Saskatoon Fire Department introduces new dispatch program

Saskatoon's Fire Station no. 9 is now using Computer Aided Dispatch, which is intended to improve efficiency among fire crews. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News)

The Saskatoon Fire Department is now officially operating on a new and improved Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

The upgrade comes after nearly two decades of the old system, which relied heavily on landlines and the addresses associated with them. The new system was created with cellphones in mind and is able to pick up the location data from those who call in with an emergency.

“[Dispatchers] take calls from the public, they convert the information into the CAD. That helps us formulate a response plan for our fire apparatus, gives our firefighters real time information on what’s going on,” SFD Deputy Chief Rob Hogan said.

The new dispatch system will operate alongside a program which emergency services across Canada are set to all be using by 2027 called NextGeneration 911 (NG9-1-1). The technology will also eventually be able to include the ability to share pictures when reporting fires.

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According to the SFD, the CAD has a number of factors which are intended to improve the fire department’s efficiency. This includes a more user friendly interface, more accurate data, faster deployment of crews and equipment, and improved reporting transparency.

“Residents won’t notice any change. This is all back end stuff for the fire department. They will notice, though, I think improved response, a quicker response, and the ability for fire crews have more situational awareness when they arrive on scene,” Hogan said.

After a month of operating on the CAD, Hogan shared that things are going well overall.

“Excellent. There’s always small problems that creep up, but we’ve been able to overcome them very fast,” Hogan said.

The SFD provides services to a number of surrounding areas including Martensville, Warman, Osler, and Corman Park.