Command and Control for Major incidents: Critical Incident Management and the Information Gap
Roger Klein, Ph.D., Principal Scientific Advisor, CFRS Huntingdon, and Bonn, IFE-Deutschland
An “information gap” (availability and suitability of the information on which to base an incident assessment of risk) is lacking. This paper will address the need for information collection, retrieval, and communications during incident management as it impacts procedural, technical, and institutional biases.
Klein Abstract | Klein Paper | Klein Presentation
Call Handling and Mobilizing in the British Fire Service
Lynda Lloyd, PFCO
This presentation will provide an overview of current operations and changes planned in dispatch and command operations in the British Fire Service. Topics covered will include a review of current operations and planned arrangements for Graphical Information Systems, Automatic Vehicle Location Systems, Mobile Data Terminals, Vehicle Telemetry, GPRS Equipped Mobile Phones, Data Transfer and Cross Border Call Handling (overflow arrangements) Mobilizing Arrangements facilitated by Common Protocol (GD92).
Lloyd Abstract| Lloyd Paper | Lloyd Presentation
Information & Communications Systems of the Tokyo Fire Department
Hiroshi Kojima, Battalion Chief (Suppression), Nerima Fire Station, Tokyo Fire Dept.
The number of emergency “119” (911) calls received by the Tokyo Fire Department is over 1,000,000-that’s 1 Million with a Big M-annually! How does a communications center keep up with that volume of communications traffic? Find out, as Chief Kojima shows the inside workings of a mega Comm Center and how it can also apply to one-person dispatcher operations.
Common Communication Systems for Fire/Rescue and Police in Germany
Albrecht Broemme, Chief Fire Officer, Berlin, Germany
Chief Broemme will present an overview of both communications and command and control procedures used in emergency services in Germany. This promises to be a fascinating and informative presentation from the chief of one of the most dynamic world cities.
Quest for Interoperability: Virginia’s Experience
Adam Thiel, Director, State of Virginia Office of Fire Programs
Several initiatives are currently underway to help improve communications between federal, state, and local emergency responders statewide. This paper will identify some key “lessons learned” from these efforts-using survey results, original research, and case studies drawn from Virginia’s experience at the Pentagon and during the 2002 sniper shootings. Human factors, engineering, the policy process, and organizational behavior are all identified as important aspects of the interoperability puzzle.
Theil Abstract | Theil Presentation
Interoperability Solutions for Public Safety Radio Networks
Scott C. Forbes, Nextel Communications, Inc.
Wireless interoperability, particularly private and public wireless networks, can be effectively joined to provide better coverage and a richer feature-set for public safety users. Nextel’s iDEN will be integrated with the public sector’s radios, pagers, and more in a single system, and Forbes will tell us how that helps everyone on the emergency incident scene.
Forbes Abstract | Forbes Presentation
First Responder Communications
Cynthia Leighton & Milos Grcic, Motorola Inc.
Communications technology will soon provide greater capabilities-position location, bio-monitoring, virtual displays. This show and tell presentation will also ask for audience feedback on what they want in the way of equipment and software to work more efficiently on the fire ground.
Using GIS for Preplans and Hazardous Materials Response
Dr. Christina M. Baxter, Ph.D.; Chief Scott E. Spencer; Lt. Jim Mykytyn, Douglas County Fire Department, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Douglas County, Georgia
A GIS system that incorporates preplans and building diagrams as well as hazmat decision aids. It is used with a pocket PC and Palm OS. This show and tell presentation will be of interest to large and small organizations.
Baxter Abstract | Baxter Spencer Presentation
Keynote Address: US Army Land Warrior System-Implementing Integrated, Complex Technologies in the Field. The US Army and the US Fire Service: New Technologies for First Responders
Dave Randall, US Army
The US Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Research, Development, and Engineering Center (RDEC) will present a speaker and exhibit showing command and control and other technologies (communications and sensors) in an integrated capability set for first responders.
Fire Command and Control with Wireless Technology
M.C. (Mike) Dube, Division Chief, Toronto Fire Services, Canada
Wireless mobile workstations in the form of wireless laptop computers equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System), AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location), and a fully integrated CAD (Computer Assisted Dispatch) system will be shown and discussed.
Dube Abstract| Dube Paper | Dube Presentation
Tracking, Safety and Navigation System for Firefighters
Wayne C. Haase, Ph.D., President, Summit Safety, Inc., Devens, MA
A newly developed tracking/locator system, similar to a PASS, using ultrasound will be presented and exhibited. The device can locate downed firefighters and then use a different wavelength to navigate the direction to a safe exit.
Haase Abstract| Haase Paper | Haase Presentation
Vehicular Repeaters in Fire/EMS Communications
Bruce McPherson, Anne Arundel County Fire Service, MD, and Motorola
This paper will examine the use of vehicular technology to provide reliable in-building communications and enhanced interoperability at the emergency scene and will consider their integration with the Incident Command System. No specific brand names, models or operational protocols will be espoused.
McPherson Abstract| McPherson Paper | McPherson Presentation
Crew Resources Management for Improved Command, Control, and Firefighter Safety
William Peterson, Chief, Plano (TX) Fire Department
The use of CRM concepts, developed by the airline industry, can be effectively used by the fire service to improve command and control at all emergency incidents, to minimize risk and to improve firefighter safety.
Peterson Abstract| Peterson Paper | Peterson Presentation
The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported in part by funding under a cooperative agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The substance and findings of that work are dedicated to the public. The authors and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government. Supported by the United States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, under Cooperative Agreement EME-2003-CA-0111.
