Emergency Vehicle Equipment - Communications Devices

Communications Devices

Efficient emergency responses require that emergency responders can communicate with a dispatcher, with each other, and often with other facilities (such as hospitals or public utilities). Emergency vehicles are equipped with the following types of equipment to do so:

• two-way radio, usually operating on dedicated frequencies and channels designated for emergency use, or in some cases simply a CB radio.
• portable two-way radios, which transmit and receive on the same frequencies as the built in two-way radios, but are less powerful. Emergency workers can take these radios with them when they exit the vehicle. There are also systems (frequently referred to as mobile extenders or mobile repeaters) that allow the portable radios to be relayed through the vehicles more powerful two way radio. Some emergency services encrypt their radio transmissions.
• car phones or portable cellular phones.
• mobile data terminals, or MDTs, which are computers that communicate with the dispatcher's computer.
• Laptop computers with Wi-Fi connections, usually with a mounting point or docking station within the vehicle. These can be used as an alternative to MDTs.
• PA or bullhorn to communicate with other workers, or with members of the public. Most electronic sirens are equipped with a PA.