NBC Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Fire Department is beta-testing a new mobile application that gives crews vital information at a fire scene — information officials say can help save the lives of citizens and firefighters.
The Geographic Information System, or GIS for short, gives fire commanders access to thousands of data points on an interactive, satellite map — using an iPad like tablet.
“We know the size of the building, the dimensions, how many occupants (the building has the capacity to hold.) It lets us know how many resources we’re going to need to get those people to another location. Or do we make the decision to shelter employees? So, it helps us make real-time decisions,” says Deputy Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer.
Full story: New App Gives Firefighters Full-View at Fire Scenes