Volunteer Emergency Response System Parallel Dispatch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency response systems face challenges due to high volumes of calls, declining funding, and increased population, leading to prolonged response times and potential increased damage or fatalities in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A community-based emergency response system that complements traditional systems by using a central computer system and client devices to mobilize registered volunteer responders based on selection criteria, enabling faster response times through parallel communication and real-time coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional emergency response systems handle high volumes of calls through PSAPs, then comprehensive emergency coverage is provided, but response time increases due to system overload
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the emergency response function into two parallel pathways: traditional PSAP handling for comprehensive coverage and a volunteer responder network for rapid response. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable coverage through PSAPs while simultaneously providing fast response through directly contacted volunteers, resolving the contradiction between coverage and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the volunteer responder system with mobile devices) between the caller and the traditional PSAP-responder chain. This intermediary enables direct communication with nearby volunteers who can respond immediately, bypassing the overloaded PSAP system while PSAPs continue to provide comprehensive coordination and coverage.
2Reliability
If more emergency responders are deployed to handle increased call volumes, then emergency coverage is improved, but resource costs increase due to declining funding
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling citizens to register as volunteer responders and autonomously respond to emergencies in their communities. This eliminates the need for costly expansion of professional responder teams while maintaining or improving coverage, as volunteers use their own devices and resources to provide emergency assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the parameter of responder composition from exclusively professional paid personnel to a hybrid model incorporating civilian volunteers. This parameter change allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage without increasing funding requirements, as volunteers provide service without compensation while professional responders focus on complex cases.
3Productivity
If traditional emergency systems are modernized to improve response efficiency, then response capability is enhanced, but funding requirements increase due to budget constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves modernized response efficiency using universal, multi-functional mobile devices that volunteers already possess. Rather than requiring expensive specialized equipment for each responder, the system uses smartphones with cameras, GPS, and communication capabilities to provide enhanced response efficiency without increasing funding budgets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the emergency response system through software applications on mobile devices, replicating dispatcher and coordination functions without physical infrastructure. This digital copying enables modernized efficiency at minimal cost compared to building new physical emergency response infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency response system which can work alongside traditional public emergency response systems. The emergency response system of the present invention comprises a central computer system and client devices. In case of an emergency, when a registered user dials an emergency number, in addition to the call being received by a conventional emergency response systems, a separate parallel communication to the central computer system of the present invention gets triggered automatically. On receiving the emergency communication the computer system selects most suitable registered volunteer responders and an alert is sent to the selected registered volunteer responders. For the responders who accept the request for help, the computer system establishes a communication channel with the caller client device. This way, the emergency response system of the present invention enables participation of volunteers from the civil society in providing faster emergency response to fellow citizens.