Page 9 - Volume 20

indicates a full-response is required. This type of policy should be implemented automatically based on situation, and not by the order of a specific officer
or chief. Having storm response plans dependent on individuals is a recipe
for disaster, especially if the person
that is supposed to issue the order is unavailable. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that a storm response mode is activated by a severe storm warning of any type—especially a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning.
An additional method in which trained dispatchers can support proper resource management is by training
and empowering your communications personnel to send appropriate levels of resources based on the type of incident reported and its location. This concept is known as tiered response. It may seem like common sense to adjust responses based on available information, but many agencies send the exact same number of apparatus to a single-story ranch house fire as they do a fire in a
high-rise or large commercial building. This is dangerous for both the com- munity (who will respond to the second incident in the given area, and how long will it take?) and the responders (more apparatus responding ensures
a greater potential for accidents). By utilizing protocols that require dispatch- ers to ascertain the building type, and by matching the reported location of
an incident to the aerial photo of the address and other available data, a rea- sonable estimate of the actual location of reported incidents can be held by both the dispatcher and responder long before the arrival of the first unit.
Using NFPA 1710 as a guideline,
a dispatch center can determine if an incident is likely to need 15, 27, or 43 firefighters. An additional tool to sup- port this effort is the Computer Assisted Dispatch System (CAD) utilized by most fire dispatch agencies. Together, with
an accurate Geographic Information System (GIS), is it possible to custom- ize assignments by specific locations,
regions, or communities—ensuring
that incident responses match the likely scenario that will be found, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. It is also possible for many CAD systems to tailor responses by personnel, adjusting responses based on the number of personnel on an apparatus or by hydrant or non-hydrant areas.
The benefits of using available tech- nology and dispatcher training to tailor responses is a fundamental tool to help improve public safety during all types of operational environments, especially during periods of highly increased responses, such as storms. It is true that placing more responsibility on the dispatchers will likely require a change in mindset on the part of chief officers, those who manage the dispatch center, and possibly the dispatchers themselves.
However, these evolutions of thought will benefit all parties involved and, even more significantly, the public and those in need of assistance from their local fire service. u
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