Why is emergency response communications and interoperability important?
Interoperability improves the ability of emergency responders to reduce the loss of life and property in emergency situations; facilitates rapid and efficient interaction among all emergency response organizations; and provides immediate and coordinated assistance in day-to-day missions, task force operations, and mass-casualty incidents. Interoperability affects not only emergency responders, but the public service arena as well, including legislative officials, utilities agencies, and chief information officers. Adequate emergency response radio communications are essential for emergency responders to function promptly, effectively, and cost efficiently. If emergency response agencies cannot communicate directly with one another by radio to coordinate response, lives and property are at risk.
