Emergency Responders Meet, Discuss Better Means of Communication
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 10, 2012
Dozens of emergency managers from throughout Arkansas are trying to get on the same page when it comes to communicating across county lines.
The Fourth Annual Interoperability Conference kicked off on Wednesday in Little Rock.
For three days, first responders and managers will learn better ways of communicating across jurisdictions and between agencies.
They're also getting a first-hand look at some of the latest technology to make it easier for agencies statewide to contact each other immediately.
Responders say instant communication can mean the difference between life and death.
"Agencies and disciplines have learned communications is vital, we know this," says Washington County Emergency Manager John Luther. "How do we improve on it in the field? We train on it, we plan on it, we have com unit leaders who think outside the box, how do we communicate at the next level."
On the state-run radio network, 20,000 users are able to communicate with each other on devices such as walkie-talkies.
Under an FCC requirement, communication providers in Arkansas and throughout the country have until the end of this year to free up more broadband space for more users.
The Fourth Annual Interoperability Conference kicked off on Wednesday in Little Rock.
For three days, first responders and managers will learn better ways of communicating across jurisdictions and between agencies.
They're also getting a first-hand look at some of the latest technology to make it easier for agencies statewide to contact each other immediately.
Responders say instant communication can mean the difference between life and death.
"Agencies and disciplines have learned communications is vital, we know this," says Washington County Emergency Manager John Luther. "How do we improve on it in the field? We train on it, we plan on it, we have com unit leaders who think outside the box, how do we communicate at the next level."
On the state-run radio network, 20,000 users are able to communicate with each other on devices such as walkie-talkies.
Under an FCC requirement, communication providers in Arkansas and throughout the country have until the end of this year to free up more broadband space for more users.
