The issue regarding the placement of the portable radio has been long debated in the fire service.
A study conducted by the Fairfax County (Va.) Fire and Rescue Department set out to determine the safest location and best practice for carrying the portable radio for firefighting operations.
They came to the conclusion that the radio pocket should not be used due to radio ejection, exposure of the mic to thermal conditions, and radio-signal loss.
The radio, they said, should be worn on a strap under the turnout coat, but with the radio extended below the bottom of the coat with the antenna away from the body. Wearing it this way protects the mic from high heat, eliminates 50 percent of radio-signal loss and prevents the radio from ejecting.
We asked our fans on Facebook to share how they wear their radio while on scene. Here are some of their responses.
1.“Radio strap under my coat with the microphone hanging out of the collar. Zero entanglement hazards and you can still change channels.” — Patrick O’Toole
2.“Usually dragging behind me because it came out of my radio pocket.” — David Queal
3.“Radio in outside left chest pocket of jacket, cord around outside of my collar under DRD flap and mic clamped on right side of coat on the chest above flashlight.” — Lance Nichols
4.“Nightstand at the station, because I can never remember it!” — Emily Beth
5.“Mine has been outside of my coat on a strap for years. No problems, easy access and out of the way. It’s tight and under the air-pack harness.” — Cody Lee Church
6.“In a harness under my coat. The harness strap is long enough that the radio is below the bottom of my coat and most importantly below SCBA waist belt.” — Bobby Haslar
7.“Radio in my left breast radio pocket cord behind my neck, then top small box clipped in to a carabineer on my top buckle.” — Will Jesus Cusimano
8.“In the radio pocket, because you can’t change channels when it’s under your coat.” — Patrick Kaley
9.“I keep it on my left hip on my radio strap. I hear everything no matter how loud my surroundings are inside or out. It’s easy to find, easy to hear, and easy to use and talk.” — Scottie Hoerman
