Microsoft Azure tapped to help map UK's entire network of heart defibrillators

In cases of cardiac abort, quick access to a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death. Simply, fifty-fifty if a defibrillator is nearby, there's one big barrier standing in the mode of the lifesaving device: a lack of sensation equally to where they're located.

If you live in the Uk, that's about to (hopefully) change, thanks to a new partnership between Microsoft, the NHS, and the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The three organizations are teaming up as part of an initiative to map out all defibrillators in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland, Microsoft appear today. Using the Azure deject as a backbone, the mapping project will make sure that 999 call handlers and ambulance services volition exist able to quickly inform people where the nearest defibrillator is located.

Speaking on the partnership, Simon Gillespie, Principal Executive of the BHF, said:

While nosotros've made great progress in improving the uptake of CPR training in schools, public defibrillators are rarely used when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, despite their widespread availability. This unique partnership could transform this overnight, meaning thousands more than people get life-saving defibrillation before the emergency services go far.

Clare Barclay, Main Operating Officer at Microsoft added:

This innovative partnership will bring the power of Microsoft technology together with the incredible vision and life-saving piece of work of BHF and the NHS. This project, powered by the cloud, will ameliorate equip 999 telephone call handlers with information that can brand the difference betwixt life and death and shows the potential that innovative partnerships like this could make to the wellness of the nation.

As part of the initiative, tens of thousands of defibrillators in workplaces, public spaces, and more will be registered throughout the Great britain. The cloud organization will besides ensure that defibrillators are in working gild with periodic reminders for owners to bank check them.

The network will initially be piloted past West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Following the airplane pilot, the program will be expanded to the balance of the UK.

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