Premiere at 144

Live video from a cell phone: Emergency call can now “watch”

Notruf NÖ is the first control center in Austria to use software that allows dispatchers to "see" directly at the scene of an accident. However, it will not only be used in the event of accidents, but also for health advice.

Emergency Call Lower Austria knows that every second counts when it comes to human lives. Sometimes, however, a picture from the scene is crucial in order to be able to take targeted measures. This is exactly what the "Emergency Eye" software offers dispatchers. Anyone who dials 144 can voluntarily grant access to their cell phone on request and thus provide live insight. "It's another breakthrough in emergency communication," emphasizes Provincial Councillor Christoph Luisser.

The benefits of the Emergency Eye were demonstrated live.(Bild: Thomas Werth)

"Rashes are difficult"
However, the system, which is being used for the first time in Lower Austria, is not only intended to help in emergencies. Its use is also planned for the health hotline 1450. "Problems are often difficult to explain on the phone. For example, it's complicated just to describe a rash," says Christian Fohringer, Managing Director of Notruf-NÖ. "A picture can be used to decide whether medical treatment is necessary at all," says Provincial Councillor Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, who sees this as a relief for doctors.

Another advantage of the new software is that it also enables a chat function that can translate far more than twelve languages. "This allows language barriers to be overcome," emphasizes Notruf-NÖ Managing Director Josef Schmoll.

Active consent
According to those responsible, data protection concerns are unfounded. "The cell phone user must actively consent to the dispatchers gaining access to the cell phone," explains Luisser. The caller is then sent a text message, which they must confirm. Only then can Notruf NÖ use the camera. "No videos or images are saved and there is a log of exactly what was done on the cell phone. The owner can request this immediately," explains Schmoll