A First Responder Communications System (FRCS), also referred to as an Automated
Incident Control System, is provided that supports inter-agency and intra-agency
communications among first responders including fire, police, border patrol, emergency
medical service, safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS also supports communication
among multiple on-scene agencies and various command and control personnel and
increases situational awareness by automatically providing position information
as well as other sensor information. Components of the FRCS integrate multiple
communications channels including High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF),
Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave, cellular, satellite, and Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN). The FRCS also provides position and time information
via Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or other positioning systems, and data
from deployed and/or personal sensors to provide enhanced communications, command
and control capabilities to the first responders and incident command.