WHY DO WE HAVE COMPUTERS IN OUR FIRE
TRUCKS?
Click on any of the
photos in this entry for a larger view
You may have noticed, if you have ever looked inside one of
our fire apparatus, computers mounted on the dashboards. We are often asked
what the computers are used for and how we benefit from having them.
The computers, specifically named ‘Mobile Data Terminals,’ or
‘MDTs’, are very important to the Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department for a
number of reasons. When a fire company is dispatched to an emergency of any
sort, dispatch sends that apparatus a form containing all the information that
they have received regarding the call.
An example of a Computer
Aided Dispatch (CAD) form for a recent structure fire call.
After a call is dispatched, the map program on the computer will highlight where the call is as well as the best route for the apparatus to take. The map program on the computer also shows fire department personnel where all the other fire apparatus are located in the city along with Brentwood Police. This allows us to see how soon a second company will arrive, when PD will be on scene, or even help avoid crashes if two fire trucks are approaching the same intersection from different directions.
BFR’s mapping program
showing the location of an incident as well as the locations of several
apparatus.
The computer program used on our apparatus allows each fire
unit to see the status of the other Brentwood units. This shows if another unit
is available, training, in-quarters, on-scene, or en-route to a call. The
program also allows dispatch to send written messages to each apparatus as well
as allowing Brentwood Fire units to communicate with each other via written
messages. This cuts down on radio traffic and allows for better communication
throughout the department.
The location and
disposition of each BFR unit is available at any time.
Each Brentwood Fire Apparatus is equipped with a Rocket
System which provides the apparatus with on-board Wi-Fi access. The Rocket
System also allows the engine’s location and speed to be tracked as well.
The on-board Wi-Fi access allows FD personnel to use the
internet to look up any pertinent information that might be needed at a
particular emergency. This could include weather information, specific
necessary medical information, hazardous materials information, and contact
information for any variety of reasons.
The Mobile Data Terminals are a vital piece to the Brentwood
Fire & Rescue Department. By having accurate dispatch information, maps and
routing, communications, and the internet, it allows us to serve the people of
Brentwood in a safer and more effective manner.