Technology has been credited for so many adjustments in our daily lives. Some have been positive and caused significant improvements, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud computing. On the other hand, some negatives have emanated from it. For example, cybercrimes are a good example that this interconnection can cause harm to the society.
However, the positives far outweigh the drawbacks. Technology has improved safety and emergency response in our interconnected world. Authorities are now able to monitor illegal activities better and reduce human trafficking. Big data that is generated via machine learning can help companies gain a deeper insight on consumer preferences and create better products.
Today, there’s technology that helps us to monitor our health without having to visit the doctor. Citizens are also now able to notice and report situations that can cause a lot of harm in advance. Some businesses have also integrated emergency notification systems in their technology tools. This is already a significant step towards creating a safer society.
Let’s look at four major areas where technology is redefining world safety:
- MEC and 5G
Did you know that one of the main challenges emergency responders go through is personal miscommunication? Emergency responders only work with the information provided to them. Now imagine if there are two or more parties providing unclear communication and their intentions are not well defined.
Communication is one of the most vital aspects of emergency response. Without clear communication about the location or the kind of situation to be tackled, citizen’s safety remains in danger.
Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) shifts cloud computing functions and brings them closer to the user. When coupled up with 5G, they become a vital force in the public safety field. First responders get fast and seamless communication. It also provides instant feedback.
The speed these technologies provide is ten times faster than 4G. Other than that, they provide image recognition, video surveillance and real-time analytics. With artificial intelligence, the responders can get immediate response and analyze the situation on the scene.
- Security Apps
Technology is also beginning to address the period between potential danger situations and emergency calls. Some crimes, such as domestic abuse, stalking and burglary can be prevented in most cases. Mobile security apps enable the responders to get the exact location and connect with victims who aren’t able to make a call.
With these apps, victims can notify the responders in case they feel unsafe. A push button enables them to execute or cancel the request. The big data derived from these apps can be used by universities and city authorities to gain an insight on when and where most people tend to feel unsafe. They can then focus their safety efforts to these areas.
In some emergencies, the victims are physically unable to make the call. Some of these technologies have integrated algorithms that detect change of location, force and motion. As such, responders can detect emergencies such as car crashes or bike accidents.
Alatpres is one such app available in Kenya and East Africa and stands as one of the best. It offers a two way emergency notification and management solution for individuals, Business organisations as well as for public safety agencies and teams.
Using a crowdsourcing safety concept, the app enables a collaborative and proactive approach to how we protect ourselves and our societies. The solution is also integrating several public safety services from different providers giving it’s users the convenience of accessing several public safety related services under one platform.
- IoT Sensors
Many people work in industries that present a lot of potential hazards. Wearable technology can help monitor such situations, by measuring dangerous emission levels or unsafe behaviour.
Some of these technologies use a radio frequency sensor attached to workers’ vests or hats to monitor their interaction with machines. With this technology, the firm is able to measure how close their workers get to machines and create safety measures. This helps evade emergency situations between workers and machines.
Other companies are also creating technology that helps monitor worker’s posture, heart rate and exposure to toxic emissions. With this data, firefighters, emergency responders, and high-risk industrial workers can maintain their health and safety.
- Wearables that Provide Health Insights
Sometimes, danger comes from within. Wearable tech can ensure safety by detecting health hazards and notifying responders. The tech also equips the responders with accurate patient data.
Wearables help counter many serious health conditions and handle them in a less invasive and more efficient way. For example, some of these technologies monitor heart rhythm and also provide an electrocardiogram test on the go. This way, the wearer is notified of irregular heartbeat.
This wearable solution also provides an alternative to the heavy defibrillator vest for patients at risk of cardiac arrest. The wearable provides monthly reports and instant analysis. This helps avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.