South Central Ambulance service wanted to improve the way that personnel communicated, both with HQ and with other colleagues whilst responding to major incidents. Although traditional radio-based communications, basic mobile phones and dial-up modems used with laptops had served the organisation adequately, it was clear that this level of technology would no longer be sufficient to deal with the increasing demands on the service from terrorist threats, industrial incidents, higher traffic volumes and the effects of climate change such as flooding.
A key requirement was to improve access to the Computer Aided Dispatch system, based at SCAS's Wokingham HQ. This would be essential to improve business continuity, incident management and the delivery of a more effective response to enhance patient care at major incidents. It was also important that, as a Category 1 responder, any proposed solution would help achieve interoperability with other blue light services enabling SCAS to share information and meet its responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act.
After going out to tender, Excelerate Technology was awarded the contract to equip the new mobile Incident Command Unit (ICU) with a comprehensive suite of cutting edge voice, data and video transmission technologies. The installation and commissioning process was completed in less than four weeks.
The ICU is fitted with a 95cm satellite dish that provides a resilient stand-alone broadband connection for high-speed data, voice and video communications within four minutes of arriving at serious incidents regardless of location. The satellite network is managed in real-time from Excelerate’s Network Operations Centre allowing network performance to be monitored, ensuring that available bandwidth meets the current requirements with additional bandwidth instantly provided to meet operational requirements at any time.
In addition to traditional VHF and UHF radio communications, Excelerate developed and installed a Communications Management System(ECMS) which provides satellite and GSM-based VoIP (Voice over IP) PBX switching functionality. Two VoIP handsets are used by Silver Command to make and receive calls that are seamlessly routed through the HQ's telephone network. To provide increased resilience, the handsets can also use GSM networks to make VoIP calls. ECMS also enables different voice devices including UHF and VHF radios, GSM and VoIP phones to be patched into each other as well as providing real-time voice recording of all voice communication
Our Comprehensive suite of cutting edge technology and applications provides personnel with access to the same critical incident information in real time to ensure that vital operational decisions can be made. To further enhance data communications, a wireless network has been installed to enable tactical advisors using laptops to access treatment plans or information from STEPS anywhere within a 100 metre range of the main ICU.
STEPS provides location-based intelligence about an area, buildings, infrastructure, assets and threats overlaid with operational collateral that allows faster and more informed management of incidents and the automatic sharing of information in real time to improve communication. It integrates with the CAD log which acts as a conduit for all information received both from the public and from personnel at the scene. All data is time and date stamped for debriefing and evidential purposes.
STEPS provides location-based intelligence about an area, buildings, infrastructure, assets and threats overlaid with operational collateral that allows faster and more informed management of incidents and the automatic sharing of information in real time to improve communication. It integrates with the CAD log which acts as a conduit for all information received both from the public and from personnel at the scene. All data is time and date stamped for debriefing and evidential purposes.
STEPS also enables the delivery of a multi-agency response during major incidents. It would allow personnel from all three blue light services to share and update emergency plans that can be viewed remotely in real-time using the on-board satellite links to keep every level of the command structure informed wherever they are located.
As a direct result of the first project, SCAS ordered a smaller Forward Command Vehicle that is again equipped with an Excelerate mobile satellite platform, VoIP and wireless. This rapid response unit is designed to attend major incidents quickly and efficiently as well as provide all necessary command and control facilities at smaller incidents. Both vehicles are regularly deployed at major events such as Royal Ascot, Royal Weddings and large scale exercises.