A pilot demonstration of 5G technologies was held in the Samaria Gorge with the aim of improving public health and visitor safety in remote natural environments.
A pilot demonstration of 5G technologies An event to support public health was successfully held in Xyloskalo, Samaria. The initiative was carried out as part of the European project 5G-TERRA by the Region of Crete, through the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the companies WINGS ICT Solutions and COSMOTE TELEKOM.
The aim of the pilot project was to evaluate innovative solutions that can improve visitor safety in remote natural environments, using the local 5G infrastructure.
During the demonstration, a scenario was presented involving the use of portable “smart” devices (wearables) with geolocation and real-time communication capabilities via 5G networks. At the same time, a demonstration of monitoring an interconnected Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was carried out, whilst the system’s performance was assessed on the first section of the canyon route.
According to the results of the pilot scheme, the potential for using advanced technologies to improve public health and safety was confirmed. At the same time, operational observations were recorded which will be used in the next phase of the project, whilst the possibility of extending the scheme to a longer section of the route will also be examined.
The demonstration was attended by Mr. Giorgos Tsapakos, Deputy Regional Governor for Civil Protection in Crete, Mr. Stavros Kalogiannakis, Commander of the Fire Services of the Prefecture of Chania, senior officials from the Region of Crete, OFYPEKA, the Chania Forestry Directorate, the Fire Service and the 5G-TERRA project team, as well as representatives of voluntary organisations within the Chania Regional State Administration.
The Deputy Governor of Crete, Mr. Giorgos Pitsoulis, stated: “The Region of Crete is making the most of the opportunities offered by European programmes and new technologies with the aim of improving everyday life, health, safety and quality of life. The pilot project in the Samaria Gorge is a prime example of the collaboration between public bodies, scientific expertise and innovation, with a focus on the protection of human life and the sustainable management of a unique natural environment”.
Mr Tsapakos emphasised: “The programme is being evaluated with a view to improving visitor safety. The mobile devices being tested offer geolocation and emergency alert functions. The Region of Crete consistently supports any initiative that improves prevention, public health and the safety of everyone.”
“Through this pilot scheme, we are exploring ways to improve visitor safety in the Samaria Gorge, using 5G infrastructure. The devices being tested enable information to be provided promptly in the event of an incident. This is a pilot scheme, and its results will be assessed with a view to developing corresponding services in the future,” said Mr. Antonios Papadakis, Director-General of Public Health and Social Welfare and project coordinator.
The 5G-TERRA project is co-funded by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) programme for the roll-out of 5G networks in remote areas and contributes to the green and digital transformation of the European Union.
Source: traveldailynews.gr