Home Office and IBM to partner on Emergency Services communications network

The Emergency Services Network will support upwards of 300,000 emergency responders in Great Britain, providing them with better technology and faster access to data in emergency situations and front line operations.

Fire and Rescue Services, police forces and NHS Ambulance Trusts will be able to share live data and imagery, location reports and essential public safety information as they work on time-critical response and rescue efforts.

After several delays to the roll-out of the Emergency Services Network over recent years, the Government is committing to delivering the project as quickly as possible. Dame Diana Johnson (Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention) will chair regular meetings to ensure the project is running to time and cost.

Providing the Emergency Services with improved technology is a key part of the Government’s drive to make the nation’s streets safer, which is a crucial part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ‘Plan for Change’.

Maximising successful outcomes

Dame Diana Johnson said: “Every day, our brave Emergency Services personnel help members of the public who are facing life-or-death situations. We must do everything we can to maximise the chances of successful outcomes. Communication between front line staff is critical.”

Johnson added: “This Government is working tirelessly to support this project, making sure that it’s  delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner. IBM will play an important role in bringing the Emergency Services Network online.”

Rahul Kalia, managing partner at IBM UK and Ireland, responded: “We are proud to support the Emergency Services Network in delivering a secure and resilient communications platform to empower front line Emergency Services personnel. Working with our ecosystem partners, we will deliver mission-critical services for first responders to enhance safety in our communities right across Great Britain. We look forward to working with the Government to deliver the Emergency Services Network in a timely and cost-effective manner.”

Data-sharing functions

Software for new handheld devices will provide data-sharing functions and real-time video features, affording personnel the critical information they need to save lives, as well as a push-to-talk protocol for instant communications.

One real-world example of how the Emergency Services Network could operate is in a serious road traffic collision. The first Emergency Services personnel to arrive would be able share their exact location with others using GPS data. Fire and Rescue Services would be instantly updated with the make and model of any vehicle involved, which can then be cross-referenced with data on how to best use cutting equipment if someone was trapped or inform on where batteries are located on electric cars. Firefighters could also update paramedics with passenger details to check medical information and determine if there’s anything they need to know such as prior medical conditions. This would greatly speed up dealing with the incident and the ability to aid those victims involved.

Led by the Home Office, the Emergency Services Network will implement the next generation of fast, safe and secure voice, video and data communication, allowing the Emergency Services to work in tandem and co-ordinate efforts when protecting and aiding members of the public. Similar technology has already been deployed with success in countries including the USA, Canada and South Korea.

As the new user services supplier, IBM will be responsible for leading the design, build and system integration of the Emergency Services Network platform. Key to achieving this will be IBM’s delivery of IT infrastructure, which will be fundamental to ensuring improved and more efficient communication capabilities for mission-critical services.

The news follows on swiftly from EE being awarded the contract to provide the mobile communications infrastructure for the project as the Government works towards deploying the new Emergency Services Network and shutting down the current Airwave system.