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If you use a two-way radio (walkie-talkie) on the job, you need to know what to do in an emergency. This is especially true if you’re far from a landline telephone and dialing 911 is out of the question. Public safety, police, firefighters, EMTs and emergency-response professionals know the essentials of two-way radio use because it’s so central to their work. Radio users in industries such as construction, hospitality, education, event planning, and other sectors deal with far fewer emergencies, so they need to set aside extra time to learn or refresh themselves on the right thing to do in a crisis.
Five Two-Way Radio Best Practices for Emergencies
A lot of things have to be done right when using two-way radios in an emergency. Some of these tips may seem like common sense, but common sense often flies out the window amid the stress, anxiety and chaos of a crisis. Be sure you know these five points in advance:
- You must be prepared. If you are unfamiliar with two-way radios, take some time to learn how they function and what features your device offers (such as emergency alerts). When you’re getting trained on a new radio, insist on asking what you would do differently in an emergency.
- When talking, less is more. Be brief and efficient — know what you are going to say before talking into the microphone; otherwise you’ll tie up the channel while thinking of what to say. (Remember: When you use the push-to-talk button, you’re preventing other people from talking on the same frequency). NOTE: Many digital MOTOTRBO models from Motorola Solutions enable texting if Push-to-Talk is not practical or possible.
- Don’t mind your manners. While you must respect fellow users, you don’t have to be polite by saying “please” or “thank you.”
- Repetition rocks. Repeat back information you receive to confirm that you heard correctly.
- You have no privacy. Remember that group conversations are not private on open channels — any other radio user within range can hear what you’re saying by tuning to your frequency. Actually, this is a big plus in emergency broadcasts and SOS situations where the operator wants to relay a message to as many people as possible.
Cell Phones Aren’t the Answer in an Emergency
The Columbine school shooting in 1999 marked one of the first times where easy access to cell phones played a role in a major emergency. Unfortunately, students could call newscasters, but could not convey accurate information, creating conflicting reports that confused first responders. And 911 dispatchers were flooded with calls, which did more harm than good.
Fourteen years later at the Boston Marathon bombing, cellular networks either slowed dramatically or intermittently stopped working altogether. Runners and their loved ones could not connect, and victims had trouble communicating with emergency responders. That frustrating scene of over-strained cellular networks has become familiar in such disasters as the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Sandy.
For all the reliance we place on cell phones, they have failed repeatedly when needed most. In almost every instance, congestion is the problem. Too many people try to use their phones at the same time to get help or tell family and friends they are okay.
Two-way radios excel where cell phones fall short because they have dedicated bandwidth and a limited number of users. They’re also much easier to use — usually it’s not much more than pushing one button and talking. With the addition of bi-directional amplifiers, distributed antenna systems, and repeaters, reliable two-way radio coverage can be extended throughout a facility or across a campus in areas where cell phone signals cannot reach.
Two-Way Radio Groups Help People Prepare and Stay Informed
Organizations are putting a priority on two-way radios for emergency communications. For example, the Times of India reported that a monsoon flooding disaster in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand prompted officials in other flood-prone regions to establish amateur radio facilities to provide emergency communication. Also, the American Radio Relay League hosts its national Field Day so amateur radio clubs across the U.S. can get together to test their radio equipment and practice emergency communication strategies.
Communication is Essential During a Crisis
With a little planning and preparation, two-way radios can help manage an appropriate emergency response, interface with first responders and save lives. To ensure that your two-way radio networks and users are ready for a crisis situation, BearCom can help. Contact us at: 800.527.1670. Or, find your local BearCom office.
About BearCom
BearCom provides a broad line of high-performance wireless communications products, services, and complete mobility solutions. Founded in 1981, BearCom is America’s only nationwide dealer and integrator of wireless communications equipment, serves customers from 29 branch offices located throughout the U.S., and employs approximately 360 people. BearCom is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area. 
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