SmartIncident

Designers and developers were challenged to address the following: -How can we better integrate the flow of information between the dispatcher and incident responders? -How much time could be saved if a first responder didn’t need to ask a dispatcher to repeat a message or return to their vehicle to check an incident detail? -What if the information they needed to be successful at the scene was automatically surfaced on the smart radio they’re already carrying? -Can we transform how dispatchers and first responders communicate with one another on their radios?

First responders benefit from situational incident information as long as it is delivered in a usable format to avoid information overload in high stress situations. Smartincident delivers critical image, mapping, and text information to the two-way radio, allowing users to view it as needed. This reduces voice traffic between dispatchers and radio users as it frees up bandwidth for critical voice conversations. It also minimizes ambiguity in voice communications, reducing the risk of misunderstanding or missed information. Smartincident improves user safety and situational awareness by consolidating and delivering information in an efficient and understandable format.

Smartincident reduces the number of typical voice transactions between officers and dispatchers which can be error prone and require repeating. Changing the way dispatchers and first responders collaborate enables more informed, efficient and effective decision making. From the field, first responders can see who else is assigned to an incident, notify dispatch of status and see dispatch warnings of known hazards like dogs or notes like gate codes. Command center dispatchers can directly push vital information shared by community members, such as images or video footage of a missing child, to responders’ radios keeping them informed.

Critical voice communication has historically been the primary purpose for the first responder’s two-way radio. Smartincident is purpose built to augment radio based mission critical communications. Simplified screens and familiar navigation provide clear, relevant information to help users deploy the tool quickly with no specialized training. Smartincident informs the user in a clear, easy-to-read format with the following features: -Home Screen: View of active incident and radio functionality -Incident Summary Overview: Location, assigned units, premise/hazard details, comments and multimedia. -Map View: Location, units and other resources in the area. -Unit List: Units assigned to incidents and others nearby. -Premise/Hazard View: Information such as gate codes and hazard alerts before arriving on scene. -Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Comments: History of dispatch and assigned unit comments. -Multimedia Photos/video captured at the scene and other relevant documents. -Unit Management: Update unit status. Smartincident frees up radio bandwidth for the most critical voice calls, conveying information in a clear, easy-to-read format to the screen of every frontline responder’s radio. With fewer opportunities for misunderstanding crucial instructions, assigned units and dispatchers can stay focused on the task in hand.