OnSite ERT
Central Tracks Emergency Responders Nationwide
New system alerts incident commanders when first responders
from multiple agencies jump into action
Ann Arbor, MI (August 20, 2009) – For
the first time, a new nationwide database is giving incident commanders
who supervise large scale emergencies-- whether it be a Fire,
EMS, Police or combined event-- complete confidence in knowing
who is assisting in the efforts, regardless of which department
each is from.
OnSite ERT, a portable and rapidly deployable system used for
tracking and monitoring emergency responders, just released OnSite
ERT Central that is changing multi-agency response coordination
during emergencies. OnSite ERT Central allows users to automatically
track emergency responders from multiple agencies that show up
to assist in the combined efforts.
“The addition of first responders and even volunteers from
multiple response disciplines and departments during large scale
emergencies who aren’t used to working with one another
can sometimes lead to confusion and uncertainty for those in charge,”
said Dennis Carmichael, founder and president of OnSite ERT. “This
new feature will give incident commanders complete confidence
in knowing who each and every person is on scene, along with a
list of their credentials, regardless of the department or agency
they are from.” Carmichael continued, “The NIMS core
document says Multiagency coordination occurs across the different
disciplines involved in incident management, across jurisdictional
lines, or across levels of government. OnSite ERT Central truly
is a Multiagency Coordination System as described by NIMS.”
OnSite ERT Central keeps up-to-date records of every emergency
responder registered in the OnSite ERT network. Each time someone
new is hired, their information, including photos, descriptions
and credentials, is automatically saved into OnSite ERT Central.
The system then downloads that information to each department’s
and agency’s individual systems, giving incident commanders
the freedom to have full access to the vital data they need during
each emergency situations.
“Our main focus when we developed OnSite ERT Central was
to create something that was functional and easy to use during
chaotic emergencies,” Carmichael said. “Just like
the reaction we have to OnSite ERT from fire chiefs and other
local authorities, everyone instantly recognizes why OnSite ERT
Central is valuable and how useful it can be.”
In addition to the numerous benefits to incident commanders, OnSite
ERT Central also provides valuable snapshots of each incident
that can be reviewed after the emergency is over. Over time, that
information will be used to help in creating safer fire fighting
practices.
“We will be building a library of these incidents that no
one but the departments and agencies in our network will have,”
Carmichael said. “Our goal, when we have a large enough
sample size, is to work with the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration and the United States Fire Administration to develop
improved emergency response methods.”
OnSite ERT™, launched in 2005, uses a combination of lightweight
ID tags, portable drop readers and incident command software that
provides a clear sense of an emergency scene in real time –
all from the screen of a laptop. The innovative tracking system
is the brainchild of Carmichael, a technology expert, and retired
firefighter John Ellis and is currently being used in more than
15 departments, from Texas to New York, with more on the horizon.
The system, which typically costs between $25,000 and $50,000
per fire station, provides electronic data demonstrating that
rules were followed on scene, which helps limit legal risks in
the event of a tragedy. Often, departments use local and national
grants to help offset the costs of OnSite ERT. Carmichael said
he anticipates an additional yearly charge for those interested
in accessing all of the databases capabilities.
About OnSite ERT
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, OnSite ERT offers a portable and
rapidly-deployable system for tracking and locating personnel
and equipment on-scene at emergency events. First installed in
early 2006 in Michigan, OnSite ERT has earned a number of awards
and accolades, including recognition at the Michigan Homeland
Security Consortium’s SELECT awards. OnSite ERT is on the
DHS Authorized Equipment List and is approved for grant purchase.
For more information, go to www.OnSiteERT.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Brooks, Fishman Public Relations,
847-945-1300, ext. 255 or cbrooks@fishmanpr.com
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