August 1, 2024
Innovation often sparks when individuals recognize that something can be done better. Such was the case with Chris Dillie in Austin, Texas. As a Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Coordinator for his local county’s EMS, Dillie identified significant challenges in emergency services data accuracy. Faced with limitations of paper-based systems and outdated software in tracking critical KPIs like cardiac arrest survival rates, he saw a pressing need for improvement. Determined to address this gap, Chris founded ESO in 2004 to improve community health and safety through the power of data, a mission that continues to drive the company’s advancements in how first responder services capture and use data.
“Twenty years later, our software is used by 18,000 paramedic services, fire departments and hospitals across North America, the UK and Australia,” said Brent Townsend, ESO’s Director of Sales based in their Canadian headquarters, located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. “The company has grown to over 700 employees with eight offices across the United States, Canada, Northern Ireland, and recently Denmark, and Czechia.”
ESO’s core offering is a software platform that enables paramedic services and other first responder departments to capture and share data in real time across a patient’s journey – from initial call to hospital outcome. According to Townsend, this capability improves patient outcomes, enhances health and safety and supports ongoing research and performance improvement. A significant step for ESO came with the company’s recent acquisition of Logis Solutions, an intelligent dispatching platform for first responders.
“With the addition of Logis, paramedic services will have greater insights into data-driven deployment models as well as seamless data flow from 911 to the paramedics in the field all the way through to hospital systems in a single software platform,” Townsend said.
ESO has established a strong presence in Nova Scotia, where over 45 employees contribute to the company’s mission.
“The best part about operating in Atlantic Canada is the people. We have a tremendously talented workforce available here in Atlantic Canada with people who want to make a difference in their career,” said Townsend.
“Working in the tech sector for over 25 years across North America, I am convinced that Nova Scotia can go toe to toe with any region, anywhere in the world. We have amazingly talented people just waiting to be discovered.”
Operating out of downtown Dartmouth, he said ESO’s office is more than just a workplace, it’s a reflection of the company’s values and mission. Each ESO office theme tells a story about its location, serving as a reminder of the communities they serve.
“We wanted a space to showcase our connection to the ocean, our city’s history, and our future. We feel our Dartmouth location tells that story and we are very proud of it,” said Townsend.
Looking ahead, ESO has ambitious plans, particularly in Atlantic Canada. The company aims to bring its entire suite of products into Canada over the next couple of years.
“With our Canadian headquarters being here in Dartmouth, we expect to grow our team and become a center of excellence for ESO.”
With a clear vision and a strong foundation, ESO will continue to lead the way in transforming emergency services and community health and safety the power of data, innovative technology, and a dedicated team.