Healthcare Facilities Need Bi-Directional Amplifiers for Public Safety

First responder bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) are essential components of a building safety infrastructure. These types of Bi-directional amplifiers are not to be confused with the kinds that enhance cell phone reception in a facility. First responder BDAs are built for emergency communications. As such, they are designed to operate under duress and in extreme conditions, such as extreme heat or total power loss.

Dense materials such as steel and concrete can disrupt radio signals. Bi-directional amplifiers use a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), to extend both the range and coverage of two-way radio frequencies. They can be installed throughout a facility or within areas that may not be conducive to radio signals, such as stairwells, parking garages, tunnels, or other internal areas. These devices are necessary for complying with the Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) code. Many municipalities require local buildings, including healthcare facilities, to meet this criterion in order to keep in operation.

Installing bi-directional amplifiers in a healthcare facility ensures that first responders can communicate with their outside assets when they enter a building during an emergency. The incentive for installing these devices arose after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 when, upon entering the World Trade Center, first responders had difficulty communicating with their team members and dispatch offices. They are extremely important in facilities like hospitals and nursing homes as patients may need a coordinated evacuation effort if there is a serious emergency.

Bi-Directional Amplifiers for Healthcare Facilities

Bi-directional amplifiers can facilitate first responder communications during a fire or other emergency. Fires are the most common emergency hazards for homes and businesses in the United States, according to the American Red Cross. Thankfully, fires in healthcare facilities are relatively rare and have been declining over the past decade. Most healthcare facility fires are relatively small, with only 4% spreading to additional rooms from where they originated, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

This increase in safety is attributed to healthcare facilities successfully meeting higher compliance standards, the introduction of new fire-stopping technologies, and better preparedness among healthcare staff. However, in the event of a structure fire or other emergency at a healthcare facility, bi-directional amplifiers will allow first-responders to communicate effectively with dispatch centers and emergency services from anywhere in the building.

Facilitating communication among first responders helps to mitigate damage and loss of life in the event of an emergency. It also creates an EMT channel for public safety: a means to call additional emergency healthcare professionals to the scene.

Rely On Communications Experts for Bi-Directional Amplifiers

To increase safety at your healthcare facility and to meet mandatory building codes, rely on a communications infrastructure partner. They will help you evaluate your medical facility and test key areas for first responder radio compliance. If you find gaps in your emergency radio coverage, they can also help you install bi-directional amplifiers as part of your facility’s network infrastructure. If you wish, they can also install cellular BDAs to provide more convenience to your patients and staff.

When searching for a communications infrastructure partner, ask if they have previous experience working in healthcare facilities, especially if they are assisting you with other projects other than BDAs. Contractors who do work inside healthcare facilities must meet the same standards that the facility’s staff does in regards to patient privacy and security.