Michael J. Magda is a Firefighter/EMT-P/Hazardous Materials Specialist with Western Wayne County Hazardous Materials Response Team who are users of Decisions For Heroes (D4H). Formed in 1987, their team currently has 45 members that come from Mutual Aid Associations fire department that are located within the Detroit metropolitan area. The team is also responsible for incidents at the nation’s 11th busiest airport, Detroit-Wayne County Airport (DTW) which handles 40 million passengers and 360 million pounds of cargo each year.

We spoke to Michael about D4H, and how it helps their team...

"Decisions For Heroes (D4H) software is the most valuable tool my Hazmat team utilizes. As soon as you log-in, the Dashboard gives you a snapshot of the organization’s status, from members on and off call, to upcoming training events, to past events.

The program answers every imaginable question you might have about your department, from “Where’s a particular piece of equipment located?” to “What’s its maintenance status and history?” and “Who’s qualified to wear an SCBA mask?” The program can answer these and many other questions with a few clicks of a mouse."

Michael continued to explain to use that while Initial setup is time intensive, it was not difficult. The data entry required for accurate data output takes many hours but is well worth the organization's time and energy. Once complete, you’re able to track qualifications, hours spent in training, on incidents and attendance for personnel, as well as quantity, expiration dates, hours of operation, number of uses for equipment and much more.

"Before my team acquired D4H, we experienced many Information Management issues. One problem was finding somebody, from among twenty-three member Fire Departments, to perform a task and be able to track its progress. Now, I can assign a task to a particular member or post it at the Whiteboard for someone looking for a project."

Another problem Michael had was communication. Members who missed an incident would call him for days, taking up precious time asking, "What happened out there? What did you do about the situation?" "Now, with D4H, those members can review the incident, read my IAP or narrative and see the equipment used at any given incident."

"The monthly or year-end reports are unbelievable. You’re able to print out graphs and charts for many different stats within the four categories: Incidents, Casualties, Exercises, and Events. Within those categories you’re able to see or print stats for durations, travel (miles and or time), weather and much more.

The most valuable part of this software is its ability to centralize information in one location to manage your organization. Regardless of whether you’re a Hazardous Materials Team, EMS provider, Urban Search and Rescue Team, or a Fire Department, It’s in there for you."

In 2005, the Western Wayne County HMRT became one of eighteen Regional Response Teams for the State of Michigan. Since becoming an RRT, they have had to increase their resources so that they were able to respond to larger incidents, including those related to weapons of mass destruction. By becoming an RRT they have also increased our response area to the entire state of Michigan.

"This was the best money we’ve ever spent. The program does it all. If you don’t believe me or you have questions, please contact me so you can experience it for yourself."

Thanks Michael - you've made our Amazing People page :-)