Emergency communication system

Emergency communication system (ECS) refers to any system (usually computer-based) designed to facilitate one-way and two-way exchange of emergency information between people and groups of persons. Commonly, these systems are meant to send information across various devices, including signal lights, text messages, and live, streaming video, producing a unified communication system intended to maximise emergency communications. In contrast to emergency notification systems, which provide emergency information in a single direction, emergency communication systems are frequently capable of initiating and receiving communication between many parties. Typically, these systems consist of input devices, sensors, and output/communication devices. Consequently, information may originate from a number of sources and places, from which the system will spread it to one or more target audiences.

An emergency notification system is a set of mechanisms that permit the unidirectional distribution or broadcast of messages to one or many groups of people with information about an ongoing or imminent emergency situation. Examples of emergency notification systems include mass automated dialling services such as Cell Broadcast and Reverse 911, as well as common siren systems used to notify for tornadoes, tsunamis, air-raids, and other similar catastrophes.

In addition to providing or integrating the same notification services, emergency communication systems often permit two-way contact between emergency communications professionals, impacted individuals, and first responders. A further distinction between the terms "communication" and "notification" is that "communication" implies the ability to provide detailed and meaningful information about an evolving emergency and possible responses, whereas "notification" refers to a one-time transmission of the existence and general nature of an emergency.