Bring emergency services communications systems to a new level of effectiveness and reliability with the new NFPA 1221.
Reliable emergency communications are critical to effective emergency response by the fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other entities. NFPA 1221: Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems addresses service delivery -- from receiving calls to dispatching emergency units to the correct location in the appropriate time period.
Reflecting industry changes and new technologies, the 2016 edition of NFPA 1221 is essential to public welfare in every community.
NFPA 1221 provides procedural and physical criteria for the installation, performance, operation, and maintenance of public emergency services communications systems and facilities. The 2016 edition reflects changes to call processing times and the addition of language on two way radio communications enhancement systems and pathway survivability.
Revisions impact fire and emergency services management and personnel:
- New requirement that two telecommunicators be on duty and present in the communications center at all times eliminates the possibility of any gaps in coverage should one telecommunicator become unavailable.
- Enhanced telecommunicator support during critical incidents such as a MayDay. When requested by the incident commander, a telecommunicator shall be dedicated to the incident and relieved of other duties within the communications center.
- New section on Two Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems helps ensure quality radio communications during an emergency -- even in buildings where radio transmission is compromised.
- Revised call processing time requirements reflect real-world capabilities and set a new minimum standard for the field.
- A significant amount of added material from the 2016 NFPA 72®: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code includes important language concerning pathway survivability.
Put the new emergency communications standard to work now.
Fire and law enforcement departments, emergency communications centers, and local and state jurisdictions all need the 2016 NFPA 1221 to facilitate reliable and survivable emergency services communications systems. (Softbound, 67 pp., 2016)
