First responders on the move : mobile communication technologies

Abstract

Accidents are most of the times unpredictable, and when they happen, efficiency in handling the outcome of such an occurrence can be crucial in safeguarding human lives. In Malta the Civil Protection Department (CPD) main scope is to safeguard human lives, property and the environment, The Emergency Fire & Rescue Unit (EFRU) scope is to provide a unit of organised and fully trained rescuers to help out the constituted authorities in case of national calamities such as earthquakes, major disasters, airplane crashes, floods and similar occurrences together with a number of first aiders and paramedics involved with other entities such as the St John Ambulance team and the Malta Red Cross, who can save human lives and avoid further consequences. Arriving on an accident spot and providing a response to the victims until further help arrives is also very helpful to the victims. Efficient ways and means have to be provided to those contributing in such response, so that they can arrive on time and the right place, while constantly being updated of changes over time. This project aims at targeting the problem for a responder to find the exact location where an accident occurred. The designed system in question provides such help in exploiting mapping services, Global Positioning System (GPS), internet and web application technologies. Moreover the system allows emergency response personnel in helping others, even when there is no imminent threat, in providing a responder to be prepared and informed beforehand in case of some unexpected outcome by allowing others to reach a safe position quickly and easily.