FOI16120
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
I am writing to confirm that the West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information you requested on 13th September 2016
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
- Could you please confirm the typical data Communications technology installed on-board Fire Appliances. I am particularly interested in the Pumps and Command Units.
Reply
Typical data Communications technology installed on-board Fire Appliances are 1 x Mobile Data Terminal
Request
- What is (are) the purpose(s) of the communications technology, for example; GPS tracking of appliance, Telematics, On-Board Diagnostics, Status update (pump on way, pump at incident etc), communicating with other appliances/back to base, event-based streaming of video etc?
Reply
The purpose of the communications technology is to provide Status updates, incident messaging, AVLS.
Request
- Do you currently make use of CCTV and/or dash cameras on fire appliances?
Reply
West Midlands Fire Service makes use of camera systems on fire appliances but not all.
Request
- Do you currently use body cameras or sensors (such as heat sensors) to help protect firefighters from harm / get better visuals on the incident? If not, do you plan to utilise this technology in the future?
Reply
Body Worn Cameras are in the process of being implemented for every frontline appliance and a range of other support functions. The camera footage will be used for learning & development, sharing best practice and communicating prevention based messages to support keeping our communities safe.
With regards to Heat sensors, Firefighters use thermal imaging cameras for the purposes of recognition of localised ‘hot spots’ in fire incidents and to assist in locating persons where visibility is reduced due to smoke.
Request
- Do the units make use of the TETRA network or standard mobile communications?
Reply
Currently the units make use of standard mobile network but moving to include TETRA
Request
- Any particular fire department specifications/standards that your on-board appliances need to comply with?
Reply
Our on-board appliances need to comply with the following specifications – GD92
Request
- If the TETRA network is being used, is the hardware compatible with standard mobile communications technology? If not, can the unit(s) be updated or do they need to be replaced to facilitate the change to mobile communications.
Reply
Not applicable as TETRA not being used at this time.
Request
- Could you please confirm the model of the communications units being used and the supplier(s) of those units?
Reply
The model of the communications units being used and the suppliers are Tempus T1058 & T1059, Nexcom VTC6200
Request
- Could you confirm the contract terms these units have been bought on – was this a one-off CAPEX charge or a mixture of CAPEX and OPEX?
Reply
The terms of the contract was One-off CAPEX
Request
- Please could you confirm the cost of the units, both CAPEX and OPEX?
Reply
Total contract CAPEX value was approximately £425k
Request
- Could you please confirm who installs and maintains the units?
Reply
Units are installed and maintained by West Midlands Fire Service staff.
Request
- Could you confirm when the current contract term(s) come to an end?
Reply
There is no current contract
Request
- Could you please confirm who within the fire department is responsible for procuring the units?
Reply
The department responsible for procuring units is Corporate Procurement
If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications. If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision please write to The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
