High-Rise and Large/Complex Incident Communications Workshop.
High-Rise and Large/Complex Incident Communications
Workshop.
(59266 K)
Vettori, R. L.; Lawson, J. R.; Davis, W. D.; Holmberg,
D. G.; Bushby, S. T.
NIST Technical Note 1479; NIST TN 1479; 104 p.
February 2007.
High-Rise and Large/Complex Incident Communications
Workshop. Proceedings. June 20-21, 2006, Gaithersburg,
MD, 104 pp, 2007.
Keywords:
communication networks; communication equipment; radio
equipment; high rise buildings; commercial buildings;
first responders; fire alarm systems; fire departments;
incident command; interoperability; emergency
responders; planning; training
Abstract:
On June 20 and 21, 2006, the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a workshop to
identify communication issues associated with high rise
building incidents and to examine a variety of issues
that confront public safety agencies handling
large/complex incidents. The workshop brought together
police, fire, and emergency medical personnel from eight
cities along with federal law enforcement personnel,
manufacturers, and researchers. Presentations were given
on what is working to enable communications in different
areas of the United States. Breakout sessions allowed
for discussion leading to the following conclusions. (1)
Progress is being made in addressing the challenges of
radio communications in buildings, with many solutions
presented by workshop attendees. (2) For interagency
communications, interoperability is less about radio
patches and more about developing good standard
operating procedures. (3) For large and/or complex
incidents, planning, training and the use of the
National Incident Management System (NIMS) are the
strongest factors in determining if the incident will be
mitigated successfully. (4) With large incidents, strict
radio discipline is important.
Selected Papers
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899