As the first to respond to natural disaster, domestic terrorism, & other emergencies, public safety agencies rely on timely communications across multiple disciplines & jurisdictions. It is vital to the safety & effectiveness of first responders that their electronic communications systems enable them to communicate with whomever they need to, when they need to, & when they are authorized to do so. This report determines, among other things: (1) the extent to which Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) funding & technical assistance has helped to improve interoperable communications in selected states; & (2) the progress that has been made in the development & implementation of interoperable communications standards. Charts & tables.

Firefighters and other emergency first responders use a huge variety of highly specialized and critical technologies for personal protection. These technologies, ranging from GPS to environmental sensing to communication devices, often run on different systems with separate power supplies and operating platforms. How these technological components function in a single synergistic system is of critical interest to firefighter end-users seeking efficient tools. Interoperable ESE states that a standardized platform for electronic safety equipment (ESE) is both logical and essential. This book develops an inventory of existing and emerging electronic equipment categorized by key areas of interest to the fire service, documents equipment performance requirements relevant to interoperability, including communications and power requirements, and develops an action plan toward the development of requirements to meet the needs of emergency responders. This book is intended for practitioners as a tool for understanding interoperability concepts and the requirements of the fire service landscape. It offers clear recommendations for the future to help ensure efficiency and safety with fire protection equipment. Researchers working in a related field will also find the book valuable.