In a significant advancement for emergency services, Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA) announced on December 15, 2025, that the Charles County Fire & EMS in Maryland has successfully improved its emergency response times through the deployment of Zebra’s ET85 rugged tablets. This initiative aims to digitize and automate workflows, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency in life-or-death situations.

2. Transforming Emergency Operations

Charles County Fire & EMS operates a vast emergency response system that manages approximately 29,000 fire and EMS calls each year. With a structure comprising 15 fire departments, 16 EMS organizations, and a specialized Dive-Rescue Team, the department faced substantial challenges, including outdated equipment and inefficient dispatching processes. The introduction of Zebra’s ET85 tablets marks a pivotal change in their operational landscape.

Speeding Up Response Times

“Seconds matter in emergencies,” emphasized Chief Mark Kaufmann Jr. of Charles County Volunteer Fire & EMS. He highlighted that the ET85 tablets allow responders to receive call notifications up to 45 seconds faster than traditional radio broadcasts. This advantage is crucial in emergency scenarios, where every second can significantly impact outcomes.

3. Features of Zebra's ET85 Tablets

Zebra's ET85 tablets are purpose-built for the rigorous demands of emergency services. These rugged devices offer numerous features that enhance the capabilities of first responders:

Durability: Engineered for field use in demanding environments, the tablets withstand the rigors of emergency response.

GPS-Driven CAD Integration: This feature enables real-time data access and immediate updates, allowing EMS teams to document patient care directly from the field.

Operational Efficiency: By facilitating faster dispatch updates and streamlined documentation, the tablets reduce administrative burdens, allowing teams to focus on patient care.

Improved Accuracy: Crews can record arrival and staging times directly into the CAD system, minimizing errors associated with manual radio updates.

Enhanced Mobility: The tablets can dock and undock from vehicles in seconds, enabling personnel to transition to foot operations swiftly.

4. Collaboration for Seamless Integration

The successful deployment of the ET85 tablets was made possible through a partnership with Zebra's ISV and solution partner, Winn Solutions. This collaboration ensured a seamless rollout, involving pre-imaging, mounting, and thorough testing to guarantee that the crews could begin utilizing the devices with minimal disruption to their operations.

5. Commitment to Ongoing Support

Zebra Technologies is committed to supporting Charles County’s emergency responders through its OneCare™ support program. This initiative includes proactive battery replacement and device coverage, ensuring that the county’s fleet of tablets remains operational and effective at all times. Following the initial deployment, the county refreshed its tablet fleet in 2024, demonstrating a continued commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology in emergency services.

6. Future Integration Plans

Looking ahead, Charles County Fire & EMS is planning to integrate the ET85 tablets with a new incident management platform tailored for large-scale emergencies. This advanced platform will utilize high-resolution cameras to capture and share real-time images with emergency managers, enhancing situational awareness during natural disasters and other critical incidents.

7. Key Takeaways

The deployment of Zebra’s ET85 rugged tablets has significantly improved emergency response times for the Charles County Fire & EMS, impacting operations across 15 fire departments and 16 EMS organizations.

Enhanced workflows foster accurate and error-free data reporting, supporting public trust and transparency in emergency response efforts.

Zebra Technologies continues to empower frontline operations with innovative solutions that facilitate faster and more efficient emergency responses.

8. Conclusion

Zebra Technologies is at the forefront of transforming emergency response capabilities through advanced technology solutions. By partnering with organizations like Charles County Fire & EMS, Zebra demonstrates its commitment to enhancing public safety and operational efficiency in critical situations. As the company continues to innovate, it promises to be a vital player in the future of emergency management.

Original press release