The application of automatic vehicle location in UK ambulance services

Discusses recent innovations in the use of automatic vehicle location (AVLS) technology by UK ambulance services. AVLS has been successfully combined with other mobile communications and computer systems by several forward-thinking services, and has been found to significantly enhance the accident and emergency dispatch and fleet management functions. The three basic sub-systems comprising an AVLS are examined, the mobile navigation element, the data transmission system and the central office information processing system. The different approaches used by various commercial suppliers for each are discussed, and consideration is given to the need for integrations between the various AVLS components and other ambulance and control room-based systems. Some typical emergency ambulance dispatch scenarios are examined in the context of the role for AVLS, and indications given as to the commercial justifications for implementation and associated user benefits resulting. The future for adoption of these and other related systems beyond the ambulance services in the other emergency and public safety organisations is discussed