Capita plc is to deliver its 999eye live video-streaming and location-finding service to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Both services are mobilised from a single control room.
999eye enables callers to live stream videos directly to control room operators. When a 999 call is received, the caller will be asked if they would like to provide a live video stream of the scene using their smartphone. Using 999eye, the control room operator will send a text message with a secure, one-time-use link that opens a live stream direct from the smartphone to the control room.
At the same time, the software will send the caller’s GPS coordinates, enabling control room operators to pinpoint their exact location. No app is required and no other data is taken from or stored on the caller’s phone. The caller also receives a receipt after the call for their records.
Having ‘eyes’ on the scene will help operators assess the severity of the incident almost instantaneously and support their decision-making processes to ensure the most appropriate response is mobilised. They will also be able to advise on public safety and guide people away from potential danger.
Multiple users can view the 999eye live streams, if required, including control room supervisors, senior officers and the responding crew attending the scene. They will have a clear and up-to-date picture of the incident and know what will be required of them before they arrive.
In 2019, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service moved to a joint system with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. 999eye will support a total of 50 fire stations, covering almost 1,400 square miles. 999eye is currently used by 35 emergency services across the UK, US and Canada, and 6 non-emergency services in UK.
Paul Eggleton, managing director of Capita Secure Solutions and Services, said: “We have been delivering control room solutions to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for over a decade. We are committed to developing innovative solutions and 999eye is just another example of how we are using digital innovation to help enhance the safety of the public and emergency services personnel.”
Dan Quin, deputy chief fire officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our operators are under pressure to collect detailed information as quickly as possible from the second a call comes in. Having access to a live video stream of events as they unravel will help evaluate risk, support decision making and deliver better services to our communities.”
Jon Lacey, assistant chief officer, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have been working with Surrey Fire for a year now as a joint mobilising service serving our communities. The implementation of this new live-streaming feature in our control room is another example of the benefits of working together as a joint service.”
