The near future will see more and more calls to emergency centres arriving in a digital format. There are 5 important reminders of making multimedia-capable critical communication networks happen. And it is not only a question of technology!
Next-generation emergency centres have to take distress calls as emergency text messages. In addition, they will receive
- video clips
- digital images
- location information
- social media updates.
Next-generation emergency centre personnel must be able to access a big volume of personal information that is in digital format in databases and in data clouds.
First responders will also find media-rich information extremely useful. They need secure access to multimedia, just as their emergency response managers who need multimedia capabilities.
More than technology is needed
However, technology is not the only thing that matters. At least the following five things are important:
1. Ease of use - How will the users see and access the new multimedia-capable services? Both devices and applications must be easy to use. Devices in particular have to be durable and suitable for the purpose, with a long battery life.
Tactilon Dabat is an example of just such a device. It’s strong and secure, and it combines both a smartphone and TETRA radio into one.
2. The basics - Users' everyday requirements still need to be met. The communication system has to provide the necessary voice and data services. Radio coverage must be available throughout the operational area. And the radio communication system needs to fit the operational needs of the users.
3. Interoperability is a must - Different organisations within a discipline need to communicate together easily, but in a controlled manner. Ideally, communications with other agencies will work the same way when data is used – easily, securely, and in a controlled way.
4. Evolution to broadband - Broadband means a higher bandwidth and enables the sharing of video, for example. On the other hand, it uses another network infrastructure from the existing public safety network. However, a properly built hybrid network maintains the familiar, reliable, secure and efficient voice services while it opens up the opportunities of advanced apps.
5. Evolution, not a revolution - The best path to the media-rich future is evolution. Use the existing network infrastructure as much and as long as possible and introduce the future solutions according to a hybrid model.
When introducing new capabilities for public safety, it is vital that existing operational procedures and models can continue without breaks or disturbances. The safety of citizens and first responders must not be jeopardized.
The result: better protection
Tangible results are possible when the PMR evolution plan takes these requirements into account. That way, public safety professionals of the future will be able to respond faster, deal with more incidents more quickly and give better protection to people and property.
Want more pointers for successful PMR evolution? Check the whitepaper "How to succeed in PMR evolution - the smart way"
