En route to a car accident, the officer in charge of a South Wales fire brigade team calls up the make of vehicle involved. A screen in the fire engine cab displays the location of hydraulic systems and high pressure airbags which could pose a danger to fire fighters using cutting equipment to free trapped motorists.

 

South Wales Fire Brigade is at the forefront of a move to put greater information resources into the hands of firefighters at the site of an incident using advanced GIS (geographical information systems).  Data2Cab is a screen based system which displays much more than just basic mapping information. ‘Its all about supplying timely, accurate information to the guy who needs it in the fire engine.’‚ says Andy Marles, deputy chief fire officer.

 

The system marks the locations and service condition of fire hydrants; showing teams the actual pressures and hose couplings required - information that can save minutes at the scene.