Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Technology
The Death of an Old Adage
The Internet can be an amazing tool for the emergency services if harnessed properly. ...
Ford Executive/Firefighter Develops Field Calculator App
The app has embedded calculation tools used to determine discharge pressure for firefighting pumps, foam application rates and amounts, critical application rate/flow estimation, and pressure and flow rates for smooth-bore nozzles....
Extrication a Snap with Downloadable App
Upon arriving at the scene of a vehicular accident, emergency responders can click on the Extraction Zones Pro app and select the make and model of the damaged vehicles from an extensive databank in the pop-up list. ...
A Big Leap Forward
A rural volunteer department discovers that technology opens a lot of interesting doors....
Communications
Firecom Partners with Simulation Technology for Fireground Training
Incorporating wireless headsets into driving simulators ensures firefighters use the same technology in a training environment as they do en route to the fireground, said Reed Stager....
NYC Tests Mobile Emergency-Alert System Today
Six test messages will be sent to WEA-enabled mobile devices around New York City....
Virtual USA Gen 4 Expands Sharing Capabilities
Before Gen 4, Virtual USA was a state-centric tool, but the new version expands information-sharing across states, counties and cities....
House Approves Legislation That Reallocates D Block
House members yesterday voted 234-193 to approve payroll-tax legislation with language to reallocate the 700 MHz D Block spectrum to public safety and provide at least $5 billion in funding for the buildout of a nationwide LTE network for first responders, but the measure is expected to face stiff opposition in the Senate....
Computers & Software
Yes, There’s an App for That
Developers increasingly are meeting the needs of the fire service — in part because firefighters themselves are doing the creating. ...
A Big Leap Forward
A rural volunteer department discovers that technology opens a lot of interesting doors....
FDNY Deploys Software-Based Mayday System
After a 90-day field test and more than one year in research and development, the New York City Fire Department has installed the the Electronic Fireground Accountability System (EFAS)....
When Maintaining Fire Apparatus, Knowledge is Power
FirePrograms Software has developed diagnostic software dubbed Link2 that monitors vital vehicle systems, such as the engine, brake and electrical systems, and records key performance and usage data — information that can give departments ample warning that a problem might be on the horizon....
