New Link Enables Accelerated Fire and EMS Response

"Swift, accurate relay of information between the 911 call center and a city's Fire Department is critical in improving response time and saving lives," said Dennis Withem, president of Sundance Systems Inc.

As a client of Sundance Systems, Willowick Ohio's Police Department has utilized the Communication and Office Management Suite (COMS) for over 7 years.  Enhancing the integration with Willowick's Fire Department was the next step in improving service to residents in need.

Full integration of the department was achieved through the implementation of a secure network link.  In conjunction with Active Networking Inc., Sundance coupled the departments' information sharing with a secure VPN connection.  Call data from the dispatch center is now immediately transferred to Mobile Data Terminals installed in Willowick Fire Department vehicles.  The Sundance MDT's are outfitted with the capability to view all details of the incoming call on screen; chat with the dispatch center and file completed reports.  The GIS mapping function included in the Mobile Data Software not only directs vehicles to the area of service, but will overlay fire hydrant placement in the immediate locale.  "This feature cuts vital seconds in set up time," according to Withem.

Our Computer Aided Dispatch software has been fully integrated to the Firehouse Records Program in use by the Willowick Fire Department.  Data is immediately transferred, eliminating the need for duplicate entries and inadvertent loss of vital data," Withem stated.

"Older systems of dispatch communication, such as 'rip and run', cannot provide the most complete and prompt detail on emergency calls.  Firefighters and EMS technicians are now armed with history, warnings and all pertinent call information with just a click. Saving time, maximizing efficiency and assisting our first responders in communicating is a critical aspect of our company's focus."

Sundance Systems Inc. offers Networking Service as part of its comprehensive suite of service to municipalites.

Solving a technology problem today begins with locating the source of the issue. "Far too often, involved parties choose to point the finger away from themselves and at others," according to Tom Souza, president of Active Networking Inc. "This only impedes the path to a solution."

Souza, a network engineer for over 20 years, prefers "no point" relationships between software, hardware and networking providers in executing an appropriate result for a client.  "This type of cooperative environment asserts that this problem in everybody's problem and we need to work together to pinpoint and resolve it," Souza said.

Active Networking and Sundance  Systems Inc. did just that recently when reconfiguring communication venues betweent the Willowick Ohio City Hall and departments within the city.  "Sundance provides the state-of-the-art technology and I provide the vehicle of communication.  Our long term relationship has enabled us to work together for the ultimate benefit of the customer," he said.

"Unraveling the issues prohibiting efficient information sharing between the police and fire departments; the city and service departments was a goal easily accomplished in a 'no point' environment.

With Sundance installing Mobile Data Terminals in Willowick Fire Department vehicles and Active Networking providing the secure network connection, a smooth and efficient communication system has been put in place for the benefit of all Willowick residents," Souza stated.