ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the running card system during the firefighting operations of BFP La Union. It assessed the status of the running card system during firefighting operations of BFP La Union. Determined the factors affecting the running card system during firefighting operations of BFP La Union and identified the issues and challenges encountered by the BFP personnel in the running card system during firefighting operations of BFP La Union. This study utilized a qualitative approach through narrative analysis since it explores the participants’ fieldwork experiences. This study was conducted in the 2nd District of La Union. There were four respondents in this study namely the Fire Marshal of Rosario Fire Station, Bauang Fire Station, Tubao Fire Station, and Aringay Fire Station. The interview guide was used in this study. The status of RCS during firefighting operations of BFP La Union is existing and updated. The factors affecting the running card system during firefighting operations are response time delay, poor phone signal, and unserviceable Augmenting fire truck. The effects of physical factors during firefighting operations is the accessibility and technological factor. The effect of non-physical factors during firefighting operations is socio-cultural. The problem/challenges encountered by the BFP personnel in the running card system during BFP La Union firefighting operations are (a) Because mobile phone is the only means of communication during fire alarms, there is a delay in deployment of augmenting firetrucks because of time loss from the time an alarm was given to the provincial office to the time they will call each augmenting stations to respond, (b) Due to lack of centralized radio communication system, there is the failure to provide real-time reporting necessary for strategic deployment of resources, (c) There is miscommunication in the activation of the running card, either not followed by the dispatcher or other stations has been deployed even not part of the card needed for deployment, and (d) Cellphone is being used as a means of communication during the raising of fire alarms and augmentation of nearby fire stations. The researchers recommended the following solutions: (a) Provide radio frequency for the entire province and install a radio repeater system in all city and municipal fire stations. There should be a centralized radio frequency to be used by all stations within the province of La Union in order to make the transmittal of fire alarms and information easier and faster. By this, miscommunication will be prevented. Procurement of radio communication having the same frequency on each province so that all fire stations will be alarmed when there is the activation of running, (b) Telephone-Radio Operators should undergone training about the proper use of radio communication system to include proper transmittal of communications, and (c) Follow the proposed flow chart of the RCS.