The mobile communications system enables incident commanders to easily identify emergency responders on scene and automatically monitor their work or sector assignments. The system can also identify emergency responders who may be in distress by using information transmitted over portable two-way radios.
"Motorola's fireground system is a milestone for fire service in the areas of firefighter safety and response," said Bryant Krizik, Orland Fire Battalion Chief. "With this system, the incident commander is able to electronically track firefighters working in an emergency scene, freeing up the commander to focus on tactics and other safety issues. This is clearly one piece of equipment that will directly save lives."
The system's evacuation feature allows the incident commander to wirelessly transmit an evacuation signal to radios on the scene, indicating the presence of immediate danger.
"The biggest concern for our department is the life safety of our personnel on the fireground," said Inspector Pat Johnson, Brook Park Fire Department. "With the fireground system, if the incident commander needs to evacuate personnel from a structure immediately, he can simultaneously send an evacuation tone to all the radios on the fireground. That saves time, and in this business, time is critical."
The distress call feature also sends critical information quickly. With the push of a button, a distress call is activated by a firefighter and the call is sent to the Incident Commander's terminal, setting off an alert, and providing information on who initiated the call, what crew the firefighter is assigned to, and what task is being performed.
Another piece of software included with the fireground system enables incident commanders to automatically monitor accountability information via two-way radio, which enhances the efficiency of incident command's job. The software also provides access to electronic images and floor plans, including street and hydrant locations and pre-fire building plans.
"The numerous books and binders we currently use will now be available electronically at the touch of a button," said Krizik.
"Incorporating this information into a laptop is going to be immensely helpful to us. We are developing and revising our pre-plans of target areas in our city, as well as our standard operating procedures. This will further aid the Incident Commander with vehicle placement at the fire scene, locations of utility shut-offs, and other vital data," added Johnson.
