Technology as a Force MultiplierWhen Fire-Rescue Agencies

Support a Variety of Incident Types

Sara DiazEmerging Technologies Manager

San Diego Fire-Rescue

La Jolla LandslideOct. 2007

$48 million

111 homes affected

Dozens damaged

6 unlivable

OCTOBER 21, 2007 – WITCH FIRE

Marine Corps F-18 Jet crashDecember 2008

4 residents killed

$70 million in legal claims

2 houses destroyed

24 persons rescued

40 horses rescued; 4 drown

Homes/ranches flooded

Tijuana River Valley floodingDecember 2008

Escondido Bomb House December 2010

Opportunities for Tech Solutions

Where Can Technology Make Us More Efficient

Staffing Decisions - Data Modeling and SchedulingBusiness Drivers and Indicators (Dashboards)Fire Records Management OutcomesPublic Information – Social Media

Public Requests for InformationDepartmental Communications

Operations – Data in the Field to Avoid Reach Back

Special Operations – Specialty Teams

Critical Incidents – Situational AwarenessIncident Tracking

BORING BUT NECESSARY

COOL TOYS(WHERE MOST

COMPANIES FOCUS)

Common Themes

Situational Awareness The Incident EnvironmentResources DeployedFirst Responder SafetySafety of Impacted Citizens What Others are Doing (Common Operating Picture)

Information FusionLimited ResourcesInformation Compiled and Easy to ComprehendLimited User Configuration

Limiting Factors

Cost ConsiderationsReadily Available = Purchasing Multiple QuantitiesGrant Programs Have Assisted in Purchases, but Not MaintenancePotential for Equipment Loss/Failure

Ease of UseTechnology Must Compliment Operations, not SupersedeIf it is Too Difficult to Turn On and Get Running, It Won’t Be UsedIf Not Used Everyday, Training Becomes an Issue

Questions ?