As well as actually rescuing people, Rescue Global experiments with new technology to find out if it can be applied in the field, and to understand its limitations.
Google Glass is one example of this new technology. Rescue Global intends to equip their pathfinders (the people deployed into disaster areas to reconnoitre or rescue) with Glass, initially to use the GPS tracking system and video streaming capabilities.
We have had some discussions with Rescue Global to feel out where they want to go into the future – some examples follow.
Provide external expertise
Glass provides a video display for the user, and can stream video to Rescue Global’s base. If a pathfinder comes across a problem they lack expertise in (mechanical issues, medical emergency) they can link in an expert back in the UK or US and receive detailed instructions on how to treat the person or repair the vehicle.
Translation services
Similar to the provision of expertise, the Glass could automatically detect and translate (either through cloud services or human translators) for the pathfinders.
Automated or crowdsourced anomaly detection
Automated assessment of the video streamed from the Pathfinders could be analysed by computers, looking for anomalies or places of interest. Depending on privacy concerns, the video streams could even be sent out to IBCC ranked volunteer classifiers.
Parachute GPS
A very cool application is planning routes for parachute jumpers. Given wind conditions and terrain, it may be quite hard to safely land a group of parachutists together. ORCHID may be able to help here, providing uncertainty-aware routing algorithms to bring people in safely and as close together as possible.