How Resolution IT has Supported Channel Islands Air Search as a Chosen Charity Partner for 2024
Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) is a vital lifeline in the Channel Islands, providing airborne search and rescue services across a 4,000-square-mile area of water.
Responding to a wide range of scenarios both at sea and on land, this voluntary service plays a critical role in keeping islanders safe.
The Critical Work of Channel Islands Air Search
The waters surrounding the Channel Islands are beautiful but perilous, known for their strong tides, unpredictable weather, and submerged reefs. There is a significant amount of leisure boating activity, as well as commercial vessel operations (for example in passenger transport and fisheries); accidents can and do happen.
CIAS exists to respond when the worst occurs. That could include locating an overdue vessel or searching for a person overboard, but it is not just sea searches the Service is called out to: there has been a sharp rise in CIAS being tasked to search for missing vulnerable individuals on land. Often working in partnership with other rescue services, their work saves lives. Completely volunteer-run, the charity could potentially be called upon by any member of the community, and relies on donations and partnerships to cover annual operating costs of £300,000 to maintain its essential operations.
Upgrading Communications
For a service like CIAS, efficient communication is critical. As part of our 2024 charity partnerships, Resolution IT worked alongside Genesis to implement a new Cloud-based telephone system, designed to streamline communication for their dedicated team of volunteers.
This system, accessible via personal devices, offers a range of advanced features:
- Incoming and outgoing calls to ensure swift coordination during emergencies.
- Video conferencing and messaging to enable seamless communication between team members.
- An intelligent call-routing system that directs callers to the appropriate team based on the purpose of their call.
Additionally, the next phase of the project will include setting up two distinct numbers, one for Guernsey and one for Jersey, providing even greater clarity and accessibility for islanders.
Supporting Those Who Keep Us Safe
The new system has already made a significant difference to CIAS, allowing their volunteers to focus on their lifesaving work without being hindered by outdated technology. John Fitzgerald of Channel Islands Air Search, said:
“We’ve been incredibly grateful for all your support. What you’ve facilitated with Genesis has been immensely helpful, and they’ve been very supportive. We’re so thrilled to have been selected as a Resolution IT charity for 2024.”
