New On-Board Software Helps First Responders in Stressful Situations

First responders have never had an easy job and are judged on every decision they make. With protocols and practices changing it's little wonder that life-affecting mistakes occur. A new piece of on-board software aims to make sure that preventable mishaps don't happen.

Informed Digital Field Guides MDC Edition 2007 bundles Informed Publishing's library of popular law enforcement, fire/rescue and emergency medical field guides into software that operates on mobile computers in emergency response vehicles. An innovative "tap browser" provides instant touch-screen access to critical information, and user-programmable buttons customize the software to meet regional requirements.

"Today's first responders need immediate access to situation-specific information, and they need information they can trust," said Informed Publishing President Chris Barnes. "This software meets those needs, letting responders focus on the situation at hand, rather than searching through hand-written notes or trying to compile the information from a variety of different sources. It's a one-stop resource for response, no matter what kind of emergency they face."

Informed Digital Field Guides MDC Edition 2007 uses a new "tap browser" that lets users access information within 3 to 4 finger taps. The program's customizable interface provides user-assigned buttons for information frequently needed and large icons make it easy to use while operating the vehicle.

Built on the .NET framework, the software operates on any Windows-based platform, including MDC systems, laptops, desktop computers and, soon, mobile phones and PDAs.

After 12 months of development and field-testing, Informed has begun the national rollout of its new software application. Among the first agencies to use it is the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, who deployed the software in over 500 vehicles.

Informed Digital Field Guides MDC Edition 2007 is available in the standard version for law enforcement or the ALS version for fire/rescue and healthcare. The software is available by subscription ($60/year/computer), which includes support and regular updates, ensuring that first responders and their departments always have current information available.

Source: Informed Publishing press release

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