perception must evolve, shifting focus from reacting to emergencies to preventing them in the first place.

For the latest critical communications news, features and analysis, visit Critical Communications Today at www.criticalcomms.com

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In this episode of The CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Anne Campbell-Gunn, Founding CEO of Three Nines, the charity supporting children and families affected by trauma, crisis and major incidents.

Anne shares how the organisation works alongside emergency services to provide early trauma-informed support for children impacted by incidents involving the “blue lights”, from crime and major emergencies to deeply life-changing events. The conversation explores the emotional realities faced by families, the importance of early intervention, and how emergency services can better support children during traumatic situations.

The episode also looks at threenines’ new Calm & Care Kits, designed to help reassure and distract children during incidents, alongside the wider collaboration taking place across the emergency services community.

A powerful and thoughtful discussion on trauma, resilience, emergency response, and the human impact behind critical incidents.

Find out more about Three Nines Children's Charity at 👉 https://threenines.org.uk

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Filmed live at BAPCO 2026, Philip Mason speaks with Aaron Page about the balance between innovation and control in AI adoption.

This episode covers:
• The risks of moving too quickly, or too slowly
• AI in control rooms (transcription, translation, triaging)
• Data quality, governance, and ethical considerations
• The role of humans in AI-supported decision making
• Lessons from global public safety organisations

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How can technology help police forces work more effectively together, reduce administrative burdens and improve frontline operations?

In this episode of The CCT Podcast, we speak with Edward Preece, Chief Operating Officer at the Police Digital Service, about the role digital transformation is playing across UK policing.

Recorded at BAPCO 2026, Edward explains how Police Digital Service supports forces across the UK through national standards, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and interoperability initiatives. He discusses the benefits of shared digital platforms, the growing role of AI, and how technology can help officers spend more time policing and less time navigating administrative processes.

The conversation also explores the future of policing, including plans for a proposed National Police Service, the importance of user-centred technology design, and why collaboration between policing, government and industry is essential to delivering modern public safety services.

For the latest critical communications news, features and analysis, visit Critical Communications Today at www.criticalcomms.com

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In this episode of The CCT Podcast, we speak with David Shorland, UK & Ireland Country Manager and Sales Director at Motorola Solutions, recorded live at BAPCO.

The conversation explores how technology is helping emergency services communicate more effectively, respond faster, and ultimately keep both frontline personnel and the public safer. David discusses Motorola Solutions' evolution from a communications company into a broader public safety technology provider, integrating radio networks, software platforms, video systems, and artificial intelligence into a connected ecosystem.

They also examine the growing role of AI in critical communications, from removing background noise in emergency calls and radio transmissions to helping operators quickly identify important information within vast amounts of video footage. The discussion highlights how these technologies can support decision-making in high-pressure situations while maintaining the vital role of human oversight.

David shares insights into the challenges facing public safety organisations today, including the need for integrated solutions, ethical use of AI, and the future of communications technology as the sector continues to evolve.

Recorded at BAPCO, this episode offers a fascinating look at how innovation is shaping the future of emergency response and public safety communications.

For the latest critical communications news, features and analysis, visit Critical Communications Today at www.criticalcomms.com

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