Ambulance service rolls out new volunteer alert system

As described by the company, "Mobilize allows ambulance trusts to leverage the low cost and wide availability of modern smartphones with an intuitive and easy-to-use mobile data application. The user interface has been optimised to meet the specific needs of a volunteer responder, by including a convenient book-on/book-off button, and a simplified guided pathway through the complete incident response process."

The application is designed to provide frequent GPS location updates to the control room, allowing "the most appropriate active volunteer to be mobilised." Once the volunteer has indicated they are on their way, the phone's satnav is automatically programmed to guide the responder to the incident location.

Speaking of the roll-out, David McNally, NWAS community engagement and resuscitation manager for the Greater Manchester area, said: "We use Mobilize CFR to allocate our community first responders to life-threatening incidents close to where they are located. The system is integrated into our emergency operations centre and is used by our volunteers through a smartphone.