Urban Search and Rescue Teams face tremendous physical and emotional challenges when responding to disaster situations. For this reason alone, the equipment they use must perform in the toughest of circumstances and be reliable in all environments. Con-Space Hardline Gear is a USAR Teams best choice for rescue operations below ground and in confined spaces – places where wireless communication is not dependable.
 

When USAR personnel enter a confined space for a rescue operation, maintaining voice contact with the outside world is important. Feelings of claustrophobia, stress or panic can be experienced by even seasoned responders and while these feelings can be controlled, they can surface very quickly if a problem occurs with disastrous consequences. Continuous electronic voice communication is one of the best ways to provide responders with a support system upon entering a confined space. Hearing a friendly voice allows entrants to maintain an acceptable comfort zone for the duration, while helping to keep feelings of claustrophobia and panic in check.

Some USAR Teams choose to use wireless systems, which can work perfectly well above ground. However, when rescue efforts are required below ground, in a collapsed structure or in a confined space, hard wired systems are much more trustworthy. Wireless equipment does not perform well in many enclosed spaces for a variety of reasons. In these environments, radio communication is subject to dead spots, fading and weak signals. In addition, radios and mobile phones can be extremely hazardous in and around fuel tanks and explosive ordinance, primarily due to Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Another commonly overlooked aspect of wireless equipment is that radio frequency allocation is becoming more difficult and transmissions over public bands are subject to unwanted, or outside monitoring and/or interruption from other radio users on the same channel(s).

Portable radios (and some mobiles) operate on a “Push-To-Talk” basis, requiring responders to stop what they are doing, or take their hands off what they are doing in order to communicate. To address the PTT issue some have turned to “hands-free” or “voice activated” (VOX) accessories, however these only work reliably in Low to Medium noise environments. In High noise areas VOX accessories are plagued by false activation, which triggers the electronic Push-To-Talk switch and can inadvertently lock a radio into transmit mode cutting off all communication.
With the previously addressed shortcomings of many wireless communications systems, Con-Space Hardwired communications systems are the best investment for any USAR Team. That is because hardwired systems typically excel in areas where radios fail. Con-Space Hardline gear is:

• Electrically shielded
• Extremely rugged
• Resistant to chemicals
• Environmentally sealed
• Water and dust proof
• Intrinsically Safe  

At first glance, the biggest drawback of Hardline Communication is the cable itself. The major issue being that there is a limitation in terms length of the cable; in addition, the cable can snag or become caught on debris in a collapsed structure. However, it is still more beneficial to have a guaranteed, constant line of continuous communication between the responder and the safety attendant above ground – without the worry of interference, dead spots, or the radiation of potentially dangerous or destructive radio signals.

Full duplex Hardline systems are completely hands-free and provide a dedicated and private network for responders as they are working. During rescue operations where a supplied air breathing apparatus is required, the communication cable can be “piggybacked” onto a breathing air line, making a single umbilical that is easily managed by the entrant. Con-Space’s Hardline Gear provides a secure lifeline between Responders and Safety Attendants, eliminating worry of disconnection or interference.

Accessories for the portable Con-Space Hardline systems include:

• Pass through connectors for chemical suits
• Face mask communication accessories
• High noise headsets
• Alarm options
• Two-way hands free talk boxes

Con-Space Hardline Systems are customisable, allowing USAR teams the ability to outfit their crew appropriately and transfer into a range of rescue scenarios. The systems can be used effectively within high noise environments and can be easily put to work alongside any face mark, breathing apparatus or enclosed suit, enabling USAR Teams to tailor their gear to best fit their rescue strategy. Some examples of these customizations include:

• Two distinct Acoustic Couplers - This creates an opportunity to integrate the Hardline system to a telephone or tape recorder, which provides a link to outside personnel, wherever they might be.      
• Add an Alarm - when connected to the CSI-2100, the Alarm Module allows any Entrant to initiate a 110db alarm from inside the space and it can also be set off by Safety Attendant to call the Rescue Team.
• Line Management – We offer a complete line of Cable Reels and Coilers to help you manage and store your Hardline cables safely and efficiently.
• Ambilical Covers - Tag airlines and communication cables in one single umbilical for more efficient line management.
• Expansion Cable to add an Additional Command Module - Connects two CSI-2100 Command Modules together for a total of 8 users. Add two Cable Splitters and two Double Splitters for a total of 14 users. Available for 2100 Module only.

Con-Space Hardline products are Intrinsically Safe, ruggedly built, water and dust proof – this permits the rescuer to get their job done, without worry of damaging the equipment. Above all else, the best reason to choose Con-Space’s Hardline Gear is simply due to our track record of providing reliable, durable and proven communication where it is needed. We stand by our products and have engineered them to work whenever and wherever you need them.

Kits for Rescue Operations:

All kits provide hands-free, full duplex (simultaneous two-way) private communication between the Victim, Rescuers and Safety Attendants. They are designed for rescue operations in confined space, collapsed structures, high angle rescue and trench rescue. 

*Additional cable may be added for increased distances up to 457m

For more information on Con-Space, our Hardline Systems or any other of our products please visit us online at: www.con-space.com, or call +1.604.244.9323.

Authored for ASIA PACIFIC FIRE MAGAZINE by:
Lauren Girdler and Kris Rogerson
Con-Space Communications