​BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is moving forward with two new technology enhancements, which will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of patient care.

Mobile CAD

Th Mobile CAD project will see the installation of a computing device in the cab of ambulances in urban and rural areas. The Mobile CAD device will extend the NetCAD system into the ambulance, providing paramedics with valuable CAD information related to the call location and the patient. It will also include mapping and routing functionality, between the current location

of the ambulance and the patient, and the capability for reporting unit status.

In Vehicle Gateway (IVG)

The “In Vehicle Gateway” (IVG) device, will establish a secure local area network “LAN” that connects devices within and around the ambulance and enables secure wide area network “WAN” connections to outside systems. This project will also see WIFI wireless technology installed in ambulance stations and hospitals, providing an alternate access point for downloading larger data sets. The IVG Solution will also allow paramedics to use existing and future EMS applications over a network infrastructure that reduces network coverage gaps and interruptions, enables inter-network roaming, optimizes critical application performance and manages bandwidth.

On December 6, 2010, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the IVG Solution and Mobile CAD were posted on the BC Bid website. Both RFPs close on January 6, 2011.