Communities and Local Government
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Technology
The new Regional Control Centres (RCC) will be fitted with best in class technology which will equip England's Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) with an efficient communications infrastructure. The technology will provide:
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Full mobilising - a mobilisation and resource management system will record incidents, identify and mobilise appropriate resources and support and log incoming information.
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Caller identification location - the location of members of the public calling for help (whether by mobile or landline) will be automatically identified, thus saving time and helping to screen hoax calls.
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Automatic vehicle location - each fire appliance's mobile data terminal will be fitted with a global positioning system receiver. This device will send regular location updates back to the regional control centres so the vehicle location can be displayed on an electronic map. The nearest fire appliances (based on travel time) with the most appropriate rescue equipment can then be mobilised to incidents.
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Mobile data terminals - will be installed in fire appliances so that firefighters can be provided with constantly updated information. This could include information on details of known risks and hazards in the building or locality, floor plans and access details, instructions on how to deal with different types of incidents (such as chemical spills), and a map showing the quickest route to the incident.
Many components of the technology are already being used within FRSs in England (such as Merseyside and Norfolk). However, no single FRS has all of the features.
The systems used for FiReControl will work in unison with the Firelink radio system to provide an integrated and resilient service with no single points of failure. For example, if a particular RCC was unable to operate for any reason, the system would ensure that the remaining RCCs are able to answer its calls.
EADS have been contracted to provide the service and are working closely with national and regional project teams to deliver systems, training and support in preparation for the rollout of the RCCs.
