EMCOMM-1 Heading to APCO 2016
When an emergency strikes, people relay on public safety agencies more than ever. They are expected to provide reliable communication not only during, but after an emergency as well. It is therefore imperative to ensure all equipment is functioning properly and up to date with the latest technologies.
Earlier this month at APCO’s 82nd Annual Conference and Exhibition, attendees from around the world arrived to network, research new products and discover emerging technologies in the public safety industry. Now that National Preparedness Month is upon us, it is the perfect reminder to start looking at your agencies’ current communication solutions.
Deployable Interoperability Solutions
From mobile command centers to “go-kits,” deployable interoperability solutions are crucial in keeping communications strong. Many large incidents will have a command post, but the ability to communicate across jurisdictions can proposes some difficulties, especially in remote areas. Each jurisdictions or agencies could be on different forms of equipment, and without a central, mobile communications post the ability to communicate between the two may not be possible. Mobile command units are self-sustaining telecommunications and support detachments that are immediately deployable. They allow communication centers to be in the heart of the emergency and assist first responders in communication between AIR, LAND and SEA, without the need of multiple radios.
Communication Go-Kits or Radio-Ready Kits are also important part of deployable interoperability solutions. They are typically comprised of a portable Amateur radio system and personal gear that can quickly be assembled at a moments notice. These kits are the “first responders” of a communication center.
Icom’s Emergency Communication Solutions at APCO 2016
APCO was held over four days and nearly 300 companies presented their communication solutions and services. Some of Icom’s top technologies and solutions were showcased providing attendees new solutions for their communication plans. This year Icom’s key theme was emergency communications interoperability, with EMCOMM-1 as the focal point.
EMCOMM-1 is a privately owned van stocked with a combination of Icom radios used for AIR, LAND and SEA communications. In addition to the Icom radios, the van has the ability to bridge the communication gap between HF, Satellite Phone, 800 MHz, Wi-Fi, SIP and POTS phone systems, all of which are made possible by using the Icom VE-PG3 RoIP Gateway. The various product solutions tied into the VE-PG3 had people thinking about how Icom can solve communications issues they had not thought of in the past.
Icom’s “Go-kits,” also provided an exciting option to emergency communications by incorporating interoperability solutions surrounding the VE-PG3. Various kits tied in several Amateur Radio solutions into an Icom IC-F9511 or showed the power of combing P25 with an Air-Band (A120), Marine (M604) and Amateur Radio (7100). These grab-and-go kits gave attendees a great communications option for any emergency.
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