Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is embarking on a statewide roadshow, showcasing cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance emergency response capabilities in regional areas. This initiative emphasizes FRNSW's commitment to its 'Connected Firefighter' program, a three-year project aimed at equipping firefighters with state-of-the-art information and communication tools, inspired by challenges faced during events like the Black Summer Bushfire crisis.
Advancements in Emergency Communication
The roadshow's goal is to introduce regionally-based firefighters and communities to new technological advancements that are revolutionizing fire emergency management. Key developments include Mobile Command Centers, which enable commanders to set up modern command posts at emergencies, utilizing live aerial intelligence from drones to strategically deploy resources.
Innovative Response Vehicles
One of the highlights of the FRNSW showcase involves the "Cell on Wheels" (CoWs), rapid response units designed for deployment in areas affected by disasters such as floods or fires. These vehicles provide essential communication services, including power, radio, and internet connectivity, crucial for maintaining communication in areas like tunnels and buildings.
Enhanced Communication Tools
Another technological leap comes in the form of Vehicle Communications Hubs. By integrating 4G and satellite communications, these hubs ensure that the FRNSW fleet maintains connectivity even in blackspots across NSW, creating a 'Wi-Fi bubble' for each fire truck. Additionally, every truck is equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), delivering live updates from emergency calls and resource maps, enabling efficient planning and response before arriving on the scene.
Upgrades for Better Response
The comprehensive upgrade further includes dual-band radios with Wi-Fi capabilities for easier remote servicing and broad communication reach through the Public Safety Network. An enhanced two-way pager system now also ensures that on-call firefighters are alerted promptly, even during network disruptions, ensuring no time is wasted in responding to emergencies.
Following a successful demonstration at Sydney's Royal Easter Show, the FRNSW roadshow will continue its journey, next appearing at the State Road Crash Rescue competition at Coffs Harbor International Stadium on May 6. This public demonstration will offer a hands-on insight into the advancements reshaping fire and emergency response across New South Wales.
What does a Mobile Control Center that screens “live” footage from drones over fires to commanders; a portable satellite communications network that can set up during floods or bushfires; and technology that can provide a fire truck with its own WiFi bubble, regardless of blackspots, have in common?
They’re all heading to a public demonstration near them! Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is conducting a roadshow of its latest technological advancements to fire stations and communities across regional NSW.
Latest information and communications
FRNSW wants to familiarize its regionally based firefighters and wards with the impressive technology
The technology represents key features of FRNSW’s ‘Connected Firefighter’ program, a three-year project to put the latest information and communications into the hands of the state’s firefighters, in response to events such as the Black Summer Bushfire crisis.
FRNSW wants to familiarize its regionally-based firefighters and communities with the impressive technology now being used in the field to upgrade old hardware and create a safer environment.
FRNSW stand at Sydney's Royal Easter Show
Fresh from a demonstration at the FRNSW stand at Sydney's Royal Easter Show, the roadshow will visit the State Road Crash Rescue competition at the Coffs Harbor International Stadium on Saturday, 6 May, to showcase:
- Mobile Command Centers: ‘Connected Firefighter’ upgrades include improved Mobile Command Centers (MCC). These vehicles allow FRNSW Commanders to establish a modern command post at an emergency scene and direct resources where they’re most needed. The technology in the MCC’s allow Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones to fly above emergencies and beam “live” footage back as aerial intelligence to the truck for a Commander’s consideration.
- Cells on Wheels: “Cell on Wheels” (CoWs) are rapid response vehicles that can deploy to an area hit by disasters like fires or floods and provide power, radio and internet communications to those who need it most. Its ground-breaking tech includes Wi-Fi and radio repeater capabilities which can extend communications coverage into deeper areas like tunnels, underground facilities and inside buildings.
- Vehicle Communications Hubs: The FRNSW fleet is being fitted with hardware that allows 4G and Satellite-based communications devices to overcome blackspots anywhere in NSW. This will provide better comms for firefighters needing urgent assistance and creates a ‘Wi-Fi bubble’ for every appliance.
- Mobile Data Terminals (MDT): MDT's are fitted in each fire truck to provide firefighters with ‘live’ access to critical information about an emergency (e.g., Triple Zero (000) calls, deployed resources and advanced mapping). Crews use the information provided through the MDT’s to plan ahead of their arrival at an emergency scene.
- Upgraded vehicle and portable radios: New dual-band radios are being Wi-Fi-enabled for remote servicing and upgrades. They are able to access the 4G and satellite communications through the hub, as mentioned above, to communicate with other emergency agencies through the expanded Public Safety Network (formerly known as the Government Radio Network – GRN)
- Two-way pagers: Upgraded FRNSW Communications mean two-way pagers can notify On-call (retained) firefighters if a network is down or congested, ensuring a rapid response to emergencies.
