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Rugged notebook technology for SORT
The Scottish Ambulance’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) – part of the National Risk and Resilience Department – has invested in rugged notebook technology to help in its highly specialised operations.
SORT is used in combination with rapid response vehicles to ensure the fastest response to 999 calls. They deliver early intervention and emergency treatment before patients are transported to hospital by A&E.
SORT often requires access information such as site plans, as well as direct contact with sources of expertise including the poisons bureau or the HPS (Health Protection Scotland). The National Risk and Resilience Department of Scottish Ambulance had to demonstrate the benefits of introducing rugged notebook technology into a typical working day, and that commercial notebooks weren’t up the task. GETAC’s M230 rugged laptop was the notebook chosen.
The sunlight readable technology the M230s offered, and the extra long battery life were key in the procurement decision making,” said Brian Hunter, Resilience Manager. “These features in particular help keep our responders working when in the past they would have been unable to work as efficiently”.
Key in the decision was also the fact that using notebooks eliminates the need for many telephone calls and written documents – hence making it easier and quicker to gather information during an emergency.The M230 is both Bluetooth and wifi enabled, is housed in a magnesium alloy casing, and is MIL-STP 810F and IP54 compliant – therefore capable of withstanding heavy rain and airborne dust and debris.
"Total cost of ownership of such equipment is important for us, especially when best value is essential, rugged technology ensures that we have equipment that offers an extra long life span no matter what we throw at it”, added Hunter. “But even more importantly when choosing equipment that ultimately helps save lives, it is essential that the equipment will not fail during an emergency.”
The M230’s also include advanced HDD protection such as; anti-vibration rubber anti-shock housing which protect the notebooks’ data when drops occur. Built to sustain tremendous shock and vibration, the M230 is suitable for use during high speed transportation such as that required during many SORT recovery missions.
