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Applied Intelligence Division (A.I.D.)

Applied Intelligence Division (A.I.D.)

Human-centered tools. AI that stays in the support role.

The Applied Intelligence Division (A.I.D.) at Disaster Response Services (DRS) focuses on
calm, careful use of technology to support training, preparedness, and operations —
not to replace responders, dispatch, or human judgment.

Projects like A.I.D.E.N., CERT Companion AI, and other tools
are designed to help people learn, practice, and make sense of complex information in a safer,
more accessible way.

What the Applied Intelligence Division does

A.I.D. exists to quietly support the rest of DRS. The goal is not flashy technology for its own
sake, but practical tools that help people learn, prepare, and communicate more clearly.

  • Develops AI-supported training tools for residents, CERT, and responders.
  • Builds digital companions that reinforce classroom content and local plans.
  • Helps translate complex concepts into plain-language checklists and guides.
  • Explores mapping, planning, and information tools that are human-friendly.

Everything is built with safety, ethics, and trauma-awareness in mind. If a tool cannot be
used safely or clearly, we re-think it or set it aside.

What A.I.D. tools are not for

  • Not a replacement for 9-1-1 or official dispatch.
  • Not a substitute for licensed medical or mental health care.
  • Not a way to bypass local emergency managers or ICS.
  • Not a surveillance system or data-harvesting project.

DRS encourages users to treat these tools as planning and training supports, not as
stand-alone decision makers during an emergency.

Key tools in the A.I.D. ecosystem

These projects are being developed and refined with real-world training and community feedback.
Each is designed to support people before, during, or after training — not to replace it.

A.I.D.E.N.

Applied Intelligence Disaster Education Network

A calm, trauma-aware assistant that helps explain preparedness, training topics,
and DRS programs in plain language for adults and youth.

  • Answers common questions about DRS classes and tools.
  • Helps people review key concepts learned in training.
  • Provides checklists and planning prompts in simple terms.

CERT Companion AI

Support for Community Emergency Response Teams

A learning and planning companion for CERT members and coordinators. Built to
reinforce official CERT guidance and local procedures.

  • Helps review CERT skills and concepts between classes.
  • Assists with planning drills, exercises, and outreach events.
  • Provides reminder checklists and talking points for teams.

Learning Management & Digital Courses

A growing system of short, focused modules that complement in-person training
and help learners come prepared for skills practice.

  • Pre-course primers for First Aid, TECC, CERT, and more.
  • Follow-up modules that reinforce core concepts.
  • Future integration with A.I.D.E.N. and CERT Companion.

Planning & Scenario Support

Carefully guided use of AI to help trainers and agencies think through scenarios,
plans, and exercises, always anchored to real-world guidance.

  • Scenario ideas for drills and tabletops.
  • Draft checklists and plan outlines to refine with local experts.
  • Support for after-action reflection and lessons learned.

Media, Translation & Accessibility

Exploring ways to make preparedness content more accessible through multiple
languages, reading levels, and formats.

  • Plain-language rewrites of complex material.
  • Support for translated and culturally appropriate content.
  • Companion materials for Paws for Life and youth projects.

Principles and guardrails for A.I.D.

DRS treats AI as something that must be handled with care. Tools are designed,
tested, and adjusted with safety and human dignity at the center.

  • Support, not command: tools assist human decision makers, not replace them.
  • Plain language: responses are written to be understandable, not full of jargon.
  • Trauma-aware: content avoids graphic detail and respects lived experience.
  • Data respect: tools are not built to harvest or sell personal data.
  • Transparency: users are told when they are interacting with an AI system.

As technology changes, these guardrails will continue to be updated in conversation
with partner agencies, ethicists, and the communities DRS serves.

Interested in A.I.D., A.I.D.E.N., or CERT Companion AI?

Whether you are a CERT coordinator, responder, educator, tribal representative, parent,
or agency leader, DRS is open to careful, grounded conversations about how these tools
might support your work — and where they should not be used.


Contact DRS about A.I.D.


Support A.I.D. development

DRS will only move forward with technology projects that align with its mission, partner
expectations, and community safety.