Boosters & Repeaters for First Responders

The most common first responder tool for communication is still the  two-way radio. But the same factors that can interrupt cell phone signal  can interfere even more dramatically with radio communication. First  responders have often found themselves operating in radio “dark spots”  when dealing with emergencies.

In these situations, resorting to  their cell phones to coordinate operations provides a critical  alternative that can help save lives. When faced with these challenges,  cell phone signal boosting can provide peace of mind that makes all the  difference.

Mobile technology is useful in supplementing information from radio  dispatch centers and control rooms. Giving first responders access to  detailed reports and multimedia can help them understand the current  conditions and the incident they’re responding to. That makes it  possible to better prepare a response strategy — mitigating risk and  maximizing the odds of success if the team has reliable cellular signal.

Likewise,  teams with access to mobile technology can make use of file sharing,  video analytics, and online databases while on-site. This way, it’s  easier to enhance situational awareness for both first responders and  dispatchers. With the best-available information at their fingertips,  emergency response teams can communicate more efficiently and better  coordinate their efforts.

Strong signal also means being able to access the Wireless Emergency  Alert (WEA) network. The WEA is used during critical events to send out  threat notifications, AMBER alerts, and other government notices.

Timely  access to WEA is crucial for first responder teams, allowing swift and  accurate response to rapidly-changing conditions. Without such access,  keeping teams updated on the status of developments like  shelter-in-place orders can be difficult — and therefore dangerous.

Mobile devices let first responders complete reports, send emails,  search databases, and get critical information where it needs to go.  In-vehicle cellular signal repeaters also work to keep GPS devices  online, so dispatchers can locate their team in real time.

From  any location where there’s available signal to amplify, a signal booster  can enhance signal strength. This makes it far easier for teams to stay  in touch and provide the most effective possible service to the public.

Being able to carry out administrative tasks and compile reports while  on the move gives first responders more time to devote to the work of  managing public safety. With access to reliable signal, they can share  photos, use automated transcription tools for interviews, and compile  real-time insights for the creation of accurate reports. 

NFPA Code 72 requires 99% coverage for critical areas and 90% for  general areas. ICC requires 95% coverage for all areas in a building. 

Both NFPA 72 and ICC require -95 dB signal strength at all times.  This is considered acceptable for emergency responder communication both  inbound and outbound. Although some NFPA codes (1221) allows for DAQ  3.4 and grid test instead of signal strength as the standard. 

NFPA 72 requires all equipment (repeater, components, and battery  system) to be contained in a NEMA 3R or NEMA 4 enclosure against fire,  water, and other harmful elements. 

 Both NFPA 72 and ICC require a failure alarm system including power, antenna, and repeater failure warnings. 

 Both NFPA 72 and ICC call for a battery backup that lasts a minimum of 12 hours.