Blockchain-based Secure Ambulance-to-Everything Communications in Emergency Rescue Operations

Rescue operations are extremely crucial and require high level of security both in terms of secure rescue operations and secure communications. Due to an emerging of vehicular communications, these communications can be utilized in rescue operations to provide smooth rescue routes. For example, an ambulance can communicate with traffic lights to turn a green light in advance before an arrival of the ambulance. However, security in such communications becomes an ultimate concern in this case. Even one forged communication could lead to a serious outcome during a rescue operation. For example, a vehicle may masquerade as an ambulance to gain a smooth route, while a real ambulance, on the other hand, could be blocked by such forged vehicle. To secure broadcast communications in vehicular networks, especially for rescue operations, Blockchain-based Secure Ambulance-to-Everything Communications or BSAX has been proposed in this paper. A priority-based certificate and Blockchain technology are proposed in BSAX to distinguish between certificates of ordinary vehicles and emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and firefighting buses. With these two technologies, vehicles could verify each emergency message and could securely as well as anonymously rebroadcast each message without compromising their privacy. This great achievement could securely enhance rescue missions and save many lives in the future.