Firefighters in Ahmedabad could soon reach emergency spots within 4-5 minutes after a citizen dials 112, similar to the response system used for police emergencies.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Fire Department has completed preparations to introduce a new technology-based emergency response system. Around 100 fire department vehicles have been fitted with GPS trackers, digital tablets and high-tech camera systems and linked to the national emergency helpline 112.
The new system is expected to be officially launched by the fire department and 112 officials within the next one or two days.
Old system to be replaced
Under the earlier system, calls received on 101 or 112 had to be transferred to the fire control room before a vehicle could be dispatched. This process could lead to a loss of valuable time.
Under the new system, the 112 control room will be able to see the live location of fire vehicles patrolling the city or stationed at fire stations. When an emergency call is received, the vehicle closest to the incident can be identified and diverted directly to the spot.
The driver will receive the incident details, location and shortest route on a tablet installed in the vehicle. The existing 101 fire emergency number will also eventually be diverted completely to 112.
Live monitoring from Paldi control room
The fire vehicles have also been fitted with 360-degree cameras, including cameras at the front and rear. Once a vehicle reaches an incident, live visuals can be monitored from the central control room in Paldi.
Officials will be able to assess the situation in real time, including the intensity of the fire, the type of fire and whether additional equipment or vehicles are required.
If the situation is serious, additional fire tenders, hydraulic platforms or ambulances can be sent immediately based on the live visuals.
How the new system will work
Call to 112: When a citizen dials 112, the incident location will appear on the control room screen along with the live GPS locations of nearby fire vehicles.
Alert to driver: Details of the emergency will be sent directly to the tablet installed in the nearest fire vehicle.
Navigation: The tablet will display the incident address, shortest route and live GPS navigation.
Live camera feed: Once the vehicle reaches the location, its 360-degree and rear cameras will provide live visuals to the Paldi control room.
Expected benefits
Faster response: Time spent transferring calls between the 112 and fire control rooms will be reduced, allowing firefighters to reach emergencies more quickly.
Nearest vehicle can respond: A fire vehicle already patrolling near the incident can be diverted directly instead of waiting for one to leave a fire station.
Real-time assessment: Officials at the Paldi control room can monitor the situation through live camera feeds and decide whether additional resources are needed.
Better tracking: GPS and camera systems will record vehicle movements, arrival times and on-site operations, providing a clear record of the emergency response.