🚒 NSW RFS MDT Rollout – Enhancing Communication and Response

The NSW Rural Fire Service is continuing the rollout of Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) across volunteer brigades state-wide, marking a major step forward in operational technology, communication, and situational awareness for crews in the field. The Hills are next to receive this roll out. 

MDTs are rugged, touchscreen tablets mounted in RFS firefighting appliances. These devices provide real-time access to critical incident information, maps, and resource tracking – helping brigades stay informed, connected, and coordinated during emergency responses.

🔍 Key Features of the MDTs:

Live CAD updates (Computer-Aided Dispatch) directly from FireCom

Real-time location tracking of all appliances via AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location)

Access to maps, weather overlays, hydrant locations, and incident perimeters

Instant messaging between crews and Fire Control Centres

Integration with NSW RFS operational tools, including Fire Mapper

The rollout has been staged by region, with installation teams working closely with local brigades to fit out vehicles, provide training, and ensure smooth adoption. Many volunteers are already reporting improvements in how they access and act on information while on the move.

“The MDTs are a game-changer. Instead of relying solely on radio traffic, we can now see incident details on-screen as they come through,” said Captain Crab.

🛠️ Training and Support

All brigades receiving MDTs are provided with:

Hands-on training sessions

Quick reference guides

Access to the online MDT Training Portal

Ongoing support from regional ICT and Operational Communications teams

The NSW RFS remains committed to empowering volunteers with the tools they need to respond efficiently and safely, and the MDT rollout is a strong example of innovation serving frontline capability.

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📻 Radio Communications in the NSW RFS

Effective radio communications are critical to the safety, coordination, and efficiency of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS). With thousands of volunteers and hundreds of brigades responding to incidents across vast and often remote areas, a reliable and structured radio system is essential.

🔊 The Basics: How RFS Radio Comms Work

The NSW RFS uses a dedicated radio network that operates across various channels and bands, depending on location, terrain, and the scale of operations. The system is built to support:

• Incident response (bushfires, structure fires, vehicle accidents, etc.)
  
  

• Multi-agency coordination with Fire and Rescue NSW, SES, Police, and National Parks
  
  

• Dispatch and resource tracking
  
  

• Routine training and maintenance activities
  
  

📡 Key Components

1. PSN – Public Service Network

• Used in metropolitan and major regional areas
  
  

• Digital, trunked radio network providing clear voice quality, encrypted channels, and inter-agency interoperability
  
  

• Used for command and control channels
  
  

2. Analog VHF/UHF Channels

• Still widely used in rural and remote areas
  
  

• Includes Simplex (direct) and Duplex (repeater-assisted) channels
  
  

• Often used for fireground ops, especially where GRN coverage is limited
  
  

3. Fireground Channels

• Local line-of-sight radio comms between trucks, crews, and sector commanders
  
  

• Usually operate on VHF simplex
  
  

• Used for tactical operations during active firefighting
  
  

4. Air-Ground Channels

• Designated radio channels for communication between ground crews and aerial firefighting aircraft
  
  

• Critical for coordinating water drops, observation, and airspace management
  
  

🗺️ Channel Structure

NSW RFS radios are programmed with pre-set channel plans, including:

• Local brigade channels
  
  

• District-wide channels
  
  

• Statewide incident channels
  
  

• GRN talkgroups (where applicable)
  
  

Crews use Call Signs based on their vehicle, role, or location (e.g., "North Rocks 1 ", "Sector Charlie", "Group Officer North").

📞 FireCom – The Voice Behind the Scenes

At the heart of communications is FireCom, the NSW RFS dispatch and control centre network. Operators at FireCom coordinate:

• Callouts and taskings
  
  

• AVL tracking (Automatic Vehicle Location)
  
  

• Incident status updates
  
  

• Support requests (e.g., additional tankers, aircraft, or police)
  
  

There are multiple Fire Control Centres (FCCs) across NSW, each responsible for managing incidents in their local area, while also linking to State Operations in major campaigns.

🔧 Training and Protocols

All members operating radios are trained in:

• Radio discipline (brevity, clarity, etiquette)
  
  

• Phonetic alphabet
  
  

• Incident channel structure
  
  

• Emergency procedures
  
  

Regular exercises, simulations, and incident reviews help maintain high communication standards across the service.

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