Feature: Latest technology improves communication in emergency situations

The latest technology that is being presented in Barcelona at the 17th annual Critical Communications World Congress (CCW), helps improve communication in emergency situations.

The latest developments in technology are helping improve communication between emergency units which help improve coordination, provide better service and save lives.

Based on a broadband 4G technology, the Chinese company ZTE integrated the core network, the wireless access network and the multimedia service network all together in a suitcase, the smallest in the world, Richard Sun Mingliang, vice-president of ZTE explained to Xinhua while showing how the devices work in a simulated scenario designed for a better understanding.

If there is a fire, the fireman goes to put out the fire, and thanks to this device, which is very similar to a Smartphone, can describe the situation at the same time the person on the other side of the line can see the scene via video.

This system not only helps describe the situation, but also warns if people suffer an accident. The command center will know what is happening and they will send some support if needed.

"The suitcase can be kept in a small car, we do not need a big space", Richard said, adding that the suitcase can be left outside the building or even dropped off from a two meter height to the ground without suffering any damages thanks to its resistance.

There are also devices that firemen wear with their uniforms which provide sound and video services to inform about the situation.

"If the situation is very complex and the firemen cannot go inside, we put a balloon there, and people could see the situation," Richard said. These balloons can also be used in the forest to have a better perspective of the whole situation.

Another option is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can fly around the place and film what's happening.

"They can also be used in crime investigations," Richard said, adding that "the device can check the rooms for example and observe the situation before people can go inside".

"In China many cities are already using these devices for firemen" and ZTE hopes to export this model to other countries, including Europe, where they have already some contacts.

At the CCW, another Chinese company, Huawei has presented its eLTE technology that was successfully implemented in some European countries thanks to partnership agreements.

Huawei collaborated with Vodafone Germany to provide seamless live broadcasting of the Kieler Woche. The broadband communications network set up in this case was the first application of eLTE in Germany. According to Huawei, it has proved to be "a successful integration of Huawei's eLTE solution and an operator's LTE solution".

Huawei is also developing a project on the Balearic Islands, in Spain, together with the Spanish wireless network service provider IB-RED to provide broadband Internet and voice services in the countryside, for rural residents and companies.

Thanks to Huawei eLTE solution, IB-RED can deploy, install and commercially launch the first 4G network for wireless fixed Internet access in rural areas, Huawei said.

"Until now all the local citizens are satisfied with the results. Until now, our project has just began, and we want to work with more partners in this sector," Leon He, president of Western Europe Enterprise Business Unit from Huawei, told Xinhua.

Huawei also works together with APM in the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, to provide this international container terminal operating company an eLTE broadband access network that improves the port's efficiency and competitiveness. It is the first LTE network functioning in a European port.

The CCW, which will end on Thursday, gathers more than 130 companies showcasing the latest equipments and solutions. There are more than 200 presentations, debates or seminars on public safety and commercial critical communications usage. Endit