FIRS app helps streamline reporting for brigades

Kyneton Fire Brigade are one of the many benefiting from the new FIRS Online system

 

CFA’s new FIRS app has reached a significant milestone, with 10,000 online reports being inputted into the system.

 

When returning from an incident callout, brigades must provide details of the callout to the Service Delivery Reporting Centre (SDRC), typically via phone call. The app which was introduced last year provides an online alternative to making a phone call to the SDRC, but ensures all information is still entered into the Fire Incident Report System (FIRS).

The app currently allows for brigades to report support turnouts, with functionality for primary turnout reporting being added in July this year.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said that the app helps to streamline the process for brigades.

“The FIRS app allows brigades to report incident callouts in a quick and easy manner. It enables the process to be more efficient from start to finish by removing the step of having to make a phone call to the SDRC.

“It’s great to see so many brigades using this system to their benefit. The app is a fantastic piece of technology that is already helping many brigades and our SDRC team.”

Manager Service Delivery Reporting Meg Ripper said that the app isn’t intended to replace the existing process, but rather provide an alternative method for brigades to complete their reporting requirements.

“The FIRS app has had great success so far. Reports are being submitted quicker due to the increase in accessibility and this means the data is available sooner. This assists many areas within CFA and greatly supports robust evidence-based decision making into the future,” she said.

“Another benefit of the new system is that brigades can access the system anywhere at a time that suits them and avoids potential delays during our busier periods on the phones.”

“Finally, when you’re not calling reports in but rather submitting them via the app, this allows us to divert our resources to increasing other capability tools – which will benefit brigades in the long run.”

One of the brigades benefiting from the new system is Kyneton Fire Brigade.

Captain Josh Gamble said that the biggest advantage for their brigade has been the increased efficiency the app provides.

“We started using the app when it was first released, during the pilot program, and it’s just been fantastic,” he said.

“It’s an efficiency in process for us. What used to take us a considerable amount of time to complete a report – around 10 minutes – has now been brought down to as little as two minutes. Not only that but we can complete the report in our own time, wherever we have access to a computer, tablet or phone.

Josh echoes that the intention of the app isn’t to replace to work of the SDRC staff.

“The support of the FIRS team and the verbal assistance they’re able to provide over the phone is still absolutely vital, but the app provides an efficient alternative for brigades. It’s another tool in the toolbox, and those brigades who want to take it up absolutely should, I would really recommend it.”

More info on the FIRS app can be found on Members Online.

 

Submitted by	CFA News