How do you keep track of members?

[Picc.93Truck]

I downloaded a application called "Fire Station" in a demo and realized how much we could be keeping track of, that we are not. With this, I would really like to start keeping tabs on members and training and such. I'm wondering how you guys do it. Do you have excel spreadsheets, or do you use a program such as firehouse software, or fire station to keep your records. I'm open to any and all ideas because right now all we have is a filing cabinet with cert's.

Thanks guys

[fyrfyter33]

We have used Firehouse software for years. When they were a smaller company, they were great. With time and them being bought first by ACS and now Xerox, their product as well as support and customer service have taken a nosedive. If I could get away from them in a heartbeat I would, as long as I can find another vendor who can move all of our data over too.

[Picc.93Truck]

We have used Firehouse software for years. When they were a smaller company, they were great. With time and them being bought first by ACS and now Xerox, their product as well as support and customer service have taken a nosedive. If I could get away from them in a heartbeat I would, as long as I can find another vendor who can move all of our data over too.

I think your the first person to say that about Firehouse Software, everyone loves them. I'm happy you did though. I have to check with the cheif on this, I'm not sure if we have a subscription...

[fyrfyter33]

I think your the first person to say that about Firehouse Software, everyone loves them. I'm happy you did though. I have to check with the cheif on this, I'm not sure if we have a subscription...

We spent a lot of money for a Mobile ePCR system from Firehouse, that never worked right. In the end, they ended up giving us a free upgrade for the desktop system, but I am still not quite happy based on the previous item.

We are an original customer, so we have been using them for a long time. You used to be able to get tech support answers in hours. Now it takes days.

If I were you, I would go looking for a cloud solution. If I could get it off of our own servers, I gladly would.

One that comes to mind that might work for you is http://www.emergencyreporting.com Essentially all you need is a computer and an internet connection. Everything is hosted on their server, not yours. You just pay for the service. You can contact them, and they will set you up with a free demo account. I liked it when I looked at it last time, before our Firehouse Upgrade.

[Bones42]

We had firehouse software. Became too much of a cost for what we were using it for. Recently switched to Fire Station. In our case....it simply blows firehouse software out the window.

Incident reporting is piece of cake.
Truck checks are in the system with pics of each compartment.
Training records are scanned into the machine and linked to each member for quick easy review.
Handles attendance for calls/training.

And the company is extremely quick at answering questions, furnishing updates, and whatever else.

Highly recommend them and their software.

[blaster668]

I think your the first person to say that about Firehouse Software, everyone loves them. I'm happy you did though. I have to check with the cheif on this, I'm not sure if we have a subscription...

I see you are from PA, several years ago the state purchased the basic firehouse package for every department. They are now no longer giving any new licenses for the computer software, but are providing free usage of the Firehouse Online program, also called PennFIRS. Unfortunately, this online version does nothing but call reporting. http://www.osfc.state.pa.us/portal/s.../pennfirs/9935

[blaster668]

I think your the first person to say that about Firehouse Software, everyone loves them. I'm happy you did though. I have to check with the cheif on this, I'm not sure if we have a subscription...

I see you are from PA, several years ago the state purchased the basic firehouse package for every department. They are now no longer giving any new licenses for the computer software, but are providing free usage of the Firehouse Online program, also called PennFIRS. Unfortunately, this online version does nothing but call reporting. http://www.osfc.state.pa.us/portal/s.../pennfirs/9935