Mobile App for Fire Fighters

About the Client

InnovaPad is a popular provider of cutting-edge cloud-based security and information management solutions developed exclusively for first responders' needs.
Customer
Location
USA
Industry
Information Technology and Services

Company’s Request

Today, the key events for the fire departments responding to an incident (en-route, arrived, cleared, back in the station) are radioed to the 911 center by firefighters in the engine at each key event. The firefighters use their physical senses to track statuses of handling the incident. Today, a responsible person makes a radio call to the 911 center for each key event and reports the code “en-route” or ” ” arrived” etc. The current system is inconsistent and depends on human factors a lot.
The firefighters are obliged to produce extensive mandate National Fire Incident Report System (NFIRS) reports after returning back from the incident scene. That requires the two-step engagement: first – at the incident location jotting down the notes at the scene; second – re-entering that information into the database. The extensive part of the work is being done manually.
The Dispatch center is not getting accurate and real-time information about the facilities employed at each incident. The detailed and timely data about the allocation of resources is in a great need.

Technology Set

Android OS version: 4.3 (API level 18)
The operating system for Android devices. Version 4.3, also known as Jelly Bean, includes features like restricted profiles for tablets, Bluetooth Smart support (low energy mode), and improved graphics and multimedia management.
Bluetooth: 3.0
A wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. It includes enhancements like higher speed data transfer compared to earlier versions, which is beneficial for applications that require quick syncing with other devices.
Network: 3G or higher
The third generation and beyond of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It includes enhanced internet speed and connectivity for mobile applications that need to transfer data in real time.
Estimote Proximity Beacons
Small wireless sensors that broadcast radio signals to nearby smart devices. They can be used to identify the precise location within a building, making them useful for tracking the movement and locations of firefighters during an incident.
iPads for Admin Panel and Estimote App (virtual beacon)
Used to run administrative applications that can interact with Estimote Beacons. The admin panel on iPads allows scene commanders to monitor and manage resources and personnel in real time, while the Estimote App can turn the iPad into a virtual beacon for broader area coverage and functionality.

Solution

The Sirin Software developing team produced a system based on mobile application and browser-based Admin application helps build the automatic mobile solution for consistent tracking and recording all key events of the incident handling, storing the incident details in the innovaPad cloud server, instant and effective communication with the database. It enables the Scene Commander to view all the assets in real time and manage the incident scene.
The solution also provides the delivery of the automatic reports right after the incident and offers user-friendly interface to track the current state and the history of each incident, apparatuses, firefighter, etc.
The system demonstrates the use of beacon technology (sensing location, proximity, motion, etc), GPS (geo-fence latitude/longitude) and a smart mobile device application to automatically track firefighters and fire engines and upload data to cloud servers. It includes a browser-based application on the Scene Commander‘s iPad to let him view the assets at his disposal and manage the incident scene.

Value Delivered

Enhanced Data Collection Speed and Efficiency
The new system significantly increases the speed and accuracy with which fire departments collect and process incident data.
Scalable System Implementation
The system can be expanded across local, regional, and national levels, improving its utility and scope.
Reduced Human Error
By minimizing the need for manual input, the system decreases the chances of errors that can occur during human-machine interactions.
Improved Resource Allocation
The solution enables better distribution and utilization of resources, ensuring they are available where and when needed most.
Real-Time Operations Enhancement
Fire departments and dispatch centers now operate more efficiently due to the availability of real-time data.
Accelerated Cost Recovery
The system enables a quicker process for recovering costs associated with fire incidents.