Stratix Corporation Teams With Iomedex To Deploy Leading-Edge Mobile First-Responder Solution At The Boston Marathon
IRIS (Incident Response Information System), developed by the Iomedex Corporation and Symbol MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistants provide real-time runner information for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Boston Athletic Association
Stratix Corporation, a leading mobile enterprise systems integrator, today announced the deployment of a mobile handheld solution that supports first responders at the Boston Marathon. The Symbol Technologies rugged MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistants (EDA) with the MobileIRIS application developed by Iomedex Corporation provides real-time information related to registered runners requiring medical attention. The solution allows medical personnel to identify the runner by scanning a barcode on the runners bib. A bar coded wristband will be used for non-registered runners and event spectators who receive emergency care. Through the use of the MC70 EDA and its support of the Cingular Wireless Edge network, information related to a runner's location on the racecourse was entered at 48 scanning locations along the racecourse, including first aid stations, medical tents, and hospital emergency departments. The information was transmitted to the state's Unified Command Center as well as the event tracking center in the Finish area. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has funded this pilot program to provide a runner locator service to the Boston Athletic Association, and as a "proof of concept" project to inform the planning for a statewide patient tracking system for use in large-scale events. This system enables participating agencies including local Emergency Medical Services (EMS), State Police, the American Red Cross and Regional Hospitals to securely collect and transmit runner information to Internet-based systems. Real-time location of runners at one of the 48 tracking points will help connect runners who may be receiving care along the course with those looking for them. The Unified Command Center will generate real-time tracking statistics throughout the race to follow tracking activity and identify the potential need for additional resources along the course. Satellite data connectivity will be deployed in a centralized first-aid location to demonstrate the redundancy capabilities of the solution in an emergency scenario where cellular coverage is unavailable.
"Symbol's MC70 EDA offers multi-mode communications, including cellular voice and data communications to help meet the stringent needs of customers seeking a reliable mobile computer for real-time access to people and information," said Chuck Dourlet, vice president of Symbol's mobile computing division. "Our relationship with Stratix and Iomedex enables us to provide organizations like the Boston Athletic Association with a versatile mobile computing solution for use in demanding and fast-paced environments."
"The Boston Marathon, with over 20,000 official runners, is viewed as an annual planed mass casualty incident and an opportunity each year for the Department of Public Health to conduct emergency preparedness trainings and drills. This year we are particularly pleased to offer the BAA a runner locator service that will inform us about the capabilities of an integrated tracking system that could be used for patient tracking during a large MCI or public health disaster, such as a significant hurricane or pandemic influenza," said Dr. Lisa Stone, Massachusetts Department of Public Health. "With so many runners and spectators involved, we believe that providing timely and accurate information on the location of runners to friends and families will be of great value. Communication connectivity is complex as this unique racecourse traverses eight communities and every mile is a new mile with new challenges. This solution will demonstrate how mobile technology can address the logistical and connectivity issues of tracking thousands of runners over the course of such a grand event. We work closely with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and all communities and support functions at the Unified Command Center on race day, and look forward to integrating this new tool to our overall coordination efforts."
"This is another example of how we enable emerging technologies to solve Federal, State and Municipal emergency management issues," said Bonney Shuman, Stratix Chief Executive Officer. Stratix continues to develop innovative business solutions through key partnerships with software, hardware and wireless providers to deliver world-class mobile enterprise solutions.
About Stratix Corporation
Founded in 1983 and certified as a Woman Owned Business, Stratix Corporation is a leading provider of world-class enterprise mobility solutions. For over twenty years Stratix has led many Fortune 500 companies through enterprise wide mission critical mobile deployments. Stratix provides industry expertise in commercial mobile integration for the retail, field service, distribution, manufacturing industries. Stratix offers multi-vendor hardware acquisition, software provisioning, mobile network activation, WLAN/RFID deployments, label/media printing and a full array of asset tracking and hardware services. More information is available at www.stratixcorp.com.
About Iomedex Corporation
Iomedex Corporation, founded in 1994, provides innovative technology and real-time communication solutions for emergency first-responders. Iomedex's flagship product, IRIS (Incident Response Information System), allows hospitals to receive critical patient information and images directly from the point-of-injury, enabling responders to focus their time and energy on what matters most - patient care. The IRIS technology is used by numerous municipal and public safety organizations, as well as the US military.
About Atlantic Radiotelephone Inc.
Atlantic Radiotelephone Inc., through its SatPhoneStore division, has been a provider of electronics and communication services since 1973. Specializing in portable satellite communications, SatPhoneStore has a worldwide customer base consisting of emergency management, law enforcement and military personnel, as well as boaters, adventurers and business travelers. For more information about satellite communication products, services and rental programs, visit www.satphonestore.com.
About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 54.1 million customers. Cingular has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover, the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/.