With new Mission Critical Push-to-X voice, video and data communications tech, First Responders can manage emergency situations with greater awareness
Samsung Networks and TELUS have partnered to launch Canada’s first next-generation Mission Critical Push-to-X (MCPTX) services for Canadian First Responders.
Deployed over TELUS’ globally recognized network, this new MCPTX technology will equip Canada’s public safety personnel with the resources they need to more accurately assess emergency situations, improve responsiveness and efficiency, and help keep our communities safer with multimedia communications features such as video, geographic information system (GIS), geo-fencing, remote database access and more.
“In recent years, several catastrophic emergencies occurred around the world that precipitated the need for an enhanced communication service for emergency services,” says Stephen Wiktorski, Vice President of Networks at Samsung Canada. “These catastrophic emergencies consequentially exposed the limitations of traditional push-to-talk (LMR) technology and forced a need for a more advanced method of communication which can connect all first responders regardless of the service or jurisdiction.”
Wiktorski adds that, with a proven history of successful MCPTX deployments in Korea and the U.S., as well as an industry-leading portfolio of rugged devices, it was a logical next step for Samsung to bring this technology to Canada. “Our MCPTX technology enables prioritized, seamless communications and advanced data services on LTE networks and allows Canada’s first responders to improve the quality of their decision-making to drive better public safety outcomes,” he says. “With mandates for this service recently introduced by the government, we are proud to partner with TELUS to deploy such an important network enhancement across the country.”
There are a variety of practical scenarios in which this technology can be useful to First Responders in the field. For example, real-time augmented reality can now be implemented on a Firefighter’s helmet visor through wireless broadband networks, giving them additional visibility inside burning buildings or in other situations where Firefighters may grapple with limited situational awareness.
Another instance where this innovative technology may come in handy would be for Paramedics, who can now connect their ambulances to the wireless network in order to treat patients more efficiently. For example, when treating a patient on-route to hospital using portable ultrasound tools, Paramedics are able to share the ultrasound with emergency room medical personnel in real-time. This allows doctors to assess and diagnose the situation from afar, which, in turn, gives Paramedics a clearer picture on which medications would be the most appropriate to administer en-route in order to increase the patient’s chances of recovery.
Another benefit is that First Responders now have priority access to the network, which gives them peace of mind knowing their service will not be interrupted when they need it most. This is particularly useful during catastrophic events, which often clog up wireless networks and make it difficult for First Responders to access seamless service.
With MCPTX technology, traffic route maps for emergency vehicles can also be transmitted to all intersections and traffic lights, clearing the way for emergency vehicles to quickly reach their destinations with “green lights” all along the route.
Wiktorski says that as a global leader in technology, Samsung was eager to help when they saw a gap in the public safety market that their technology could fill. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Samsung,” he explains. “Through the development of world-class networks solutions, innovative devices and software, we’re proud to supply Canada’s public safety personnel with technology that not only helps to keep them out of harm’s way but creates better safety outcomes for citizens.”
To access this new MCPTX technology, First Responder teams will require MCPTX-capable smartphones with the Samsung MCPTX application installed, running on the TELUS network. Interested First Responder organizations can contact Samsung and TELUS B2B teams to learn more about these services, or browse Samsung and TELUS’ new whitepaper on public safety for more information.