As if the radio system changes and associated chaos and lack of coverage weren't enough, beginning Monday, BCFD will take on YET another endeavor. As many of you know, when you dial 911 in Baltimore City, your call is answered by police headquarters dispatcher. If you need fire or ambulance service, you are transferred by dedicated tie lines to the FD's fire communications bureau (located in another building).
Beginning Monday, when your call is answered by PD 911, that call taker will process the call, enter it into CAD, and, if FD or ambo are needed, it will be forwarded by CAD to the FCB for assignment. PD 911 will be using the MPDS Emergency Medical Priority Dispatch AS WELL AS Emergency Fire Priority Dispatch. THIS SHOULD BE A HOOT!!!
Look for more extra-alarm fires, as the time it takes for PD 911 call takers to interrogate callers according to EFDS will without a doubt, lengthen connect-to-dispatch time.
Also, a few new alarm types will be added:
A "TASK FORCE ALARM" (which was previously synonymous with a tactical box) will be used for small, non-attached structures and large, high-risk vehicles. The response profile is 3 engines, 1 truck, and 1 BC. During periods of high call volume, the TFA can be used as an initial dispatch profile for a full box alarm.
A TACTICAL BOX (2 engines and 1 truck), which has previously been in place, will continue to be utilized as it was.
The HAZMAT TASK FORCE ALARM is being phased out, and replaced with a three-tiered system:
HAZMAT SILENT ALARM: for small spills, to assist local company
HAZMAT TACTICAL: investigate moderate incidents
HAZMAT BOX ALARM: full-scale hazmat release
Beginning Monday, when your call is answered by PD 911, that call taker will process the call, enter it into CAD, and, if FD or ambo are needed, it will be forwarded by CAD to the FCB for assignment. PD 911 will be using the MPDS Emergency Medical Priority Dispatch AS WELL AS Emergency Fire Priority Dispatch. THIS SHOULD BE A HOOT!!!
Look for more extra-alarm fires, as the time it takes for PD 911 call takers to interrogate callers according to EFDS will without a doubt, lengthen connect-to-dispatch time.
Also, a few new alarm types will be added:
A "TASK FORCE ALARM" (which was previously synonymous with a tactical box) will be used for small, non-attached structures and large, high-risk vehicles. The response profile is 3 engines, 1 truck, and 1 BC. During periods of high call volume, the TFA can be used as an initial dispatch profile for a full box alarm.
A TACTICAL BOX (2 engines and 1 truck), which has previously been in place, will continue to be utilized as it was.
The HAZMAT TASK FORCE ALARM is being phased out, and replaced with a three-tiered system:
HAZMAT SILENT ALARM: for small spills, to assist local company
HAZMAT TACTICAL: investigate moderate incidents
HAZMAT BOX ALARM: full-scale hazmat release
