| The Gartan system has been ‘live’ in Gloucestershire since May last year and having spoken to both system owners and users all stated vehemently that they would not want to go back to the old system which was quite similar to our current manual RMS sheets. |
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| So how does it work in Gloucestershire? |
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| On or just before drill nights users can access the system and input their availability for the forthcoming 7 days. Everyone is considered 100% available and the web based application allows you to drag your periods of non-availability adding your reason such as 'at work', 'sick', 'training' etc. This inputting is estimated to take just 1-2 minutes and your availability is defined within 15 minute intervals. The system is also used to ensure that generally you are providing the agreed % cover that your contract requires. |
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| During drill night, the OIC can then review the weeks forecast and, as is currently carried out, identify areas of low crewing and see if this can be avoided. |
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| After drill is complete the crew goes their separate ways but if their predicted cover were to change, they have many different ways of automatically updating the RMS sheet; |
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| The web interface, this can be accessed via your home pc or from the station and overleaf we give a screenshot of the interface you get to see. |
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Via a landline touch tone menu |
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Via email |
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Via your mobile (either by touch tone or text) |
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Via a phone call to control |
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| If the action of booking off then takes the station down to a ‘critical’ level, then they are advised via the same medium giving them the option to reconsider their request. In addition, if confirmed the OIC is advised hat the station is now at a critical crewing level. |
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| What Control See’s |
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| Control has a web browser which displays every station in the county. The stations are then shown graphically as to their crewing levels; black is all OK, amber – critical crewing and red – off the run. The system can also carry additional information such as number of BA wearers, number of drivers etc. This screen is also seen when you first log on . |
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| Turnout |
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| Of course control now have a much more accurate idea of the resources available to them. In addition it must be noted that if you have said your available and you don’t respond this will be a lot more obvious. If you have not actually booked available you can still turnout though! |
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| Reports |
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| Like any good data application this system is brimming with reports which will prove useful to both OIC’s and the individuals. |
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| To Pay or Not to Pay |
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| Part of the debate on the new RMS system is the cost of texting, should the individual bear the cost of texting the service to advise their availability or should HFRS? HFRS state that as this is an improved service for individuals, which is ‘an option' to going down to the station then it should be borne by us. It is sad that they always seem to be so financially conscientious when dealing with RDS issues, a part of their service which costs them so little and provides them with so much free service. We ask them to consider a token payment in recognition of our costs we will pay to help them provide a better service. However in our discussions with Gloucestershire they observed that the text facility is used very little by their Fire Fighters with the web interface proving most useful. |
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| In Conclusion |
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| This system will make great advantages for RDS fire fighters to balance their work - life balance. In addition ensuring that pumps that are expected to turn out - do turn out will only help to raise the professional standing of the RDS both within HFRS and as perceived by the public. Any system will take a little time to get used to but I was very impressed with the feedback received by those using the system in Gloucestershire. Starting in June the system will start to be rolled out county wide - while it is the service order reflecting the current RMS system will be replaced with an interim document of understanding allowing the full benefits to be realised. Following our visit to Gloucestershire, we fully recommend this system and support its development and roll out to the stations - we hope you will too. |
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