Agenda - 09-13-2011 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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90 Information Technology Computer -aided dispatch (CAD) is the- foundation of any efficient communications dispatching center. The software /hardware interface assists telecommunicators in Orange County to manage the movements -and responses of over sixty field units — police, rescue, fire and medical - daily. The CAD "dispatching" software is linked to GIS software and hardware, which identifies each emergency unit with a unique icon and GPS "W', coordinate to tell -the telecommunicator the closest and most - appropriate unit -to send. As the volume of calls for service continues to increase, it is critical that CAD software and AVL software be updated and integrated into all response vehicles to provide the most efficient priority selection -of closest unit response to the emergency. OCES has purchased ten AVL units and wilt begin a pilot project -in 3rd QTR 2011. The project will test the AVL process on 7 -8 ambulances -and up Jo_ three other - units- to determine_ system-, fidelity and accuracy. Once necessary adjustments are made OCES will provide the service to other agencies. Law enforcement agencies have cited the advantage of officer - safety provided by AVL and two fire departments have indicated they are interested in trying the technology. In the future it will be necessary to incorporate AVL in all emergency units to ensure closest unit response to provide the quickest and safest response to emergencies throughout the county -and surrounding communities. The process enhances telecommunicator accuracy and efficiency, reduces telecommunicator fatigue, provides multi- layered response capabilities to address large, complex emergencies and disasters and provides for accurate, timely "move -ups" of reserve resources to ensure coverage throughout the County. The AVL concept has been adopted by communities throughout the United States since the 1990's. Recently, OCES- took delivery of Firehouse® software that is the common platform for collecting emergency incident data; managing training records and department member rosters, fire prevention inspections and developing hazard mapping specific to businesses and target occupancies. Coupled with Firehouse® is an update to the CAD system called MobileTrak® that will allow units to utilize "silent dispatching ", which cuts down on verbal communications and further reduces system overload and improve telecommunicator. efficiencies. MapTrak® is an add -on that will be coupled with CAD /AVL to show units unit availability- and response activity, which will also reduce the need for verbal communications, increase efficiencies and improve safety. OCES is working with several agencies throughout the County to interface Firehouse®, CAD /AVL, MobileTrak® and MapTrak@ into their response protocol. Following the pilot phase, further investment in the system will be necessary to include all units to safely manage multiple response agencies to ensure quicker response to emergencies while ensuring responder safety. ............ . - _ __.__... ... __ _ __ __ _ ......... 2 Page