FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why did Advanced First Responder Solutions (AFRS) design and develop the Firefighter Response System (FFRS)?
AFRS founder Craig Schurter has been a part of the fire service since 1999. Through his experiences as a Volunteer Firefighter, Craig discovered some unique communication challenges between volunteer firefighers and their commanders. He found communication oftentimes was inconsistent or nonexistent until the responding Volunteer Firefighter reached the station, often three to seven minutes after being dispatched. Realizing that every second lost in an emgergency is added potential for loss of life and that knowing who and how many volunteers are responding is mission-critical data, Craig founded AFRS to develop this innovative solution.
Can I view my neighboring mutual aid department’s response data?
Yes, if they are using the FFRS system and authorize your department to do so.
Is there any software that we have to download on our computers or smartphones?
No, your departments application will be hosted at Advanced First Responder Solutions Data Center.
If AFRS hosts our FFRS application, how do we access our response data?
Via any computer with an internet connection and a standard web browser. The FFRS application also supports certain mobile "smart" phones with an internet connection.
What equipment does a Fire Department have to purchase in order to implement the Firefighter Response System?
It depends on the level of interaction your Fire Department wants for its personnel. AFRS recommends at a minimum one computer with internet access placed in the station by the door where their Volunteer Firefighters enter during emergencies. Optionally, Fire Departments can equip their commanders and emergency apparatus with MDTs (mobile data terminals; laptops, smart phones, etc) so response data can be viewed in the field.
What are the annual service fees for the FFRS application?
Annual service fees are based on the number of stations and number of annual incidents a department has; contact sales at AFRS for a quote.
What are the benefits for the responding Volunteer Firefighter?
The primary benefit is the ability to know if other fellow firefighters are responding to the call. This information will enable the volunteer at the station to make an informed decision in regard to when they should go en route with emergency apparatus to the incident.
What equipment is needed by the firefighter?
Volunteers need only a telephone. It can be a cell, home or work phone.
Will Volunteer Firefighters be billed long distance by their phone companies when they call the FFRS number?
No, all station and direct FFRS numbers are toll free. However, cell phone users may be charged for minutes used.
How does a Volunteer Firefighter register their response with their department?
As soon as the volunteer knows they will be able to respond, they will quickly call the FFRS number as they start responding to the station or incident.
Should the Volunteer Firefighter call in if they are unable to respond?
No. Volunteers should only call the FFRS number if they are responding to an incident or are at the station and available.
How will the Volunteer Firefighter know which FFRS number to call?
Every station within a department will have its own dedicated FFRS phone number. A dedicated FFRS number will also be allocated for departments whose protocols allow for volunteers to respond directly to incidents. AFRS recommends that Volunteer Firefighters program each station and direct FFRS number into their phones to provide an easy and quick way to call when they are responding.
How quickly should a Volunteer Firefighter call the FFRS number after being dispatched?
As quickly as possilbe. The quicker a volunteer calls in, the faster department personnel will be able to view their availble resources.
Should Volunteer Firefighters call in if they will be at the station and dispatch hasn't requested their assistance?
Absolutely. AFRS recommends checking yourself in if you are at the station so your commanders will be able to assess, at all times, their available resources.