One of the most over-applied terms in technology in recent years has to be “game-changing.” But for first responders anxious for the most current, fastest-transmitted, accurate data on an incident to which they’re responding, it’s a term that’s going to be difficult not to use when talking about iOmniscient’s Automated Surveillance Action Platform (ASAP). The ASAP is a system that integrates artificial intelligence technology with CCTV cameras to drastically reduce the response time for first responders in the event of an accident or other emergency situation.
Suppose the CCTV system picks up an image of a person falling to the floor in a bank or other secure area. This might be a startling incident and other people may rush to that person’s aid to help the person up. But couple the falling person with a preceding bang, like the shot of a gun, and the violent scattering of people from the scene, and the ASAP system will recognize that an incident is taking place. The camera will have recorded the event, but the system automatically seeks out the nearest available first-response unit — be it a squad car, fire station or other emergency service — and transmits not just the video of the incident, but directions on how to reach the scene.
According to iOmniscient, which won The Australian Innovation Challenge 2014 for its advanced use of information and communication technology, the ASAP system can reduce the average response time for emergency situations by approximately 20 minutes, bringing the typical response time to under five minutes — an incredible feat that also helps reduce the stress and workload of control room staff.
“We are proud to contribute to a smarter and safer future with the help of our patent-pending technology that reduces response times for emergency services by up to 80 percent,” iOmniscient Managing Director Ivy Li said of the honor bestowed on this innovative development. “It helps to make the user more productive and effective in supporting the public when there are accidents and other emergencies.” 