Patent Publication Number: US-8526934-B2

Title: Interoperability of first responder devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/469,448, filed on Aug. 31, 2006, entitled INTEROPERABILITY OF FIRST RESPONDER DEVICES, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     First responders are organizations and personnel that provide law enforcement, safety and protection services to the public. The first responders include law enforcement officers such as police, sheriff, highway patrol, detectives, special law enforcement, federal bureau of investigation (FBI), drug enforcement administration (DEA), military personnel, border patrol, and others. First responders also include fire and safety personnel, for example, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, Red Cross personnel, and other emergency workers. 
     When multiple agencies arrive on the scene of an incident, there is virtually no ability to locally communicate between the various agencies due to the lack of interoperability between the communication units used by the various agencies. While first responders may have devices which have dual mode of operations (e.g., walkie talkie and cellular), there are no mechanisms to manage and control these devices to achieve interoperability of the communications devices at the scene of the incident. 
     When groups of first responders need to communicate with each other at an incident site, manual procedures such as “runners” are used to relay information. In some cases, inter-agency communications may occur by relaying information through the respective dispatch centers. However, this is a very slow and inefficient way of communicating when multiple agencies from multiple jurisdictions are involved. Thus, some groups of first responders may elect to just perform their respective tasks and operate without any type of unified communication or operation. 
     However, the lack of inter-operable communications between on-scene agencies can result in ineffective coordination, often with tragic results. Further, the lack of communications capability may cause inadequate situational awareness among the first responder personnel and among various first responder teams because there is no way to know the location of the various first responders at the incident scene without constant monitoring of voice communications. Integral to the lack of situational awareness at an incident site is the lack of an accurate system for maintaining accountability of the first responders at an incident site. 
     The typical methods used to maintain accountability of first response personnel are manual methods, wherein some physical means is used for identifying whether a responder is present at the incident scene, and in some cases to identify where the responder is assigned during the emergency. Because these methods are manual, they do not provide a way to accurately account for all first responder personnel at an incident site, nor do they provide ways to track the actual location or movement of first responder personnel around the incident site as the emergency unfolds. Consequently, the incident command personnel do not have detailed information on the location of the first responders and can lose accountability of first responders. 
     The lack of adequate means for inter-operable communications between on-scene agencies at incident sites results in incident commanders and first responder personnel that lack the detailed information and situational awareness of the incident scene to effectively respond to an emergency. The cascading effect typically results in slower response times to emergencies and a much higher level of risk for the first responders and incident victims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a system that facilitates interoperability of first responder (FR) wireless communications devices at an emergency location. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the communications system, wherein a wireless IP data session is established between the FR devices and the communications control device via a macro wireless network. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the communications system, wherein additional FR devices are configured by a communications control device for interoperability between all FR devices. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the communications system, wherein the communications control device includes a status display that displays the status of the FR devices. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram that is representative of a methodology for a communication system. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram that is representative of a methodology for the communication system, wherein additional FR devices are configured by a communications control device to facilitate interoperability between all FR devices. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram that is representative of a methodology for the communication system, wherein additional multimedia information is transmitted to the FR devices and acknowledged. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram that is representative of a methodology for the communication system, wherein the FR devices are instructed to tune to a specific channel to receive a message from the emergency command vehicle. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram that is representative of a methodology for the communication system, wherein the FR devices are remotely switched to a specific channel to receive a message from the emergency command vehicle. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a system for providing the control and management of inter-operable communications between FR devices at an emergency location. 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary portable wireless device (PWD) for use with the communication system. 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary networking environment for use with the communication system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. 
     As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk drive, multiple storage drives (of optical and/or magnetic storage medium), an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. 
     Furthermore, the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computing device, such as a mobile handset, to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive . . . ). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. 
     Disclosed herein are systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture that facilitate interoperability of first responder (FR) wireless communications devices at an emergency location. In more detail, it may be desirable to provide the control and management of inter-operable communications between FR devices of the first responders at the scene of an incident. Conventionally, this issue has been addressed by manual procedures, however the manual procedures are not completely effective and first responder communication interoperability is still a major problem. 
     In accordance with one aspect described herein, an on-site tactical communications plan is configured into a communications control device. The communications control device is part of an emergency command vehicle. First responders utilize their associated FR devices to establish a wireless internet protocol (IP) data session with the communications control device via a macro wireless network. Each of the FR devices contains a pre-programmed address of the communications control device to facilitate communications. Once the IP data session is established, the FR device is authenticated by the communications control device. The tactical plan is then transmitted to the FR device via the established wireless IP data sessions. The tactical plan can then be displayed on the screen of the FR device with associated soft keys assigned. Once the tactical plan is transmitted to the FR devices, each of the FR devices comprises identical radio configurations, channel assignments and identification of other supporting information. 
     In another example, additional FR devices enter the incident site after the first FR devices and corresponding responders have been dispatched. The additional FR devices establish a wireless IP data session with the communications control device via the macro wireless network. The communications control device authenticates the additional FR devices and adds the FR devices to a list of associated FR devices currently in use at the site of the incident. Once the wireless IP data session has been established, the communications control device transmits an updated tactical communications plan to each additional FR device. The updated tactical communications plan is also available to the first FR devices currently in use at the site. The updated tactical communications plan can then be displayed on the screens of the FR devices with associated soft keys assigned. Once the updated tactical plan is transmitted to the FR devices, each of the FR devices comprises identical radio configurations, channel assignments and identification of other supporting information. 
     In another aspect described in greater detail herein, additional multimedia information can be disseminated to the FR devices via the communications control device. The additional multimedia information is configured into the communications control device and transmitted to the intended FR devices via a wireless IP data session using the macro wireless network. Each recipient FR device authenticates, receives and stores the additional multimedia information. Once the information is received, the FR device sends back an acknowledgement to the communications control device via the wireless IP data session. The communications control device receives the acknowledgement responses and maintains a status display listing which FR device received and/or responded to the additional information broadcast. The additional multimedia information can then be displayed on the screens of the recipient FR devices with associated soft keys assigned. 
     In another aspect described in greater detail herein, the incident commander or assigned communication officer needs to contact all on-site first responders at the same time. The communication officer enters instructions to the communications control device that all FR devices should be tuned to an indicated channel. Using the established wireless IP data sessions of the macro wireless network, the communications control device instructs each FR device to tune to the indicated channel. Each of the FR devices tunes to the indicated channel and responds to the communications control device. The communications control device receives the responses and provides a status display indicating the FR device(s) that have received and/or responded to the instructions. When all FR devices have responded, the incident commander then issues the designated message. Once the message is received, the FR devices send an acknowledgement to the communications control device which receives the acknowledgement and updates the status display. If the first responder is incapacitated or otherwise unable to operate the FR device, the communications control device can remotely switch the designated FR device(s) to the specified channel. 
     The communications system provides for the control and management of the interoperability of the wireless communications devices of the first responders (FR) at the scene of an incident. Generally, first responders at the scene of an incident are arriving from multiple jurisdictions and various communities, thus making interoperability of the various communications devices difficult. A communication control device of an emergency command system maintains a tactical communications plan and transmits the plan to the various FR devices at the scene of the incident. The tactical communications plan allows the FR devices to maintain the same radio configuration, channel assignments and identification of supporting information. Once the tactical communications plan is transmitted, interoperability of the FR devices can be managed and controlled by the communications control device. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  that facilitates interoperability of first responder (FR) wireless communications devices  102  at an emergency location, incident site, or similar location. The FR devices  102  are typically dual mode wireless devices that are capable of communicating directly with other FR devices in push-to-talk or walkie talkie mode (e.g., ultra high frequency (UHF), very high frequency (VHF), association of public safety communications officials international—Project 25 (APCO P25), Motorola® trunking) and are capable of voice and data communications with the macro wireless network using technologies such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS), general packet radio service (GPRS), enhance data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), and integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN). The FR devices can also provide at least one of voice services (e.g., voice-over-IP (VoIP)), streaming video services, file transfers or other types of data services (e.g., pictures, text, telemedicine, sensory data). It is thus to be understood that any suitable voice services, video services and/or data transfer services for wireless communications devices are contemplated and intended to fall under the scope of the hereto-appended claims. 
     The FR devices  102  of system  100  communicate directly with other FR devices  102  at the emergency location and communicate with an emergency command system  104 . The emergency command system  104  is typically a mobile or stationary structure proximate to the incident site. The emergency command system can be a structure that was in existence before the incident occurred or it can be part of a temporary structure which was constructed after the incident occurred. For example, the emergency command system can be part of an Emergency Command Center (ECC), Mobile Command Post (MCP), an emergency command vehicle, a hospital or any other suitable structure. 
     The emergency command system comprises a communication control device  106  utilized by an incident commander or assigned communications officer in the emergency command system  104  to communicate with the FR devices  102 . The communications control device  106  comprises at least one of a personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA) and similar device with macro wireless network capabilities. The incident commander or assigned communications officer configures an on-site tactical communications plan  108  into the communications control device  106 . The tactical communications plan  108  includes at least one of allocation of the push-to-talk or walkie talkie channels, trunk groups, wireless macro network configuration information, telephone lists, and web sites for additional supporting information (e.g., material safety data sheets (MSDS)). 
     For example, the primary communications between first responders is using the walkie talkie mode of the associated FR devices. In walkie talkie mode of operation, the FR devices have several available communication channels. The incident commander or communications officer would set up the tactical communications plan to assign use of each of the available channels. For example, Tac 1—All responders, Tac 2—Command, Tac 3—In building responders, Tac 4—Air support, Tac 5—Medical support and Tac 6—Logistics support. It is thus to be understood that any suitable information or services to be included in the tactical communications plan is contemplated and intended to fall under the scope of the hereto-appended claims. 
     The first responders that arrive at the incident site will power on the associated FR devices to communicate with the emergency command system  104  via the communications control device  106 . Each of the FR devices  102  will have a pre-programmed address of the communications control device  106  of the emergency command system  104  that allows for direct communications. Communications between the FR devices  102  and the communications control device  106  are established via the pre-programmed address. The tactical communications plan  108  is then transmitted to each of the FR devices  102 . Once the tactical communications plan  108  is received, each of the FR devices  102  comprises the same radio configuration, channel assignments and identification of other supporting information, facilitating interoperability between devices at the incident site. Furthermore, the tactical communications plan can be displayed on the screens of the FR devices  102  with associated soft keys assigned so that the first responders could quickly and easily transfer between the various assigned tactical channels. 
     To better illustrate operability of the system  100 , a detailed example  200  of one particular utilization of such system  100  is provided herein. This example  200 , however, is intended to aid in understanding of the system  100  and is not intended to limit use or operability of such system  100 . Specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates the system  200  wherein FR devices  202  establish a wireless IP data session with the communications control device  206  via a macro wireless network  212 . Specifically, a wireless macro network  212  utilizes technologies such as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, CDMA2000, and iDEN. A radio infrastructure  210  is used to enable the FR devices  202  to connect to the macro wireless network. The FR devices  202  initiate connection with the radio infrastructure  210 , which in turn connects to the macro wireless network  212 . As stated supra, each of the FR devices  202  has a pre-programmed address of the communications control device  206 . The pre-programmed address is utilized to directly communicate with the communications control device  206  via the macro wireless network  212 . 
     Once the wireless IP session is established via the macro wireless network  212 , the communications control device  206  authenticates the FR devices  202 . Specifically, the communications control device  206  in the emergency command system  204  and the FR devices  202  have the appropriate authentication and encryption algorithms and keys (e.g., data encryption standard (DES), advanced encryption standard (AES), and IP security (IPSEC)) to support secure authenticated non-repudiated encrypted communications with integrity protection. The communications control device  206  authenticates the FR devices  202  before transmitting the tactical communications plan  208  to ensure secure communications between devices. Furthermore, the FR devices  202  can authenticate the communications control device  206  before receiving the tactical communications plan  208  to ensure that the plan is genuine. The transmission of the tactical communications plan  208  is IP packet-based, and is thus relayed in the form of IP packets to the FR devices  202  via the wireless IP data session, to be reassembled upon arrival. 
     To better illustrate operability of the system  100 , another detailed example  300  of one particular utilization of such system  100  is provided herein. Specifically,  FIG. 3  illustrates a system  300  wherein additional first responders report to an incident site after the original first responders have been dispatched. For example, sometimes it is necessary to dispatch additional emergency resources (e.g., first responders) in response to a major incident. During an emergency, the communications control device  306  maintains a list of associated FR devices  302  currently in use at the incident site. Accordingly, if additional first responders are needed at the incident site, the associated additional FR devices  310  are powered on and a wireless IP data session is established with the communications control device  306  via the macro wireless network. The communications control device  306  then adds these additional FR devices  310  to the list of associated FR devices currently in use at the incident site. Each additional FR device  310  is then authenticated via appropriate authentication and encryption algorithms and keys to verify the authenticity of the additional FR device  310 . 
     Once the additional FR devices  310  have been authenticated, the communications control device  306  then transmits an updated tactical communications plan  308  to the additional FR devices  310  via the macro wireless network. The updated tactical communications plan  308  is available to all FR devices  302  at the scene and not just the additional FR devices  310  of the newly arrived first responders. Once the updated tactical communications plan  308  is transmitted to all FR devices  302  and  310 , each FR device comprises identical radio configurations and channel assignments as the first responders already at the scene. As stated supra, the updated tactical communications plan  308  can also be displayed on the screens of the FR devices  302  and  310  with associated soft keys assigned so that the first responders can quickly and easily transfer between the various assigned tactical channels. 
     Furthermore, additional multimedia information, besides the tactical communications plan  308 , can be transmitted to the FR devices  302  and  310 . Additional multimedia information comprises at least one of building floor plans, area maps, weather information, MSDS sheets, and plume maps. This additional multimedia information can be disseminated to one or more FR devices depending on the incident commander or assigned communications officer. Typically, the incident commander identifies the additional multimedia information to be disseminated and identifies which of the FR devices at the scene should be the recipients (e.g., all, command level only or specific functional areas only). The incident commander then configures the additional multimedia information and the intended recipients into the communication control device  306  of the emergency command system  304 . 
     The additional multimedia information is then transmitted to the intended FR devices via a wireless IP data session using the macro wireless network. Each recipient authenticates, receives and stores the additional multimedia information and sends back an acknowledgement to the communications control device  306  via the wireless IP data session using the macro wireless network. The communications control device  306  receives the acknowledgement responses and provides a status display to the incident commander, such that the incident commander can keep track of which FR device received the additional multimedia information and which did not. Furthermore, the additional multimedia information can be displayed on the screens of the FR devices with associated soft keys for user access. 
     To better illustrate operability of the system  100 , another detailed example  400  of one particular utilization of such system  100  is provided herein. Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400  wherein the emergency command system  404  comprises a status display  412 , to maintain and display a status for each FR device  402  and  410 . Using the wireless IP data sessions established between the FR devices  402  and  410  and the communications control device  406 , the communications control device  406  can maintain and display a status for each FR device  402  and  410 . 
     The status information comprises at least one of a battery level, acknowledgement of communications, currently active tactical channel, assigned unit (e.g., Engine number), current location (e.g., if FR device is global positioning system (GPS) enabled), identification of the associated first responder (e.g., name, badge number, assigned fire station), status of life support equipment (e.g., oxygen levels), any special equipment with first responder, transmission of first responder borne sensors (e.g., ambient temperature, hazmat sensors, radiation monitor), and current activity (e.g., fire suppression, search and rescue, medical triage, rest area). Typically, the current activity would be set by the first responder via pre-defined soft keys on the FR device. 
     Furthermore, typically only one tactical channel can be active on the FR devices  402  and  410 . However, the incident commander may need to contact all or some of the FR devices  402  and  410  immediately. Accordingly, the incident commander would inform the assigned communications officer of the specific FR devices to be contacted (e.g., command personnel or all FR devices in use). The communications officer then configures instructions in the communications control device  406  that the specific FR devices of the on-site first responders should be tuned to an assigned “All Responders” channel (e.g., Tac 1). 
     Using the wireless IP data sessions between the FR devices  402  and  410  and the communications control device  406 , the instructions are transmitted to the specified FR devices. The FR devices receive the instructions and tune to the specified channel. Once the FR devices have been tuned to the specified channel, the FR devices respond to the instructions, stating that the FR device has been tuned to the indicated channel. The communications control device  406  receives these responses and incorporates the responses into the status display  412 . When all FR devices have responded to the instructions, the communications officer informs the incident commander who can then issue the “all responders” message. 
     If one or more of the FR devices have not responded, the status display  412  can be updated and the non-responding FR device(s) can be contacted directly to determine if additional help is necessary. After the incident commander broadcasts the message, a soft key on the FR devices would be used by the first responders to acknowledge receipt of the message. Pressing the soft key on the FR devices sends an acknowledgement to the communications control device  406  via the wireless IP data session of the macro wireless network. Once the incident commander receives the acknowledgement(s), the status display  412  is again updated for each specified FR device active at the scene. This allows the incident commander to identify the first responders and associated FR device(s) that did not receive the broadcast and who may need additional assistance. 
     Furthermore, in situations where the active channel needs to be switched immediately and/or the first responder is unable or incapable of switching the associated FR device to the active channel, the incident commander can remotely set a specific FR device(s) to a specified channel. For example, if the specific first responder is incapacitated or otherwise unable to operate the associated FR device, then the incident commander can utilize the communications control device  406  to remotely switch the FR device to the designated channel and issue the emergency message and/or determine if the first responder is in need of additional assistance. For example, the incident commander can also configure the communications control device  406  to remotely switch all on-site command personnel to the Command tactical channel. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-9 , methodologies in accordance with various aspects of the claimed subject matter are illustrated. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the claimed subject matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. 
     Turning specifically to  FIG. 5 , a methodology  500  of facilitating interoperability of FR wireless communications devices at an emergency location is illustrated. The methodology  500  starts at  502 , and at  504  a first FR device is received. The first FR device is a dual mode wireless communications device that is capable of communicating directly with other FR devices in push-to-talk or walkie talkie mode (e.g., UHF, VHF, APCO P25, Motorola® trunking) and capable of voice and data communications with the macro wireless network using technologies such as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, CDMA2000, and iDEN. The first FR device is used by a first responder at an emergency location for communicating with other FR devices and with the emergency command vehicle. 
     The emergency command vehicle comprises a communications control device that communicates directly with the FR devices. The communications control device is at least one of a PC, PDA and similar device with macro wireless network capabilities. The methodology proceeds to  506  wherein a tactical plan is configured into the communications control device. The tactical plan comprises at least one of allocation of the push-to-talk or walkie talkie channels, trunk groups, wireless macro network configuration information, telephone lists, and web sites for additional supporting information (e.g., MSDS). 
     At  508 , a wireless IP data session is established between the communications control device and the first FR device. Specifically, a wireless macro network is utilized to establish the wireless IP data session. The wireless macro network includes GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, CDMA2000, and iDEN technologies. The first FR device initiates connection with a radio infrastructure, which in turn connects to the macro wireless network. Accordingly, the first FR device has a pre-programmed address of the communications control device which is then utilized to directly communicate with the communications control device. 
     At  510 , the first FR device is authenticated via the communications control device using authentication data of the first FR device. Specifically, the communications control device in the emergency command vehicle has the appropriate authentication and encryption algorithms and keys (e.g., DES, AES, IPSEC) to support secure authenticated non-repudiated encrypted communications with integrity protection. The communications control device authenticates the first FR device before transmitting the tactical communications plan to insure ensure secure communications between the devices. 
     Finally, at  512 , the tactical communications plan is transmitted from the communications control device to the first FR device via the macro wireless network. Once the tactical communications plan is received, the FR devices comprise identical radio configurations, channel assignments and identification of other supporting information. The methodology  500  stops at  514 . Furthermore, the tactical communications plan can be displayed on a screen of the first FR device with associated soft keys assigned so that the first responder can quickly and easily transfer between the various assigned tactical channels. 
     Turning specifically to  FIG. 6 , a methodology  600  of facilitating interoperability of FR wireless communications devices at an emergency location wherein additional FR devices are configured is illustrated. The methodology  600  starts at  602 , and at  604  a first FR device is received. The first FR device is a dual mode wireless communications device that is capable of communicating directly with other FR devices in a push-to-talk mode and communicating voice and data communications with the macro wireless network. The methodology proceeds to  606  wherein a tactical plan is configured into a communications control device. The communications control device is a device within the emergency command vehicle that maintains the tactical communications plan. 
     At  608 , a wireless IP data session is established between the communications control device and the first FR device via the wireless macro network. Specifically, the first FR device initiates connection with the radio infrastructure, which in turn connects to the macro wireless network. The first FR device has a pre-programmed address of the communications control device which is then utilized to directly communicate with the communications control device. At  610 , the first FR device is authenticated via the communications control device using authentication data of the first FR device. 
     At  612 , the tactical communications plan is transmitted from the communications control device to the first FR device via the macro wireless network. At  614 , a list of all FR devices currently in use is maintained by the communications control device. The list comprises all associated FR devices currently in use at the emergency location. 
     At  616 , a second or additional FR devices are received. The second FR devices are first responders and their associated FR devices that have been dispatched subsequent to the first FR devices. The second FR devices arrive and establish a wireless IP data session with the communications control device via the wireless macro network. The communications control device then authenticates the second FR devices and transmits an updated tactical plan to the second FR devices. The updated tactical plan is also made available to all FR devices currently in use at the emergency location. 
     Finally, at  618 , the list of all associated FR devices currently in use at the emergency location is updated with the second FR devices. The methodology  600  stops at  620 . Furthermore, the tactical communications plan can be displayed on the screen of the first and second FR devices with associated soft keys assigned so that the first responders can quickly and easily transfer between the various assigned tactical channels. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 7 , a methodology  700  of facilitating interoperability of FR wireless communications devices at an emergency location wherein additional multimedia information is transmitted is illustrated. The methodology  700  starts at  702 , and at  704  a first FR device is received. The first FR device is a dual mode wireless communications device that is capable of communicating directly with other FR devices in a push-to-talk mode and communicating voice and data communications with the macro wireless network. The methodology proceeds to  706  wherein a tactical plan is configured into a communications control device. The communications control device is a device within the emergency command vehicle that maintains the tactical communications plan. 
     At  708 , a wireless IP data session is established between the communications control device and the first FR device via the wireless macro network. Specifically, the first FR device initiates connection with the radio infrastructure, which in turn connects to the macro wireless network. The first FR device has a pre-programmed address of the communications control device which is then utilized to directly communicate with the communications control device. At  710 , the first FR device is authenticated via the communications control device using authentication data of the first FR device. At  712 , the tactical communications plan is transmitted from the communications control device to the first FR device via the macro wireless network. 
     At  714 , additional multimedia information is configured into the communications control device. The additional multimedia information comprises building floor plans, area maps, weather information, MSDS sheets, and plume maps. Typically, the incident commander identifies the additional multimedia information to be disseminated and identifies which of the FR devices at the scene should be the recipients (e.g., all, command level only or specific functional areas only). The assigned communication officer then configures the additional multimedia information and the intended recipients into the communication control device of the emergency command vehicle. 
     At  716 , the information is then transmitted to the intended FR devices via a wireless IP data session using the macro wireless network. Finally, at  718 , the FR devices will send back an acknowledgement of receipt to the communications control device. Each recipient will receive and store the information and send back an acknowledgement to the communications control device via the wireless IP data session using the macro wireless network. The communications control device receives the acknowledgement responses and provides a status display to the incident commander, such that the incident commander can record which FR device received the additional multimedia information and which did not. The methodology  700  stops at  720 . Furthermore, the additional multimedia information can be displayed on screens of the FR devices with associated soft keys for user access. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 8 , a methodology  800  of facilitating interoperability of FR wireless communications devices at an emergency location wherein the incident commander needs to communicate with all on-site FR devices is illustrated. The methodology  800  starts at  802 , and at  804  a status display is maintained for all FR devices currently active at the incident scene. Using the wireless IP data sessions established between the FR devices and the communications control device, the communications control device can maintain and display a status for each FR device. The status information comprises at least one of a battery level, acknowledgement of communications, currently active tactical channel, assigned unit (e.g., Engine number), current location (e.g., if FR device is GPS enabled), identification of the associated first responder (e.g., name, badge number, assigned fire station), status of life support equipment (e.g., oxygen levels), any special equipment with first responder, transmission of first responder borne sensors (e.g., ambient temperature, hazmat sensors, radiation monitor), and current activity (e.g., fire suppression, search and rescue, medical triage, rest area). Typically, the current activity would be set by the first responder via pre-defined soft keys on the FR device. 
     At  806 , the incident commander instructs the FR devices to tune to a specific channel via the communications control device. Typically, only one tactical channel can be active on the FR devices. However, the incident commander may need to contact all or some of the FR devices immediately. Accordingly, the communications officer configures instructions from the incident commander in the communications control device that all FR devices of the on-site first responders should be tuned to an assigned “All Responders” channel (e.g., Tac 1). Using the wireless IP data sessions between the FR devices and the communications control device, the instructions are transmitted to the specified FR devices. 
     At  808 , the FR devices receive the instructions and tune to the specified channel. Once the FR devices have been tuned to the specified channel, the FR devices respond to the instructions, stating that the FR device has been switched to the indicated channel. The communications control device receives these responses and incorporates the responses into the status display. When all FR devices have responded to the instructions, the communications officer informs the incident commander who can then issue the “all responders” message. At  810 , the message from the incident commander is issued via the communication control device to all FR devices tuned to the indicated channel. 
     At  812 , it is determined if one or more of the FR devices have acknowledged receipt of the incident commander&#39;s message. At  814 , one or more of the FR devices sends an acknowledgement to the communications control device of receipt of the incident commander&#39;s message. After the incident commander broadcasts the message, a soft key on the FR devices would be used by the first responders to acknowledge receipt of the message. Pressing the soft key on the FR devices sends an acknowledgement to the communications control device via the wireless IP data session of the macro wireless network. At  816 , the communications control device receives acknowledgement from the FR device(s) and updates the status display. Once the incident commander receives the acknowledgement(s), the status display is updated for each FR device currently active at the scene. 
     At  818 , one or more of the FR devices have not responded. Specifically, acknowledgement has not been sent by the FR device(s) and/or received by the communications control device. At  820 , the status display can be updated and the non-responding FR device(s) can be contacted directly to determine if additional help is necessary. The methodology  800  stops at  822 . 
     Turning specifically to  FIG. 9 , a methodology  900  of facilitating interoperability of FR wireless communications devices at an emergency location wherein the incident commander needs to immediately communicate with all on-site FR devices is illustrated. The methodology  900  starts at  902 , and at  904  a status display is maintained for all FR devices currently active at the scene. Using the wireless IP data sessions established between the FR devices and the communications control device, the communications control device can maintain and display a status for each FR device. 
     At  906 , the incident commander remotely switches specific FR devices to a specified channel via the communications control device. Typically, only one tactical channel can be active on the FR devices. However, the incident commander may need to contact all or some of the FR devices immediately. Accordingly, the incident commander can instruct the assigned communication officer to remotely set a specific FR device(s) to a specified channel. For example, the first responder may be incapacitated or otherwise unable to operate the FR device. Thus, the incident commander can instruct the assigned communication officer to configure the communications control device to remotely switch the specific FR device to the specified tactical channel. For example, all on-site command personnel may be remotely switched to the Command tactical channel via the communications control device. 
     Using the wireless IP data sessions between the FR devices and the communications control device, the instructions are transmitted to the specified FR devices. At  908 , the message from the incident commander is issued via the communication control device to all FR devices remotely switched to the specified channel. At  910 , it is determined if one or more of the FR devices have acknowledged receipt of the incident commander&#39;s message. 
     At  912 , one or more of the FR devices sends an acknowledgement to the communications control device of receipt of the incident commander&#39;s message. After the incident commander broadcasts the message, a soft key on the FR devices would be used by the first responders to acknowledge receipt of the message. Pressing the soft key on the FR devices sends an acknowledgement to the communications control device via the wireless IP data session of the macro wireless network. At  914 , the communications control device receives acknowledgement from the FR device(s) and updates the status display. Once the incident commander receives the acknowledgement(s), the status display is updated for each FR device currently active at the scene. 
     At  916 , one or more of the FR devices have not responded. Specifically, acknowledgement has not been sent by the FR device(s) or received by the communications control device. At  918 , the status can be updated and the non-responding FR device(s) can be contacted directly to determine if additional help is necessary. The methodology  900  stops at  920 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated a system  1000  for providing the control and management of the interoperability of FR devices of the first responders at the scene of an incident. The emergency command vehicle  1004  is located at the scene of an incident and comprises communications capabilities for both voice and data services. The emergency command vehicle  1004  can be part of an emergency command center, mobile command post, or any other suitable structure. The emergency command vehicle  1004  comprises a communication control device utilized by the incident commander or assigned communications officer to communicate with the FR devices  1002 . 
     The communications control device allows the emergency command vehicle  1004  to have full communications capabilities for both voice and data services. It allows for the capability to establish voice or data communications via the macro wireless network using technologies such as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, CDMA2000, and iDEN. The vehicle  1004  also has the capabilities to establish direct push-to-talk communications (e.g., UHF, VHF, APCO P25, Motorola® trunking) with the FR devices  1002  of the on-scene first responders. 
     The FR devices  1002  are the communication devices of the first responders. The FR devices  1002  are typically dual mode wireless devices that are capable of communicating directly with other FR devices in push-to-talk or walkie talkie mode (e.g., UHF, VHF, APCO P25, Motorola® trunking) and are capable of voice and data communications with the macro wireless network using technologies such as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, CDMA2000, and iDEN. The FR devices  1002  can also provide voice services (e.g., VoIP), streaming video services, file transfers and other types of data services (e.g., pictures, text, telemedicine, sensory data). 
     Furthermore, the system  1000  can include a macro wireless network  1008 . The macro wireless network  1008  includes GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, CDMA2000, and iDEN technologies. Tower  1006  represents the radio infrastructure used to connect to the macro wireless network  1008 . Typically, the FR devices  1002  are able to communicate with the emergency command vehicle  1004  via the macro wireless network, but are unable to establish efficient interoperability between all devices at the incident scene. Accordingly, FR devices  1002  utilize a tactical plan configured by the emergency command vehicle  1004  to manage and control inter-operable communications between all FR devices  1002  and the emergency command vehicle  1004 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is illustrated a detailed schematic block diagram of portable wireless device (PWD)  1100  (e.g., mobile handset, push-to-talk handset, FR device) that operates in accordance with the subject invention. The PWD  1100  includes a processor  1102  for controlling and processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory  1104  interfaces to the processor  1102  for storage of data and one or more applications  1106  (e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.). The applications can include the client that provides estimation execution of a task for characterizing the local mobile environment and then transmitting the characterization data to the base station. Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signal. 
     The applications  1106  can be stored in the memory  1104  and/or in a firmware  1108 , and executed by the processor  1102  from either or both the memory  1104  or/and the firmware  1108 . The firmware  1108  also stores startup code for execution in initializing the handset  1100 . A communications component  1110  interfaces to the processor  1102  to facilitate wired/wireless communications with external systems, e.g., cellular networks, VoIP networks, and so on. The handset  1100  includes devices such as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, and messaging-centric devices. 
     The handset  1100  includes a display  1112  for displaying text, images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setup functions, and for user input. The display  1112  can also accommodate the presentation of multimedia content. A serial I/O interface  1114  is provided in communication with the processor  1102  to facilitate serial communication (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE 1394) via a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating and troubleshooting the handset  1100 , for example. Audio capabilities are provided with an audio I/O component  1116 , which can include a speaker for the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication that the user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the user feedback signal. The audio I/O component  1116  also facilitates the input of audio signals via a microphone to record data and/or telephony voice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations. 
     The handset  1100  includes a slot interface  1118  for accommodating a SIS (subscriber identity system) module in the form factor of a card subscriber identity module (SIM)  1120 , and interfacing the SIM card  1120  to the processor  1102 . However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card  1120  can be manufactured into the handset  1100 , and updated by downloading data and software thereinto. 
     The handset  1100  can process IP data traffic via the communications component  1110  to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a person area network, etc., via an ISP or cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset  1100 , and IP-based multimedia content can be received in either an encoded or a decoded format. 
     A video and/or imaging processing component  1122  (e.g., a camera) can be provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The handset  1100  also includes a power source  1124  in the form of batteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source  1124  interfaces to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown) via a power I/O component  1126 . 
     The handset  1100  can also include a dataform reader  1128  suitably designed to read many types of dataforms. For example, the reader  1128  can scan product bar codes of two and three dimensions, and other types of indicia. 
     The handset  1100  can also include a video decoder component  1130  for processing video content received and transmitted. A location tracking component  1132  facilitates geographically locating the handset  1100 . As described hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates the feedback signal automatically or manually. 
     A user input component  1134  facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The input component can include such conventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, and touch screen, for example. 
     A dual-mode functionality component  1136  that facilitates the capabilities of a user to establish direct push-to-talk communications with other PWD devices and to establish voice and data communications with a macro wireless network. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 12 , such figure depicts a GSM/GPRS/IP multimedia network architecture  1200  that includes a GSM core network  1201 , a GPRS network  1230  and an IP multimedia network  1238 . The GSM core network  1201  includes a Mobile Station (MS)  1202 , at least one Base Transceiver Station (BTS)  1204  and a Base Station Controller (BSC)  1206 . The MS  1202  is physical equipment or Mobile Equipment (ME), such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer that is used by mobile subscribers, with a Subscriber identity Module (SIM). The SIM includes an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a unique identifier of a subscriber. The MS  1202  includes an embedded client  1202   a  that receives and processes messages received by the MS  1202 . The embedded client  1202   a  may be implemented in JAVA and is discuss more fully below. 
     The embedded client  1202   a  communicates with an application  1202   b  that provides services and/or information to an end user. One example of the application may be navigation software that provides near real-time traffic information that is received via the embedded client  1202   a  to the end user. The navigation software may provide road conditions, suggest alternate routes, etc. based on the location of the MS  1202 . Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that there are many different methods and systems of locating an MS  1202 . 
     Alternatively, the MS  1202  and a device  1202   c  may be enabled to communicate via a short-range wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth®. For example, a Bluetooth® SIM Access Profile may be provided in an automobile (e.g., device  1202   c ) that communicates with the SIM in the MS  1202  to enable the automobile&#39;s communications system to pull information from the MS  1202 . The Bluetooth communication system in the vehicle becomes an “embedded phone” that employs an antenna associated with the automobile. The result is improved reception of calls made in the vehicle. As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, an automobile is one example of the device  1202   c . There may be an endless number of devices  1202   c  that use the SIM within the MS  1202  to provide services, information, data, audio, video, etc. to end users. 
     The BTS  1204  is physical equipment, such as a radio tower, that enables a radio interface to communicate with the MS. Each BTS may serve more than one MS. The BSC  1206  manages radio resources, including the BTS. The BSC may be connected to several BTSs. The BSC and BTS components, in combination, are generally referred to as a base station (BSS) or radio access network (RAN)  1203 . 
     The GSM core network  1201  also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)  1208 , a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC)  1210 , a Home Location Register (HLR)  1212 , Visitor Location Register (VLR)  1214 , an Authentication Center (AuC)  1218 , and an Equipment Identity Register (EIR)  1216 . The MSC  1208  performs a switching function for the network. The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration, authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC  1210  provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs)  1220 . In other words, the GMSC  1210  provides interworking functionality with external networks. 
     The HLR  1212  is a database that contains administrative information regarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. The HLR  1212  also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR  1214  is a database that contains selected administrative information from the HLR  1212 . The VLR contains information necessary for call control and provision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in a geographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR  1212  and the VLR  1214 , together with the MSC  1208 , provide the call routing and roaming capabilities of GSM. The AuC  1216  provides the parameters needed for authentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allow verification of a subscriber&#39;s identity. The EIR  1218  stores security-sensitive information about the mobile equipment. 
     A Short Message Service Center (SMSC)  1209  allows one-to-one Short Message Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS  1202 . A Push Proxy Gateway (PPG)  1211  is used to “push” (e.g., send without a synchronous request) content to the MS  1202 . The PPG  1211  acts as a proxy between wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of data to the MS  1202 . A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router  1213  is provided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcast messages. SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entities such as short message service centers. It is often used to allow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such as news organizations, to submit bulk messages. 
     To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short message service (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate its current location by performing a location update and IMSI attach procedure. The MS  1202  sends a location update including its current location information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS  1204  and the BSC  1206 . The location information is then sent to the MS&#39;s HLR. The HLR is updated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. The location update also is performed when the MS moves to a new location area. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to update the database as location updating events occur. 
     The GPRS network  1230  is logically implemented on the GSM core network architecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, a serving GPRS support node (SGSN)  1232 , a cell broadcast and a Gateway GPRS support node (GGSN)  1234 . The SGSN  1232  is at the same hierarchical level as the MSC  1208  in the GSM network. The SGSN controls the connection between the GPRS network and the MS  1202 . The SGSN also keeps track of individual MS&#39;s locations and security functions and access controls. 
     A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC)  1233  communicates cell broadcast messages that are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. Cell Broadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enables messages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who are located within a given part of its network coverage area at the time the message is broadcast. 
     The GGSN  1234  provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a public packet network (PDN) or other IP networks  1236 . That is, the GGSN provides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets up a logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched data leaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network  1236 , such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRS services, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performing an attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP) context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS. the SGSN, arc the GGSN. 
     In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used in parallel. The MS can operate in one three classes: class A, class B, and class C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supports simultaneous operation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example, class A mobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data calls at the same time. A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSM services simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not support simultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, a class B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time. A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSM services at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRS services and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS. 
     A GPRS network  1230  can be designed to operate in three network operation modes (NOM 1 , NOM 2  and NOM 3 ). A network operation mode of a GPRS network is indicated by a parameter in system information messages transmitted within a cell. The system information messages dictates a MS where to listen for paging messages and how signal towards the network. The network operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network. In a NOM 1  network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain (voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the data call or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of the MS. In a NOM 2  network, a MS may not received pages from a circuit switched domain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is receiving data and is not listening to a paging channel In a NOM 3  network, a MS can monitor pages for a circuit switched network while received data and vise versa. 
     The IP multimedia network  1238  was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, and includes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)  1240  to provide rich multimedia services to end users. A representative set of the network entities within the IMS  1240  are a call/session control function (CSCF), a media gateway control function (MGCF)  1246 , a media gateway (MGW)  1248 , and a master subscriber database, called a home subscriber server (HSS)  1250 . The HSS  1250  may be common to the GSM network  1201 , the GPRS network  1230  as well as the IP multimedia network  1238 . 
     The IP multimedia system  1240  is built around the call/session control function, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)  1243 , a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF)  1242 , and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF)  1244 . The P-CSCF  1242  is the MS&#39;s first point of contact with the IMS  1240 . The P-CSCF  1242  forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of the MS. The P-CSCF  1242  may also modify an outgoing request according to a set of rules defined by the network operator (for example, address analysis and potential modification). 
     The I-CSCF  1243  forms an entrance to a home network and hides the inner topology of the home network from other networks and provides flexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF  1243  may contact a subscriber location function (SLF)  1245  to determine which HSS  1250  to use for the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS&#39;s  1250  are present. The S-CSCF  1244  performs the session control services for the MS  1202 . This includes routing originating sessions to external networks and routing terminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF  1244  also decides whether an application server (AS)  1252  is required to receive information on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriate service handling. This decision is based on information received from the HSS  1250  (or other sources, such as an application server  1252 ). The AS  1252  also communicates to a location server  1256  (e.g., a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g., latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS  1202 . 
     The HSS  1250  contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which core network node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supports subscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networks with more than one HSS  1250 , a subscriber location function provides information on the HSS  1250  that contains the profile of a given subscriber. 
     The MGCF  1246  provides interworking functionality between SIP session control signaling from the IMS  1240  and ISUP/BICC call control signaling from the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the media gateway (MGW)  1248  that provides user-plane interworking functionality (e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW  1248  also communicates with other IP multimedia networks  1254 . 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.