Enhancing bushfire response with Automatic Vehicle Location Technology

Success Stories

Industry
Public Safety

Service
Technology Services, Project Management, Organisational Strategy

Client background

In the aftermath of devastating bushfires, a State Government recognised the urgent need for enhanced emergency response capabilities, including investment in greater technological interoperability, such as Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL).

A Fire and Emergency Services Commission took the lead, seeking to implement an AVL solution to bolster real-time situational awareness of their fleet and improve personnel safety on the fireground.

The challenge

With 19 initial responses to their Request for Information (RFI) and nine vendors expressing interest, the task was to sift through the myriad of technical offerings, to shortlist suitable vendors, and identify the solution that best met the requirements of multiple agencies, including Fire Services, State Department and Emergency Services.

Our approach

Bdna stepped in to provide a clear, unbiased technical review of the shortlisted vendor solutions. Our methodology was streamlined and systematic:

Requirement analysis:
We began by thoroughly reviewing the project requirements, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs of each agency.

Vendor collaboration:
Working closely with the project’s business analyst, we accessed and clarified vendor-provided information, ensuring no stone was left unturned.

Technical evaluation:
We meticulously analysed the technical components of the four shortlisted vendors, identifying key features and potential differences in their systems.

Solution architecture:
While the final vendor was not yet selected during our engagement, we delivered a conceptual solution architecture, laying the groundwork for the eventual technology integration.

Outcomes and benefits

Our involvement resulted in the delivery of comprehensive technical evaluation and solution architecture documents. Additionally, we provided expert advice to the project team and agency SMEs on technology capabilities and integration options.

The benefits for the client are clear:

Enhanced fireground intelligence:
The AVL technology trial has paved the way for a more informed and strategic approach to bushfire management. With real-time vehicle tracking, decision-makers can now access accurate fireground intelligence, allowing for more effective deployment of resources and coordination of efforts.

Rapid implementation:
Despite AVL being recommended since 2015 its implementation had been repeatedly postponed. Our involvement has catalysed the process, with the state government allocating $5 million for the trial and planning a full rollout to over 1400 vehicles before the 2021/22 bushfire season.

Improved safety and response capability:
AVL is set to revolutionise bushfire management across the whole state. The technology not only boosts the response capability during bushfires but also significantly enhances the safety of firefighters. With AVL, the exact location of any asset can be pinpointed to the second, ensuring that help can be dispatched promptly when needed.

Continuous monitoring:
AVL provides an added layer of safety by allowing continuous monitoring of the hardworking CFS and SES volunteers and staff during bushfires. This “watchful eye” ensures that in high-risk situations, the safety of the personnel is always prioritised.

Reliable connectivity:
One of the key outcomes of the AVL trials was to test the system’s ability to seamlessly failover from cellular to satellite in areas with challenging coverage. This ensures that even in the most remote or difficult terrains, the AVL system remains operational, providing uninterrupted situational awareness.

Addressing past concerns:
The implementation of AVL technology addresses the concerns raised in previous reviews, particularly the surprising lack of such technology in firefighting vehicles that operate in high-risk environments. With this rollout, the firefighting fleet is now on par with modern standards, ensuring that they are equipped with the best tools to combat bushfires effectively.