City of Pittsburgh upgrades fire alert system to improve response time, communication

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh is getting a new $2.8 million fire and EMT alert system that promises streamlined communications and faster response time in emergencies.

Under the new system, each type of emergency that comes into the firehouse will have a different sound and tone. It will also appear on alert screens throughout the firehouse.

“Whatever is placed into CAD by the dispatcher for the next response given, whether it’s a structure fire, car fire, gas leak or medical response, it will be sent out to appropriate station and alert for that particular type of call,” said Lt Dan Doyle, of Engine 10. “Each one sounds slightly different, so the responders can be clued-in to what they are responding to before the dispatcher even comes across.”

Public safety officials said the new alert system will reduce overall stress on first responders because, unlike the old firehouse alerts, every emergency call will not be broadcast into every firehouse in the city – only to the station called on to respond.

“That’s what this system comes down to, a better-informed firefighter, a better-informed medic, are able to save more people’s lives,” said Mayor Bill Peduto.

The new computer-based technology replaces the old 1970s version of alarms.

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