Tablet computers (tablets) are making their way into the fire service environment in some significant ways. The use of tablets is dramatically expanding for a number of reasons, which include but are not limited to their size, cost, instant access, ability to use many applications (apps), intuitive nature of use, connectivity with commercial broadband wireless networks and that they ultimately provide more ways to access and consume various types of data. This convergence of mobile devices, broadband connectivity, apps and data is fueling the implementation of tablets in the public safety community like never before.
• Traditional computer or tablet. Making a decision to switch from an existing computer solution or choosing tablets as a new tool requires a number of things to be considered. First, you must decide what functionality will be required and how that functionality will be achieved. Once you have reviewed the various solutions to achieve the functionality, you will then begin to differentiate them by the required operating system (Android, Apple iOS, Windows, etc.). Additionally, you must determine whether the tablet you choose and/or the apps will have to interact with other technology such as a traditional computer, smartphones, the web or other mobile devices. This is to ensure that you do not limit versatility across numerous platforms that may be required.
• Functionality. Determining the functionality requires a thorough look at apps, software, hardware and connectivity that will be needed. If all of your desired functionality can be achieved by apps and the memory of a tablet and the apps are available on multiple platforms, the battle is half over. If apps will be used, it will be important to identify the apps and evaluate their stability.
One factor in selection between different platforms is that some do not require any vetting process whereas Apple does require a vetting process before apps are released to the App store. A must that is critical to functionality and successful adoption/usage; it must be intuitive (user friendly) to the user.
• Stationary or mobile. The next question to ask is whether the tablet will be stationary (permanently mounted in a vehicle/apparatus) or will it be mobile and used in and out of the vehicle. This will drive the next set of questions as to what protective case is needed to protect the mobile device. A device that is more mobile stands a better chance of being dropped and/or exposed to the weather, possibly resulting in damage. This will help to determine the type of ruggedized and/or waterproof case that will be necessary to provide adequate protection for your investment.
• Environment. Environmental issues such as visibility (inside and out), external temperatures (hot and cold) and exposure to weather elements (heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.) will all play into the selection of the tablet. If the device will be used in bright sunshine, some tablets will be difficult to view. Tablets that will be exposed to rain will need to be protected. Some tablets to be mounted in vehicles that will be sitting in the hot sun will not operate once their internal operating temperatures are exceeded and will require cooling before they will successfully operate. All of these will need to be considered.
• Data storage. Based on the functionality, data may or may not be stored on the tablet. If data will be stored on the tablet, appropriate security must be applied and the extent will depend on the sensitivity of the data. If sensitive data will be used, a security management strategy must be in place that will not allow the data on the device to be easily accessed. Data stored on the tablet does increase the potential for a stolen device to be accessed.
If data storage will be on the tablet, there will need to be a way to easily update the data. The use of thumb drives to move information to each device is cumbersome, unrealistic and increase the chances of data being accessed by unauthorized people.
Other data storage alternatives can be used that will allow access remotely to data without storing it on the tablet and/or centralizing access to update the data on the tablets. Some tablets like iPads have the ability to remotely discontinue access to the device and some apps have the ability to remove access by the specific device and/or users.
• Connectivity. In order for the tablet to work in a wireless environment, a decision will be required as to whether it will work over a public Wi-Fi, a secure private network, a commercial wireless broadband network or all of the above. When a tablet will be used over a commercial wireless broadband network, the commercial network must be decided on the basis of the geographic area being served. The commercial wireless network must be reliable in all or most of the response area and should be tested before implemented.
A critical question that impacts operation and the decision of storing data on the device is whether the tablet will work in the absence of a wireless connection. Some apps, in the absence of a connection, will enable short-term storage and sync up when a connection is re-established. If the requirement is that this tablet solution must be capable of being used with or without a wireless connection, then storage on the device or ability of the critical app(s) to temporarily store and/or sync up with the host once connection is restored will be required.
• Power source. Another decision that will have to be made is the choice of a power source. If the tablet will be mounted and mobile, the method of providing power will be through a direct connection or the use of a mobile charger (either through a vehicle USB or cigarette lighter). The reliability of this will be dependent on whether the mounted tablet is stationary or removed regularly.
• Mounting. There are numerous ways to mount the tablet and this will be based on whether it is on a fire apparatus, a command unit or other vehicle. The mount selection must take into consideration the movement, the amount of vibration and if it will be regularly removed.
• Managing the devices. One of the biggest decisions will be on how the tablets and associated devices will be managed. Can the multiple tablets be cloned as to the apps, software, etc., and can they be maintained easily? It is very important that this does not become a complex and overwhelming management strategy. Some tablet/app combinations can be achieved very easily and without external assistance.
• Testing the implementation. As the use of tablets in the fire service is still in its infancy, I strongly recommend that there be a phase of testing before a final decision is made. This will provide a way to test the tablet which will help determine the effectiveness of the tablet in the environment, the method of data storage, security of the data, reliability of the commercial wireless network, the stability and effectiveness of the app(s), whether the management strategy is realistic and if it is suitable for the people who will be using the tablet.
• Training. The amount and complexity of training required plays heavily on the decision on what tablet will be decided. Training that can be accomplished easily and to all of the users will have a profound impact on the program’s success.
• Coordination with your local IT. If your organization has an internal information technology (IT) department, it will be absolutely necessary to work through and coordinate all of this with them. If you have done all of the steps above, your discussions with IT will be much more effective and mutually beneficial. If done correctly, this can be done without support from IT, which often makes it easier for them to approve as it does not add another burden to their already overloaded staffs.
• Costs. Costs will be a driving factor, but only after an effective strategy is proven. Tablets offer a significant cost savings when compared to the traditional hardened laptop computers. Again, this only becomes relevant if the tablet, apps, etc., can provide the desired performance.
• Example program. The City of Charlottesville, VA, Fire Department (CFD) has developed a tablet program that uses iPads. Several members of CFD (Firefighter Mike Link, Firefighter/Medic Josh Samuels, Firefighter Jimmy Mehring, Battalion Chief Doug McGlothlin and Battalion Chief Mike Rogers) were involved at various stages and critical to the program’s success. They drafted the proposal, performed the testing (Active 911 app, iPad, connectivity on the Sprint network and use), procured the devices (iPads, Mac computers and associated apps), provided the training and have overseen the program. The iPad was chosen for a number of reasons, which include ease of use, cost, available/stable apps, no storage on the device and the ability to use other Apple iOS technologies such as Apple TV, iBooks and iMovie. These peripheral technologies allow for Facetime between people, creation of multimedia documents and videos (incident related and training) that can then be streamed and viewed over digital television (by Apple TV or YouTube).
This program has resulted in iPads being placed onto fire apparatus and command vehicles using an app called Active 911, which provides immediate access to computer-aided dispatch (CAD) data, hydrant locations, pre-fire plans, automatic vehicle location of other responding units along with other critical response information. Additionally, this tablet program provides iPads to on-duty firefighters to perform daily online training via Target Solutions (an online training program). As the program rolled out, it has all been managed internally by CFD personnel, replaced the traditional hardened/expensive laptops, provided instant access (no delay), increased the department’s capabilities and effectiveness and ultimately saved the City of Charlottesville $50,000 in capital improvement (CIP) funds.
CFD is now exploring the use of other apps such as Voice over IP (VoIP) that can serve as a backup communications system should our public safety land mobile radio (LMR) system go down for some reason or if we need to expand communications beyond our normal geographic LMR system footprint.
Important note: The use of Voice over IP (VoIP) over a wireless broadband network could not be used as a substitute for the public safety LMR system because of the reliability, redundancy and LMR’s ability to communicate device to device when the network is down.
