U.K. mobile carrier O2 will provide connectivity for a new “smart ambulance” at Millbrook Proving Ground this month, as part of a trial to benefit patient diagnosis, transport and treatment.
The project will involve equipping a standard ambulance with devices and connectivity that will simulate 5G connectivity, transforming the vehicle into a unique remote consultation room.
Millbrook Proving Ground is a vehicle testing facility in Bedford, United Kingdom, 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 partnering with Samsung for the devices, Visionable for the video collaboration software, and Launchcloud for the asset tracking and compliance check elements. The group will work together to trial the latest monitoring and remote consultation technology to enable paramedics to conduct onboard treatments through mobile expert consultation. The trial plans to demonstrate how smart ambulances can empower paramedics to treat more people with more ailments than currently possible and ease the strain on hospital resources by reducing the number of patients taken to hospital.
The trial itself will simulate an emergency call out, allowing paramedics to conduct checks, collect data and communicate with consultants remotely using onboard equipment. The paramedics will then be able to diagnose patients and recommend the appropriate treatment and next actions.
O2 is providing the devices and connectivity for a similar trial involving six ambulances at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, led by Visionable, and funded by the U.K.’s innovation agency Innovate UK. Visionable and Launchcloud are part of Wayra, which is the start-up accelerator owned by O2’s parent company, Telefonica.
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