Abstract: A method of providing an individual seeking medical attention (20) access to a remotely located volunteer medical professional (40) includes: screening the individual (20) to determine a type of medical attention that is called for; searching through a plurality of volunteer medical professionals having diverse medical qualifications; selecting a volunteer from the search that is suited to provide the type of medical attention that is called for as determined from the screening, the volunteer being selected based upon their medical qualifications; and, establishing a connection over a telecommunications network (50) between the individual (20) and the selected volunteer (40) such that they are able to interactively communicate with one another over the established connection.

Abstract: An antenna assembly (20) includes an antenna (22) supported near one end of an elongated probe (24). The antenna (22) in one example includes a substantially rigid outer shell (40) to allow the antenna to withstand a variety of environmental conditions. The elongated probe facilitates moving the antenna (22) into a variety of locations that are relatively inaccessible such as within piles of debris or other locations where traditional wireless communication systems are not able to detect communication signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assigning an emergency temporary directory number to a roaming mobile unit. A request is received from a mobile unit for an emergency temporary directory number. The communication system determines if the request is a valid request. If the request is a valid request, the communication system grants an emergency temporary directory number for the mobile unit. The communication system then alerts the mobile unit of the emergency temporary directory number.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against cell-phone triggered bombs is described that restricts call terminations within a designated security risk area without shutting down the entire network. Embodiments described herein provide for restricting call terminations directed to a designated security risk area that are originated from non-privileged users, i.e., the general public, yet authorizing call terminations directed to the security risk area that are originated from privileged government users (e.g., GETS/WPS users). Call originations are permitted within the security risk area from both privileged and non-privileged users.

Abstract: A wireless communication network 20 operates in an emergency mode 22. In one example, network components enter an emergency mode 24. In another example, mobile stations enter an emergency mode 26. Various disclosed emergency mode features such as having a dedicated emergency channel, using dedicated emergency devices, using mobile stations as repeaters, providing alive user indications and utilizing beacon signals can be combined in different ways to facilitate search and rescue operations, for example.