Emergency services need better tech according to report

93% of first responders reported challenges with mobile devices that impeded care

Emergency services need better tech according to report

In a recent report released by SOTI, a leading provider of Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions, alarming statistics have been revealed regarding the challenges faced by Canadian emergency service teams in managing mobile devices. Titled "Digitizing the Frontline: Transformative Technologies in Critical Care," the report sheds light on the pressing need for improved technological infrastructure to support frontline responders effectively.

The report, based on a survey of emergency service workers in nine countries, including Canada, underscores the indispensable role of technology in modern emergency management. However, it also brings to attention the critical issues hindering the sector's digital transformation.

According to the findings, a 93% of Canadian first responders reported encountering challenges with their mobile devices, significantly impeding their ability to deliver timely care. "Emergency services workers are experiencing loss or theft of their mobile devices far too frequently" suggests Shash Anand, senior vice president of product strategy at SOTI.

Among the key challenges highlighted in the report are delays in accessing digital records related to incidents, device downtime, and difficulties in collaborating and reporting. 72% of Canadian workers expressed the urgent need for technological improvements to ensure faster response times.

The impact of these technological breakdowns extends beyond mere inconvenience, with 63% of respondents indicating that technical issues with mobile devices contribute to heightened stress levels. Furthermore, delays in resolving these issues, which often take more than 10 minutes, pose significant challenges during critical events where swift decision-making is paramount.

The report also revealed a concerning trend of reliance on personal devices by emergency service workers, with 59% resorting to using their own devices at work. This practice not only raises security concerns but also complicates coordination efforts across teams.

The report advocates for the adoption of EMM solutions to address the pressing challenges faced by emergency response service providers. Anand stressed the importance of implementing intelligent solutions like SOTI XSight, which offers enhanced device visibility and remote issue resolution capabilities.

The report serves as a wake-up call for the health and safety professionals, urging them to prioritize the adoption of EMM solutions to ensure the seamless operation of emergency services and, ultimately, the well-being of communities across Canada.