The Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) delivers crucial technological solutions to the ambulance trusts across the UK to ensure effective communications between ambulance trusts, the NHS, and other emergency responders.
ARP have managed the ‘Airwave Service’ since 2005 which includes the Radios, Mobile Data, Networks, and Control Room Systems used to communicate with operational crews. The technology is undergoing a replacement programme working with multiple suppliers which is led by ARP.
The replacements programmes include the Control Room System used to communicate with operational crews, the in-vehicle Radios, and Mobile Data Terminals (including Sat-Nav and mapping) are all part of the national delivery under the remit of ARP and funded by the Department for Health and Social Care.
What operational benefits will the programmes bring?
The new control room solution (CRS) LifeX, supplied by Frequentis, is now live in just under half of ambulance services with +350 operator positions in operational users.
Users have seen immediate benefits of a new modern platform, with its simple and intuitive user interface which enhances the dispatcher’s ability to prioritise communication tasks. The extraction time for training is considerably lower than the legacy system. Individual users can customise audio streams and adjust the screen size to meet individual user needs for vision and hearing.
The ARP Mobile Data & Vehicle Solution (MDVS) programme provides a resilient mobile data communication suitable for ambulances, Rapid Response, and other emergency vehicles. Effective communication between control rooms and front-line resources is critical, and the MDVS solution will provide up to date mapping and navigation for all the English and Welsh ambulance trusts and services.
The mobile data messages presented to the vehicle will be concise and have ‘voice activation’ enabled to provider a better experience for the operational crews.
Control Room Solution (CRS) programme
The Control Room Solution replacement is due to conclude in 2024. We have already completed the implementation in Isle of Wight, Wales, Scotland, West Midlands and North East Ambulance Services. During November, the new Control Room Solution will be deployed in North West Ambulance Service. All remaining trusts will migrate onto the new solution by the end of 2024.
The Control Room Solution is LifeX provided by Frequentis.
For more information visit the ARP CRS page here.
Mobile Data and Vehicle Solution (MDVS) programme
Alongside our Control Room Solution Programme, ARP are delivering the latest Mobile Data Platform; new in-vehicle hardware, a National Mobilisation Application (NMA), latest mapping with Sat-Nav function, and Voice Activation.
ARP have successful gone live with the Mobile Data provision in Yorkshire and North West Ambulance Services, and shortly due to commence rollout in Wales, East Midlands, London, and East of England, with remaining Trusts installing MDVS during 2024.
Some additional good news? ARP are also funding Mobile Data in the Mental Health Vehicles which are due to arrive in Trusts shortly (and throughout the next 18 months). MDVS is utilising hardware and NMA software from Terrafix Ltd, along with a Microsoft Windows based Panasonic tablet, with installation services provided by telent.
To see a full list of their key partners see the following from their website relationship page.
For more information:
Website: https://ambulanceradioprogramme.nhs.uk/blog/
ARP social media: LinkedIN and Twitter/X
