Technology a vital tool for firefighters on the frontline

Like many young children, I dreamt of growing up to be a firefighter. It seemed an exciting world and the fearlessness of youth cast my mind aside from any of the dangers. Back then I imagined the appliances screeching to halt and the water pipes and ladders being deployed. However, the landscape is changing, and you are increasingly likely to see a firefighter brandishing a rugged tablet alongside their traditional firefighting equipment as technology becomes a vital tool on the frontline. 

One service leading the way is Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), one of the largest Fire and Rescue Services outside London with over 1,637 firefighters and 41 fire stations. 

When the service was looking to upgrade its Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), it chose 143 Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 devices for the front and back of the appliances, using 3tc’s MODAS Professional software to ensure effective communication between control and the vehicles on the move. But as well as a modern MDT, approved for use with the new Emergency Services Network, GMFRS was also keen to equip a rugged mobile computing device in the rear of 53 of its appliances with 4G connectivity.