U.K. carrier O2 announced a project to provide connectivity for a new “smart ambulance” at Millbrook Proving Ground this month, as part of a trial which has the main goal of revolutionize patient diagnosis, transport and treatment, the telco said in a release.
O2 said that the project will involve equipping a standard ambulance with Samsung devices and additional connectivity to create a “smart ambulance” that will simulate 5G connectivity, transforming the vehicle into a remote consultation room.
The trial is being developed at Millbrook’s Proving Ground – a vehicle testing facility in Bedford that will help O2 develop and safely test the new system before it is deployed on the public network, replicating real world 5G capabilities.
O2 is also partnering with Visionable for the video collaboration software and Launchcloud for the asset tracking and compliance check elements.
The smart ambulance will feature Visionable’s video and voice collaboration platform; Launchcloud’s data collection app with automation, reporting and communication tools; Launchcloud’s API Integration with many applications including Salesforce, OneDrive and Microsoft Dynamics and Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G smartphone.
The partners will work together to trial the latest monitoring and remote consultation technology to enable paramedics to conduct on-board treatments through mobile expert consultation, O2 said.
The trial itself will simulate an emergency call out, allowing paramedics to conduct checks, collect data and communicate with consultants remotely using on-board equipment. The paramedics will then be able to diagnose patients and recommend the appropriate treatment and next actions.
Visionable and Launchcloud are part of the Wayra family, which is the start-up accelerator owned by O2’s parent company, Telefonica.
Derek McManus, COO at O2 said: “It’s no secret there is increasing pressure on our health services. Healthcare is one of the areas set to benefit most from 5G technology, with faster, more effective treatment, and significant efficiency savings. That’s why we’re supporting the Smart Ambulance trials as part of the AutoAir 5G project to accelerate the adoption of connected and self-driving technology and unlock the benefits of 5G for communities and businesses alike”.
O2 has previously announced plans to launch commercial 5G services in the country in October.
The telco said it aims to cover a total of 20 town and cities with 5G technology this year and a total of 50 by mid-2020.
For the rollout of 5G technology, the carrier said it will prioritize transport hubs, key business areas and entertainment and sports venues, including The O2 and Twickenham Stadium.
5G network for coverage will initially switch on across key hubs in areas of Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds.
By the end of the year, the service will be available in Belfast, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Edinburgh, Eton, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Lisburn, London, Norwich, Nottingham, Reading, Slough, Stoke, and Windsor, the company said.
