Municipal Affairs
July 25, 2008Fire and
Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador Releases Northern Avalon
Peninsula Radio Assessment Report
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and
Labrador (FES-NL), today released an assessment of the interoperability
of radio communications between emergency first responders on the
Northern Avalon Peninsula. Radio interoperability is the ability for one
emergency responder to utilize two-way radio communication to make
contact with another agency. Radio interoperability problems
traditionally arise when radios operate on different frequency bands.
FES-NL was awarded funding from the Canadian
Interoperability Technology Interest Group to carry out an assessment of
radio capacity and capability of emergency first responders on the
Northern Avalon Peninsula. The report assessed whether or not, and to
what degree, first responders communicate with each other using what are
commonly known as two-way radio systems. The report assessed the
interoperability capability of 35 fire departments and 14 other
agencies.
"This report provides valuable insight into two-way
radio interoperability throughout the Northern Avalon," said the
Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister
Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador.
"FES-NL is currently reviewing the report in greater detail and will be
looking at the recommendations to determine how best to proceed. In the
meantime, FES-NL will take the lead in convening a meeting of selected
agencies from the province, the Federal Government, and the private
sector to determine what, if any, of the recommendations are achievable
in the near future."
The report outlined several recommendations. They are:
Create a provincial interoperability
committee;
Develop and implement a strategic plan for the
interoperability initiative;
Identify, assign and fund off-line resources
to move this process forward;
Research other jurisdictions for lessons
learned and best practices;
Ensure that all radio systems are working
smoothly;
Prioritize the focus;
Address regional funding disparities;
Set realistic goals that use commonly deployed
hardware � seek out the small changes with the biggest benefit
first; and,
Investigate the provision of expanded VHF
radio coverage to outlying areas.
"The report confirmed what we already knew � that
first responders are very passionate about and dedicated to their role,"
said Minster Denine. "They want to perform to the very best of their
ability. They are aware that they face interoperability challenges and
have already developed a selection of best practices to address them."
"The health and safety of Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians is a top priority," said the minister. "The systems
currently in place, while on the low end of the scale for technology, do
work. We will now evaluate the report in greater detail with all
stakeholders at the table and make recommendations as to how we can
strengthen communication between emergency first responders throughout
the province."
Copies of the report are available at:
Radio Assessment Report - Volume I �
www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2008/ma/interop_vI.pdf
Radio Assessment Report - Volume II -
www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2008/ma/interop_vII.pdf
Radio Assessment Report - Volume III -
www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2008/ma/interop_vIII.pdf
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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca
2008 07 25
10:00 a.m.
