PSAP Selection via Location Data for Emergency Call Escalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication devices for first responders lack the ability to efficiently escalate calls to a public safety answering point (PSAP) during emergencies, leading to delays in dispatching responders and incorrect PSAP contact, as existing systems rely on community members to manually connect with PSAPs, which is inefficient and may not utilize the most appropriate PSAP for the incident location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selecting a PSAP to include on a call, where first responders can activate input mechanisms on their communication devices to choose a PSAP based on association or location, providing necessary information to a network server to conference in the appropriate PSAP, allowing for immediate and effective escalation of emergency calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If first responders use existing communication applications to contact PSAPs, then they can maintain communication with community members, but they cannot efficiently escalate calls to the appropriate PSAP during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically determines the user's location and selects the appropriate PSAP without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by autonomously identifying the nearest PSAP and initiating the conference call, eliminating the need for first responders to manually search for or contact PSAPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication application acts as an intermediary between the first responder's device and the PSAP. It receives location information, selects the appropriate PSAP, and automatically establishes a conference call connection, serving as a mediator that simplifies the escalation process.
2Measurement precision
If the system automatically selects PSAP based on location, then the correct PSAP is contacted, but additional location determination functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device leverages its existing location determination capabilities, which were already part of the device's universal functionality for navigation and positioning. This location data is repurposed for PSAP selection, avoiding the need for separate dedicated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically uses the device's existing location capabilities to determine the user's position and select the appropriate PSAP without requiring additional manual input or separate determination processes.
3Device complexity
If manual connection to PSAP is required, then system complexity is reduced, but delays occur and incorrect PSAP contact may happen
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives location information from the device and uses this feedback to automatically update and select the most appropriate PSAP. This real-time feedback loop ensures that the correct PSAP is contacted based on current location data, improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication application serves as an intelligent intermediary that automatically matches the user's location with the appropriate PSAP, eliminating manual selection errors and ensuring accurate PSAP contact while maintaining manageable system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conference call functionality is added to existing communication applications, then PSAP can be included on the call, but the application's existing functionality may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares and establishes the conference call connection in advance by automatically selecting the PSAP and initiating the conference setup before the first responder needs to speak with dispatch. This preliminary action ensures seamless integration without disrupting ongoing communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication application acts as an intermediary that manages the conference call functionality separately from core communication features. It handles PSAP connection establishment and management independently, allowing existing call functionality to remain stable while adding conference capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for selecting a public safety answering point server to include on a call is provided. A first communication device associated with a first responder, during a call with a second communication device, provides first and second input mechanisms to select a public-safety answering point (PSAP) to include on the call, respectively based on an association with the first communication device or based on a location of the second communication device. In response to detecting activation of the first or second input mechanism, the first communication device respectively provides, to a network server: information to identify the association with the first communication device or the location of the second communication device. Subsequently, first and second communication devices communicate on the call with a PSAP as selected by the network server.