Firewhirl: Intercoms will Improve Communication Archives

Intercoms will Improve Communication

The Phoenix FD has purchased intercom units for use in their SCBA masks. They purchased enough for all of their firefighters (from azcentral.com via FireFightingNews.com).

The next time Phoenix fire Capt. Al Hoffman leads his crew into a burning building, he won't have to shout to talk to them. He won't have to resort to hand signs or repeat instructions no one can hear.

Instead, Hoffman will simply speak into his breathing mask in a normal tone of voice, and the other firefighters on his crew will hear him in their ear as clearly as if they were talking on a telephone, even if they're several feet away in smoky darkness.

This would really be cool to have, but here is the catch:

But at more than $1,000 per intercom, cost alone makes the technology a luxury that many departments can't afford.

There is no way most volunteer departments will be able to swing that much money. The good news is that the cost of new technology often comes down fairly quickly. We can hope this happens soon so that it becomes more affordable.

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