Stillwater Fire Department Leads the Way with Clinical Trial of EaseAlert Tactile Firehouse Alerting System
Stillwater Fire Department has taken a step forward in firefighter wellness and alerting technology. Located near Oklahoma State University’s respected Fire Service Training School, the department is participating in a clinical trial of EaseAlert: a tactile alerting system designed to reduce stress and improve response efficiency. Supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH/NHLBI) funding and led by the Center for Fire Rescue and EMS Health Research (CFREHR) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the trial reflects Stillwater FD’s commitment to exploring practical innovations that support firefighter health and performance.
This trial showcases a groundbreaking solution that reduces stress, sharpens response capabilities, and strengthens community protection. With follow-on expansion into Texas, innovative system updates, and key insights, Stillwater FD’s partnership with EaseAlert has helped to set the stage for the future of alerting technology.
The Toll of Traditional Alarms
Conventional firehouse alarms are a blunt tool: loud, disruptive blasts that jolt every firefighter awake, regardless of the call. These alarms spike heart rates by 47 beats per minute within 15-30 seconds (Barnard & Duncan, 1975) and elevate blood pressure by 18.7 mmHg (Busko, 2000), contributing to up to 14.1-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events during alarm response (Kales et al, 2007). Chronic stress from these disruptions is linked to a 43% increased risk of premature death (Keller et al, 2012). Audible alarms can also create operational challenges when individuals do not hear the alarm, slowing responses and undermining the mission to protect communities.
EaseAlert: Precision That Saves Lives
EaseAlert transforms the firehouse alerting system with wireless, vibration-based devices that deliver targeted, silent notifications only to the responders needed. By eliminating unnecessary wakeups, EaseAlert reduces stress-related health risks and preserves sleep, ensuring firefighters stay sharp and ready. This technology aligns with Stillwater FD’s legacy of excellence and its deep ties to Oklahoma State University’s fire training program.
Trial Outcomes: A New Era for Stillwater FD
The clinical trial demonstrated EaseAlert’s transformative potential for alerting in the firehouse:
Dr. Joel Billings (left), Co-PI for the clinical study, along with Elezar Tonev (right), EaseAlert’s Chief Technology Officer.
169% Improved Self-reported Health: Firefighters rated EaseAlert compared to audible alerting system to show how it affects their health (0 - Negative, 100 = Positive).
95% Agreed: EaseAlert is less startling than the audible alerting system.
90% Agreed: EaseAlert improves their response capabilities.
Market Momentum: Expanding Horizons
EaseAlert’s success is gaining traction throughout the United States. Stillwater FD is part of a growing movement, with installations across 8 states driving a shift toward safer, more efficient firehouse alerting systems.