CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - METCAD unveils a new system designed to shorten response time, assist dispatchers, and help firefighters sleep better.
The system is called 'Locution' and automatically dispatches trucks and engines to the address after the information is inputted by the dispatcher. It's quicker and allows the call taker to stay on the line with the person calling.
Chief Andy Quarnstrom of Champaign F.D. said, "The dispatcher can be on a call and once they type the information in the computer, that call can then be dispatched using the Locution system."
Locution uses pre-recorded street names, business names, address numbers, and fire department terminology to alert stations within seconds.
Brad Hardcastle, a Database Administrator with METCAD said, "We were looking for any kind of solution we could to lessen the burden on the dispatcher and this is one of the things we identified that we could do."
The system will help firefighters get better sleep at the station too, something Chief Quarnstrom says could help them be healthier for longer.
"The carcinogens are bad," Quarnstrom said, "but the reality is its the lack of sleep, and overall health impacts of that, may really be hurting and killing our firefighters in the future."
As for how it works, Hardcastle told WAND News, "It gradually ramps up the volume, it can isolate the different dorms. If one of those units goes on a call, right now the whole station gets woken up for it. With this new Locution system, they can isolate that to just the dorm that [for example] the engine company is working out of."
The new system has been used since the start of the week.
Hardcastle says only minor tweaks have had to be made.
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