First to set up data link

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade has become the country?s first fire service to use a mobile data network to send information between its headquarters and fire engines, writes Sean Fleming.

David O?Dwyer, Hereford and Worcester chief fire officer, said that sending data messages would speed up the flow of information and leave radio links uncluttered.

?Until now, we have been using single-channel speech radio for communication between the com- mand centre and fire crews. However, the single channel becomes quickly congested when we have to handle large or multiple incidents,? he said.

Terminals fitted in fire engine cabs will allow crews to send information from accident or fire scenes to headquarters.

This information could then be used to update other emergency services on the situation.

The data network will also allow the command and control centre to send the correct number of fire engines with the appropriate skills and equipment on board.

The flow of information begins within seconds of an emergency call being received.

Forty two fire engines have been fitted with the terminals ? manufactured by Joyce-Loebl.

The mobile data network is maintained by RAM Mobile Data. The contract was managed by GEC-Marconi and will run for three years.

The project is being part-funded by the Home Office through the Fire Services Inspectorate.

Keith Phillips, HM Inspector of Fire Services, said: ?This application is an important step in making effective use of data.?