React

Simplifies the Management of Retained Firefighters and Fire Station Security

React is an acronym for Resource, Access and Time. It’s a system that aids the management of Retained Firefighters and comprises four modules. A fixed Central Processor Unit (FSCPU) at the fire station, an Appliance Nominal Roll (ANR) in the fire appliance; firefighters carry small React keys, bespoke software running on a PC/Server at Headquarters manages the collection and processing of accumulated data.

Firefighters gain access to the station using their React key, log onto the station at the FSCPU and if appropriate, log onto the appliance using the ANR, thus the purpose and precise time of attending the station, for a Fire call, Drill or Admin is clearly logged.

Intuitive and user friendly, the system differentiates between those in attendance and those who turnout to the incident, it caters for all the variations which can effect retained firefighter pay such as sickness, holidays, acting rank, watch-room duty, service injury, lost key, did not respond.

Overnight the HQ equipment automatically polls each fire station in turn and uploads the data. As needed, a report generator program calculates the pay due accurately and very quickly. Of particular significance due to recent legislation, it can be used to calculate holiday pay. The basic program is readily modified to reflect individual, Brigade specific, working practices.

The mass of data collected is used to generate other, non-pay, reports. The performance of an individual firefighter or station can be shown either as a weekly or quarterly report. This aids supervisory officers in their performance assessment duties. Such reports are easily and quickly scanned to ensure that individuals are meeting their contractual obligations. This data can also be exported to third party ‘Payroll’ Software.

The React key carried by each firefighter stores data relative to that person. It might simply be name, rank and brigade number or be extended to include details of qualifications, particularly any specialist qualifications, blood group etc. Similarly the ANR carries information about its appliance - type, equipment on board, any specialist equipment carried. By logging onto the ANR to form a crew, individual firefighter data is mapped to the ANR.

The React key may be the Dallas ‘Touch Button’ as shown or an RFID tag housed in a small wristwatch like enclosure. When used for station access, the FSCPU addresses its database of all persons allowed access to the station; resident firefighters, HQ support staff, visiting contractors, local cleaner etc. Access times can be programmed for any period – 24/7 or limited times, specific days. This both assists in the management of external staff and reduces the problems associated with multiple master keys.

React keys may be attached to all types of equipment such as portable pumps, mobile lighting arrays and BA cylinders etc. Small hand-held readers are used to collect identification details and update date/time information in order that maintenance and mandatory Health & Safety logs can be accurately and efficiently kept.