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Jarring alarms out, quieter alerts in. New firehouse dispatch systems aim to ease stress
Danbury's fire department replaced loud alarms with a system using soft tones, computerized voices, and timers to reduce stress and improve response times, funded by $500,000 ARPA grant.
- In Danbury's five fire stations, the Phoenix G2 alerting system links to the computer-aided dispatch to send alerts faster to firefighters' phones and watches.
- Because older full-volume alarm systems startled firefighters, the NFPA issued new standards favoring lower volumes and calm computerized voices, supporters say.
- On a recent weekday, the alert began with a single soft tone that gradually increased, followed by an automated female voice naming units and addresses while station visual cues including warm red lighting and a two-minute countdown timer prompt departures.
- Research on alert styles found measurable heart-rate differences, and Dr. Jay MacNeal noted the new system produces quicker responses and is easier on firefighters' nervous systems, according to the NFPA.
- Amid wider adoption, the IAFF and its health-and-safety aides are seeking industry standards that define decibel levels, intervals, and integration based on research, according to Sean DeCrane.
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Associated Press News+31 Reposted by 31 other sources
Jarring alarms out, quieter alerts in. New firehouse dispatch systems aim to ease stress
A Connecticut city has joined hundreds of others around the country that have installed new firehouse alarm systems that aim to reduce firefighters' stress when calls come in.
·United States
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Leaning Left7Leaning Right3Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
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C 70%
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