West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has begun to implement a new incident command system.
It is running a six-month proof of concept in the Coventry and Solihull command area with the IRIS Core system from emergency services technology provider Unblur.
The company said the aim is to follow up the proof of concept with a service-wide deployment.
As part of the delivery, IRIS Core will be integrated with WMFS’s IT systems for command and control, mobilisation, site-specific risk information and water hydrants data.
New approach
Paul Dunnel, a watch manager of WMFS, said: “We are excited to announce this fantastic collaboration with Unblur. It will involve a six-month proof of concept period introducing a new approach to incident management, command and control and command support.
“We also anticipate significant improvements to firefighter safety and post-incident learning. Ultimately, this is about supporting our assertive, effective and safe response to incidents for the benefit of our communities, making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier.”
Unblur said the project will be complemented by deploying new Zebra Technologies devices to support the IRIS Tactics app. Incident commanders will use devices to run IRIS Tactics giving risk mapping, streaming body cameras and GPS tracking.
