Fire department goes high-tech

BENTON — New technology is now available to the Benton Fire Department that provides firefighters abundant information before reaching their fire or incident location.
The department recently upgraded its software program, I AM RESPONDING, which allows firefighters to not only receive dispatch calls but to access information through the use of iPads  mounted on the console of their trucks.
"Old firefighters used pagers for tone-outs. Now because technology is so good and everyone has cell phones, we can essentially get that same paging capability over a cell phone," explained Chief Shane Crockrum. "Now that people have smart phones, we have the capability to get real-time data directly to them and our fire engines which are equipped with iPads."
Cockrum said the software includes mapping, hazards associated with the call, the location of AED's (Automated External Defibrillators), the name of key holders and fire hydrant locations.
"Immediately upon getting the call, we're flooded with information, which in turn, helps us do the job because it kills a lot of time upon arriving on scene where we're scrambling trying to figure this information out."
The information is also available on board the trucks through the use of the iPads. The department has four units available, which were purchased through the department's equipment fund budget for $400 each.
"Through the mapping, we're able to get overhead shots of the homes or businesses that have an emergency. We're able to see the proximity to schools and other high hazard occupancies. We're able to track the amount of distance to we can formulate a plan for evacuation if needed. It's endless how we can use this," Cockrum said.
Cockrum said one of the benefit of the program is quicker response time.
"We're trying to give the community better service through technology. About the same time we did this switchover, we upped our first responder program. We made the decision that we wanted to be a part of critical incidents within the city of Benton. We wanted to make sure that if you or a family member go down into cardiac arrest that you would be able to get someone there as quick as possible."
In producing further evidence of the success of the program, Cockrum says the department has had three cardiac "saves" in recent months.
"Three people are walking around today because the fire department was able to get there quick, start CPR, get an AED on them and shock them. In all three cases, these people are recovering."
Ron Atchison, 57, of Benton, was shocked twice by firefighters following an incident a few months ago.
"They're (firefighters) are doing an excellent job. If it weren't for these guys, I wouldn't be raising my grandchildren," he said. Atchison has custody of three children, ranging in ages from 4 to 6.
"We feel like we've sent a father back to his infant children, a grandma back to her family and a grandfather back to his children. It's been outstanding the training and the job the guys have done. We're excited about that," Cockrum said. "If we can save one person, that's worth everything."