Murcia puts itself forward to trial AI emergency services technology

Plans include AI tools for managing 112 calls, advanced geolocation systems and better warnings during floods, fires and extreme weather, particularly in rural areas

The Region of Murcia has offered to become a testing ground for new technology that could change the way emergency services deal with everything from 112 calls to severe weather. The Region wants to take part in European pilot projects looking at how artificial intelligence and other technology could be used during emergencies.

One area being considered is the use of AI and predictive analysis to help manage calls to 112. This could help operators assess what is happening and decide how urgently a call needs to be dealt with, while also helping emergency teams work out where resources are needed.

Murcia has plenty of experience dealing with situations where a fast response is important, including DANA-related flooding, wildfires and periods of extreme temperatures. The regional government says this makes it a useful place to test new technology in real-life conditions.

The meeting also looked at technology already being developed in other European countries and whether some of these systems could be introduced into Murcia's 112 service.

Another issue is the move towards the next generation of 112 services and the gradual switch-off of older 2G and 3G mobile networks. This is particularly important in rural and more remote parts of the Region, where keeping reliable communications during an emergency can be more difficult. The authorities want to make sure people can still contact emergency services when they need them.

There are also plans to improve systems used to warn the public about emergencies and make the 112 service more accessible to people with disabilities.

For residents, much of this technology would happen behind the scenes. The idea is that better information, quicker assessment of emergency calls and more accurate warnings could help services respond to incidents more efficiently.

Murcia is now offering to take part in European projects where these systems can be developed and tested under real-world conditions.

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