Mobile Data System Use

Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Mobile Data System Use 705.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to set forth guidelines for the proper use of the Mobile Data System (MDS). The MDS is a system for providing real-time data communications and reporting, from a secured network to iPads in field units. Members using the MDS shall comply with appropriate federal and state rules and regulations. 705.1.1 DEFINITIONS Mobile Data System (MDS) - a secured system used by the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) and Fire Department Units in the field for providing real-time data communications and reporting. Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) - end user terminals (iPads) used by field units to view dispatch data, and provide real-time reporting and feedback to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC). 705.2 POLICY The MDS shall be used for official department business only. Messages that are of a sexual, racist or offensive nature or are otherwise critical of any member of the Department are strictly forbidden. Messages may be reviewed by supervisors at any time without prior notification. Members generating or transmitting messages not in compliance with this policy are subject to discipline. The MDS shall be used in conjunction with radio transmissions to dispatch and manage calls for service. All calls for service shall continue to be broadcast on the City of Chesapeake's radio system (Primary Fire Talk-group) in order for personnel to maintain situational awareness of apparatus status. Units that are not assigned a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) laptop shall utilize the radio for all dispatch communications. 705.2.1 DATA CONNECTIVITY In order to update connectivity with all Mobile Data Terminals, personnel shall logoff and immediately log back in at the beginning of each shift. This will ensure that data connection and location for AVL has been refreshed. If the unit does not have an MDT, personnel shall advise the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) via the radio system that they are on-shift or off-shift. 705.2.2 USE WHILE DRIVING Use of the MDT by the apparatus operator should be limited to times when the apparatus is stopped. Sending or reading MDT messages while an apparatus is in motion is a potentially dangerous practice. Reading messages while in motion should be done by the Company Officer or other crew member who is not driving and has access to the MDT. Vehicles operated by a single member shall only read incident updates when the unit is not in motion. Single member units can request ECC to provide updates via the radio. Members must focus on the safe operation of their vehicles. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Mobile Data System Use 705.2.3 INCIDENT ACTIVITY All calls for service shall be dispatched via radio and sent to MDT's of the assigned units. ECC shall provide incident details via radio. As the notes are updated in CAD that information will be available in the MDT screen. ECC will notify units of important supplemental incident information (Ex: trapped victims, working fire, armed subject, cardiac arrest, etc.) In an effort to reduce radio traffic, the workload of our Dispatchers and expanded use of technology, the department will rely upon the use of the MDT's on all incidents with less than three (3) units. The following procedure applies to all incidents when three (3) or less units are dispatched: • Once dispatched to an incident, the user shall indicate they are responding by pressing the "ENROUTE" key on MDT. • ECC shall advise responding units when important supplemental dispatch data has been sent to MDT by stating "Check Updates". • Units shall indicate their arrival on scene by pressing the "ON SCENE" key. • Units transporting to the hospital should enter the destination in that field. • When clearing from an incident press the "Available" key and then the "Clear Call" key on the MDT. It is permissible to utilize the radio for all dispatch and status changes should the MDT lose connectivity, is out of service or the use of the MDT is not safe. The following applies to all incidents when four (4) or more units are dispatched: • When incidents with four (4) or more unites are dispatched, they will utilize the assigned tactical channel for all radio transmissions. It is imperative that all units provide verbal information such as scene size-ups, arriving on-scene, etc. It is extremely important for all units to have situational awareness, therefore verbal transmissions are required. 705.2.4 ELECTRONIC MESSAGING & SECURITY Messages sent via MDT, to include messages sent between units and/or the ECC, shall be related to official business. All written messages from department members shall be treated with the same degree of propriety, professionalism, and confidentiality as official correspondence or verbal communication. Messages on MDT's shall be monitored and may be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) upon requests. Anyone communicating inappropriately shall be subject to discipline. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Mobile Data System Use All computer updates must be acknowledged and accepted. Do not place passwords on devices. Members are responsible for the care and safekeeping of assigned MDT's. Members are not permitted to move MDT's between vehicles without notification to the FD-IT group. 705.2.5 EMERGENCY ACTIVATION OF THE MDT If the emergency signal is activated on the MDT, the dispatcher will call the company on the radio to confirm the safety of the members. If there is no emergency, the company should answer that the members are safe. If there is no response from the company or the company answers in a way other than indicating their safety, the dispatcher shall proceed as follows: (a) If the unit is not on an incident, notify the appropriate Battalion Chief to assist in locating the unit that is transmitting the emergency using the last known location and time, known destination and departure points or the automatic vehicle location information. (b) If the unit is on an incident, notify the appropriate Battalion Chief of the incident without delay. Companies not involved in the emergency shall refrain from transmitting on the radio until the safety of each member is confirmed, unless they are also handling an emergency. 705.3 MDT CONSIDERATIONS 705.3.1 NON-FUNCTIONING MDT If the MDT malfunctions or is not working, immediately report any issues to the FD-IT group and Help Desk via email. Companies will then transmit any operation related information to the Emergency Communications Center verbally over the fire radio. 705.3.2 EXPLOSIVE DEVICE RESPONSES When assisting on a report of a possible explosive device, members will turn off the MDT. Operating an MDT may cause some devices to detonate.