Selecting features for firefighter radios

By the USFA/IAFF

Many features are available in modern radios. Like automobiles, stripped-down versions of radios are available, but when options are added the cost rises. To identify the desired features, focus and user groups can assist in developing the radio feature sets that meet user’s needs. Today’s radios are extremely flexible in programming features and the functions of buttons on the radio. Cooperation between the radio vendor and technical provider for your radio system will be instrumental in filtering through all of the programming parameters. Some of the newer features that increase firefighter safety are:

• Voice channel announcement — This feature uses prerecorded voice prompts to notify the firefighter what channel the radio is on as the channel select knob is moved.
• Emergency indications — Radios on the fireground receive an indication of emergency activations on the assigned channel.
• Personnel accountability — In new systems there are more radio ID numbers available. This makes itpossible for each radio to have an individual ID code enabling identification of the unit and specific position of the unit on an emergency activation. If tied to roster information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, identification of the individual firefighter is possible.
• Tones — Many radios use tones as an indication of trunked system access, out of range, repeater access, encrypted channel, and others. Use of tones may provide added awareness to the firefighter and, thus, increase safety.

For guidance on the minimum feature set a radio should have, refer to NFPA 1221 Section 9.3.6:
9.3.6 Two-Way Portable Equipment

9.3.6.2 Portable radios shall be manufactured for the environment in which they are to be used and shall be of a size and construction that allow their operation with the use of one hand.
9.3.6.3 Portable radios equipped with key pads that control radio functions shall have a means for the user to disable the keypad to prevent inadvertent use.
9.3.6.4 All portable radios shall be equipped with a carrier control timer that disables the transmitter after a predetermined time that is determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
9.3.6.5 Portable radios shall be capable of multiple-channel operation to enable on-scene simplex radio communications that are independent of dispatch channels.
9.3.6.6 Portable radios shall be designed to allow channels to be changed while emergency response personnel are wearing gloves.
9.3.6.7 Single-unit battery chargers for portable radios shall be capable of fully charging the radio battery while the radio is in the receiving mode.
9.3.6.8 Battery chargers for portable radios shall automatically revert to maintenance charge when the battery is fully charged.
9.3.6.9 Battery chargers shall be capable of charging batteries in a manner that is independent of and external to the portable radio.
9.3.6.10 Spare batteries shall be maintained in quantities that allow continuous operation as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
9.3.6.11 A minimum of one spare portable radio shall be provided for each 10 units, or fraction thereof, in service.