GB2389991A

GB2389991A - Improving emergency services response times

Info

Publication number: GB2389991A
Application number: GB0227381A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Brett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-21
Filing date: 2002-11-25
Publication date: 2003-12-24
Also published as: GB0227381D0; GB0214333D0

Abstract

An emergency service control centre 3 includes a telephone receiver 31 for receiving calls to the emergency services. Upon receipt of such a call, a signal emitting device 32 sends an activation signal to a control means 2 which activates a signalling device 1 in the vicinity (eg in the home) of the emergency caller. The location signalling device may comprise a flashing light on the outside of a building or may comprise radio beacon which may be located by an emergency services vehicle (90, fig.5). Once the emergency has been attended to, the control centre may send a deactivation signal to the control means in order to switch off the location signalling device. Activation and deactivation of the signalling device may be performed via the PSTN 42 whilst the emergency caller is in conversation with the control centre staff or may be performed via a radio transmission from the control centre. Alternatively, the signal emitting device 32 could send a standby signal to the control means 2 and the signalling device could subsequently be wirelessly activated via a radio transmitter in a nearby emergency services vehicle. Helps emergency service personnel to arrive quickly at a location where their assistance is required.

Description

(I 238999 1

- 1 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING EMERGENCY SERVICES RE

SPONSE TIMES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving emergency ser-

vices response times, i.e. the time taken to reach a location at which assistance is required, following a call to the emergency services call centre/control centre.

Background to the Invention

Currently, emergency response vehicles are equipped with satellite navigation systems which can bring the emergency vehicle and /or emergency response team to the ap-

proximate vicinity of the emergency following a call. However, vaioable time is then spent searching for the exact location at which assistance is required. For example, information regarding the location at which assistance is required can be extracted from an incoming emergency call to the call centre, and satellite navigation systems can then bring the emergency services personnel to the correct street. However, once in the street, finding the correct house number or building is not always straightforward. Sometimes the house may be obscured, its number may be missing, or the numbers may not follow a logical pattern in the street. Also, the location where assistance is required may be set back from the street and the access point to it (e.g. gateway) may not be easy to spot. In the case of assistance being required in a block of apartments, it may not be readily apparent how to reach a particular apartment number. Thus, in an emergency situation, such as attending a patient with heart problems, these difficulties in finding the exact location of the patient quickly cost valuable time, and may in turn cost lives. These problems are exacerbated when the emergency services personnel are trying to find the location in poor weather conditions, and when the personnel are not familiar with the particular area.

Specifcaion 2002-1 1-12.doc

-2 Clearly, a method or apparatus which could help the emergency services personnel arrive more quickly at the location at which assistance is required would be highly desirable.

One system attempting to improve response times is described in US5,012, 507. The de-

scribed system is for speeding response time to a telephone request for emergency assis-

tance. The system passively monitors all dialling from the particular premises and re-

sponds to the dialling of a pre-designated emergency number (e.g. 911 in the US) activat-

ing an indicator such as a strobe light or a flashing lamp visible at some distance from the premises to positively identify the location of the emergency and attract relief personnel arriving into the area. Thus, in this system the visible indicator is triggered by the person asking for emergency assistance when they dial the appropriate number. Although this system offers some advantages, there are a number of disadvantages associated with it.

For example, the visible indicator is easily activated by accidental dialling. Furthermore, the visible indicator is activated as soon as the emergency call is made from the premises.

It may be sometime before the emergency services personnel arrive, and in the meantime the visible signal may attract unwelcome attention from passers by.

Accordingly, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide improved methods and systems for speeding up response times to emergency calls, i.e. methods and systems providing advantages and /or solving problems associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Imention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for help-

ing emergency service personnel to arrive quickly at a location where their assistance is required, the method comprising the steps of: arranging signalling means at, or in the vi-

cinity of, said location, the signalling means being operable to provide a location signal to the emergency service personnel; calling an emergency service call centre to request assis-

tance at said location; and, in response to said call being received by the call centre, send-

ing, or initiating the sending of an activation signal from the call centre to cause the signal Specifica on 2002-11-1 2.doc

ling means to provide said location signal. Thus, unlike the prior art systems, the activation

of the signalling means is initiated by the call centre (Ike, emergency services control cen-

tre), In certain embodiments the call centre can thus make an assessment of the incoming emergency call before triggering signal activation. This can be used to filter out hoax calls.

In certain preferred embodiments, the activation signal may be a signal along a telephone line. The signalling means, and perhaps associated control means, at the emergency loca-

tion can, in this case, be in the form of a very simple device or devices to respond to this telephone activation signal. This is in contrast to the monitoring device required for the system disclosed in US5,012,507 which, as it had to perform a dialled-number monitoring function, was relatively complex. The technology for causing a telephone to ring in re-

sponse to an appropriate signal can be very simple in comparison, and similar technology can be employed to activate the signalling means in response to a telephone line activation signal. Advantageously, the activation signal may be sent by the call centre/control centre and may contain information for the emergency services personnel, and the signalling means may be arranged to convey this information in the location signal.

Preferably, the method may further comprise a step of arranging control means to con-

trol the operation of the signalling means, and the step of signalling the activation signal may comprise sending the activation signal to the control means.

Advantageously the method may further comprise a step of sending, or initiating the send-

ing, of a standby signal from the call centre to the control means, the control means being responsive to the standby signal to enter a standby mode in which it is triggerable by the activation signal to operate signalling means. Preferably, when not in the stand by mode, the control means cannot be triggered by the activation signal to operate the signalling means. Specification 2002-11-12.doc

( - 4 The activation signal may be sent during the call requesting assistance, i.e. while the emer-

gency call is online. For example, the activation signal can by sent back down the tele-

phone line connecting the caller to the control centre.

Alternatively, the activation signal may be sent after the emergency call has terminated.

Preferably, the method may further comprise the step of sending a proximity signal to the call centre from the emergency service personnel when they require the signalling means to be operated (for example when they think they are close to the exact location requir- i ing assistance) and then in response to the proximity signal the activation signal may be sent from the call centre. This provides the advantage that the signalling means may be operated to emit its location signal only when the emergency personnel are sufficiently nearby. If the signalling means is battery operated, this can preserve battery life, and en sure that the battery is not flattened before the emergency service personnel arrive. Fur thermore, by not emitting its signal continuously from the time the emergency call is made, the signalling means is less likely to attract unwelcome attention from passers by. I Similar advantages may be achieved simply by delaying the sending of the activation signal for an appropriate time after the emergency call has ended.

The step of calling the emergency centre may comprise making a telephone call via a land-

line from the location requiring assistance, and the activation signal may be sent from the centre via the same land-line to the originating telephone number (i.e. the number from which the emergency call is being made).

Preferably the control means in connected to a telephone line provided at the location.

The activation signal may be a signal sent via a telephone line.

Speaficaion 2002-11-1 2.doc

( - 5 Alternatively, the activation signal may be a broadcast signal, and the signalling means or control means may comprise receiver means to receive the broadcast activation signal.

A broadcast activation signal may be sent from the call centre, an associated transmitter, or alternatively from transmitter means carried by or in a vehicle of the emergency ser- i vice personnel.

The broadcast activation signal may, for example, be a radio frequency signal.

Preferably the activation signal is a digital signal.

Advantageously, the method may further comprise a step of sending, or initiating the sending of, a deactivation signal from the call centre to the signalling means or control means, to cause the signalling means to cease providing the location signal.

The method may comprise a step of deactivating the signalling means a predetermined time after sending the activation signal.

The method may comprise the step of manually deactivating the signalling means, by the emergency services personnel when they arrive at the location.

Advantageously the signalling means may comprise a light, which may be arranged to flash. The flashing light may be a strobe light.

In certain preferred embodiments, the location signal is a visible signal.

Alternatively, the location signal may be a non-visible signal, and the method may further comprise the step of providing the emergency services personnel with means for detect-

ing the non-visible location signal.

Specifcaion 2002-1 1-12.doc

-6 A visible signal, such as a flashing light, is easy for the emergency crew to spot. However, a non-visible signal provides the advantage that it does not attract attention from passers by, and may be of particular use when assistance is required from the police service. If, for example, the location signal were a radio signal, detectable by suitable receiver means in the police vehicle, then the fact that police assistance has been requested and the police i are responding will not be advertised to people at or near the location. This may improve the chances of a burglar, for example, being caught. Other forms of non-visible signal may, of course, be used.

Thus, the signalling means may, for example, be one of the following: a light, a flashing light, a strobe light, a beacon, a flashing beacon, a radio beacon, a flag, a sign or any other device suitable for attracting attention of emergency services personnel in the immediate! vicinity. Advantageously, the signalling means may be operable to emit a plurality of location sig-

nals, and the activation signal may contain information which determines which location signal is provided on activation.

For example, the signalling means may comprise a series of different coloured lights, each one associated with a particular emergency service.

Conveniently, the step of arranging the signalling means may comprise attaching the sig-

nalling means to an exterior of a residence (e.g. house, boat, caravan or the like or some other building).

The step of arranging the signalling means may comprise arranging the signalling means at an entrance or access point to a residence or building.

The signalling means may be arranged in a window of a residence or building.

Specificalon 2002-11-1 2.doc

( - 7 The signalling means may be associated with a particular residence, and a telephone line may be provided to the residence. In such cases, when an emergency call is made from the residence the activation signal may be sent back down the telephone line to the resi dence to activate the signalling device. i According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for helping emergency service personnel to arrive quickly at a location where their assistance is required, comprising: signalling means arranged at a location and operable to provide a location signal to said personnel; control means arranged to control the operation of the signaliing means; a call centre arranged to receive a call for emergency assistance at said location; and means at said call centre for sending, or initiating the sending of an activation signal to the control means in response to receiving said call, the control means being re-

sponsive to the activation signal to operate the signalling means to provide the location signal. Preferred features of the system are the subject of dependent Claims 29 to 43.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a combination of signalling means and control means suitable for use in the described system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light indicating the position of a person or persons requiring an emergency services response vehicle, the light arranged so as to be activated by an emergency services control centre by means of a digital or analogue signal along a telephone line following an emergency telephone call.

Preferably, the activation signal is sent along the telephone line via which the emergency call is made. Preferably, the light further comprises a manual reset switch.

Brief Description of the Drawings

SpeciDcaon 2002-1 t-12.doc

( - 8 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the ac-

companying drawings, of which: Fig 1 is a highly schematic diagram of a first system embodying the invention; Fig 2 is a highly schematic diagram of a second system embodying the invention; Fig 3 is a highly schematic diagram of a control unit and signalling means embodying the invention; Fig 4 is a highly schematic diagram of another control device and signalling device ems bodying the invention; Fig 5 is a highly schematic diagram of a further system embodying the invention; Fig 6 is a schematic diagram of another control and signalling unit embodying the inven-

tion; Fig 7 is a diagram illustrating other aspects of the invention; Fig 8 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment; Fig 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a preferred embodiment; and Fig 10 is a schematic representation of a wireless control and signalling unit combination embodying the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Spedflca on 2002-11-1 2.doc

Referring now to Fig 1, a first system embodying the invention includes a signalling device 1 attached to an exterior surface of a house 5, and operable to emit a flashing location signal 11. A control unit 2 is arranged inside the house 5 and controls the operation of the signalling device 1. Also inside the house is a telephone 4, from which an emergency call 41 can be made to an emergency service control centre 3 via a telephone network 42. The control unit 2 and telephone 4 are connected in parallel to the telephone line 43 incoming to the house 5. At the call centre 3 there is another telephone receiver 31 for receiving the incoming call 41. Also, the call centre 3 includes an activation signal- emitting device 32 which can be operated by the call centre personnel to send an activation signal 33, via the telephone network 42, back down the telephone line 43 to the control unit 2.

In response to receiving this activation signal 33 the control unit 2 causes the signalling device 1 to emit its location signal 11.

The unit 32 is also operable to emit a deactivation signal, in response to which the control unit causes the signalling device to cease emitting its location signal 11.

Referring now to Fig 2, in a second embodiment, the call centre 3 is connected to an as-

sociated transmitter device 313. In response to an emergency call being received at the call centre 3, an initiation signal 303 is sent to the transmitter 313, which, via a suitable antenna, broadcasts an electromagnetic activation signal 33. In this system, the control means 2 and signalling means 1 are provided as a single unit, which is fixed to a wall of a property 5. The unit includes a receiving antenna 23 and associated receiver circuitry 21, connected to signalling activation control circuitry 22. In response to the broadcast signal 33 being received by the antenna 23 and receiver 21, the control circuitry 22 causes the signalling unit 1 to emit its location signal 11, which in this case is a continuous visible light This type of system does not require the control means to be connected to a phone line incoming to the property 5, and it suitable for use both at houses and residences where permanent land-lines are not provided (such as caravans and boats). In this system the initial emergency call to the call centre 3 can be made via a landline, or via a mobile tele-

phone, for example. The caller will provide information to the call centre personnel to Specificaion 2002-11-1 2.doc

- 1 0 identify the location at which assistance is required. The activation signal broadcast from the transmitter may thus be a unique activation signal, suitable for triggering the particular signalling device associated with the house 5 or other residence.

In the system illustrated by Fig 3, a telephone landline 43 is provided to a property 5, and is connected to a telephone 4 and control unit 2. An activation signal 33 is sent along the telephone line 43 to the control unit following an emergency call 41 from the telephone 4. The control unit 2 includes decoder circuitry 22 which, in response to the activation signal 33, triggers transmitter circuitry 28 to transmit a radio frequency control signal 201 from an antenna 29 to a location-signalling device 1 outside the property. In this example, the signalling device 1 is attached to a gatepost 51 at a boundary of the residence. The signalling device 1 includes a strobe light 12, operable to emit a flashing visible signal 1 1, the strobe being controlled by control circuitry 14. The control circuitry 14 is supplied with power from a rechargeable battery which in turn is charged by a solar cell 13. The charging of the battery is controlled by charge control circuitry, and the battery and charge circuitry are indicated by reference numeral 15 of the figure. Also connected to the control circuitry 14 is a receiver 16, attached to an aerial 17. The aerial and receiver 16 pick up the broadcast control signal 201, and the control circuitry 14 is responsive to receipt of this signal to switch the strobe 12 on. This arrangement is particularly useful when the property 5 at which assistance may be required is set back from an access road, and the flashing light on the gatepost enables the attending emergency service crew to arrive at the property 5 quickly.

Referring now to Fig 4, in another embodiment the control unit comprises a mains elec-

tricity input, connected to power control circuitry 26. It also includes a telephone line connector for connecting to a phone line 43, which is connected to decoding circuitry 25.

Control circuitry 27 is connected to the decoder 25 and is supplied with power via the power control circuit 26. The control circuitry 27 is then hard-wired to the signalling unit 1 by means of suitable cable 204. The decoder 25 is able to decode information con-

tained in the signal via the phone line 43, and the hard-wire link 204 is able to supply both Specificaion 2W2-11-12.doc

( power and a control signal to the signalling device 1, that control signal containing infor-

mation decoded by the decoder unit 25. The signalling unit 1 includes further control cir-

cuitry 121 which is responsive to the information contained in the control signal 202 to cause 1 of 3 lights 101, 102 and 103 to operate. These lights have different colours, and each corresponds to a particular emergency service. In this arrangement, as the power is also supplied to the signalling unit via the hard-wire link 204 there is no need for a sepa-

rate power supply at the location of the signalling unit.

Referring now to Fig 5, in this system, the control centre 3 includes a telephone call re-

ceiver 31 and a standby signal generating means 800. This generating means 800 is oper-

able to send a standby signal 801 down the telephone line 43 to the control unit 2 inside a building 5 in response to the control centre having received an emergency call corre-

sponding to that location. The control unit is supplied with power from a mains source 207, and is also provided with a battery back up 208. In response to the standby signal 801, the control unit enters a standby mode, and powers up a receiver unit 200 con-

nected to an associated receiver antenna 201.

Also in response to receipt of the emergency call, the control centre 3 emits a response initiation signal 911 via a transmitter 912 and associated antenna 913. This response ini-

tiation signal 911 is a radio signal sent to an emergency vehicle 90, provided with an an-

tenna 901 and receiver unit 91 to receive the response initiation signal. When this signal is received by the vehicle, the crew begin to proceed to the location 5 requiring assis-

tance. When the vehicle 90 is sufficiently close to the destination 5 an on-board transmit-

ter 93 is activated, causing an activation signal 33 to be broadcast from an antenna 903 her reception by the receiver means 200 connected to the control unit 2. When the con-

trol unit is in the standby mode and the powered receiver circuitry 200 receives the acti-

vation signal, the control unit responds by sending a signal 204 to a signalling device 1 comprising a transmitter and antenna to cause it to emit a radio location signal 11. The emergency vehicle 90 is further provided with receiver means 92 and antenna means 902 for detecting the emitted radio signal 11, and the activated signal means 1 at the location Specificaion 2002-1 1-1 2.doc

5 thus acts as a radio beacon for attracting the response team. The use of a non-visible location signal, detectable only by the response team, thus prevents unwanted attention being attracted at the emergency site 5. It will be appreciated that although separate receivers, transmitters, and antennas are shown on both the vehicle 90 and at the location 5, these may be combined in to single transceiver units.

Fig 6 illustrates the fact that, in a preferred embodiment, the signalling means may be a strobe having mounting means for attachment to a wall, for example. A strobe may be connected by a hard-wire link 204 to a control unit 2, itself plugable directly in to a mains socket. The control unit may be connected to an incoming phone line 43.

Fig 7 illustrates the fact that the emergency call 41 to the call centre may be made from a mobile phone 700, and that signalling units operable to emit the location signals may be arranged in the windows of vehicles, caravans, and boats.

Moving on to Fig 8, in this embodiment the signalling device 1 is a flashing beacon, which is housed in a single unit with the processor (i.e. control circuitry). The housing also com-

prises a mounting pad for attachment to a suitable surface, and includes a telephone line feed 43 from a telephone plug 431, and a DC power feed 207 from a transformer 217 adapted to be plugged directly into a mains socket.

Fig 9 illustrates the fact that the signalling means may comprise a lamp 1, connected to latch circuitry 221 which may be reset by means of a manual switch 220. The latch and reset switch are themselves connected to processor circuitry 2, supplied with a DC volt-

age, and a 50 volt DC pulse signal.

Fig 10 illustrates a wireless embodiment, in which the control unit 2 has associated with it an antenna 29 which transmits a radio signal for reception by the receiver of the signalling unit 1. In this arrangement the signalling unit 1 comprises a light which is arranged above the doorway into a property.

Specifica on 2002-11-1 2.doc

( It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the invention provide highly visible markers for emergency service response vehicles. They provide a beacon to indicate the position of a person or persons requiring assistance.

In one embodiment, the signalling device is a beacon which is placed somewhere which is highly visible from a road. The beacon's only trigger may be from the emergency services call centre. Using British Telecom "1471" technology, a unique activation signal can be sent down the telephone line, for example, from the call centre to the caller's phone. The unique signal can activate the beacon which will then continue to flash until it is manually re-set. Satellite navigation systems can bring an emergency vehicle close enough her the driver to see the beacon and so allow the response team to go directly to their destination without pausing to search the vicinity for the emergency.

In embodiments of the invention it is possible to have different coloured lights for differ-

ent emergency services, for example green for ambulance, blue for police and red for fire.

The signalling and control units used in embodiments of the invention may require an elec-

trical supply, and this supply may be provided from the mains, a DC supply, a battery, a rechargeable battery, or other suitable means.

In a preferred embodiment, the signalling unit is a beacon, which is a marker. It is not a device for raising an alarm or calling for assistance, and the only way to activate it is for the operator at the emergency service call centre to initiate the signal via the telephone line. This will be a unique digital signal. Preferably, once the beacon is illuminated, it will remain so until it is manually reset.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the signalling unit maybe a portable beacon, which can be used in various applications and may be activated via cellular telephone or satellite telephone signals.

Specificaion 2002-1 1-12.doc

- 1 4 In one embodiment of the invention, the signalling means is a green flashing light, marking the position of an emergency. The moment an emergency vehicle turns into the street, the green light will be visible and the crew will go directly to the premises without wasting time searching for the house number or name. The flashing green light is switched on by the emergency call centre, and will not deactivate until a predetermined time has elapsed.

Using current telecommunication technology, once the call centre has established connec-

tion with an emergency call, a digital signal can be sent back down the telephone line from the call centre to the caller's telephone. The signalling unit and control unit maybe able to identify the unique digital signal sent from the call centre. This signal will activate the green flashing light, visibly marking the premises that the emergency services need to attend. To prevent the signalling unit from being accidentally turned off, the unit may be powered by a rechargeable battery, constantly being trickle charged ready for use. Deactivation is ef-

fected after a period of time to be determined by the emergency services. In certain em-

bodiments, because the flashing light needs a time lapse before it deactivates, it can also work as a deterrent against hoax calls. The majority of hoax calls are made from public telephone boxes. If a device embodying the present invention were fitted to a telephone box the light could begin to flash before the caller exited the box. This would immediately draw the attention of passers by the caller.

In one simple form, the control unit and signalling device of the invention may be a unit that can be plugged in and placed in a front window. In more complex embodiments, the control circuitry and signalling means may be hard-wired into a house, with remote flash-

ing lamps.

Specific;uan 2002-11-1 2.doc

Claims

( - 1 Claims 1. A method for helping emergency service personnel to arrive

quickly at a location where their assistance is required, the method comprising the steps of; arranging signalling means at, or in the vicinity of, said location, the signalling means being operable to provide a location signal to the emergency service per-

sonnel; calling an emergency service call centre to request assistance at said loca-

tion; and, in response to said call being received by the call centre, sending, or initiating the sending of an activation signal from the call centre to cause the signalling means to provide said location signal.
2. A method in accordance with Claim 1, further comprising the step of arranging con-

trol means to control the operation of the signalling means, and wherein the step of sending the activation signal comprises sending the activation signal to the control means.
3. A method in accordance with Claim 2, further comprising the step of sending, or initi-

ating the sending of a standby signal from the call centre to the control means, the control means being responsive to the standby signal to enter a standby mode in which it is triggerable by the activation signal to operate the signalling means, the con-

trol means being further arranged not to operate the signalling means in response to the activation signal when not in the standby mode.
4. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the activation signal is sent during the call requesting assistance.
5. A method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the activation signal is sent after the call requesting assistance has ended.

Specificaion 2002-11-12.doc

- 1
6 6. A method in accordance with any preceding claim where in the step of sending the activation signal comprises sending the activation signal from the call centre.
7. A method in accordance with any preceding claim. further comprising the step of sending a proximity signal to the call centre from the emergency service personnel when they require the signalling means to be operated, and wherein said activation signal is sent from the call centre in response to said proximity signal.
8. A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein said step of calling the call centre comprises making a telephone call via a land-line from said location, and the ac-

tivation signal is sent from the call centre via said [and-line to the originating telephone number.
9. A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein said activation signal is sent to the signalling means or control means via a telephone line.
10. A method in accordance with Claim 9 wherein said control means is connected to a telephone line provided at said location.
11. A method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein said activation signal is a broadcast signal and the signalling means or control means comprises receiver means to receive the broadcast activation signal.
12. A method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein said activation signal is a broadcast signal sent from transmitter means carried by or in a vehicle of the emer-

gency service personnel, and the signalling means or control means comprises re-

ceiver means for receiving the broadcast activation signal.
13. A method in accordance with Claim 1 1 or 12 wherein the broadcast activation signal is a radio frequency signal.

Specification 2002-11-12.doc

r - 1 7
14.A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein said activation signal is a digital signal.
15.A method in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising the step of sending, or initiating the sending of, a deactivation signal from the call centre, to the signalling means or control means to cause the signalling means to cease providing the location signal.
16. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, comprising the step of deactivating the signalling means a predetermined time after sending the activation signal.
17. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, comprising the step of deactivation of the signalling means by the personnel when they arrive at the location.
18. A method in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the signalling means cow prises a light.
19. A method in accordance with Claim 18 wherein said location signal comprises a flash-

ing light.
20. A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein said location signal is a visi-

ble signal.
21. A method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 19 wherein said location signal is non-visible, and the method further comprises the step of providing the emergency service personnel with means for detecting said location signal.

Specificmon 2002-11-12.doc

- 1 8
22. A method in accordance with my preceding claim wherein the signalling means is op-

erable to emit a plurality of location signals and the activation signal contains informa-

tion to determine which location signal is provided on activation.
23. A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the step of arranging the signalling means comprises attaching the signalling means to an exterior of a residence or building.
24. A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the step of arranging the signalling means comprises arranging the signalling means at an entrance or access point to a residence or building.
25. A method in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the signalling means is ar-

ranged in a window of a residence or building.
26. A method in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 26 wherein a telephone line is provided to the residence or building, said call is made from the residence or building via the telephone line, and the activation signal is sent to the residence or building via the telephone line.
27.A method for helping emergency service personnel arrive quickly at a location wherein their assistance is required, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or is shown in the accompanying drawings.
28.A system for helping emergency service personnel to arrive quickly at a location where their assistance is required, comprising: signalling means arranged at a location and operable to provide a location signal to said personnel; Specifka on 2002-1 1-1 2.doc

- 1 9 control means arranged to control the operation of the signalling means: a call centre arranged to receive a call for emergency assistance at said location; and means at said call centre for sending, or initiating the sending of an activation signal to the control means in response to receiving said call, the control means being re-

sponsive to the activation signal to operate the signalling means to provide the lo-

cation signal.
29.A system in accordance with Claim 28 wherein the signalling means and control means are housed in a single unit.
30.A system in accordance with Claim 28 wherein the signalling means and control means are arranged at respective positions at said location.
31. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 30 wherein the signalling means is connected to the control means by electrical wiring.
32. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 30 wherein the control means and signalling means are linked wirelessly, the control means comprising transmitter means to transmit a control signal to the signalling means, and the signalling means comprises receiver means for receiving the control signal.
33. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 32 wherein the signalling means is electrically operated and comprises a rechargeable battery and means for charging the battery.
34.A system in accordance with Claim 33 wherein said charging means comprises cir-

cuitry arranged to be supplied with mains electricity.

Specificalon 2002-1 1-12.doc

( -20
35. A system in accordance with Claim 33 or 34 wherein said charging means comprises a solar cell.
36. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 36 wherein said control means comprises connection means for connection to a telephone line, the control means be-

ing connected to a telephone line at said location, and the means at the call centre be-

ing arranged to send the activation signal to the control means via said telephone line.
37. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 36 wherein said activation signal is a digital signal.
38.A system in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the control means is con-

nected to a telephone line, in parallel with a telephone at said location.
39. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 38 wherein the signalling means is arranged in a position selected from a list including; an exterior surface of a building or residence: in a window of a building or residence; adjacent an entrance or access point leading to an entrance of a building or residence.
40. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 39 wherein the signalling means comprises a light.
41. A system in accordance with Claim 40 wherein the location signal is a flashing signal.
42. A system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 41 wherein the location signal is non-visible, the system further comprising detection means, provided to the emer-

gency service personnel, for detecting the location signal.

Specifauon 2002-1 1-1 2.ooc

( - 21
43. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
44.A combination of signalling means and control means suitable for use in a system in accordance with any one of Claims 28 to 43.
45. A combination of signalling means and control means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
46. A light indicating the position of a person or persons requiring an emergency services response vehicle, the light arranged so as to be activated by an emergency services control centre by means of a digital or analogue signal along a telephone line following an emergency telephone call.
47.A light in accordance with Claim 46 wherein the activation signal is sent along the telephone line via which the emergency call is made.
48. A light in accordance with Claim 46 or Claim 47, further comprising a manual reset switch.
49. A light substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Specification 2002-11-1 2.doc