Systems and Applications Used in Critical Communications

This chapter provides an overview of the systems used to support public safety activities. In this context, the word system refers to a computer‐based entity that is composed of hardware and software with appropriate application programs to support the activities of public safety personnel. Supporting systems are typically located in appropriate centers to support the activities being managed at the center. Emergency response systems provide a link between the people in distress (mainly life‐threatening situations) and an appropriate agency such as the police, ambulance, or fire departments. In many countries, there are centralized and integrated incident management systems, which handle all types of incidents and are used by all agencies. Public warning systems are used to inform the public about emergency situations or other matters of importance to public safety such as providing lifesaving instructions as immediately as possible.