Radios Are Basic Tools

      New products and technologies are everywhere these days. All may deserve a closer look, and some are certain to advance the capabilities of EMS responders. But will new communications "solutions" replace your radio equipment? Will the Internet, cellular telephone or satellite phone services make your radios obsolete?

      It probably comes as no surprise that the answer is no. Radio is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.

      Radios are the basic tools for emergency-response communications. That fact has been proved over time and by practical experience of EMS responders on the move. We don't need to reinvent the wheel-just make it smarter.

      So what are the fundamentals you should look for when considering an upgrade, change-out or expansion of EMS radio equipment?

Ease of Use and Programming
      Push-to-talk, release-to-listen. It's the oldest rule in the book in the radio business. Radio operations need to be that simple: easy to use and easy to set up, especially in emergency-response situations. With all the dazzling new developments in technology, some seem to have forgotten that rule. When evaluating new radios, as well as other new high-tech devices and options, don't lose sight of this fundamental requirement. Emergency communications should not be rocket science to EMS personnel on the front lines.

Voice Quality and Clarity
      Again, this would seem to be a basic requirement of any radio or communications device used in emergencies. Think again. It continues to amaze me when emergency responders complain about hearing and being heard on their radios in certain locations or conditions.

      So don't assume; rather, be sure to check it out. The reality is that if emergency communications are not clearly understood, then all the new technical enhancements are of little, if any, help. First things first. Your voice needs to be heard loud and clear, and you need to hear the person on the other end of your wireless connection.

Reliability and Durability
      Radios engineered for emergency responders-especially portable radios -must be rock-solid and weatherproof, built to last for many years, and able to withstand rough treatment and extreme conditions whenever needed, year in and year out.

      Emergency responders must have ready and reliable radios they can trust to help save lives. By comparison, cell phones are not engineered to meet the same demands; some are designed to be replaced by the next generation within a relatively short time.

      On the other hand, if radios meant to be used by emergency responders have also passed rigorous tests to meet military standard (MIL-STD) specifications, that's not a bad sign.

Longer Battery Life
      Ideally, portable radios should last a full shift, or even longer, operating on the radio's rechargeable battery. If not, a spare battery and battery pack may need to become standard equipment for some emergency responders, though few may want to be bothered with carrying excess baggage on the job.

      Battery life is largely a function of a radio's electric current and power drain needed for operation, and, therefore, a question of efficient radio design. Some new digital radios with various add-ons, options and advanced or specialized functions, however, may require far more power, resulting in the battery being incapable of lasting more than four to six hours. If that's a problem, it's better to know sooner rather than later.

Lower Cost
      Budgets are tight, and cost is often the most critical factor in the decision of whether or not to acquire new equipment. Today, free market forces are bringing more intensive cost competition to the land mobile radio industry. Radios from different manufacturers may meet the same technical standards and performance requirements, yet differences in pricing may be far more significant than you might expect.

      This may be particularly relevant for those EMS providers now directed to acquire at least some digital radios that are compliant with the APCO Project 25 standard to prepare and provide for radio interoperability during multi-agency emergency-response situations. Price differences for P25 radios can be extreme, so an agency may acquire two, three or more P25-compliant radios for the cost of one higher-priced model.

      If you haven't done so lately, now might be a good time to shop around, make some cost comparisons and see for yourself.

Customer Service and Tech Support
      Tough as they may be, even the best radios sometimes require maintenance and repair, like any equipment in continuous use. Maybe radio users have technical questions about how to program or reprogram certain functions.

      Emergency responders deserve quick response, including prompt support from radio manufacturers and dealers. All need to share the same ethic for emergency response. If there is a problem, it needs to be fixed, ASAP.

      Customer service may not be a built-in radio component, but it is a vital and necessary ingredient for reliable radio communications nevertheless.

      Just as with emergency responders, your radio dealer (and manufacturer) must be in this business for the long haul. When you need radio maintenance and repair services and/or technical support, that should be part of the deal. Even if you're happy with their radios, don't underestimate the need for ongoing support resources.

Conclusion
      Confronted with a wider range of choices, possibilities and new technology offerings, don't be distracted from the fundamentals of emergency response radio communications.

      Before you buy, think it through. As we all say, look before you leap.

David P. Storey is president and chief executive officer of RELM Wireless Corp. (www.relm.com), manufacturer and marketer of high-specification two-way radio equipment serving emergency responders and public safety professionals for nearly six decades.