Resgrid Blog
Resgrid.com Blog | Open Source Dispatch
In the high-stakes world of emergency dispatch, continuous learning is not just a professional goal; it is a critical component of public safety. Keeping skills sharp, mastering new technologies, and understanding evolving incident command protocols are essential for effective performance. However, accessing high-quality training can be challenging, often constrained by tight agency budgets and the …
To really get what Enhanced 911 (E911) is, you first have to understand what it isn't. It’s not just a simple phone connection to an emergency operator. E911 is a smarter system that automatically gives a 911 dispatcher two crucial pieces of information the second you call: your phone number and your physical location. This …
When you're running an emergency response operation, the single most critical question is often the simplest: "Where are my units right now?" An Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system gives you that answer, but it's so much more than just dots on a screen. Think of it as a live, tactical map of your entire fleet, …
Think of a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system as the digital brain of any operation that has people and equipment on the move. It's the platform that cuts through the noise of incoming calls and frantic radio chatter, turning potential chaos into a clear, organized response. The mission is simple: get the right resources to …
Shift select scheduling flips the script on the old, rigid way of doing things. Instead of a top-down, command-and-control schedule, it's a flexible system where your team members can proactively sign up for the shifts they want. This simple change gives your people a choice, which directly reduces administrative burnout, gets coverage gaps filled way …
At its heart, a dispatch radio console is the command center's nervous system. It’s what pulls together all the different ways your team communicates—radio, phone, data—and puts it all into a single, straightforward interface for your dispatchers. This ensures they can talk to people in the field clearly and effectively, keeping a full picture of …
In the world of first responders and fleet operations, vehicle readiness isn't just a goal; it's a life-saving necessity. A missed crack in a brake line, an overlooked low tire, or an unstocked medical kit can have catastrophic consequences. But a generic, pencil-whipped checklist is no longer enough. The difference between operational excellence and costly …
Let’s be honest. When a major incident kicks off, the first few minutes are pure, unfiltered chaos. Think about a multi-car pileup on the freeway or a brush fire starting to crown. The traditional command post is a whirlwind of frantic radio calls, notes scribbled on the hood of a truck, and paper forms getting …
Think of a firehouse alerting system as the central nervous system for your entire emergency response. It's the critical link that takes a call from dispatch and instantly turns it into a series of smart, automated actions. We’ve moved way past just flipping on a siren; modern systems integrate everything from station tones and automated …
Fire drill logs are the official record of your fire safety drills. But they're so much more than just a piece of paper you file away. Think of them as a living history of your organization's emergency preparedness, showing you exactly where you're strong and, more importantly, where you've got weaknesses in your evacuation plan. …