Interoperability spurs advances in emergency response systems

Open architecture systems that can be integrated with different communication devices are key to effective emergency response systems, according to a new report by analysts Frost & Sullivan.

It says the need for interoperable communication systems that can provide real-time situational awareness to first responders has paved the way for the development of advanced technologies in the global first responder command, control, communications and intelligence (C3i) and emergency response market.

Weather monitoring sensors, emergency mass notification systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and intelligent transportation systems will emerge as next-generation emergency response systems.

“Mega events such as the Olympics and World Cup are prime targets for attacks, heightening the need for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services to be equipped with technologies to ensure public safety,” explained Frost & Sullivan’s aerospace and defence industry analyst Anshul Sharma. “The vulnerability of critical infrastructure such as transportation networks or oil and gas facilities to terrorist attacks or operational failure further necessitates sophisticated first responder C3i and emergency response systems globally.”

The rising frequency of such incidents has propelled the growth of the public safety communications segment, particularly after the deployment of LTE (long-term evolution) networks in various countries. The adoption of command and control solutions is also gaining pace with the emergence of safe city projects.

The report adds that public safety software solutions will be another key area of growth.

However, it adds that the unavailability of sufficient funding for the acquisition and maintenance of these technologies limits market scope. The lack of standardisation in various communication equipment has further curbed uptake. To offset this challenge, manufacturers must build open architecture solutions that can integrate with any communication device.

Additionally, the reports says vendors need to educate the first-responder community on the use of these emerging technologies.

“More importantly, collaboration among manufacturers and respective law enforcement, as well as emergency response agencies in various countries, will help ensure that technology requirements are addressed,” said Mr Sharma. “In fact, the success of such ventures has been proved in institutions like the Raytheon public safety technology centre in the US, which reached out to the first responders and is offering development and training for new technology solutions according to their needs.”

The Frost & Sullivan analysis, Assessment of Global First Responder C3i and Emergency Response Market, said the market earned revenues of $50.41 billion in 2012.

A report earlier this year on the security of critical facilities in the global oil and gas industry also highlighted the need for total solutions with flexible integration of individual security systems, such as access control, video surveillance and intrusion-detection, onto one platform.