IBM to deliver User Services for the new Emergency Services Network

The ESN will support more than 300,000 emergency responders in Great Britain, providing them with better technology and faster access to data in emergency situations and frontline operations.

Police forces, fire services and ambulance trusts will be able to share live data and imagery, location reports and essential public safety information as they work on time-critical rescue and response efforts.

Under the seven-year contract, with an option for a two-year extension, IBM will deliver User Services. It will be responsible for leading the design, build and system integration of the ESN platform. Key to achieving this will be IBM’s delivery of IT infrastructure, which the Home Office says will be “fundamental to ensuring improved and more efficient communication capabilities for mission critical services”.

These services will be provided throughout the delivery and deployment of ESN, as well as when services are made live.

After several delays to the rollout of ESN over recent years, the Home Office said it is committed to delivering the project as quickly as possible and help save lives as a result.

The Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, will chair regular meetings to ensure the project is running to time and cost.

Dame Diana said: “Every day our brave emergency services help members of the public facing life-or-death situations. We must do everything we can to maximise the chances of successful outcomes, and communications between frontline staff is critical to ensuring this.

“This government is working tirelessly to support this project, making sure it is delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, and IBM will be an important part of bringing the ESN online.”

Software for new handheld devices will provide data-sharing functions and real-time video features, providing personnel with the critical information they need to save lives, as well as a push-to-talk protocol for instant communications.

One real-world example of how the network could works is in a serious road traffic collision.

The first service to arrive would be able share their exact location using GPS data with the other services.

Fire services would be instantly updated with the make and model of vehicle, which can then be cross-referenced with data on how to best use cutting equipment, if someone was trapped, or where batteries are located on electric cars.

They could also update paramedics with passenger details to check medical information and determine if there is anything they need to know such as prior medical conditions.

This would greatly speed up dealing with the incident and the ability to aid the victims involved, says the Home office.

Rahul Kalia, managing partner at IBM UK and Ireland, said:  “We are proud to support the ESN in delivering a secure and resilient communications platform to empower frontline emergency services.

“Working with our ecosystem partners, we will deliver mission-critical services for first responders to enhance safety in our communities across Great Britain.

“We look forward to working with the Government to deliver this in a timely and cost-effective manner.”

Similar technology to the ESN has already been rolled out with success in countries including the US, Canada and South Korea.

News of the new partnership with IBM comes after EE was awarded the contract to provide the mobile communications infrastructure for the project, as the new government works towards deploying the new ESN and shutting down the current Airwave system.