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O2 UK Trial 5G Mobile Broadband for “Smart” Ambulances

Monday, Sep 16th, 2019 (1:15 pm) - Score 2,124

Mobile operator O2 UK and Samsung have announced that their latest trial of ultrafast mobile broadband connectivity will involve equipping a standard ambulance with simulated 5G connectivity, which they say could transform such emergency vehicles into a unique remote consultation room.

The trial, which is taking place this month as part of the on-going AutoAir project at the vehicular Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire (pictured), is also set to involve Visionable’s video collaboration software and Launchcloud’s asset tracking and compliance check elements.

The deployment of 5G based monitoring and remote consultation technology is intended to “enable paramedics to conduct on-board treatments through mobile expert consultation.” In theory it’s claimed that this could enable paramedics to treat more people with more ailments than currently possible and thus ease the strain on hospital resources.

As part of this the ambulance team will be expected to simulate an emergency call out, allowing paramedics to conduct checks, collect data and communicate with consultants remotely using the on-board equipment (e.g. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G phone). The paramedics will then be able to diagnose patients and recommend the appropriate treatment and next actions.

Derek McManus, COO of 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 is currently also providing the devices and connectivity for a similar trial involving six ambulances at the East of England Ambulance Trust, led by Visionable, and funded by the UK’s innovation agency Innovate UK. Admittedly in the real-world this sort of technology might be hindered by the limited coverage of 5G networks and others would probably argue that existing 4G networks could deliver a similar quality of service.

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Mark-Jackson
By Mark Jackson
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook and .
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Comments
11 Responses
  1. Avatar photo Adam says:

    And this couldn’t be done with 4g?

    1. Avatar photo Adam says:

      As Mark said on his last paragraph, just noticed 🙂

    2. Avatar photo Joe says:

      BW at a push I suppose.

      Personally I’m not at all clear what treatment this might enable that can’t be done at present without any G.

  2. Avatar photo dragoneast says:

    Is it not so much technology serving the needs of the health service as the health service serving the needs of the technology? I know, the question we are not allowed to ask!

  3. Avatar photo Mike says:

    Patient mortality rates will skyrocket if they use O2.

    1. Avatar photo Maria C says:

      Wonder if those three recent sudden deaths of East England ambulance crew were among those 6 fitted out with 5G…

  4. Avatar photo John says:

    Can you imagine? Ambulance all sirens blazing. On the way to the hospital? No! Trying to find a 5g signal from O2. lets hope they don’t use more than 650 Gb and get cut off!

  5. Avatar photo 5G Infinity says:

    Can’t but think but your worst nightmare could be,

    “an autonomous ambulance with a remotely operated robotic surgeon operating on you as you travel to hospital all reliant on 5G”

    I like what 5G can offer, the above pushes it just a bot too far

  6. Avatar photo Z says:

    Why do so many people in this comment section hate O2?

    1. Avatar photo Yorkiebar99 says:

      Prices are a little steep for what is really just a so-so network. They usually come last in network tests.

  7. Avatar photo Wini says:

    There are only very few people who have done research on the lack of scientific research on effects of 5G’s use! When it rolls out across the UK, we will find 5G boxes fitted high on telegraph and electric poles throughout villages and towns!
    The radiation, frequencies and other health harming stuff emitted from these boxes, cause cancers, dementia and cellular dna changes to our bodies!
    What with our now reliant technology and the chemtrails being pushed out the back ends of aeroplanes, we should be asking WHY?
    What happens when we suffer a major solar flare which knocks out all our electricity?
    Too much, too much and scarey is an understatement!!

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