The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the National Institute for Emergency Medical Services (NIEMS) join forces to upgrade the emergency medical system nationwide, investing 250 million baht to install 700 Smart SOS points.

The NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) has approved a 250 million baht budget from its research and development fund to develop a Smart Emergency Alert System. This system will connect the internet with the 1669 emergency center and the NDEMS (National Emergency Medical Services) system to support real-time emergency notifications.

On June 26, 2569, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) continued its mission to support telecommunications services for society by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Institute for Emergency Medical Services (NIEMS) to upgrade the emergency medical system and connect internet networks to support public health work in remote and marginalized areas. The NBTC also approved a 250 million baht budget from the Research and Development Fund to install intelligent emergency notification systems and life-saving equipment at at least 700 locations nationwide.

Clinical Professor Dr. Saran Boonbaichaiyapruk, a member of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and Chairman of the NBTC, revealed that one of the NBTC's main missions is to support basic telecommunications services and social services. This involves using information technology and internet networks to drive public health initiatives in remote areas, enabling people to access medical treatment quickly and increasing their chances of survival.

Recently, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) collaborated with the National Institute of Emergency Medical Services (NIEMS) on a project to upgrade services and enhance public safety. The NBTC approved a budget of 250 million baht from the Research and Development Fund for Broadcasting, Television, and Telecommunications for Public Benefit. This funding will be used to develop and install a Smart Emergency Alert System, along with life-saving equipment and emergency medical technology, with the goal of installing these systems in at least 700 remote and marginalized areas nationwide.

As for the system's operation process, when an emergency occurs, people can press the SOS button at the installation point. The system will immediately send both video and audio signals via the internet network to the National Digital Emergency Medical Service (NDEMS) system of NIEMS and the provincial command center (1669). The officer receiving the call will be able to see the incident and location in real time, and provide instructions on performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) while the emergency ambulance is en route to the area, in order to reduce the rate of fatalities from cardiac arrest.

“This has been on my mind from the start since I became chairman of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission): establishing a policy framework for telecommunications infrastructure using information technology to develop basic medical systems. The chances of survival increase if we utilize telecommunications systems; people will have easier access to basic healthcare. As a cardiologist, I know how essential emergency medicine is. Excluding accidents, the leading cause of death in emergencies is heart disease. Statistics show that without a defibrillator, only 5% of people survive, but with a defibrillator, the survival rate increases to 25-28%. Therefore, the question is how to get defibrillators to their destination as quickly as possible and how to use them effectively. The faster the rescue, the better, because five minutes of cardiac arrest is death,” said Clinical Professor Dr. Soran.

According to data from the National Institute of Emergency Medical Services (NIEMS), approximately 84,000 Thais die outside hospitals each year due to insufficient access to emergency medical services. Medical data indicates that a one-minute delay in notification and assistance reduces the survival rate by 10%. Furthermore, over 46% of subdistricts lack adequate emergency medical coverage. This collaboration therefore integrates government agencies to utilize telecommunications infrastructure and digital technology to maximize benefits for the public, particularly supporting emergency medical services that directly impact lives in all areas. The goal is to increase survival rates and reduce healthcare disparities between urban and remote areas.

Read news related to the economic situation across Thailand here.