Interoperability between Fire and Emergency Services

Interoperability is a term initially used to describe the ability for technical systems to exchange information. It is now being used in a much broader sense to articulate the desire for organisations (and particularly the fire and emergency services sector) to be able to seamlessly work together.

Being inter-operable, irrespective of boundaries, borders or jurisdictional constraints, is being pursued in the fire and emergency services and across Government in general.

Increased community and political expectations that the emergency services sector will deliver seamless and transparent services, demands that emergency-related information is consistent, relevant and accessible when needed. The requirements to meet this demand must be consistent and transportable and resources effortlessly integrated.

AFAC has adopted the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) comprehensive interoperability framework as a guide, and is progressively working towards establishing the key standards that contribute to interoperability between fire and emergency services.