ETSI releases report on IoT devices for emergency comms

The ETSI Special Committee EMTEL (emergency communications) has released a report, ‘ETSI TR 103 582’, studying the effect IoT devices will have on emergency communications.

The report, prepared by a group of experts with both IoT and emergency backgrounds, provides use cases and recommendations on standardisation that could enhance the safety of such communications.

As well as considering communications involving IoT devices in situations such as emergency calling, mission-critical communications and public warning systems, it also covers a new domain identified as ‘automated emergency response’, where IoT devices can act to prevent hazardous situations after receiving some kind of trigger.

Examples of the latter include a rubbish bin that can sends an emergency message if it catches fire (perhaps even accompanied by real-time video) and a system to close gas valves or stop trains in the event of an automated earthquake warning.

The report also lays the groundwork for potential standardisation requirements for enabling safe operation of these kinds of communications, such as what happens when IoT systems fail.

“The ETSI report prepares the requirements for communications involving IoT devices in all types of emergency situations,” said Michelle Wetterwald, an expert from the ETSI EMTEL committee.

“It also leverages from benefits of IoT with data gathering without human interaction, objectivity of IoT data, fast and fail-safe information sharing, translation of human languages not required, real-time data transmission and operation in dangerous environments.”

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