SFRS signs £29.5 million deal for all-new 999 mobilisation system

The technology will deliver an enhanced day-to-day and major incident response capability, replacing the ageing systems currently in use by the SFRS’ three operational Control Rooms in Johnstone, Edinburgh and Dundee.

Last year, the SFRS attended circa 80,000 incidents, each of them requiring one or more 999 calls. This new system will allow SFRS Control Room staff to deal with day-to-day incidents more effectively and efficiently. The initial contract period will be seven years with the option of a three-year extension.

Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at the SFRS, commented: “Our 180 operations Control Room staff across Scotland are the unseen front line of the Fire and Rescue Service. Working together, they play a critical role in the safety of Scotland’s communities.”

Watt continued: “By their very nature, operations Control rooms are fundamental elements in the delivery of SFRS core services and are a key component in ensuring that we keep the communities of Scotland safe. A settled future platform is essential in enabling us to do exactly that.”

He went on to add: “This cutting-edge technology from Motorola Solutions will further enhance our capability by delivering a whole new level of day-to-day flexibility and resilience, while providing the SFRS with a single, stable and interoperable system across our trio of Control Rooms.”

The SFRS will now work closely with Motorola Solutions on the delivery of the new mobilising system.

Latest investment

This is the latest monetary investment to be announced by the SFRS, which included the re-opening of the Dingwall Community Fire Station following a £4.6 million renovation project.

The SFRS is currently undergoing a Strategic Service Review. While no changes will be made which would affect front line services without consultation, investing in – and improving upon – the SFRS’ capabilities and infrastructure is a key objective.

While the guiding principles remain the same, the risks and challenges facing the public and firefighters are changing. Statistics recently revealed by the SFRS show that the number of house fires in Scotland is at its lowest level since records began, with firefighters responding to 3,800 accidental dwelling fires.

However, the number of non-fire incidents such as flooding and road traffic collisions is at 16,000 (the second highest on record).

Watt added: “We are working to deliver a world-class Fire and Rescue Service that’s fit for a modern Scotland and meets the changing risks within local communities. As such, we must not only look at how our firefighters are trained and equipped, but also at how they are mobilised. This new system will help us to deliver the flexible and resilient Fire and Rescue Service that Scotland needs, while future-proofing our Command and Control capability for the years ahead.”

Synthesising vital information

Fergus Mayne, country manager for the UK and Ireland at Motorola Solutions, commented: “We are proud to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service teams that operate in complex and fast-moving environments where every second counts. Our advanced Control Room technology helps to synthesise vital information and simplify workflows, allowing the Emergency Services to quickly and efficiently respond to 999 calls from their communities.”

Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, noted: “I appreciate the work of the dedicated and professional Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Control Room staff who are on the front line when people are in need of an emergency response.”

Brown concluded: “Once successfully implemented, this new Motorola Solutions technology will support the SFRS to meet the challenges of changing demands and enhance capability and resilience as its dedicated members of staff continue to keep our communities safe.”