As hospitals continue prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency, the use of low-emission (low-E) glass, reinforced concrete, and metal materials has become standard.
However, these materials significantly weaken radio signals, leading to unreliable in-building emergency communication, which put patients, staff, and first responders at risk in the event of an emergency, such as fire, evacuation, or security threat.
Evolving National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire codes now mandate emergency responder radio communication systems (ERRCS), when required, to ensure compliance and life safety. Before understanding ERRCS, it’s important to recognize healthcare’s unique challenges in this area, as well as how first responders use two-way radio to communicate.
Impact of modern hospital design on communication systems
Common building methods and materials can reduce radio signal strength. Examples include, but are not limited to green building materials, such as low-E glass and foil-faced insulation that can weaken or block radio waves.
Additionally, features including multiple rooms and corridors and underground areas create more walls that act as barriers to radio waves, while outdoor terrain features such as mountains or dense forests between the facility and the local dispatch center can weaken or block radio signals, leading to weakened communication.
For example, Lauris Freidenfelds, former security director at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and current security consultant, states that communication enhancement in healthcare facilities is needed. “My office was in the basement, and when the local police department would visit, they complained their radios would not work well in the lower level.”
Each of these methods or materials can block or degrade radio communication between any two points. The more barriers a radio signal must pass through, the less likely it is to reach its target.
Communication systems considerations for healthcare facilities
First responders use two-way radios to communicate between themselves, as well as with a central command center (dispatch). These two-way radio systems consist of portable, handheld radios that first responders carry on their person, as well as more powerful stationary systems that dispatchers use.
Due to size and battery restrictions, the handheld units aren’t as powerful as the fixed stations, so they have reduced range that isn’t always able to communicate directly with the dispatch center. These power restrictions, as well as building and terrain considerations can hinder first responders’ ability to communicate with their dispatch center.
In order to facilitate clear communication between first responders, ERRCS boost signals in areas where signals are too weak. The system comprises small, unobtrusive radio antennas in areas of the building with weak signals.
These antennas receive the radio transmission from first responders and transmit it through an amplified antenna that’s placed at a location with fewer barriers, typically the rooftop, between it and the dispatch center.
Fire code and ERRCS requirements in healthcare
Current building and fire codes require adequate emergency responder radio coverage for commercial buildings, including healthcare, within each fire department’s jurisdiction. The NFPA code governing these radio communication systems is NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications.
A general radiotelephone operator license (GROL)-certified professional should conduct a signal strength test in accordance with NFPA 1225 using predictive software and physically testing the site with test equipment approved by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Testing is the only way to determine whether a building allows successful first-responder communication. Testing results in a pass (first responders have sufficient radio signal strength to communicate back to their local dispatch) or fail (first responders do not have sufficient radio signal strength to communicate with dispatch).
If the test results indicate that the building meets the required radio strength, the facility passes inspection, and the owner and AHJ save a copy of the report. If the signal strength test fails, the facility owner must install an enhancement/signal booster system to achieve compliance.
Reasons for ongoing testing of communication equipment
Subsequent tests are required if a remodel or addition occurs or the building changes occupancy classification. Additionally, factors outside the control of the facility may lead to failed tests years after a passing test.
New construction or increased radio interference may lead to conditions that result in a failing test for a facility that was formerly compliant. Typically, buildings must undergo testing every year and a recertification test every five years, unless a change to the facility triggers the requirement for new testing.
Tom Parrish, a retired fire marshal and member of the NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications, advises caution when implementing an enhancement/signal booster system so the systems do not interfere with essential hospital functions.
Proactive design for healthcare communication systems
The surrounding environment (buildings, terrain, competing radio signals) make it harder for engineers, architects, owners, and other stakeholders to know the effectiveness of radio coverage in their projects until construction is nearly complete. This illustrates the importance of early software modeling and physical testing on-site.
Project teams should consider proactive measures, such as pre-wiring and installing conduits and chase ways to avoid costly retrofits or change orders if it’s determined that an enhancement system is required.
If the tests do not pass, engineers must design a system to enhance signal strength. This typically involves installing antennas, cables, amplifiers, splitters, and other components that comprise a fully functioning system to rectify the communication faults.
Successfully implementing ERRCS
A successful ERRCS implementation begins with collaboration between the building owner, architect, general contractor, and the remainder of the project team.
ERRCS solutions shall be installed only in areas that do not meet the appropriate signal level, which is determined during the signal strength testing. Not all buildings or all areas of a building will require such enhancement.
Parts of the implementation plan may include:
- Designating an owner’s representative and maintenance supervisor to understand and advocate for the importance of these systems, as well as act as a point of contact for the project team and streamline communication.
- Funding and budgeting determinations to ensure there is room in the budget for these vital systems if it’s determined that one is required.
- Allocating space for equipment.
- Lightning/surge suppression, proper grounding, and isolation measures.
- Documentation for inspections, testing, and maintenance agreements.
All radio system enhancement efforts must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), AHJ, and other requirements specific to the project. The system designer should consult with the FCC license holder before designing any systems to ensure adherence.
Strict FCC guidelines must be followed to prevent interference with essential public safety networks. Failure to adhere can lead to fines, shutdowns, or other legal consequences.
Investing in ERRCS for healthcare environments
Investing in ERCCS enhancements can improve emergency response times, reduce risks, and increase safety for patients and staff. These systems have become a vital tool for healthcare facility safety and emergency preparedness.
When healthcare facilities understand these requirements and integrate communications professionals into their projects, they can reduce project delays and change orders that may result from a lack of compliance with the code governing emergency communication.
Additionally, these systems keep patients, staff, and first responders safer in the event of an emergency, when clear communication can save lives.
Ray Dotts is a project manager at Telgian Engineering & Consulting (Atlanta) and can be reached at [email protected].
Photo credit: Telgian Engineering & Consulting
