Case study

Surrey Search & Rescue Enhances Life-Saving Operations with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Technology

Ensuring Operational Efficiency and Connectivity in Critical Situations

Challenge

Surrey Search & Rescue (Surrey SAR) plays a vital role in locating high-risk missing persons, performing water rescues, and providing flood support across the UK. As one of the 35 lowland rescue teams in the country, they respond to over 2,100 incidents involving vulnerable adults and children annually. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the volunteer-led organisation relies heavily on reliable technology and connectivity to coordinate rescue operations.

The nature of Surrey SAR's work demands durable and dependable technology that can withstand harsh conditions. Connectivity is crucial, as the team needs to share real-time data and incident-specific information with search teams and Surrey Police. However, ensuring continuous and robust network connections in remote or challenging environments has been a significant challenge. Without reliable technology and connectivity, the effectiveness of their rescue operations could be compromised, potentially putting lives at risk.

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Solution

Partnering for Advanced Technological Support

Recognising the critical need for reliable technology, Panasonic, in partnership with UK Connect, provided Surrey SAR with TOUGHBOOK 33 2-in-1 detachable rugged tablets. These devices are designed to perform in extreme conditions, featuring military-grade ruggedness and IP65-rated water and dust resistance. This ensures that Surrey SAR volunteers can rely on their equipment, regardless of the environment, without concerns about drops, knocks, or vibrations affecting operations.

In addition to the TOUGHBOOK 33, Surrey SAR vehicles were equipped with ruggedised routers donated by Cradlepoint. These routers offer secure dual-network 5G connectivity, turning the vehicles into mobile hotspots. This robust in-vehicle connectivity allows volunteers to maintain strong, reliable communication with mobile teams in the field, even in areas typically considered connectivity “not spots.”

Enhancing Search Operations with SARNET

A crucial element of this partnership is the introduction of SARNET, a joint initiative between Cradlepoint and UK Connect. SARNET aims to unify cutting-edge and experimental network, hardware, and communication solutions to improve situational awareness for search and rescue teams across the UK. This initiative will significantly enhance Surrey SAR's ability to coordinate operations and increase response times, ultimately saving more lives.

The TOUGHBOOK 33 devices will be able to fully leverage SARNET’s capabilities starting in January 2025, offering Surrey SAR the latest technological advancements in their life-saving efforts.

Outcome

Strengthened Rescue Capabilities and Connectivity

Through the integration of Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 tablets and Cradlepoint’s 5G connectivity solutions, Surrey SAR has significantly improved its operational efficiency and connectivity during critical rescue missions. The rugged technology ensures uninterrupted functionality in challenging environments, while the advanced network capabilities provided by SARNET enhance real-time data sharing and situational awareness.

With these new technological enhancements, Surrey SAR is better equipped to carry out its mission of locating and rescuing vulnerable individuals, regardless of the conditions or location. This partnership not only supports Surrey SAR in their current operations but also sets the foundation for future technological innovations that will continue to save lives across the UK.

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Cradlepoint-approved Elite Partner

About Surrey SAR

Surrey Search & Rescue is a voluntary organisation supporting Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. With over 80 dedicated volunteers and search dogs, Surrey SAR is committed to saving lives, relying entirely on donations to fund their operations and equipment.

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Defence

“The idea of SARNET is to work with leading global technology brands such as Panasonic to develop an ecosystem of technologies. This gives SAR teams an edge in enabling them to search for and rescue the most vulnerable in our society. Surrey SAR is the first Lowland team to trial SARNET, and we are excited to trial more technologies over the coming months.”

PJ Farr

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CEO

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UK Connect