ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today that it is providing assistance to Katrina relief efforts in the Gulf area by supplying key communications hardware to support restoring communications. Three of the company's divisions, EMS SATCOM, EMS Satellite Networks and EMS Wireless, have responded with either mobile satellite communications equipment or with wireless infrastructure equipment to restore cell phone coverage in the stricken areas.
"EMS employees are proud to do our part in offering the best technology solutions possible to help hasten relief efforts in Katrina-stricken areas," says Al Hansen, EMS president and CEO.
EMS SATCOM is donating communication tools to the American Red Cross (Red Cross) for its work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The eNcompass PDT (packet data terminal) is a small, lightweight communications terminal that is installed on Red Cross's Humvee and emergency vehicles. Collaborating with EMS SATCOM was Insite Consulting and Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV). Insite Consulting, a Colorado-based company, installed the units in Baton Rouge and has donated mapping and messaging software. MSV, the satellite owner and operator, is donating airtime.
"With traditional terrestrial communications systems down in the wake of Katrina, the eNcompass PDT gives Red Cross volunteers and workers on the ground a reliable, two-way, satellite-based communications channel," says Neil Mackay, senior VP and general manager of EMS SATCOM.
Workers and volunteers will use the device to communicate with the command center, and for vehicle-to-vehicle using text messaging. The system uses GPS (global positioning system) to provide automatic, real-time vehicle location. Initially, the PDTs will be used to help in Search and Rescue efforts, locating and evacuating the critically ill, administering immediate aid, and body recovery, over the days and weeks to come. Once Search and Rescue operations are in full swing, the Red Cross intends to use the PDT's tracking and messaging capabilities for tracking its food, water and medical supplies distributed on the ground. Scouting and providing locations where to drop supplies, and overall coordination with the dispatch center are also critical functions ARC needs.
EMS SATCOM's eNfusion(TM) high-speed data system was used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aircraft in support of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for surveying the Gulf Coast area immediately following Hurricane Katrina. A CBP P-3 LRT (Long Range Tracker) aircraft, specially equipped with the system, was dispatched to conduct aerial mapping, and real-time photography and video of the devastated areas along Hurricane Katrina's path. This provided FEMA with information that allowed their Rapid Needs Assessment teams to respond to the most critical areas requiring immediate attention. During these flights, the crew of the aircraft used the eNfusion system to relay video imagery of the situation on the ground to command centers in real-time. Before the eNfusion system was installed, video imagery was taped, stored and then delivered to command centers for later viewing, which could be in excess of 24 hours. With immediate access to the video, authorities were able to determine the extent of the hurricane's damage more quickly. And, with interactive communication between the command center and the aircraft, authorities had real-time knowledge of developments on the ground.
Another EMS division, EMS Satellite Networks, has provided DVB-RCS terminals to its client, Clear Channel Satellite Services, in response to the intense demand for fixed and portable communications in the region.
"The EMS SatNet terminals, which provide Internet, VoIP and other services anywhere, are capable of being powered by generators or automobile batteries," says Don Osborne, senior vice president and general manager of EMS SatNet Division, who noted that various emergency services subscribers within the region are using satellite services from Clear Channel.
In addition, EMS Satellite Networks provided Clear Channel with a portable antenna with automatic pointing capability, which allows more flexible movement and removes the need for professional installation.
EMS Wireless continues to supply key hardware to assist Verizon Wireless, which operates the most extensive wireless network in the country, in re-establishing cell tower connections to their network in the affected region.
"Verizon Wireless has been working 24 hours a day, seven days per week to restore service in the affected areas, and EMS is pleased to do our part to help with that effort," says Gerald Hickman, senior VP and general manager of EMS Wireless.
When Katrina hit, many of the landline T-1 connections became inoperable. EMS Wireless's DataNex(R) system, which re-establishes network connections to the cell towers, provided a wireless solution to restoring service. EMS Wireless responded to Verizon's request within 24 hours with fully configured equipment. The first three systems arrived in Louisiana by truck on Monday for immediate installation. A total of 20 DataNex systems will be sent to the region over the next week.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, has approximately 1,800 workers worldwide, and operates manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa, Montreal and Brazil. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.ems-t.com.
Editor's Note: To access a photo of a P-3 aircraft that used the EMS SATCOM eNfusion high-speed Internet system to survey Katrina damage over New Orleans, visit: www.ems-t.com/EMSPressRoom/images/P3-24.jpg.