London Fire Brigade has today launched a new state-of-the-art mobilising system for dealing with 999 emergency calls. 

London receives over 170,000 emergency fire calls each year. The new system will help call handlers to process calls more speedily and efficiently using tracking technology.

Handlers will be able to track fire vehicles via their computer, reassuring the caller as to when the crews will be with them, and communicating with the engine nearest to the incident rather than relying on engines being mobilised from the nearest station.   

The new technology also facilitates the pinpointing of callers by using their mobile phone to track their location, allowing faster response times. 

London Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson, said: “It is incredible how far technology has come since the 999 system was first set up in 1937. Back then operators were alerted to an incoming 999 call by a flashing red light and a klaxon.

“It uses the latest technology to allow us to deal with emergency calls efficiently and get fire engines to incidents more quickly. This could ultimately lead to more lives being saved.

“Fortunately the vast majority of people never need to call 999, but when people are in need of assistance from the Brigade I hope they will now receive the help they need more quickly than ever.”

Original source

London Fire Brigade