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A rapid response with 3G
We take a closer look at how Vodafone is providing a rapid response communications solution to North West Ambulance Service that can help save lives...
A tanker has jack-knifed across the motorway. Unknown chemicals are leaking out while hundreds of vehicles create gridlock. Emergency teams arriving at the scene depend on Vodafone for on-the-spot communications.
The North West Ambulance Service, which covers the Cumbria and Lancashire area, recognised that front-line crews need to be equipped with reliable connections to the Central Control Unit and other emergency agencies. They also recognised that a direct web-based link would greatly increase the crews’ ability to access information as they needed it, without having to call back the central command centre. It would also enable rapid response vehicles to coordinate emergency operations far more effectively.
Vodafone Mobile Connect data cards will be used with laptop PCs in emergency vehicles to provide reliable wireless connections via the Vodafone network. These give access to specialist internet sites as well as back-office systems at the Central Control Unit. BlackBerry® from Vodafone devices also supply voice links and internet communications to enhance the solution.
the solution
Vodafone worked closely with the ambulance service to match technology to needs. Vodafone Mobile Connect data cards were employed with Panasonic Toughbook PCs in the Incident Support Units. This allows a direct link to the National Poisons Information Centre based in London. If there is an emergency situation involving hazardous chemicals, the relevant information can be accessed immediately at the scene. Frank Whiteford explains, “On the side of HGV tankers there is a hazard warning, UN number or code which we can punch into the computer. The Vodafone wireless link to the Poisons Information Centre brings up information about the chemical or material we are dealing with, and what antidotes and treatment options are available.”
saving valuable time
“The important factor is that all this is being done at the scene, saving valuable time,” says Frank Whiteford.
“With the Vodafone solution we can identify treatments faster and that means some patients may need to go to hospital while others can be safely treated at the scene. The Vodafone Mobile Connect data card also allows crews to access weather information regarding wind speed and direction so nearby residents can get the right advice about potential health threats.
“With the technology, we are able to manage the situation at the scene and brief colleagues from the Health Protection Agency resulting in programmes being set up immediately to include GPs and local surgeries.”
more effective decisions
The Vodafone wireless solution has enabled North West Ambulance Service to set up a comprehensive strategy for dealing with complex emergencies. Now information and pictures are transferred directly from the scene of an incident to the Central Control Unit, where electronic white boards chart the real-time progress of an emergency operation.
“Giving control room staff a full understanding of what is happening means they can make more effective decisions,” says Frank Whiteford.
“We have a good product and a system that works. Where we have had challenges, Vodafone has met them and it has been a very good relationship. Without the Vodafone communications system we would not be able to deploy our resources as effectively.
“In the M6 chemical incident, the Vodafone technology was there to support the decision-making process which enabled us to manage the situation swiftly and effectively.”
When two HGVs collided on the M6, North West’s Incident Support Unit used a laptop PC with a Vodafone Mobile Connect data card to download information identifying the chemical and provide medical information to allow the scene to be managed safely.
“Vodafone technology allows us to get information to the scene of an emergency incident quickly. Furthermore, the beauty of this solution is that having the relevant information on the laptop screen and talking to a specialist at the same time enables the emergency services to formulate a solution faster than would otherwise be possible.”
Frank Whiteford - Deputy Director of Accident and Emergency Operations, North West Ambulance Service
