New video conferencing system streamlines firefighter training

I think the possibilities of what we can do with it are unlimited, said Peoria Fire Department Training Chief Mark Nichols of their new video conferencing system.

“We are still exploring all of the capabilities,” Nichols said.

The pilot project began two weeks ago with two stations set up, one at the fire administration building on 83rd and Cinnabar avenues and the second at Gene Mason Memorial Fire Station No.191 at 80th and Peoria avenues.

“Right now we are just working all the bugs out,” Nichols said.

Once all of the systems are in place, training will be able to take place from a central location, saving on fuel costs and wear and tear on fire engines that do not have to travel.

Training can be done on things such as tactics and strategy, building construction safety, EMT (emergency medical technician) classes and continuing education for paramedics.

Nichols said they also do what they call, “quality assurance” on all of their calls and when they come across a unique or interesting case, they can provide a video conference of lessons learned and why is was successful.

“Doctors at hospitals will be able to show final x-rays and let paramedics know the outcomes of patients they care for,” Nichols said. “For spine injuries we usually never know if the treatment we assumed was what the result was. The doctor can say, because of your treatment, you prevented this injury.”

For lesson planning, large meetings and staff meetings, firefighters will no longer have to leave their stations, creating a much greater efficiency.

“You can hook it up anywhere,” Nichols said. “I can do lesson plans from my lap top. It allows us the freedom to go to remote locations, video tape and narrate.”

They began looking at video conferencing a little over a year ago.

“We looked at different vendors and selected Nefsis WiredRed Corp. out of San Diego,” Nichols said.

The computers are already in place, Nichols explained, so all we need is the licensing which is sold in blocks of five and with eight fire stations and one administration building we would need 10, which is about $5,400 per year.

Some money is already in the budget and savings on fuel and traveling expenses would make up most of the remainder.

Other Valley fire departments are already using the video conferencing, including Scottsdale, and others like Avondale are looking at using it.

“The Fire Department is coming into the 21st century,” Nichols said.

Reach the reporter at ejackman@star-times.com.