Due to the nature of their job, firefighters are required to hold a wealth of information to help them during critical situations. And since we already carry our phones everywhere we go, why don’t we leverage this technology to increase our knowledge? From using our cell phones as a guidebook for hazmat accidents, to mapping wildfires in your pocket, apps have changed the way firefighters operate.
We’ve compiled the 10 best apps that help firefighters in critical situations and stay updated with the latest information. The apps are suitable for Android and iOS, and the best part is – most of them are free!
Animated Knots by Grog
Knowing how to tie all kinds of knots is crucial for emergency situations. The Animated Knots app is one of the most comprehensive knot apps with instructions to over 195 knots. This app provides an easy way to help you learn knots through clear diagrams and step-by-step directions
WISER
Firefighters must make many decisions quickly in handling hazardous-materials incidents. This app provides accurate information about the hazardous substances, the emergency resources available, and guidance on the immediate actions necessary to save lives and protect the environment. The WISER application extracts content from PubChem, an authoritative, peer-reviewed information resource maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
Pulsepoint AED
Time is precious when it comes to saving someone during cardiac arrest. Pulsepoint AED is an app that provides emergency responders with a list of nearby AEDs during situations of cardiac arrests. The information is disclosed to emergency responders, nearby citizens trained in CPR, and off-duty professionals such as firefighters and nurses. This app also records and displays other lifesaving resources at AED locations, including Bleeding Control Kits, Naloxone, and Epinephrine.
Drugs.com
The Drugs.com app allows users to look up drug information, identify pills, and keep track of medication records all on your phone. Through this app, you can access in-depth consumer information, FDA alerts, and check how different drugs taken at the same time will react. With a database that is updated daily, users can identify meds by simply entering an imprint, shape, or color.
Fire Flow/Pump Pressure Calculator
This app is crucial in times of fire emergencies. It calculates the estimated needed fire flow required to extinguish a structure fire. It also calculates pump discharge pressures for various hand-lines and master streams in both standard and metric terms. This app is specifically designed for drivers/operators during emergency response or pre-planning calculations to help control the fire ground incident when it occurs.
Firefighter Pocketbook
Are you a student training to become a firefighter? Or are you a seasoned veteran working towards sharpening your skillset? Then this is the app for you. The Firefighter Pocketbook is a comprehensive training tool for firefighters. This app includes verified material from the 2011 NFPA and IFSTA textbooks. Users can gain access to over 550 practice exam questions along with 700 flashcards.
5-0 Police Scanner
Be always in the know about the latest emergencies that are happening in your town. The 5-0 Police Scanner is the largest collection of live police, firefighter, aircraft, railroad, emergency, news, and ham radios. This feed on this app displays on-going activity and real-time breaking news. Users can listen to the feeds and follow along. It even has a built-in police/EMS/fire/military codes and phonetic alphabet for easy interpretation.
Collector for ArcGIS
This app has been stated as a game-changer by the Oklahoma Forestry Services during its battle with the Oklahoma wildfires. The Collector for ArcGIS app enables firefighters to view structures, types of terrain, map out fire and attack plans, and add photos and videos. Mark Goeller, fire management chief of the Oklahoma Forestry Services, claims that this app can help “firefighters be efficiently deployed to the areas where they are the most needed.”
ERG 2020
Firefighters are expertly trained to deal with hazmat accidents. This app further supports firefighters by providing a go-to resource to help them deal with hazmat accidents during the first critical 30 minutes. The ERG app provides an indexed list of dangerous goods, their associated ID number, the general hazards they pose, and recommended safety precautions. The updated 2020 version comes with general revisions and the addition of protective distance mapping.
InTime Scheduling App
Built for public safety and law enforcement, the InTime app provides employees with easy to use, on-the-go access to their shift schedules and details, as well as equal opportunity to sign up as soon as new shifts are posted. If you are a fire agency that uses InTime for your scheduling and workforce management, the InTime app improves two-way communication by putting your schedule in your pocket.
Are there any apps that you rely on that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!
