Firefighters need reliable communication to work safely. They rely on their radios to request resources and call a Mayday. Communication failure is one of the leading factors in firefighter deaths.
Motorola Solutions’ APX portfolio of P25 digital radios delivers the reliable, clear communication firefighters need. Designed with public safety apps like SmartMessaging, SmartMapping, and SmartLocate, these radios streamline communications for increased situational awareness.
Reliable Communication
Firefighters and incident commanders must be heard loud and clear at all times because the information they share by voice is of life-and-death importance. That’s why reliable, interoperable radios are a non-negotiable asset for every fire department, no matter how large or small. Motorola solutions provide valuable radio lifeline solutions for firefighters that improve their performance, safety, and situational awareness by enabling them to easily transfer critical data from the fire scene to command centers.
Push-to-talk (PTT) two-way radios are a staple of emergency services, and firefighters depend on these rugged devices to help them communicate quickly and effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations. Using a PTT radio is easy – just press the button and speak. Firefighters can also use their radios to request resources and, when they become trapped in a dangerous situation, to call a mayday message.
When selecting a radio, look for one that has a wide frequency range to enable communication across different areas of the fireground. It should also be able to operate in any environment, including rain, extreme heat, and hazardous gas/dust environments. Additionally, it should be able to withstand a drop or shock and remain operational in water up to two feet deep for up to 30 minutes.
Additionally, firefighters should be able to operate their radios without removing their helmets or turning off the device. That’s why selecting a radio that offers hands-free operation and noise-canceling microphone technology is important. It should also be equipped with a loudspeaker, especially in a firefighter’s helmet, for maximum audibility.
Finally, a firefighter should be able to access a variety of valuable apps that allow them to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. For example, a public safety virtual assistant like ViQi helps firefighters manage essential radio functions so they can focus on the mission at hand.
As a result, Motorola’s APX NEXT XN all-band P25 smart radio is built to be a true firefighter’s companion. It features a 3-watt loudspeaker, an adaptive equalization engine to optimize audio settings, and two built-in HDR microphones to reduce background noise from chainsaws, sirens, crowds, and wind for crisp, clear communications. Moreover, the radio is rugged and IP67-certified to protect it from dust, dirt, and water.
Safety Features
Firefighters must be able to quickly communicate with each other and dispatchers on a scene in order to safely execute their job. They work in extremely dynamic environments that require a wide range of skills and expertise, including structural knowledge, hazmat awareness and technical rescue. It’s also important that firefighters be able to keep in contact with dispatch as they travel to a scene so that the appropriate resources can be deployed when needed.
To ensure that firefighters can stay connected to their radios in a hectic and demanding environment, they need a durable portable radio that can be easily operated with gloves on. It should have a large top display that allows firefighters to easily view their frequency and other information without removing the radio from their belts. It should also have clear, crisp audio that can be heard in noisy situations. Finally, it should have a rugged body that is capable of operating in extreme conditions, from dense urban areas with a lot of concrete and steel to rural areas with varying terrains.
While these are essential features that every fire department radio should include, it is equally important that they can be programmed with additional features to make it easy for firefighters to operate them on a daily basis. Adding a variety of application services like ViQi, SmartMessaging, and SmartMapping makes it simple for fire departments to communicate and collaborate in even the most complex situations.
The APX NEXT XE series is built to meet the demands of firefighters, ensuring that they can connect with one another and dispatchers anytime, anywhere. Designed with an intuitive user experience, the radio is simple to use and offers the best in mobile technology. Firefighters trust it, and it can adapt to any environment thanks to its rugged design, high-performance capabilities, and intelligent functionality.
It also includes a range of workplace safety features to help keep firefighters safe, such as the Lone Worker, Man Down, and Emergency Button with call interrupt. These functions are programmable so that they can be activated at any time to ensure firefighters can quickly communicate with each other and their command center in an emergency situation. This helps them respond faster and more efficiently to save lives.
Durability
Firefighters need clear communication over the roar of burning fires and emergency sirens. A radio is their lifeline to the rest of the department. Unfortunately, if a firefighter’s radio isn’t working properly or falls out of reach, it can put him or her at risk for injury and even death.
That’s why firefighter radios must be durable enough to stand up to the job’s elements and hazards. Ideally, the radio should also have extra features that make it easy to use in hazardous situations. For example, a large emergency button is essential, and it’s helpful to have one that can be activated with gloves on. Having a radio that can be turned on and off with one push of a button is another plus. Additionally, a durable radio should not be easily scratched or broken by drops.
Firefighters can’t afford to spend time troubleshooting their radios when they’re in a dangerous situation. That’s why Motorola Solutions APX XE smart radios and remote speaker microphones (RSMs) are designed with extreme ruggedness to ensure they work in the harshest conditions. This includes a rigorous testing process called Extreme Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) to simulate years of heavy field use and multiple drops.
The APX XE portfolio of firefighter two-way radios offers several valuable apps that simplify firefighters’ work so they can focus on the task at hand. For instance, the APX NEXT XE public safety virtual assistant app makes it easier to run radio operations, like changing frequencies or running plate numbers, so that firefighters can save more time for other important tasks.
Motorola Solutions’ firefighter-focused apps help them get the information they need quickly and accurately so they can do their jobs well. Adding valuable data applications to firefighter radios increases the value of the device while helping them improve their performance and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their department’s operations.
In addition to the aforementioned firefighter apps, the APX XE smart radio portfolio can also be used with a wide range of accessories and specialized antennas that allow it to provide seamless connectivity across different radio networks. This allows your department to share vital information seamlessly without sacrificing reliability or coverage.
Ease of Use
Firefighters must be able to communicate quickly, clearly, and efficiently. They often work under pressure in hazardous situations and need a radio that will not be easily damaged by water, dust, or heat. They also need to be able to use their radio hands-free while wearing their PPE.
Motorola’s APX radio is built to meet these needs. It is designed to be tough, rugged, and easy to use. It is tested to ensure it can withstand extreme temperatures and drops, and its design is made to be safe for firefighters. It is also a radio that is designed to deliver advanced features that can help fire departments increase productivity and improve situational awareness.
For example, a firefighter can connect to their department’s system with the push of a button. This allows them to access updated incident statute reports and other critical information while on their way to a scene. They can also stay connected to their team and dispatchers, even if they are working inside an active building or in a remote location.
Firefighter radios should also be able to deliver clear, loud, and crisp audio outputs. This is especially important in noisy environments where hearing can be difficult. In addition, many fire departments require their firefighters to be able to use their radios while wearing masks and in hazardous conditions. This requires their radios to have enhanced audio, such as high-dynamic range and adaptive equalization technology. These features can reduce the noise caused by chainsaws, crowds, explosions, sirens, and other distracting elements.
Aside from ensuring that the radios can work in harsh conditions, it is also essential for them to be easy to use. This means that the buttons and knobs are large enough to be easily accessed when wearing gloves and should have simple controls. This makes it easier for firefighters to operate the radios, and they will not be as likely to accidentally activate a feature that could put them in danger, such as a Mayday button.
Many additional safety and operational features can be beneficial for fire departments, including dual control head mobiles, dual-band mobiles, and emergency alerts. All of these features can be useful in helping fire departments increase their efficiency and improve their response times. They can also help them turn data into actionable intelligence and make informed decisions that can save lives.
