Among the exhibitors at Safety & Health Expo 2014 was Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd, a satellite communications and emergency notification product company. Its safety products are for lone worker protection, even in areas outside of mobile phone coverage.
On show was its pocket-sized GPS messenger, the SPOT Gen3, pictured. Last month, Globalstar announced that SPOT products have been used to initiate over 3000 rescues around the world including more than 110 rescues in Europe, Middle East and Africa. With over 200,000 SPOT units in service, Globalstar is now averaging a rescue a day.
Globalstar’s GSP-1700 satellite phone is now available on contract or pay as you go, for sectors such as construction, oil and gas, and transportation where employees are often in remote areas.
Globalstar previewed its SPOT Trace, which is to keep track of assets via satellite. A user receives a text or email alert when new movement is detected and is able to track his/her assets via Google Maps. For example, the Spanish Ministry of Defence is using SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger and SPOT Connect devices for in-field communications for personnel who are operating in locations with no mobile coverage.
Brecon Mountain Rescue Team recently used SPOT Gen3 satellite trackers, integrated with Globalstar value added reseller Mapyx’s mapping and tracking software, to rescue children on a Duke of Edinburgh award expedition. The Mountain Rescue controller was able to make decisions about how and where to deploy further resources. “Every second counts when saving lives. SPOT Gen3 gives search managers vital information to support planning and monitoring searches for missing persons. Although we have only had SPOT Gen3 for a matter of weeks, it has already proven its value in speeding up search and rescue,” said Dave Coombs, Deputy Team Leader, Brecon Mountain Rescue Team.
In another example of satellite products, Globalstar recently announced that its Value Added Reseller, VehSmart, has been awarded the first regional pilot project of its kind for Ecuador, which will outfit the Ecuadorian artisanal fishing fleet with satellite tracking and emergency notification devices. The project will initially outfit 4,000 small fishing boats with Globalstar’s satellite transmitter, the SmartOne. By linking to Ecuador’s National Emergency Response System, the SmartOne devices will be outfitted with a proprietary panic button that any sailor can activate discreetly to summon a rescue.
