FOCUS
Keep talking Chris Cant looks at the challenges for two way
radios in extreme environments, and what’s being done to minimise risk and develop technology
I
N AN emergency situation such as we are experiencing in the latest global pandemic, an effective communications network for critical information and important updates is a real lifeline. Keeping critical communications running smoothly whilst wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is not an issue, thanks to the radio communication solutions which are used by the emergency services and lend themselves naturally to social distancing measures. They also have accessories designed to work with the pre existing heavy protective gear needed for fi refi ghters.
Fire service equipment
UK fi re and rescue services (FRSs) across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all operate under separate legislations for each particular nation. The national divides are then further segmented into counties and other regions, such as London, which has its own separate staff and firefighters, and runs as a separate organisation. Each of these separate FRSs has its
32 JULY/AUGUST 2020
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own tender process and frameworks put in place to ensure any products and suppliers that are being used within that organisation reach the necessary standards to ensure effi ciency and safety. This includes the communication solutions used within the different elements of the FRS teams.
High risk environments
When looking into the requirements of the FRSs, it is important to understand that fi ghting fi res is just one aspect of the work fi refi ghters undertake. They are also needed at the scene of chemical spills, terrorist situations and motorway incidents, to name but a few. Thus, ensuring that the communication solution is fi t for purpose is more complicated than just ensuring that it can withstand high temperatures and be hardwearing. FRSs work in high pressure situations where
fast response is essential, and therefore it is also vital that their communication equipment can be rapidly deployed to suit any purpose. Equally important is the fact that there are
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