An Emergency Communication System (ECS) is defined as a system that is organized for the primary purpose of supporting supports one-way and two-way communication of emergency messages between both individuals and groups of individuals120.137
There are two methods of communicating to devices during an emergency. The first is using infrastructure dependent technologies, such as phones, internet, radio, television, etc. — provided they are still operational. The second is using infrastructure-independent network connections, such as Google’s Project Loon (which uses unmanned hot air balloons housing network equipment — see later in this section for more details). This offers the potential for networked communication when infrastructure communication is hindered in emergency situations.
Public Emergency Alerts
First Responder Communication Systems
Typically, first responders to emergency situations will use a two-way (push to talk) radio communication systems. There are multiple problems that can affect the use, let alone efficient use, of this technology, including:
- Fire, police, and ambulance services are on different radio systems, preventing easy coordination in major emergencies.
- Radio towers that enable these radio systems can become disabled in disaster scenarios, rendering the systems useless.
Solutions to these problems have been enabled or are in the process of being enabled. They are outlined in the following two sections.
Public Emergency Alerts
Alberta First Responder Communication Systems
References
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References
137. Wikipedia. Emergency Communication System. Accessed July 12, 201611 March 2021.