The Tucson, Ariz., Fire Department is using the assistance of cloud technology to study the risks of certain cancers that firefighters can develop. Cloud-based technology is being used by the Tucson Fire Department (TFD) to allow personnel easy access to safety data and for tracking employee compliance with safety policies and protocols.
Along with the University of Arizona College of Public Health, the TFD has been participating in a FEMA-funded firefighter cancer research study, with data collection programs and analysis of that data playing a major role. TFD Safety and Wellness Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine said cloud-based technology has improved the way the department maintains its policies and other documents. The system also helps the department keep track of training schedules, track necessary training certificates and credentials, and make sure firefighters are updated on changing safety policies.
The TFD has been working with the International Association of Firefighters on a data collection system called National Fire Operations Reporting System, which is used to improve firefighter and civilian safety by using consistent and quality data.
“One of the key features of this cloud-based system is the ability for our individual personnel to track firefighting exposures and traumatic events that can potentially lead to PTSD,” Wallentine wrote in an email to MeriTalk.
