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National Volunteer Fire Council Recruiting First Responders for Survey on Communications Needs

Results will inform new geointelligence system under development by the Department of Homeland Security
 
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has partnered with ElanTech to create an online survey to gather critical data from first response emergency personnel nationwide. The survey results will influence the design of an advanced new incident command software application in development by the Department of Homeland Security and ElanTech.
 
In the aftermath of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, the new Incident Management & Decision Support System (IMDSS) will provide on-site incident commanders with the real-time, dynamic data they need to coordinate the efforts of first responders. It will also aggregate access to 911 calls, maps, traffic, weather, resource availability, and other critical logistical information. IMDSS will be a compact, man-portable geointelligence dashboard featuring a dynamic operating picture overlaid on imagery of the affected area.
 
Input from emergency personnel will be critical to ensuring that the IMDSS meets the real-world needs of first responders.
 
The NVFC urges emergency personnel at all levels, including emergency managers, firefighters, paramedics, and police, to take the short online survey at http://www.elantech-inc.com/IMDSSQuestionnaire/
 
“This new system will offer unprecedented command and control capabilities for first responders, and having input from day one will ensure ElanTech designs the features most valuable to users on the ground,” said Heather Schafer, NVFC Executive Director. “We urge the fire and emergency services to take a few minutes to contribute to this valuable Homeland Security project.”
 
In addition to providing valuable feedback for this important new tool, survey participants will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Visa Gift Card.
 
For more information on the survey or the IMDSS, contact Paul Seabury at Paul.Seabury@elantech-inc.com or 301-486-0600 x116.
 
 
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation.
 
About ElanTech, Inc.
ElanTech (www.elantech-inc.com) is a government prime contractor specializing in software engineering and development of geointelligence solutions for commercial and government clients.

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Kimberly Ettinger

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kettinger@nvfc.org

David Finger

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dfinger@nvfc.org