By: Emergent Team
Fire departments have always relied on tools to help them respond faster, work smarter, and keep personnel safe. In recent years, one of the most transformative tools on the apparatus isn’t a new hose or nozzle—it’s the tablet. Fire department tablets have evolved from simple communication devices into powerful tools that support everything from digital incident command to real-time personnel tracking. The result is a more agile, informed, and connected fire service.
How Have Tablets Been Used in the Fire Service?
Tablets first gained popularity in the fire service as a convenient way to access maps, pre-incident plans, and hydrant locations en route to a call. Replacing traditional binders or clipboards, tablets offered flexibility and convenience, especially when paired with ruggedized protective cases. Crews could zoom in on floor plans, share updates in the cab, or pull up dispatch notes, all from a compact device mounted within reach.
These devices were especially useful during training or inspections, giving firefighters access to code references, documentation tools, or image capture features that replaced paper-heavy workflows. Over time, the expectations of what a tablet can do for firefighters have dramatically increased.
How Is Technology Expanding the Usefulness of Tablets?
Fire department tablets have become an essential part of modern response operations, playing a central role in how departments manage incidents and protect crews. New software platforms have unlocked capabilities that help manage personnel, document actions, and support decision-making while a scene is still unfolding.
Incident command tools now transform tablets into mobile command boards, providing a live overview of assignments, accountability, and tactical benchmarks. From tracking which crew entered a structure to viewing response benchmarks in real time, these systems offer a level of visibility and control that wasn’t possible with traditional pen-and-paper methods.
The rise of cloud-based platforms also means that tablets can sync critical data from multiple sources, like CAD systems, pre-incident planning software, or occupancy databases—directly into the hands of the officer making decisions. This integration of systems helps commanders quickly identify hazards, view inspection records, and update evolving scene information without stepping away from the action.
Moreover, tablets are becoming essential tools in mutual aid situations. Agencies can share maps, tactics, or personnel rosters between jurisdictions, enabling better coordination when multiple departments respond to large-scale events.
Benefits of Using a Digital Command Board
The move toward digital command boards, powered by tablets, is helping departments streamline their response while boosting safety and accountability. Officers no longer need to rely on whiteboards or clipboards prone to smudging, loss, or delay. Instead, digital tools ensure that incident command information is legible, accurate, and available to all decision-makers simultaneously.
One of the most important benefits is personnel accountability. Fire departments can now track crew assignments in real time, monitor rehab cycles, and be immediately alerted to missing or overdue personnel. The ability to automate benchmarks—such as conducting PAR reports or safety checks at regular intervals—helps improve compliance and reduce mental load on incident commanders.
Tablets also support better post-incident reporting. Because all actions are logged in real time, departments have a more accurate record of their response. This data can then be analyzed for continuous improvement, grant reporting, or justification of resource requests.
At Emergent, our software is designed specifically for iPad use in the fire service. That’s not a limitation—it’s a strategic decision to support mobility, speed, and ease of use. The iPad platform gives departments a lightweight but powerful interface that works in high-pressure situations. With cellular telematics control units (TCUs) for real-time telemetry access and Emergent Incident Command for digital incident management, fire department tablets are more than a convenience—they’re critical infrastructure for modern emergency response.
The Future of Tablets in Fire Departments
The future of tablet use in fire departments will be shaped by new innovations in interoperability and predictive analytics. As software continues to evolve, tablets will increasingly serve as the nexus for data coming from SCBA units, thermal imagers, telematics sensors, and personnel tracking systems.
Departments that embrace this trend will find themselves better positioned to protect their crews, refine their tactics, and serve their communities with precision. Fire department tablets are no longer experimental technology—they’re essential gear.
Emergent’s platform is purpose-built for iPads, designed to keep crews focused, connected, and equipped—no matter the incident. If you’re ready to upgrade how your team operates in the field, reach out to schedule a demo.
