New platform improves coordination of emergency services during large-scale operations

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in large-scale civil protection operations. This poses a considerable challenge for emergency services, particularly in terms of coordination, response and communication. In the course of international disaster relief, the “TeamAware” project aims to help solve new and known problems in civil protection. It was developed as part of the European research initiative “Horizon2020”. The project involves 22 international partners working together. 

“TeamAware” pursues three approaches: firstly, the reduction of manual reporting. New sensor systems are used for this. Secondly, the use of decentralized data transmission and processing. Thirdly, user-friendly displays for emergency services at all levels.

Drones, smart clothing and various sensors are used in “TeamAware”. For example, they measure the locations, body positions and heart rates of first responders. Chemical gases or audio and video recordings are also recorded. The collected data is collated and used individually. This also makes it possible to identify the stress and fatigue levels of the emergency services.

Fraunhofer EMI has developed a software platform in “TeamAware”. This can analyze, process and evaluate data streams. The data is bundled using new algorithms. This increases its informative value. With the help of an AI-based decision support system, the current and past situation is analyzed and recommendations for action and indications of critical situations are given in real time. All data is then displayed in a clear overall situation picture, which has been developed according to modern and proven HMI aspects. With the help of this system, emergency services at tactical and strategic level are able to follow events live, assess them on the basis of the individual and combined data situations and react directly and immediately to changing factors. 

In the context of safety research, Fraunhofer EMI has been able to make a decisive contribution with TeamAware to making first responders and emergency services fit for complex and challenging operational situations using new ideas and technologies and making their work safer and more effective.