Department of Public Safety Communications

Published 3rd September 2009, 2:51pm

The movement of ambulances, fire trucks, police cars and boats will be monitored live, as of Monday 17 August. This new fleet-management tool is being introduced in Cayman to enhance emergency vehicle response capability. The Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs has contracted local company Sat-Trak to provide the equipment and one year’s worth of data. The contract can be extended thereafter and while Sat-Trak offers technical support, the system is to be managed by government employees. The decision to utilise this technology follows last year’s evaluation of electronic tracking devices in local vehicles. The system uses a high-tech combination of Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite map overlays, the tracking of vehicle movements and the transmission of key information every 30 seconds, or every 100 meters. Lands and Survey’s Geographic Information System is also utilised, with the map system providing on-screen display of house numbers and other information relevant to emergency tele-communicators and first-responders. The importance of this system is reflected in its local users: the 911 Emergency Communications Service; the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Fire Services, and the Emergency Medical Service. Such systems are used in most modern emergency services. "Tracking allows the 911 operators to dispatch officers with the benefit of advanced intelligence," said Assistant Deputy Chief Secretary (Uniformed Division) Eric Bush. He added that unit performance has being monitored and evaluated, with positive results. This system is now installed in 42 vehicles on Grand Cayman, with preparations underway for eight more. The 911 system dispatches all emergency vehicles except those from Fire Services. Emergency Communications Manager Brent Finster said that the primary advantage of the system’s capability its that it allows staff who are monitoring the vehicles on computer screens to dispatch the closest appropriate vehicle to the specific emergency situation, and to monitor the response. Information is transmitted from vehicles to the 911 centre using cellular technology which has a radius of several miles offshore. The system retains historical data for a period of time, facilitating useful historical references. Printed reports are also possible. Officials note that these features should also enhance Freedom of Information options, as well as meet possible legal requirements. In addition to vehicle locations, Sat-Trak indicates whether or not a vehicle is running, and if it is moving, it reports the route and speed. The system can also isolate a particular emergency service provider even when it is part of a group. Further, as well as vehicle beacons, every emergency service using the system has in place a perimeter alert. This advises dispatchers every time vehicles enter or leave their respective compounds.