Trailblazing Emergency Response

DeLand Fire Department Implements Visual-Tactile Alerting System

DeLand Fire Department Station 81.

DeLand Fire Department is moving the fire service forward with the implementation of the EaseAlert Firefighter Alerting System (FFAS). This system is the first to use purpose-built devices to deliver 911 alerts directly to responders, setting a new standard for inclusivity and operational excellence. Karlie Marini, a DeLand Firefighter with a hearing impairment, is at the heart of this step forward for the fire service.

FF Marini is not alone as a firefighter who can benefit from a tactile-visual alerting system. Research shows 30% of firefighters experience mild to severe hearing loss, far beyond age-related norms (National Fire Protection Association). For Karlie, getting the sleep she needed on her 24-hour shift was a major challenge; she would avoid falling asleep to make sure she didn't miss any calls. With EaseAlert, she can get the rest she needs with confidence thanks to the visual and tactile alerts which are delivered directly to her wrist and bunk.

“This system gives me peace of mind, and I believe it can do the same for thousands of other firefighters with hearing loss,” Marini stated.

How is Firefighter Alerting Different from Fire Station Alerting?

DeLand Fire Department installed EaseAlert’s Firefighter Alerting System (FFAS) at its headquarters, Station 81. With this system, they can now deliver tactile and visual alerts directly to the firefighter or responder assigned to a call. In contrast, legacy Fire Station Alerting Systems (FSAS) rely on audible tones to notify the station of a call.

Karlie Marini (center) and Fire Chief Todd Allen (right) with EaseAlert co-founder Blake Richardson (left) after installation of the EaseAlert system at Station 81.

EaseAlert improves the alerting process for all responders. Its silent, tactile alerts create a calmer firehouse environment, especially at night. By reducing the stress of loud alarms, it promotes better rest and readiness. Further, customizable alerts can specifically alert the crew members assigned to the call (so that the whole station no longer needs to wake up for a rescue call in the middle of the night).

“EaseAlert has completely reassured my confidence in the ability to do the job of firefighting,” FF Karlie Marini affirmed. “I no longer have to sacrifice sleep or worry about missing a call.”

 Additionally, legacy station alerting typically requires hardwired connections from a main station unit to activate devices that are permanently installed into a building (speakers, lights, etc). EaseAlert’s FFAS changes this with a wireless, cybersecure connection between the Central Command Unit (CCU) and all EaseAlert devices at the firehouse. This modular design allows for easy setup, flexible expansion, and future-proof implementation for the fire department’s changing needs.

A Vision for an Inclusive, More Efficient Fire Service

Chief Allen (right) and Richardson (left), in front of Truck 81.

“At DeLand Fire, we do everything we can to make sure our firefighters have what they need to do their jobs safely,” Fire Chief Todd Allen expressed. “When one of our team members needed an alerting solution to better support her as a hearing-impaired firefighter, EaseAlert stepped up. This technology is making a real difference for her and helped us continue building a more inclusive and responsive department for our community.”

The DeLand Fire Department has an ISO 1 rating, a testament to their top-tier ability to protect the city of DeLand. With this implementation, Fire Chief Todd Allen and the DeLand Fire Department have set a new benchmark for inclusivity, safety, and efficiency in emergency response. Looking ahead, the City of DeLand plans to expand EaseAlert to the rest of the fire department, providing the benefits of EaseAlert’s system to all crew members within the DeLand Fire Department.

“Our hope is that Karlie’s experience will set an example of what EaseAlert can do for the 300,000+ firefighters who deal with hearing loss and impairment in the United States,” EaseAlert co-founder Blake Richardson stated. “It’s an honor to support Karlie and the DeLand Fire Department in their efforts to make the alerting process safer and more effective.”

For more information about EaseAlert’s Firefighter Alerting solutions, visit www.easealert.com or email heartsmart@easealert.com.