at the spectacle of an accident

69 Figure 3.3 Data communication in the vicinity of the ambulance FONG et al 2011

3.2.2 Supporting the ambulance

Paramedics may carry various wearable devices which depends on the type of the rescue operation and the nature of data that is being sought after. Figure 3.4 illustrates the type of wireless gadgets in which a paramedic puts on when treating an injured victim. Instead of directly connecting an individual gadget to the ambulance, it is advisable to set up a BAN by utilizing a Bluetooth since the design of the wearable gadget has to be tiny. Figure 3.4 Wireless devices assisting an ambulance on the scene FONG et al 2011 70 In this case a modified PDA is used as a MBU that gathers in- formation from all the cameras and sensors worn by the para- medics. A 2.4 GHz link connects the PDA to the ambulance network. Baber 2007 has discussed about circumstances whereby wires might once in a while be favoured when attach- ing wearable devices. The posture of the paramedic and the de- sired interface of gadget might make the wires more ideal than wireless alternatives like Zigbee or Bluetooth. Generally, a tiny device fitted in a pocket and requires negligible connection throughout its usage could be linked through wires. Wires are normally more dependable and transmission of information will not be compromised by movement and orientation. However, it is preferable that the wires will not get entangled and the movement of the users will not be influenced in any way. Re- gardless of what is the capability of an individual gadget the design must be comfortable to wear and user friendly. Power consumption is a critical component to lessen the weight and size. Likewise, to ensure optimal operational dependability, re- ception properties with relation to orientation and movement have to be focused upon. Exceptional customization of the wearable medical gadgets is its most important feature; hence the current market does not offer many off-the-shelf devices. Its ergonomic design is an imperative credit to guarantee that gadget will not influence or hinder the paramedic daily chores in any case while capturing information as it is worn. A single type of processor is enabled to be customized to drive essential- ly any sensor through developments in programmable digital signal processing DSP chips. The conditions of each distinc- tive rescue mission determine the particular supporting gadgets which are worn. For instance, night missions require lighting which will consume more power causing a drastically shorter battery lifespan. For reliable missions in the event of a heavy downpour, majority of gadgets need waterproof housing. Noth- ing will drop whenever the paramedic run around, as long as the mounting is secured. Numerous gadgets are accessible depend- ing upon the kind of data needed. Here, physiological monitor- 71 ing in disaster recovery missions is even applicable whereby paramedics may need to work for long periods of time without rest. Figure 3.5 Emergency rescue networks FONG et al 2011 3.2.3 Backbone of the network The backbone of the network can be practically any kind of wireless or wired networking which grants basic transmission bandwidth and coverage. In this specific case, we shall inspect the 17 GHz wireless system outlined in Figure 3.5. Fong 2005a has expanded Figure 3.2 to incorporate the features of a wireless interface system linking the ambulance to the hospital. This gives a two-way wireless connection between the radio center in the hospital and the ambulance.. This is an IEEE 802.16 point-to-point network that might function well if the ambulance remains static at the scene of the accident, however its functions will signi ficantly weaken when the ambulance is on the move. Mobile WiMAZ might be a better choice for vehi- cles on the move if continuous monitoring throughout the jour- ney to the hospital is required. Nevertheless, since most of the crucial data is obtained from the on the scene mobility support is basically not an important factor for accident recovery sup- port system. Communications between the hospitals and the 72 gadgets shown in Figure 3.6 which is worn by the paramedic may not be continuously accessible. Tall structures might leave no LOS path along the way from the scene of the accident to the hospital or near the scene of the accident Based on Chapter 2 there are a few problems to think about. The most ideal ap- proach to guarantee network coverage is by analyzing the areas serviced by a particular hospital and develops a database for ground elevation which basically comprises of a computer to- pography map. The main function of the computer topography map is to gather data about the surrounding terrain to model the effects of trees and buildings in different areas on the communi- cation link with the ambulance. Any given location z at a spe- cific x, y position of the area represents the relative elevation of the ground above a fixed reference point for example, the rooftop of an elevated structure. A detailed database for the points x, y, and z might be seen as a grid for the whole cover- age region. The topographic database need to contain all the in- formation about the terrain of all the areas that a particular hospital serves so that whichever place the ambulance goes it will be connected. This communication link will require a high level of accessibility and reliability whereby a delay is normally not an issue. However, transmission needs to be error free since data of a patient not need reach the hospital in real time. Besides that, re-transmission of information is never a problem because if the information is corrupted or lost, it could be re-sent once more. Re-transmission ensures successful information gathering but at a delayed time frame. Heavy downpour is one of the main factors that cause severe accidents. Actually rain increases the probability of an accident; it likewise influences the reliability and functions of radio connections. Rain causes problems such as mainly attenuation and depolarization. Attenuation will weaken the strength of the signals which causes a decrease in coverage area. Depolarization will affect wireless link which uses both horizontal and vertical polarization signals. Depolari- zation causes the two signals to intercept with one another and inevitably produce no signal at all. Figure 2.8 shows how criti-