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When it comes to working out the best radios for emergency communication are, you must consider why, how and when they are being used. Are they needed by first responders, workers operating on their own, or by businesses surrounded by potentially explosive or hazardous risks. 

In this blog we’ll discuss what’s best when communication is required in emergency situations, and we’ll look at tailor made solutions too, like identifying the most suitable Motorola police radio. 

Emergency response features

Two-way radios are well equipped in emergency situations thanks to a range of safety features. These include: 

• Panic alarm – a dedicated button found on the radio that, when pressed, emits an alarm to other radio users alerting them of trouble. 

• Man Down – using a sensor in the radio, an alarm will be triggered when the radio is at an unfamiliar angle for a prolonged period with no response from the user.

• Lone worker – designed to carry out regular welfare checks by sending an alert to the user’s radio. If they don’t respond, an emergency alarm can be triggered. 

And when you think of emergency situations, you also think about what the quickest, most-effective solution is. With two-way radios you are eliminating the need for people to walk across sites to let someone else know there’s a problem. 

You can alert workers in control rooms, and strategically place base stations across the site where radios can be deployed specifically for emergency situations. 

Some of the most suitable radios that aid emergency response efforts include the Motorola R7, Hytera HP785 and the Motorola DP4801Ex (for ATEX environments). 

Motorola police radio solutions

Police forces are one of the main users of emergency communication. They rely on it for mission-critical operations and the welfare of officers and the public. 

And of the biggest manufacturers of police radios is Motorola. They specifically have devices designed for first responders. This includes the APX Series of radios – designed with a unique t-grip and controls that can be easily used even in total darkness. 

There’s also TETRA mission-critical solutions for police forces, and sergeants can guide their team with DMR devices too. If you’re in the police force, then working out what the best Motorola police radio is will come down to personal preferences. 

You’ll find that most devices suitable for this line of work have similar features and functionality. Other front-line workers like fire rescue, or ambulance services can also use suitable devices that fit their day-to-day duties. 

For other Motorola radios available on the market today, head to our 2wayradioshop website. 

The rise of body cameras

Traditionally, body worn cameras have been adopted by police forces as wearable technology to reduce acts of violence and criminal behaviour (when an officer is present). Statistics from September 2021 showed that the Metropolitan Police had 26,500 body cameras in operation. 

But the use of them is on the rise, as industries such as hospitality and retail are starting to trial them to reduce verbal abuse and physical attacks on their staff. 

In September 2023, Tesco announced that frontline workers would be offered body cameras after seeing physical assaults increase by a third in the last year. They were swiftly followed by Aldi and Morrisons as supermarket giants look to proactively improve staff safety. 

We’ve identified the fact there’s a diverse need for the product, but what about the practicality of cameras? Do they all do the same thing? Let’s look. 

Motorola VB400

The Motorola VB400 body-worn camera focuses on making it easy to capture high-quality video, so is deal for police forces or security teams. Plus, it has an emergency feature that connects with selected Bluetooth-enabled MOTOTRBO radio devices – like the Motorola R7 Premium (Full-Keypad). 

When the emergency button is pressed, or the lone worker/Man Down alarm trigger is activated, the camera will automatically start recording. 

Telox LTECAM T8

The Telox LTECAM T8 is both a body-worn camera and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) device at the same time. Running off 4G or WiFi connectivity, workers can record and talk in real-time. Ideal for all kinds of industries, and it means you don’t need a separate radio and camera. 

Hytera VM780

The Hytera VM780 packs all the great features you’d expect from a wearable camera, but one of its bonus features is its size and weight. Slimline and compact, the camera weighs less than 200 grams (even when the standard battery is attached). 

This is important for workers who must not only wear the technology but carry the burden of potential threats too.  

Eemits & emergency response solutions

We work with several organisations that require the best radios for emergency communication. This covers hospitals, ambulance services, fire rescue services, and business who operate in potentially explosive and hazardous environments. 

If you would like emergency response communication solutions for your business or organisation – then contact us today. You can also check out who we help on our website. 

Alternatively, you can call us on 0800 328 0100, Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:15pm.