The IPAD in the Fire service...the new MDT?

[Fireteamtwo]

I wanted to see who has had success with IPAD implementation with their agency and to what extent. We are looking at the IPAD as an alternative to the $10000 per unit MDT option due to budget constraints. I see a huge potential but want to see if someone is already using the tech in the field. The other key question is can it be firefighter proof even with the otter box.
Thoughts?

[runsoc11]

It depends...

How do you plan on using it?
- Will it be pulled in and out of the rig or be stationary?
- How much data will be entered on the device (reports?)
- How many?
- How do you plan to centrally manage and control the devices?

We considered using iPad's, but quickly abandoned it for a variety of reasons, but limited ability to manage the devices remotely played into the decision, but also issues with wireless signals, need for physical keyboard, etc

[TheTrainingCommittee]

Ipad as an MDT

My dept. has been using Ipads in its chiefs cars as MDT's for close to a year now. They work FANTASTIC! AT&T coverage in the area was less that to be desired so we opted for the Sprint Overdrive unit. Unit is in my car and on at all times plugged into a 12 volt outlet. I run remote access software on the IPAD and have an MDT version of our dispatch software running on the server in our headquarters. Responding on an alarm I have everything at my finger tips. Who I have responding to firehouses (members utilize a call in system), map of the area, hydrant locations, any alerts for the address as well as have the ability to see pre-planned information. We previously ran Toughbooks like everyone else. They were big, bulky, slow and expensive. The IPADs take up much much less room in your vehicle, are much faster and truth be told we outfitted four chiefs vehicles with IPADs and mounts for the vehicle for less than the cost of one Toughbook installation. The system was my brain child, has been going crazy here in the New York area, everyone is dumping Toughbook and going this way. If anyone has any questions feel free to contact me.

[neiowa]

Problem with ,and most of the tablets, is you can't run Windows. There are some tablets now are Win7 (which apparently still has issues with touchscreen compatiability). But the tech is maturing quickly.

The full function fire software I've been found/looking is Windows based. The other major application is Pictometry which requires a windows system.

Apple is just not a business computer company.

[BCCerovski]

Sir, can you email me regarding your use of MDT's and IPADS and CAD software? I am collecting data and hoping to move this direction. [email protected]. Michael Cerovski, Loveland Fire Rescue, Loveland Colorado