Emergency Call

An Emergency Call is a priority communication function on a professional two-way radio systemA Radio System is a complete communication solution comprising two-way radios and, where required, equipment such as repeaters, antennas, base stations, mobile radios and network infrastructure. that allows a user to request urgent assistance or establish an emergency communication with a dispatcher, control room, supervisor or other authorised radio users.

An Emergency Call is designed to take priority over routine radio traffic where the radio system supports emergency prioritisation. Depending on the equipment and configuration, activating the emergency function may send an alert, identify the radio that initiated the call and provide an immediate voice communication path.

Emergency Call functionality varies between manufacturers, radio technologies and networkA Network is a connected system of radios, equipment and infrastructure that allows users to communicate across a defined area. Radio networks can range from simple radio-to-radio systems to large multi-site networks. architectures.

How does an Emergency Call work?

An Emergency Call is normally activated using the radio’s dedicated Emergency ButtonAn Emergency Button is a dedicated two-way radio control that allows users to quickly send an emergency alert to a dispatcher, control room or authorised radio users. or a programmed emergency control.

A typical sequence is:

User activates emergency function → radio sends emergency signal → network receives alert → dispatcher or authorised user responds

Depending on the system, the radio may then automatically transmit, open the microphone or place the user into an emergency communication channelA two-way radio channel is a programmed set of communication settings, typically including frequency and signalling, that allows compatible radios to communicate with one another..

Emergency Call vs Emergency Alarm

An Emergency Call and an Emergency AlarmAn Emergency Alarm allows a two-way radio user to quickly alert a dispatcher, control room or other authorised users that assistance may be required. are closely related but are not necessarily the same function.

An Emergency Alarm primarily sends an alert indicating that assistance may be required.

An Emergency Call provides or initiates a communication path so that the emergency can be discussed.

Some radio systems combine both functions. Others allow them to be configured separately.

Emergency Call and Emergency Button

The Emergency Button is the physical control on the radio that can be programmed to initiate an Emergency Call.

The button is normally positioned where it can be located quickly.

Depending on the radio, the user may need to press and hold the button for a specified period to prevent accidental activation.

Emergency Call and DMR

Professional DMR (Digital Mobile RadioA Mobile Radio is a two-way radio designed to be installed in a vehicle. It normally uses the vehicle's power supply and an external antenna to provide reliable communication while travelling or working in the field.) systems can support emergency call functionality.

A DMR radio can send an emergency indication through a compatible repeaterA Repeater receives a two-way radio transmission and retransmits it, usually from an elevated location, to extend the coverage and reliability of a radio communication system. or network to a designated radio, talkgroup or dispatch system.

The emergency communication can be given priority over ordinary radio traffic, depending on the system configuration.

The exact functions available vary between DMR manufacturers and system architectures.

Emergency Call and Radio ID

Digital radio systems can identify the individual radio that initiated an Emergency Call.

For example, a DMR system can use the radio’s Radio ID to identify the device.

A dispatcher may therefore receive an emergency notification showing which radio has initiated the emergency communication.

In a large radio fleet, this can be particularly useful because the dispatcher does not have to rely solely on the user identifying themselves verbally.

Emergency Call and dispatch

A Dispatch system can provide a central point for receiving and managing emergency calls.

When an emergency call is initiated, the dispatcher may receive an alert containing information such as:

• Radio ID
• User name
• Talkgroup
• Time of activation
• Location, where supported
• Emergency status

The dispatcher can then respond and coordinate assistance.

Emergency Call and control rooms

Security and operational control rooms can use Emergency Call functionality to provide a rapid response to urgent situations.

A control-room operator may monitor multiple radio groups and receive emergency notifications from individual users.

The emergency function can help distinguish urgent communications from routine radio traffic.

Emergency Call priority

Many professional radio systems can assign emergency communications a higher priority than normal radio traffic.

Depending on the system, an Emergency Call may interrupt or override lower-priority communications.

This helps ensure that urgent communications can reach the intended recipient even when the radio system is busy.

The exact priority mechanism depends on the radio technology and network.

Emergency Call and automatic transmission

Some radios can automatically begin transmitting after an Emergency Call has been activated.

This can be useful if the user is unable to press the normal Push-to-Talk (PTT)Push-to-Talk (PTT) is the button or control used to activate a two-way radio's transmitter. Press it to speak and release it to listen. button.

The radio may automatically transmit for a predefined period or until the emergency function is cancelled.

Not every radio supports automatic emergency transmissionTransmission is the process of sending voice, data or signalling from a radio using a radio-frequency signal to another radio, repeater or communication system..

Emergency Call and hot microphone

A Hot Microphone emergency function can allow a radio to transmit audio automatically after an emergency activation.

The user does not necessarily need to press the PTT button.

This can allow a dispatcher to hear what is happening around the radio and potentially assess the situation.

The exact operation depends on the radio and system configuration.

Emergency Call and GPS

Some professional radios can provide GPS location information as part of an emergency communication.

Where supported, the dispatcher may be able to see the approximate location of the radio that initiated the call.

GPS performance can be affected by buildingsAn antenna transmits and receives radio-frequency signals, allowing a two-way radio to communicate. Antenna type, frequency, height and location can all affect radio performance and coverage., underground environments and other obstructions.

Location functionality should therefore be tested in the actual operating environment.

Emergency Call and Lone Worker

Emergency Call functionality can be particularly useful for Lone WorkerA Lone Worker is someone who works without direct supervision or immediate assistance nearby. Compatible two-way radios can provide safety features such as timed check-ins, emergency alerts and GPS location. applications.

A lone worker may need to request assistance without making a normal radio call.

The emergency button provides a rapid manual method of raising an alert.

Some systems can also generate automatic emergency communications when a lone-worker timer expires without acknowledgement.

Emergency Call and Man Down

Some professional radios combine Emergency Call functionality with Man DownMan Down is a safety feature on some professional two-way radios that can detect a possible fall or unusual radio position and automatically raise an alert if the user does not respond. detection.

If the radio detects that it has fallen, been tilted or remained stationary for a programmed period, it can automatically initiate an emergency sequence.

This can provide an additional method of requesting assistance when the user may be unable to press the Emergency Button.

Emergency Call and group communication

An Emergency Call can be configured to communicate with a specific emergency group.

For example, a security radioA Security Radio is a professional two-way radio used by security personnel to communicate quickly and reliably, with features such as group calling, emergency alerts, Lone Worker and Man Down. may normally communicate with a security talkgroup but send an emergency alert to the security control room or designated emergency group.

This allows the emergency communication to reach personnel responsible for responding.

Emergency Call and individual communication

Some radio systems can direct an Emergency Call to a specific dispatcher, supervisor or radio.

This can be useful where a particular person or control position is responsible for handling emergency communications.

The available options depend on the radio system.

Emergency Call and talkgroups

Emergency Calls can operate alongside normal Talkgroups.

A user can continue to use their normal operational group for routine communication while retaining access to the emergency function.

When activated, the emergency communication can be routed according to the system’s emergency configuration.

Emergency Call and radio recording

Where a radio system includes Digital Voice RecordingDigital Voice Recording records two-way radio communications as digital audio, allowing authorised users to replay and review conversations for monitoring, training, incident investigation or record keeping. or radio logging, Emergency Calls can be recorded.

The recording may include the emergency alert and subsequent voice communication.

Depending on the system, additional information such as the radio ID and time of the call may also be stored.

This can provide an operational record of the incident.

Emergency Call and security

Security teams can use Emergency Calls when an incident requires immediate assistance.

For example, a security officer dealing with a threatening situation may activate the emergency function rather than attempting to make a conventional radio call.

The control room can then respond according to established security procedures.

Emergency Call at events

Large events can involve security, medical, production and management teams operating across extensive areas.

An Emergency Call can provide event personnel with a rapid method of requesting assistance.

A central event-control operation can then coordinate the response.

Emergency Call on construction sites

Construction environments can include machinery, vehicles, temporary structures and areas where workers may be isolated.

Emergency Call functionality can provide workers with a rapid communication method when immediate assistance is required.

It can be combined with Man Down and Lone Worker features on compatible radio systems.

Emergency Call for lone workers

Lone workers may be unable to make a conventional radio call after an accident or confrontation.

An Emergency Call provides a manual emergency communication method, while automatic features such as Man Down or Lone Worker can provide additional protection.

The system should be configured around the organisation’s actual working procedures.

Emergency Call and radio coverage

Emergency Call functionality relies on the radio being able to communicate with the relevant radio infrastructureRadio infrastructure is the equipment and supporting systems behind a professional two-way radio network, including repeaters, antennas, base stations, network connections, power systems and dispatch equipment..

Poor coverageRadio Coverage is the geographical area in which a two-way radio system can provide reliable communication. Coverage depends on the radios, antennas, frequency, terrain, buildings and system infrastructure., a failed repeater, depleted battery or damaged equipment can prevent an emergency communication from reaching the intended recipient.

Coverage testing is therefore particularly important when emergency functionality is part of a radio system.

Emergency Call testing

Emergency functions should be tested during system installation and periodically according to the organisation’s procedures.

Testing can confirm that:

• The Emergency Button operates correctly
• The alert reaches the intended recipient
• The correct radio is identified
• Priority handling works correctly
• GPS information is received where applicable
• Automatic voice functions operate correctly
• Dispatchers know how to respond

Testing should be clearly coordinated so that a test is not mistaken for a genuine emergency.

Emergency Call and false alarms

Accidental emergency activations can occur.

Many radios therefore require a deliberate press or press-and-hold action to activate the function.

Users should also know how to report and cancel accidental activations according to the organisation’s procedures.

Emergency Call limitations

An Emergency Call is a communication function and cannot guarantee that assistance will reach the user.

Its effectiveness depends on:

• Radio coverage
• Battery condition
• Radio equipment
• Repeater or network availability
• Correct programming
• Dispatcher availability
• Emergency response procedures

Emergency radio functions should therefore form part of a wider emergency-management system.

Emergency Call and radio hire

Emergency Call functionality can be useful when professional two-way radios are hired for security, events, construction projects and other temporary operations.

Where the feature is required, the radios and any repeater or network infrastructure should be configured and tested before deployment.

Users should be trained in the operation of the emergency function and understand what happens after it is activated.

Emergency Call and DCS

DCS can provide professional two-way radio systems incorporating Emergency Call functionality where supported by the selected equipment.

Depending on the application, emergency communication can be combined with dispatch, GPS, Man Down, Lone Worker and voice-recording features.

The appropriate solution depends on the radio equipment, coverage requirements and operational procedures.

Whether you need radios for a short-term project, event or ongoing operation, we provide reliable two-way radio hire solutions tailored to your requirements.