OMEN
01-27-2009, 11:59 PM
Dublin-based software technology company, Skytek, has adapted its space developed iPV (International Procedural Viewer) technology for use by emergency personnel in Dublin Fire Brigade.
iPV, which was developed to assist astronauts in controlling and managing emergency situations on board the International Space Station, will now be used to help combat accidents such as fires and road incidents in Dublin.
Over the past year, Skytek has worked with Dublin Fire Brigade to adapt the technology known as APEX (Advanced Procedure Executor) to provide emergency personnel with immediate access to disaster procedures and plans via a mobile computer.
The mobile system will store key information such as hazardous chemical data as well as emergency evacuation plans and procedures for key sites such as hospitals, factories and hotels.
APEX will also provide key information on the potential hazards associated with vehicles.
Due to the presence of explosives in airbags, high voltage batteries and other new hybrid car technologies, the removal of an injured person can be extremely hazardous to both emergency crews and victims and needs to be undertaken in a controlled manner. Knowing just where a vehicle can or cannot be cut apart is vital.
Emergency crews can now access and review key data on vehicle layouts, location of the nearest fire hydrants, floor plans etc all while on route to the scene of an accident or fire.
Richard Hedderman, Dublin Fire Brigade also added "Safety and speed are crucial in dealing with any emergency situation. By equipping our members with the latest technology we can avoid time delays and ensure that injured parties are getting the best possible care. We pre-plan emergency situations for dealing with major incidences in Hospitals, Hotels, Dublin Port Tunnel and other such locations. Since every situation is different ranging from fires to chemical and biological hazards, it is important that those dealing with the situation have the correct procedures and information to hand. The equipment that is currently on trial in North Strand and Swords has been very positively received."
Commenting on the trial Dr. Sarah Bourke, Skytek said "As with many innovations, this technology was originally developed for space missions where there is a need for controls, methodologies and procedures that are safe, accurate and secure. It shows how an Irish company can successfully undertake innovation at the highest level and then successful commercialise it in the International marketplace."
RTE
iPV, which was developed to assist astronauts in controlling and managing emergency situations on board the International Space Station, will now be used to help combat accidents such as fires and road incidents in Dublin.
Over the past year, Skytek has worked with Dublin Fire Brigade to adapt the technology known as APEX (Advanced Procedure Executor) to provide emergency personnel with immediate access to disaster procedures and plans via a mobile computer.
The mobile system will store key information such as hazardous chemical data as well as emergency evacuation plans and procedures for key sites such as hospitals, factories and hotels.
APEX will also provide key information on the potential hazards associated with vehicles.
Due to the presence of explosives in airbags, high voltage batteries and other new hybrid car technologies, the removal of an injured person can be extremely hazardous to both emergency crews and victims and needs to be undertaken in a controlled manner. Knowing just where a vehicle can or cannot be cut apart is vital.
Emergency crews can now access and review key data on vehicle layouts, location of the nearest fire hydrants, floor plans etc all while on route to the scene of an accident or fire.
Richard Hedderman, Dublin Fire Brigade also added "Safety and speed are crucial in dealing with any emergency situation. By equipping our members with the latest technology we can avoid time delays and ensure that injured parties are getting the best possible care. We pre-plan emergency situations for dealing with major incidences in Hospitals, Hotels, Dublin Port Tunnel and other such locations. Since every situation is different ranging from fires to chemical and biological hazards, it is important that those dealing with the situation have the correct procedures and information to hand. The equipment that is currently on trial in North Strand and Swords has been very positively received."
Commenting on the trial Dr. Sarah Bourke, Skytek said "As with many innovations, this technology was originally developed for space missions where there is a need for controls, methodologies and procedures that are safe, accurate and secure. It shows how an Irish company can successfully undertake innovation at the highest level and then successful commercialise it in the International marketplace."
RTE