GPS in Fire Apparatus

[f19 4]

Just wondering who (if anyone) uses FPS or some sort of computer based street finder in there apparatus? If you do what do you have and any good and bad reports about it.

Thanks

[IzzyEng4 427]

At work we have a Garmin on the HazMat trucks since we are part of regional team. We also carry the good old stand-bys as well, street maps. So far no real problems but a lot of newer streets in the area have not been updated as yet.

[Bnechis 3,961]

New Rochelle uses OnScene Explorer http://www.onscenexplorer.com/ on Panasonic Tough Books.

The mapping is based on GIS maps so its more acurate than commercial GPS units. It includes all streets, numbers, hydrants, driveways, parking lots and CIDS (special hazards). we can overlay hazmat evacuation zones and get medivac LZ coordinates.

The next phase (Next 90 days) will allow HQ to make map updates, mark hydrants in/out of service and put up notes (like road closures).

By late summer we are hoping to be able to complete the most technical phase, which will allow the dispatch CAD to put info in automatically (location) plus everyone will see where everyone is (which can be used by the CAD to send the closest unit).

[LaurBecca7 1]

At work we have a Garmin on the HazMat trucks since we are part of regional team. We also carry the good old stand-bys as well, street maps. So far no real problems but a lot of newer streets in the area have not been updated as yet.

Our department has about 6 of our apparatus with GPS for getting around on Mutual Aid calls and for those nights when you get up from a deep sleep and can't remember where a street is. So far they are working good. The one thing is we, so far, went with the smaller size screens so as not to block the front seat vision.

[firefighter59 20]

DeLorme Street Atlas USA with Panasonic toughbooks. System is ok , I have not used it enough to rate it .

[SRS131EMTFF 471]

Is there a way to automatically update the destination of a GPS so it reflects the location of a call. As in is there a way a GPS to automatically generate a route to a call without having to manually enter it so when the call get dispatched, once you get into the rig, there is already a route?

[Skindependent 15]

Is there a way to automatically update the destination of a GPS so it reflects the location of a call. As in is there a way a GPS to automatically generate a route to a call without having to manually enter it so when the call get dispatched, once you get into the rig, there is already a route?

Maybe if the GPS is laptop based, the dispatcher can use a remote access program to pre-program it.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

We have a Garmin in the ambulance in New Fairfield, never had to use it though.

[Guest]

I have seen MDT's used with software that shows where incidents are on a map, but no route programmed in. Also, slightly off-topic, but DCFD uses closest unit dispatching, so all the ambulances have GPS locators that automatically feed into communications so the closest available unit is automatically put into the CAD, not the closest station.

[Bnechis 3,961]

I have seen MDT's used with software that shows where incidents are on a map, but no route programmed in. Also, slightly off-topic, but DCFD uses closest unit dispatching, so all the ambulances have GPS locators that automatically feed into communications so the closest available unit is automatically put into the CAD, not the closest station.

Route planning (as found on commercial systems) is questionable for emergency services. When we looked at it we found it usually looks for major routes and not the fastest route.

Our commercial ambulance service uses it and when dispatched out of the same house with a GIS based Engine they go different directions to the call and when the EMS crew has relied on it, the engine has arrived well ahead.

Think about how many incidents of "driving on the Railroad" or Low bridges?

When we got the OnScene Xplorer program many of our drivers questioned why, because "they knew where they were going". What we found is they knew most streets and most areas. What was needed was two things; 1) details such as street numbers (do I turn right or left, or how far till we get to the house particularly ones without #'s on them). 2) Locations when relocating on Mutual Aid.

Onscene can show, your location, the call location or both. When in both it zooms out to just show major roads and as you get closer gives more detail.

The best systems are GIS based (that can be improved and corrected) I believe there are better systems than the one we are using but they are CAD controlled. If you do not control your own CAD then this is the best technology available.

[Dondestro 9]

We have a Garmin in the ambulance in New Fairfield, never had to use it though.

we also have a garmin 7000 in tanker 18 for the use of mutual aid calls......we programed all the hydrants in its favorite places folder so when you get to the call location all you have to do is push fav button and will show the nearest hydrant or tank.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Oh yeah, I forgot.... haha. Thanks Chris.