First responders put their lives on the line for the community on a daily basis. Whether they are resuscitating someone or putting out a burning building, it is important that they have all of the tools and resources at their fingertips to ensure that the job gets done safely. Although proper training is key to reacting to emergency situations, there are also smartphone applications that can be used to supplement first responders' skills and experience.
Next time servicemembers find themselves responding to an emergency, they should consider bringing along one of these five phone apps to enhance their ability to react quickly and efficiently.
1. FireStop
Before firefighters respond to a burning building, they have to know about its layout, including emergency exits and where any hazardous materials may be. According to Popular Mechanics magazine, the FireStop app allows first responders to upload any maps or critical information regarding the area's major buildings, such as schools, hospitals and worship centers, onto the app so they have all of the essential data just a finger tap away when they need it most.
"Lets say they have lists of where all the hazardous materials in the hospital are – the oxygen and other tanks and other things like that that they need to be aware of. Now they have it all at their fingertips," T.J. Kennedy, acting general manager of the First Responder Network Authority, told Popular Mechanics.
2. iCrimeFighter
The LE version of the iCrimeFighter app is only available to law enforcement officers. This forensic file app allows officers to store recorded interviews, videos, pictures and notes on their smartphones. It even enables users to organize the data by case number before uploading it to their police department servers.
The app's website noted that there is a generic version also available to the public, which allows them to record accident scenes. This provides a clearer, more accurate and detailed report for the police.
3. Sensimob
Sometimes it can be difficult for field commanders to keep track of servicemembers, especially when radios are out of range. However, knowing exactly where responders are is vital to providing them with the help they require when they need it most. Sensimob serves as a GPS system that tracks the location of police, fire and EMT personnel during emergency situations.
The app prompts servicemembers to check in on their phones and enables them to send alerts and messages to field commanders if they need backup or unexpectedly run into a problem. Commanders can also send responders messages, keeping in constant communication if necessary, even in places where traditional radio systems do not work.
4. FireRescue1
Whether they are on the move or on-duty at the fire station, firefighters need to stay well informed of what is going on in the area. FireRescue1 provides servicemembers easy access to their region's breaking fire news, which is sorted into categories, including popular news and most recent stories. There is also a section of the app dedicated to helpful tips for firefighters. According to iTunes, users also get access to free mobile resources that have never been available to firefighters before.
5. HazRef 2008
After proper training and education, the HazRef 2008 mobile app ensures that first responders have all the important information they need in an emergency situation when dealing with hazardous materials. The app offers a database of over 3,000 dangerous chemicals and substances that servicemembers may come into contact with while on duty. Users can view 61 emergency response guides, informing servicemembers how to handle the hazardous material if they or a civilian has come into contact with it. Another major plus is that the app works without a network connection.