How livestreaming bodycams save lives

In the healthcare sector, firefighting operations and law enforcement there is a huge demand for reliable and fast communication from the field to decision-making centers such as command & control posts. But what actual benefits arise out of livestreaming bodycams, and what is needed for successful lifesaving operations with this latest technology?

Emergency services can use livestreaming bodycams to save lives

Many countries have implemented bodycams for paramedics, to combat abuse and record evidence of crimes committed against crucial frontline professionals. The U.K. , Australia, India, and the U.S.A. are just some of the examples of countries where pilots or implementation have taken place. In the Netherlands, national government research is analysing the added value of bodycams for emergency services after consecutive rises in attacks. British research has shown that paramedics see the benefit of bodycams, with 81% of those asked confirming that ‘the use of BWCs is a positive step for the service’.

What has not been fully researched is the latest addition to bodycam technology, livestreaming. Due to advances in the technology, and the availability of high-speed, 4G cellular internet, livestreaming has again attracted interest, from organisations as well as doctors and paramedics. The little research that has been conducted is mostly under the general term telemedicine, or medical diagnosis at a distance. The various researches concluded:

• there is no significant difference in diagnosis between on-site and video diagnosis by an EMS-physician, meaning that a diagnosis through livestreamed footage is as reliable
• the correct handling of oxygen administration was significantly higher when supported through livestreamed footage
• telemedicine in the form of livestreamed video is definitely relevant to the future of prehospital medical care
• higher quality patient documentation, which minimises inaccuracies
• paramedics agreed or were neutral concerning the concept that telemedicine improved patient care experience especially in diagnosis and patient satisfaction

With paramedics, doctors and researchers seeing the added benefit of livestreaming bodycams for diagnosis at a distance, it is clear that bodycams can have a positive impact on the speed and quality of patient care, as well as more support for those in the field.

Livestreaming firefighting operations can protect employees and save lives

Fire brigades have in recent years likewise adopted bodycams for safer working conditions in many countries. There is also a growing interest in livestreaming capabilities, arising from the need to quickly and reliably communicate with their supporting control room.

Direct, livestreamed footage from an emergency can allow for quicker communication and decision making, potentially saving lives in critical moments. Livestreaming drones are already used in, among others, Canada and the Netherlands. To have additional live footage through bodycams from the ground and inside buildings, greatly increases the situational awareness for firefighters and allows for adequate, efficient support. Livestreaming bodycams support:

• instant communication between frontline professionals and a central command post
• faster decision-making with full support from a distance; from senior firefighters, engineers and structural integrity experts
• more support in the field for frontline professionals through extra eyes
• with additions such as helmet camera’s; a 360° view offering even more chances for support during critical moments

Livestreaming police operations to protect officers and the public

Law enforcement agencies can benefit from livestreaming bodycam technology. Already there are special operations units working with wearables that have livestreaming, and live video feeds are utilised across the world in the form of static CCTV systems. Police work can benefit from adding livestreaming bodycams to these traditional systems. With the right vendor, integrations with leading police video management systems are easy to set up and maintain. The great advantage of livestreaming bodycams is their inherent flexibility, as well as reliability if the right bodycam manufacturer is selected.

A great example of how livestreaming is supporting police operations is the West Midlands Police, U.K., which has activated livestreaming bodycams this year. The police department found that it greatly increases the speed of decision making, leading to a reduction in risks associated with dangerous operations. During busy sporting events, crises and active crime scenes, livestreaming bodycams can save lives through increased situational awareness, as well as direct and adequate support whenever necessary. Over 90% of those polled supported police using livestreaming bodycams.

The public in Cheshire, U.K. is also getting involved in livestreaming, where a system has been implemented in 2022. In this case it is callers to the emergency number themselves who send livestreamed footage to the police control room, which has already enabled officers to better understand developing situations, pinpoint locations, and take life-saving preventive measures when necessary. The United States has several departments already working with livestreaming bodycams, with great success:

• with a 100 things to focus on, police officers feel livestreaming bodycams support situational awareness
• livestreaming bodycams increase the safety of, and checks for police officers when the control room hasn’t been contacted for a while
• direct support through livestreaming bodycams enables more confident officers
• improved decision-making through senior and expert advice when necessary

“Supervisors who have the capability view the livestream, they absolutely love it. They love that they can have eyes on the situation before getting on scene.” Source : Click Orlando News

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