| abstract |
A First Responder Communications System (FRCS), also referred to as an Automated Incident Control System, is provided that supports inter-agency and intra-agency communications among first responders including fire, police, border patrol, emergency medical service, safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS also supports communication among multiple on-scene agencies and various command and control personnel and increases situational awareness by automatically providing position information as well as other sensor information. Components of the FRCS integrate multiple communications channels including High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave, cellular, satellite, and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The FRCS also provides position and time information via Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or other positioning systems, and data from deployed and/or personal sensors to provide enhanced communications, command and control capabilities to the first responders and incident command. |