Firecom, a leader in crew communication solutions for firefighters and emergency responders, today announced a partnership with Simulation Technology, LLC to make Firecom wireless communication headsets available as a standard component of firefighter driving simulation systems. By incorporating wireless headset communication systems, the highly realistic driving simulators deliver a completely immersive training environment that includes crew, dispatch and training communication with the same headsets that trainees will use while actually en route to the fireground.
“Our simulators can accurately reproduce almost any driving conditions emergency responders might encounter, but radio frequency interference presented a tremendous communication problem,” said Simulation Technology President and CEO Todd Williams. “Out of five different systems we tried, Firecom is the only solution that allows clear, interference-free communication in the simulation environment.”
Firecom uses DECT6 technology, as opposed to Bluetooth, for voice transmission. DECT6 operates over licensed channels at 1.9GHz, keeping it free of pervasive interference from consumer electronics that operate in the 2.4GHz Bluetooth band. DECT6 delivers up to a 1600-foot line-of-sight range as well as encryption for enhanced security.
“When we first tried Firecom’s wireless headsets, we immediately noticed how easy they were to set up and install,” Williams said. “Even more important, we realized that electronic cross-talk problems were completely eliminated. Firecom has already saved us thousands of dollars in service calls and troubleshooting with our simulator installations.”
Firecom pioneered the development of hands-free wireless communication headsets, which allow crew members to stay in continuous contact without being tethered by wire to an intercom or belt pack, whether in their apparatus or on the fireground. Firecom’s systems are backed with its exclusive ComCare Service Program, which provides up to five years of customer care and warranty protection — the longest in the industry.
“Because driving is one of the most demanding and dangerous tasks facing firefighters, the inclusion of wireless communication headsets in the simulation and on the job can substantially increase firefighter safety and effectiveness,” said Firecom Executive Vice President Reed Stager. “Hundreds of thousands of firefighters already experience the benefits Firecom’s communication solutions provide and, through our partnership with Simulation Technology, those who are in training or updating their skills will not only benefit from increased safety and efficiency, but familiarity with the communication systems as well.”
