Innovative emergency response system helps save lives

Estonian Emergency Response Centre’s (EERC) “GIS-112” project seeks to reduce the response time between answering emergency 112 calls and the arrival of emergency services at the scene. As part of the project, CGI developed and implemented an innovative emergency response system designed to dramatically speed up response times and save lives. The system successfully went live in the summer of 2014.

The challenge

EERC’s information and communication technology tools not only must be in good working order, but also are subject to demand for constant innovation and updating. They needed a system to help them determine the locations of incidents faster and more precisely in order to send more timely help. According to Vallo Pensa, Service Manager of Information Technology and Development Centre (SMIT) in the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, this was a technologically challenging project with multiple interfaces and data layers. For CGI, the biggest challenge was mapping exact needs, beginning with the analysis of rescue work operations and through to the training of rescue personnel on how to use the new system.

The solution

CGI developed and implemented the innovative emergency response system in collaboration with the EERC, SMIT, the Estonian Rescue Board and the Estonian Health Board. CGI also helped with training of rescue staff. At the heart of the system is a user-friendly digital map, located both in the control rooms of the EERC and within the rescue vehicles and ambulances. Real-time data is fed in from multiple mobile devices, and the system recommends the most appropriate resources to respond to the emergency. The map displays the scene of the incident, the fastest route and the real-time location of available resources.

The results

The new system not only will improve emergency response operations, but truly will save lives. Estonia will increase the number of successfully resuscitated patients and continuously decreases property damage. In 2014, the new system received the Logistics Deed of the Year award from the Estonian business newspaper Äripäev — an annual award that recognizes innovation in logistics management.

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