LiveCad is a web-based portal that combines information about current incidents and truck statutes from different, non-related 911 cad systems so it can be viewed in one place. The “views” are customized for each fire department, so they show only the information they are interested in seeing. LiveCad was designed for fire departments and 911 centers with the primary goal of reducing response times, but it is also accessible to the public.
How does it work?
Almost all 911 CAD systems store information about incidents and truck statuses in a database of some kind. NIPST provides a Windows Service that will query (read-only) the CAD database on a timed interval, and when new information is available, it will send the data to our “LiveCad server,” which is a web server on the Azure platform. The data is processed on the server, and then it automatically updates the appropriate views (web pages) in real time.
Because data from different 911 CAD agencies is going to one central server, LiveCad is able to display data from different CAD systems on the same screen. This is especially helpful for fire departments that provide mutual aid to other departments from various CAD agencies. Usually, there will be a delay in getting the mutual aid department notified because a phone call from one dispatch center has to be made to the mutual aid dispatch center, and then the mutual aid department has to be dispatched. With LiveCad, the mutual aid department can tell that their assistance is needed as soon as the originating dispatch sends the call, which dramatically cuts down on response time.
For departments that have staff on the station, LiveCad can be displayed on a TV screen and provide early notification when runs come in. Many times, the call information is entered in the database 10-30 seconds before the dispatcher is able to voice dispatch the call so the firefighters can get that much of a head start on the call (again, reducing response times).
For volunteer departments, LiveCad can be accessed (on the phone) and displays the address/incident information, which reduces radio traffic from responders asking for a “repeat on the address,” etc. A link on LiveCad can open a page displaying Google Maps of the incident’s location, which helps with routing as well, which in turn reduces radio traffic.
For all departments, regardless of size, LiveCad provides “situational awareness” for an incident or a particular area/region. Incident Commanders can tell how many and what type of trucks are responding and what their statuses are (en route, obscene, etc.). Cad supervisors and other “emergency planning” officials can monitor a particular agency or region, which is especially helpful during storm/high-volume call times.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Does LiveCad display law enforcement information/calls?
No. The only time a law enforcement call might be displayed is when a Fire or EMS unit is dispatched to it. Otherwise, LiveCad does not and will not show that law enforcement runs on the publicly-facing portal.
How much does it cost for a 911 agency to join LiveCad?
There is no cost to the agency, provided that (read-only) access to the CAD database is not a hindrance. This is usually fine for agencies that host their database in-house. However, for agencies who have their database hosted off-site by the CAD vendor, the CAD vendor may choose to charge additional fees to the 911 agency for “LiveCad access capabilities.” However, no fees are assigned to the 911 agency from NIPST for LiveCad access.
Why is LiveCad accessible to the public and not restricted to just first responders?
It’s important to understand that LiveCad was created with the intention of being beneficial to fire departments/first responders with the goal of reducing response times, and that remains the main objective. However, all of the information displayed in LiveCad can be considered “public record,” and as such, making LiveCad publicly accessible simplifies the logistical nightmare of trying to figure out who might be an “authorized user / first responder,” etc. With the implementation of the subscription-based model, having public access will also allow those users to contribute financially to the LiveCad project and keep it sustainable.
If joining LiveCad is free for 911 agencies, how does NIPST generate revenue to cover server/maintenance/labor costs?
User donations supported previous versions of LiveCad entirely. However, that model has proved to be unsustainable. The new version of LiveCad is a subscription-based model, with each user paying a small annual fee to help cover server and maintenance costs.
The 911 agency for our area dispatches Fire/EMS calls, as well as Law Enforcement. Can we still have LiveCad?
Yes… when we set up the “LiveCad Service,” we would filter out Law Enforcement runs before sending the incident/truck status data to the LiveCad Server.
We are currently working on an option for a “private” version of LiveCad, where the 911 center would control who has access to view LiveCad, and it would not be accessible to the public. Therefore, Law Enforcement runs could be displayed if desired. There would be a cost for this. However, those details still need to be finalized.
My CAD vendor wants a lot of money for a "mobile client" license (a program that runs on a truck computer and interfaces with CAD). Is LiveCad a viable substitute for a "mobile client"?
Yes, and No… Yes, because LiveCad can be used in any modern browser and provides most of the information needed for a first responder to get to Scenee. However, LiveCad is read-only. Therefore, you can not use LiveCad to change the status of your truck (e.g., marking “On Scene” by pushing a button instead of keeping it on the radio). You also cannot view “sensitive” information about the call, including comments and other vital information. So, for some departments, LiveCad may be a viable “mobile client” alternative, and for others, it will lack some desired features that a mobile client can provide.
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