Latest news with #emergencycommunication
BBC News
27-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Paralympian's plea to roll out 999 initiative nationwide
A paralympian who set up a 999 initiative after a call handler thought he was a prank caller is aiming to have his scheme adopted by police Channon MBE, 68, who uses a wheelchair and has difficulties communicating due to cerebral palsy, worked with Nottinghamshire Police to develop Pegasus in 2008, after a call handler from the force hung up on is a method of disabled people sharing their information with emergency call handlers to help communication in what can be life-or-death of people now use the service across Nottinghamshire alone, and Mr Channon, of Arnold, now hopes Pegasus will be adopted by all police forces. Mr Channon, who competed in the 1980 Paralympic Games in the Netherlands and won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle at the 1984 Stoke Mandeville and New York Games, said his experience of using 999 had been "frustrating and scary".He said: "The call handler put the phone down on me. Thankfully the call wasn't a life or death situation - but I kept thinking, what if it had?" It led to him creating Pegasus, which allows registered users to contact 999 with a special PIN which shares their information with emergency services - whether on a mobile, a landline, by text, or in person, which is "vital for those who aren't tech savvy", said Mr Channon."I was initially told that it couldn't be done," said Mr Channon, "but fortunately I met an officer who saw the promise."A year-long pilot led to the scheme being adopted by Nottinghamshire, then several other forces joined, including Surrey and the city of forces can also share information with ambulance services and fire brigades. 'Very beneficial' Emma Ball, first contact manager for Nottinghamshire Police, said Pegasus had proved to be "a really amazing scheme".She said: "It saves lots of time and we can make sure that we send people to those that need us the most."Mr Channon said he has used the scheme several times himself, and hopes it will become standard for emergency services Nottinghamshire police officer Anthony Davies, who helped to develop the scheme, said: "Both Chris and myself firmly believe that Pegasus would work really well if all police services agreed to implement it."I also think that other large organisations such as the NHS and local authorities would find using Pegasus very beneficial." Mr Channon said: "A national scheme would initially be a massive undertaking. Pegasus has been the hardest thing I've done and there have been times when I seriously thought about giving up."But I know that there are many people, including the elderly and those for whom English is not their first language, as well as those with physical and learning disabilities, who would struggle making an emergency call."A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesperson said while it backs Pegasus it was up to individual forces to decide to adopt the said the council "continue to try and improve policing and make it as inclusive and accessible as possible for everyone".Additional reporting by Jude Winter
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knightscope Closes Another $1.3M in New Sales Wins, Renewals & Expansions
SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Knightscope, Inc. (NASDAQ: KSCP), a leader in autonomous security robots and emergency communication devices, today announced that it has surpassed another $1.3 million in new contracts, including major client renewals, strategic expansions, and new sales wins nationwide. This growth underscores the sustained demand for smarter and more secured environments. Nationwide Emergency Communication Devices Growth Knightscope locked in major new wins in the aviation, casinos & gaming, higher education, parks & recreation, healthcare, and local government sectors with a substantial 834 brand-new Emergency Communication Devices (ECDs) bookings. This surge of new contracts underscores the broad confidence in Knightscope's life-saving communication technology. Autonomous Security Robot Demand is on the Rise Knightscope's Autonomous Security Robot (ASR) demand is on the rise. Several new K5 agreements have been secured in the commercial real estate, smart infrastructure, and casinos & gaming sectors, emphasizing Knightscope's expanding reach in physical security and public safety. Key Takeaways Growing public sector footprint – cities, states, and law enforcement agencies are amplifying their use of Knightscope technology, expanding their ECD purchases and extending Full-Service Maintenance (FSM) agreements, reflecting continued confidence in Knightscope's solutions. Higher education commitment – both public and private institutions are embracing new installations and renewing FSM agreements for substantial fleets of ECDs, underscoring the value we bring to campus safety. Renewals signal strong momentum – several ASR subscriptions were renewed across strategic sectors, including commercial real estate and casinos & gaming, highlighting sustained demand and customer loyalty. About Knightscope Knightscope is transforming public safety with cutting-edge robotics and AI technologies. From autonomous security robots to advanced detection systems, Knightscope is committed to building safer communities where you live, work, study and visit. Our long-term ambition is bold but simple: to make the United States of America the safest country in the world. Learn more about us at Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "should," "may," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "expects," "plans," "proposes" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release and other communications include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company's goals, profitability, growth, prospects, reduction of expenses, and outlook. Although Knightscope believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, including the factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Knightscope's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained, and Knightscope does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. View source version on Contacts Public Relations overwatch@ Knightscope, Inc. (650) 924-1025 ext. 6
Free Malaysia Today
16-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
New mobile system launched to enhance disaster communications
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil (centre) at the launch of Prime, a vehicle-based mobile communications system equipped with satellite technology, cellular networks, two-way radios, WiFi, and drones. CYBERJAYA : The communications ministry has launched the Mobile Integrated Radio and Internet Communication System (Prime), a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening disaster and emergency response capabilities in public areas. Its minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said Prime is part of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's efforts to support agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) in ensuring reliable communication coverage in disaster zones. 'This system is not just for frontline responders, but also for victims and those awaiting rescue,' he told a press conference following the launch of Prime at MCMC's headquarters here today. Fahmi said Prime is a vehicle-based mobile communications system equipped with satellite technology, cellular networks, two-way radios, WiFi, and drones. He said the implementation of Prime would strengthen MCMC's collaboration with key strategic agencies involved in disaster and emergency management, enhancing both the efficiency and resilience of response and communication efforts. Prime will also support community outreach initiatives such as the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi), serving as a mobile digital hub that enables on-site internet access and community activities. Three Prime units will first be developed in phases, stationed at MCMC's headquarters to support operations in Peninsular Malaysia. 'The remaining two units will be completed by the end of the year and deployed to MCMC's offices in Sabah and Sarawak,' he said, adding that each unit costs RM1 million to build. Fahmi said the ministry would assess potential improvements to features not currently included in Prime. 'For example, with drones, we're exploring ways to deliver and receive information using microphones and speakers. Victims who are trapped can speak directly to rescue teams,' he said. Fahmi said Prime units could be tested as early as October, particularly in states affected by the northeast monsoon.
RNZ News
03-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
How New Zealand schools can respond better to lockdowns
School lockdowns in New Zealand feel like they're much more common these days. So, in events like these, or when there's a natural emergency - how can schools communicate quickly with parents and the wider school community? Sharlene Barnes created a free app called Skool Loop, which more than 1300 kiwi schools already use. She says what was once considered an extraordinary emergency is now a regular occurrence and hopes more schools will take advantage of what the free app offers. Children at Arakura School in Lower Hutt line up for free lunch, on 18 March, 2024. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
