According to Project MayDay, “in 87 percent of maydays, there is a major breakdown in communications, orders issued or received, missed messages, walk-over communications, and…missing a mayday call the first time”).¹  Which makes it critical that firefighters be able to rely on an effortless and efficient way to help improve fireground communications – while still maintaining total safety. Safety isn’t just about air supply; it’s about being able to see, hear, and react to incredibly risky situations.

Recently there have been many enhancements to the communications capabilities of SCBA. But do you really know all of those capabilities that are available to help you hear and be heard on the fireground? And did you know that in certain cases, these capabilities can be integrated into your SCBA?

With the MSA G1 SCBA, firefighters can access complete and immediate communications as soon the equipment is placed into service. Both voice amplification and Bluetooth radio communications capabilities come standard, with no additional hardware required – making it “ready to use” and ready to help improve fireground communications.

Hear and Be Heard

Voice Amplification

On Air: From their first breath, firefighters will be heard loud and clear with the G1. The G1 regulator contains two microphones positioned in an optimal location to capture each firefighter’s voice. Whether it’s in a whisper or a yell, their voice is clearly projected through the shoulder strap-mounted speaker module. The integrated microphones help to eliminate the “Darth Vader-like” inhalation sounds when on air – and automatically activate and shut down with the unit.

Off Air: The addition of a speaking diaphragm to the facepiece helps to support speech recognition, while the facepiece’s open breathing port design helps to increase speech clarity even further when off air. Removing the amplifier from the facepiece and making it part of the SCBA helps to make the facepiece lighter, improve visibility, allow for a more streamlined profile that poses less of a snag hazard, and makes personal issue facepieces a cost-effective option.

Bluetooth Radio Communications

Bluetooth comes standard with the G1, which means it is ready to pair with your department’s radio without the need for additional facepiece hardware. The G1’s Bluetooth module uses audio and data channels to communicate with popular radios including Motorola APX, BK Technologies, Harris, and Kenwood, as well as MSA ALTAIR 5X Detectors with PID.

Additionally, MSA’s FireGrid™ Monitor provides local monitoring through the use of long-range radio communication or LTE when paired with LUNAR® Connected Device.  This provides incident command with specific personnel information such as air management statistics and alarm data.

The G1 SCBA provides a complete communications solution to help firefighters hear and be heard – and stay protected – when it matters most. With voice amplification and Bluetooth radio communications integrated into the G1, you don’t need to add additional hardware or components to help improve communications capabilities – they are all already accessible as soon as the G1 is placed into service. With the MSA G1 SCBA, firefighters are well-prepared not only for today, but also for the future.

Learn more about the MSA G1 SCBA.

Sources:

[1] https://www.firehouse.com/tech-comm/radios-pagers-accessories/article/12387578/communications-clues