Advancing Public Safety: The Era of "Digital" Fire Safety Plans

In the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, a revolutionary initiative is reshaping the landscape of public safety. Born out of necessity and innovation, "Digital" Fire Safety Plans have emerged as a long overdue solution, providing a tactical edge to both emergency services and building owners alike.

Traditionally, fire safety plans have been bound by paper, a relic of a bygone era. Yet, in the face of modern challenges, this antiquated system no longer suffices. In the event of an emergency, access to critical information is paramount. However, with only one paper copy available to emergency services, valuable time is lost, and lives hang in the balance.

Recognizing the need for change, a public safety initiative in Ontario has spearheaded the transition to digital fire safety plans. There is a rapidly growing number of high-rise buildings, hospitals, and workplaces in the Greater Toronto Area have embraced this digital revolution, paving the way for enhanced safety and efficiency across the community.

The benefits of digitizing fire safety plans are manifold, extending to both building owners and first responders. For building owners and property managers, digital plans offer unparalleled convenience and compliance. With automated checklists and real-time updates, they ensure adherence to fire code regulations and streamline risk management practices.

Moreover, the digitalization of fire safety plans addresses longstanding concerns regarding plan accessibility and maintenance. No longer bound by paper based costly review processes, building owners can now enjoy a high return on investment by reducing costs associated with plan redevelopment, digitize their code compliance checklists - complete with photograghs, complete incident reports, compliance data analytics - and audit their building's risk management program in seconds.

For first responders and emergency services, digital fire safety plans represent a quantum leap forward in operational efficiency. With secure access to critical information en route to a building, response times are slashed by precious minutes. Imagine a fire dispatcher – or front line staff - equipped with instant access to vital data, enabling rapid coordination and informed decision-making for on-site crews.

The benefits far extend beyond fire services, encompassing EMS and police responders as well. From immediate access through the lobby for building emergencies, to critical building hazard details to vital access to safety data sheets, digital fire safety plans empower responders with the knowledge needed to navigate complex emergencies with precision and speed.

Digital fire safety plans also offer critical support to law enforcement agencies during active shooter incidents. With instant access to aerial photographs, floor plans, and operating procedures for fire alarm systems, police responders can swiftly formulate tactical strategies and coordinate response efforts with precision. By leveraging the detailed information provided by digital fire safety plans, law enforcement can navigate complex environments more effectively, minimize response times, and maximize the safety of both civilians and first responders alike.

Central to this initiative is the empowerment of 911 operators, the frontline heroes who triage critical incidents and support emergency services. By equipping these operators (and onsite Incident Commanders) with real-time building information, response times are further optimized, and public safety is elevated to new heights.

Taking Fire Safety Plans digital - allows unprecendented partnerships with all three emergency services - providing a municipality serious cost, operational and "end service" benefits.

From an EMS persepctive, it is important to understand the potential effect of vertical height on patient outcomes after cardiac arrest. In recent studies, cardiac arrests that occurred on higher floors were associated with lower survival, and there were no survivors above floor 25. These results may have been due to longer intervals from arrival of 911-initiated first responders to patient contact and lower rates of an initial “shockable” rhythm for patients on the higher floors. The report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal confirmed that interventions aimed at improving access to patients in high-rise buildings may increase rates of survival.

In essence, "Digital" Fire Safety Plans represent more than just a technological advancement; they embody a collective commitment to safeguarding our communities. By embracing innovation and collaboration with building Owners themselves, we pave the way for a safer, more resilient future for generations to come.

To learn more of this exciting program and to participate in a no cost demo – check out https://www.safebuildings.ca/