Communications
Radio Infrastructure
URI EMS operates a state-of-the-art multi-tier repeaterized communications system.
Our primary system infrastructure is based on a 110W Motorola MTR2000 VHF repeater with battery backup, duplexer and power supply. It is supported by 31 portable radios, 22 pagers, 2 control stations, 1 mobile radio, 2 mini dispatch console desksets and 1 full dispatch console. The mini dispatch console desksets are located at URI EMS headquarters and connected to the repeater as well.
This setup allows us to take over dispatch and control capability as a backup should our primary dispatch center go offline or if we have a major event that requires us to dispatch internally with a dedicated EMS dispatcher. For instance, during some of our major summer events, we may dispatch our resources to respond to over 300 hundred requests for medical assistance for a single event. This would overwhelm a dispatcher easily.
We also operate a secondary UHF system to maintain interoperability with area departments that consists of 1 control station, 1 mobile radio and 14 portable radios.
As a part of the integrated Rhode Island Statewide Communications Network (RISCON), we also operate on the statewide 800MHz radio network with a few talkgroups.
Dispatch WPWJ589 - 159.375 MHz
We are dispatched by the URI Police/Public Safety Communications Center using tones. The Dispatch Center uses a new Zetron full-service Dispatch Console to dispatch Police, Security and EMS services, among other routine non-emergency University services. The Zetron console is hard-wired to our repeater.
The Dispatch Center is equipped with recorded video monitors controlling several cameras all strategically located throughout the campus, a state-of-the-art SIgnal Communications Vision 21 digital fire alarm receiver/printer. The Dispatch Center is also equipped online with access to specialized local and national law enforcement telecommunicaitons systems for police use.
Currently, the Dispatch Center uses the IMC software CAD program suite for dispatching. We are hoping to acquire the EMS portion of this software in the near future.
Our primary dispatch and communications can be heard on our VHF frequency of 159.375 MHz (WPWJ589) and reaches across most of Rhode Island.
Our ambulance and headquarters are also on the statewide Intercity Fire Network, with our dispatch center being upgraded in the near future.
