As a heroic profession, firefighting relies on its traditions to inspire today’s front-line personnel – as well as future heroes. However, technology is helping to not only remove some of the worst dangers faced during a fire, but to automate tedious back-office operations, ensure timely dispatching, provide a much greater depth of information prior to arrival and increase response to claims billing. New EMS and firehouse software is transforming how EMS is managed and reducing operating costs.
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EMS Software Is Making Rescue Less Costly
A variety of software suites are available for all EMS operations, impacting every aspect of the service. Administrative tasks formerly piled on overworked personnel can be largely automated and compliance with ever-changing regulations becomes much easier.
Another major benefit is the ability to stay abreast of evolving billing guidelines and AHCA regulations to reduce claim denials and recoup for costly EMS services. Studies show that using EMS software improves patient outcomes while driving down operating costs.
Advances in Software Is Saving Firefighter’s Lives
Software suites such as RescueNet FireRMS provide complete solutions to managing fire departments. With today’s affordable laptops being as powerful as supercomputers were not that long ago, even the smallest department can see a return on investment in as little as a year. Total records management provides apps for desktop, notebooks and mobile devices that are intuitive and don’t require IT expertise by users.
With cutting-edge firehouse software, departments can
- Collect incident data in the field.
- Use mobile apps for compliance and safety, such as vehicle checklists.
- Have a complete digital records management system.
- Comply with NFIRS requirements.
- Easily call up location and occupancy information on the way to a call for safer planning.
- Ensure training goals have been met.
- Automate most back-office administrative tasks.
Many Other Technological Innovations Improve Field Safety
While firehouse software is working behind the scenes, new technology is being deployed in the field that’s dramatically improving firefighter and victim safety. Drones are being used very effectively for an eye-in-the-sky view, including thermal cameras to identify hot spots and potential victims needing rescue. Innovations in personal protective equipment save firefighter’s lives every day.
Personnel location equipment lets fire managers know the exact locations of their people, smart jackets include mobile sensors detecting heart rate and motion and SCBA is now a standard, where it was considered a luxury for firefighting not very long ago. In-helmet thermal imaging displays provide a hands-free, forward-looking infrared view to find hidden doors, trapped victims and hot spots.
Between new physical equipment and intelligent firehouse software, EMS and firefighting has come a long way from bucket brigades and tin helmets. The ability to save lives while cutting costs is a successful recipe for advancement into the future.
