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optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. It consists of black
modules (square dots) arranged in a square grid on a white background, which can be read by an
imaging device (such as a camera or scanner).
In practice, the system has been used from summer
2016 for cruise tourists disembarking for a short
period in Palma. The MSC Company will include the
QR code in the medical questionnaire shared with the
Spanish emergency system (112, hospitals, doctors).
The QR emergency system is particularly suitable for
groups with special needs (people with disabilities,
minors and senior citizens, sportsmen, etc.). 2 045
characters can be stored on the square code. The
Emergency Quick Response code project, system is totally safe since the information (identity,
Balearic Islands, Spain medical information, contacts and GPS location) is
not stored online but encrypted and printed in the square. The information is only readable using
the requisite application and can always be updated by the person providing data about him/herself.
Using the QR code is also better than calling an ambulance or the police in all cases, as that will cause
a serious disturbance in a tourist area. One challenge is to convince visitors to start using the QR
codes on themselves, as this cannot be made compulsory. The project has great potential for island
destinations which receive many seasonal visitors, often by cruise ships, who stay for a short time and
would not become sufficiently familiar with the destination to be able to help themselves easily in an
emergency.
Website de Ports de Balears: http://www.portsdebalears.com/es

2.4 Internet broadband community

In 2012 the inhabitants of Samsø started to provide high-speed internet themselves, having
experienced bad connections with earlier providers and a final provider who went bankrupt. The
initiative has been run by the inhabitants themselves, initially on a voluntary basis. This initiative
provides a better and cheaper connection than most of the private broadband companies operating
in the country. Only in April 2015 was the first paid technician hired. By April 2016, the network had
1199 users, for an island of 3700 year-round inhabitants. The project is supported by the Danish
government.
Website for the initiative: http://net4samso.dk

2.5 Virtual care and services for the elderly population

On Saaremaa, the VIRTU/ELVI project aims to connect elderly people via the internet. The project
started a few years ago as an EU Interreg project and is currently financed and sponsored by one of
the nation-wide telecom enterprises (TELIA). The remote care service aims to improve the activity
of elderly people and to save public money. The project also helps to maintain links and relations
between elderly people and their relatives by increasing internet communication.
On the island, 20 people are connected to the initiative. The system helps people to socialise
throughout the year, while the most frequent use is during the winter, when moving around is a bigger
challenge for elderly people who often also have impaired mobility. People use VIRTU to avoid being
isolated. The system requires a computer, a screen and internet. It can be used for bilateral meetings,
group activities (e.g. singing) and to organise 24-hour surveillance. The service keeps people active,
when they live in very remote areas or are unable to attend gatherings frequently. Online events are
organised for the target group and the feedback has been positive. Users can communicate with
each other as well as meet people or get back in touch. The initiative has great potential for sparsely
populated areas with limited accessibility, which often include island communities.
Website for the initiative: http://virtuproject.fi

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