Motorola Introduces Wireless Communications System for Firefighters

Motorola announced Friday the introduction of the Fireground Communications System, a new mobile communications product specifically designed for firefighters. The portable Fireground Communications System is designed for deployment at an incident scene. It consists of five central components: the XTS 5000(TM) portable radio, Incident Management Software, Ruggedized Command Terminal, Digital RF Modem and Portable Repeater. Together, these components provide on-scene and in-building radio coverage, and enhanced personnel accountability and monitoring. Future plans call for the Fireground Communications System to deliver rescue/location tracking and a wireless Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) feature. Each Fireground Communications System radio automatically reports the user's radio ID, which can be configured to display name, riding position and sector assignment on the commander's mobile command terminal. If for any reason a user turns off the radio, the incident commander is automatically informed and can relay that information to the response team. If a critical situation arises with a firefighter, the firefighter can push an emergency button that activates an alarm on the incident management mobile command terminal. In addition, an integrated evacuation feature allows a commander to wirelessly transmit a signal to all radios on the scene alerting the presence of immediate danger. Motorola will roll out the Fireground Communications System in phases, starting in 2003 with features that improve on-scene and in-building communications coverage and personnel accountability. (Source: AP, Dow Jones Newswires) 

For more information: www.motorola.comn

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: As we said in another news item this week, emergency response systems have assumed increasing importance since last year's 9/11 terrorist attacks. Motorola has come in at the right time with this offering. It should find good reception among public safety agencies.