Emergency responses under scrutiny

Tait Radio Communications has conducted a specialist communication assessment for NSW State Emergency Services aimed at helping improve responses to emergency or disaster situations.

Tait, in partnership with the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour, worked closely with the NSW SES to provide an advanced voice communications assessment - part of which involved realistic maritime, vehicular and safety response emergency scenarios around North Sydney’s Balls Head Bay.

Tait’s speech processing research engineer, Dr Alan Murray, said, “Communication in the field can be affected by a multitude of factors though; a user’s background, training, stress levels, equipment positioning, pronunciation and environment all come into play when they speak into a radio microphone. These factors become particularly important in noisy environments and can drastically influence effective use of critical time and resources in an emergency or disaster situation.

“This assessment focuses on improving responder safety and maximising efficient usage of communications infrastructure at times when emergency agencies need it most,” said Dr Murray.

Two researchers from the University of Canterbury’s NZILBB - Prof Lucy Johnston and Dr Megan McAuliffe - joined the project team in Sydney to help conduct and capture the assessment’s test scenarios in August.

NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear said, “From this assessment the SES hopes to receive recommendations from Tait which will allow volunteers to build on their efficiency and safety when responding to emergencies. This could allow us to maintain and strengthen our ability to protect lives and property, so it is critical we continue to understand and develop best radio communication practices.”

The SES has about 10,000 volunteers, with 228 units throughout the state.