Getac, a globally renowned rugged mobile computing manufacturer, has come to the aid of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team (CBMRT) with the donation of powerful rugged mobile devices, along with accompanying accessories from its partners.
The new solutions replace the CBMRT’s original IT equipment, which was lost during a devastating fire at its base of operations in Merthyr Tydfil, and provide a significant technology upgrade in the process.
Rugged mobile devices
The Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team (CBMRT) is a voluntary organization covering the Central Brecon Beacons, including South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Corn Du, as well as the Ystradfellte waterfalls.
Getac donated the ZX70 fully rugged Android tablets and F110 fully rugged Windows tablets
The CBMRT responds to over 120 incidents a year, with rescues often taking place in extremely challenging conditions. Many areas of the national park are also very remote, which can make effective coordination between rescue teams difficult without the right equipment.
Getac donated the ZX70 fully rugged Android tablets and F110 fully rugged Windows tablets, both of which feature a host of innovative technologies that greatly enhance the CBMRT's capabilities during time-sensitive operations.
Integrated with Lumibond touchscreen technology
Getac’s revolutionary Lumibond touchscreen technology means rescuers can view and operate the devices in all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to heavy rain, and even while wearing gloves.
The powerful inbuilt 4G LTE connectivity also enables team members to remotely log-in to the SARCALL incident management platform from any location, where they can liaise with other rescue parties, coordinate searches and provide real-time updates.
Vehicle docking stations
Secure vehicle docking stations with compact and robust Zirkona mounting brackets were also donated by Gamber-Johnson, while Lind Electronics provided high-quality, rugged vehicle power adaptors that together meet the requirements of the most demanding and harsh environments.
These have been used to create fully integrated solutions in both the front and rear of the CBMRT’s three new response vehicles, allowing the devices to be safely used when in transit, then detached and taken into the field once teams are at the scene of an incident.
Getac tablets
Mountain rescue can be hard on equipment, but Getac tablets and accompanying accessories perform flawlessly"
“When we’re trying to locate a person in need of our help, the last thing we want to worry about is our devices,” said Penny Brockman, Team Leader, Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team.
Penny adds, “Mountain rescue can be very hard on equipment, but our Getac tablets and accompanying accessories perform flawlessly in even the toughest conditions, meaning we can stay focused on the task at hand, which is saving lives.”
Technology in frontline emergency response
“Technology is playing an increasingly important role in frontline emergency response and when the CBMRT lost all of its equipment in the fire, both we and our partners were more than happy to step in,” said Chris Bye, President, Getac UK Ltd.
Chris adds, “With the new rugged solutions in place, rescue teams have everything they need to communicate and coordinate effectively in the field, giving the best possible chance of success.”