Comprehensive comms for rescue org's command vehicle

Schutz & Rettung Zürich (SRZ), the largest civilian rescue organisation in Switzerland, has equipped its command vehicle with a comprehensive communications set-up consisting of Riedel’s Artist and Bolero intercom systems, as well as its RSP-1216HL SmartPanel.

As a service division of Zürich’s Security Department, SRZ unites the fire brigade, ambulance service, civil defence, operations control centre and fire police under one roof. SRZ responds to major incidents with a potentially high number of injured persons, such as bus, train or plane accidents; major fires and storms; and operations involving biological or chemical substances. In addition, the rescue organisations of Zürich Airport are integrated with SRZ’s operational areas and services.

Measuring 10.25 x 2.55 m with a 6 m slide-out, SRZ’s imposing command vehicle is designed to support the management of a major incident. When fully expanded, the vehicle accommodates a report room, a separate work room and a command support room. Since it started operating in the summer of 2022, the emergency command vehicle has completed missions with positive results, its communications system upholding SRZ and Riedel’s original proof of concept for ease of use, reliability and efficiency.

“For SRZ, everything must absolutely work 100% reliably in the event of a crisis,” said Erwin Engel, Sales Manager Switzerland, Riedel. “We are happy to help SRZ and, ultimately, the people in the city and canton of Zürich, by equipping them with the communications equipment they need to respond to any major incident.”

Riedel’s Artist proved to be the most convincing system capable of integrating with the Polycom digital radio system SRZ uses to exchange real-time information about emergency events. The Riedel solution deployed in the SRZ command vehicle makes radio, telephony and intercom communications readily accessible via easy-to-use, six-button Bolero beltpack devices, each with a long battery life of 17 hours. Consolidating all of SRZ’s voice applications on one system, this model relieves the officer in charge from the stress of monitoring multiple emergency communication sources. Volunteer members of the rescue team find the Bolero beltpack easy to use not just for making calls but also for monitoring and responding to the two digital Polycom radio channels.

“Schutz & Rettung guarantees the best possible protection and safety for the population, both in everyday life and during major incidents,” said Thomas Hauert, Staff Officer and Chief Situation and Command Support, SRZ. “But in order for frontline emergency forces to manage events in the best possible way, we are dependent on operational resources that provide an overall view of the situation as quickly as possible. Thanks to Riedel’s assistance over the past few years — not only in the extensive concept and planning phase but also in the implementation — SRZ has a command vehicle worthy of the latest generation.”