Abstract:
Technology has an important role in emergency response processes in the
command center and in the field. Successful operations during emergency rest entirely on
the level of success of information relay to allow timely decision-making process from
the Incident Command (IC) level to the firefighter. Although it is one of the most
important aspect of emergency response, it remains a challenge within the Fire-Rescue
community. Communication during high hazard incident, is recognized by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) during the 2013 research, as one of the
interests for future research to improve communication and streamline accountability
process; where communication is often profuse, interrupted, misunderstood, garbled, and
chaotic.10
The most important aspect of communication during fire-rescue operation is to
achieve personnel accountability. This is a key component of NFPA 1500: Standard for
Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. The main objectives for enforcing accountability as part of the national standard are to (i) identify individuals on
scene, (ii) knowing the physical location of everyone operating on scene, and (iii) to be
able to quickly account for the location and safety status for everyone on scene in the
event of unexpected change in condition. At any moment during an emergency,
firefighter could be injured, lost or killed.
Personnel Accountability Systems (PAS) are vital to all emergency operations and
the effectiveness of the systems is the difference between life and death. Based on 2016
FEMA report, fatality could have been reduced or prevented with improved
accountability through personnel location identification tools.11 Technology to improve
fireground accountability has been making significant progress. Known for popular use
of asset management tracking and healthcare solution, Real Time Location Services
(RTLS) will play a major role in fireground accountability process. Multiple types of
technology relating to RTLS are available today with the design aiming for specific
requirement.
This research will identify technology best suited for high-rise fire and rescue
situations. The research will provide baseline understanding of the national standard,
published by the NFPA, and current policy and process practice at the City of Miami.
Additionally, current technology on RTLS will be discussed with the focus of the
requirements determine by the City of Miami Fire and Rescue interviews. Finally, the
research will discuss on current technology of RTLS and the usage to enhance
accountability technology in high-rise fire and rescue situations.