News
Operation Respond Promotes Wireless Applications for Responders
Operation Respond Institute, Inc. (ORI), a nonprofit organization specializing in software that links on-scene emergency responders and the major North American railroads, is working to identify and deploy new wireless technology applications for the fire and emergency services. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will provide first responder feedback regarding what additional or enhanced databases, information, and related software aids could help volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel perform their duties more safely and efficiently.
The volunteer fire and emergency services routinely use technology to improve on-scene communications, response operations, and incident management, especially when hazardous materials may be involved. It is critical for emergency personnel arriving at the scene of an incident to have quick, reliable access to decision-making information. Operation Respond’s user-oriented software enables on-scene first responders to independently get rail hazmat cargo confirmation and gain access to critical databases, information, and guidance in transportation emergencies. Operation Respond Emergency Information System (OREIS) seeks to improve access to a wide variety of emergency data, graphics, schematics, and images to the responders working at the scene by providing first responders informational software.
Additionally, Operation Respond is working with AccuWeather, Inc., of State College, PA, to develop direct links to AccuWeather’s nationally renowned severe weather monitoring and alert capabilities. Responders often face high winds, intense thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, dangerous lightning strikes, and other severe weather phenomena when conducting emergency operations. Access to AccuWeather for on-scene responders allows them to quickly receive severe weather warnings in time to take safe, responsive action to protect themselves and their community.
To help first responders access vital information in the field, Sprint Nextel and Operation Respond are offering a special promotion. A BlackBerry Curve 8330 loaded with the OREIS Mobile and AccuWeather software can be purchased for $50 with a software charge of $8 a month. OREIS Mobile gives first responders quick, accurate response guidance for dealing with specific hazardous materials, and the AccuWeather service provides severe weather monitoring and alerts. For more information on this offer, call toll-free at 877-776-5494 or visit www.sprint.bz/oreis.
Search
Kimberly Ettinger
Director of Communications
202-887-5700 ext. 19
David Finger
Director of Government Relations
202-887-5700 ext. 12