In this age of technology, there seems to be an overload of communication devices: cell phones, PDAs, email, websites, and the list goes on and on. While it may be tempting for companies to allow employees to use these devices, that’s not true for the medical industry, especially first responders.

First responders do not always need two-way communications, in fact, sometimes two-way communication devices can cause more hazards and hazards for the first responder. Additionally, these devices can be inherently unreliable, presenting another set of issues for a first responder to manage. For these personnel, it is essential to have a secure, reliable and proven form of communication. These people need the best communication resource, which is still the pager.

Pagers remain one of the most reliable methods of relaying information to first responders who may find themselves in dangerous and chaotic situations. Pagers also have higher reliability and work in situations where cell phones fail. Pager systems feature high power transmission of up to 3500 watts of effective power, while typical cellular systems are rated at 100 watts. In addition, the simulcast network from which a pager operates provides simultaneous delivery of a radio signal from multiple transmitters providing a wider coverage area and better penetration into buildings than other technologies. By comparison, cellular-type networks allocate a single channel on a single transmitter to a mobile connection with a smaller range, and then rely on the network to “pass” the call to another tower, if a channel is available and not overloaded. Paging systems can easily designate priorities and automatically block or limit non-critical users during periods of time when priority access is imperative for emergency users. Pagers are also not subject to ground faults. Should a pager communications tower fall, it can be erected quickly and easily, even in the back of a pickup truck. The same is not true of cell phone towers.

What does all this mean for the lifeguard? It means that the safety and ability of first responders will not be compromised by equipment failure. Emergency personnel deserve and need to have reliable and effective communication in any given situation. Cell services are not that reliable. Whether it’s inside a building, a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, an underground structure, a rural location, or simply a dead or overloaded cellular zone in a neighborhood, the pager will continue to function so that essential messages and information can be transmitted to those who are in the front. lines. Pagers also have a long battery life and a first responder will not find themselves in a situation where the communication device needs to be charged and does not work. Pagers have also been shown time and time again to be the only effective way to communicate mass messages simultaneously, whether those messages are directed at first responders or other groups of people who need emergency information. In natural disaster situations, this type of communication is not only necessary, but can mean the difference between life and death. And, in situations where flammable chemicals are present, pagers are not flammable and cannot release enough electrical or thermal energy to cause an explosion. This provides safety and comfort for those who put themselves in harm’s way.

For first responders, there really is no other reliable, secure, and effective means of communication than a pager. They are intrinsically safe, reliable and durable devices. The pager has stood the test of time and has proven to be the leader in communication devices year after year for the most important people in any emergency situation, the first responders. When other communication devices fail, the pager will continue to work to ensure the responder does their job like the professionals they are. Pagers for first responders are a must!