Report looks at improving emergency communications
Communications technology is an essential for emergency services to respond to crisis situations. The way that organisations communicate, both internally, and externally with other emergency responders, can make the difference between a serious situation developing into a crisis that can have life-changing or even fatal consequences.
Published on December 18, 2012
This report ENISA looks at how the technology and processes used in emergency response could be improved, with the aim of providing guidance to policymakers in EU Member States and EU organisations.
For the report, interviews were conducted with a range of people working directly in crisis response, as well as representatives from regulatory areas and service provision. The aim was to identify good practices and highlight potential gaps and barriers to effective crisis communications. In post-crisis reviews of major incidents, inter-agency communications are often identified as a problem. The report highlights a range of issues that can contribute to difficulties, and which, if corrected, could make emergency communications far more effective. Issues include the development of different communications standards and practices between, for example, police and ambulance services, and technology failure in crisis situations.
Based on the report’s findings, ENISA makes a series of recommendations to Member State governments, competent authorities, service providers and the bodies of the European Union aimed at:
Developing improved inter-agency crisis communications technology and procedures
- Defining standards in crisis communications technology and procedures
- Encouraging the uptake of data services in emergency communications, particularly in the area of public interaction
For the full Report: Emergency Communications Stocktaking
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