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First Response T.E.A.M. is first of its kind to provide Alabama responders with multi-agency remote and on-site emergency incident management.
Huntsville, AL---August 5, 2005 – Emergency responders throughout the state of Alabama are receiving nine (9) First Response Tactical Emergency Asset Management (T.E.A.M.) systems beginning in August, through an initiative under the Alabama Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Made possible through a state grant program, Alabama's DHS office provided grants for the First Response T.E.A.M. vehicles on behalf of the state's emergency responders. The T.E.A.M. system is a mobile emergency management vehicle designed to centralize multi-agency communications during natural disasters, terrorist activity, and other large-scale emergency situations where response time is critical.
“The exciting element of T.E.A.M. is finally being able to tie together first responders, such as police, fire and others, and provide them with the capability to communicate,” said Bob Belton, Project Manager for the First Response T.E.A.M. at Quantum Research International.
T.E.A.M. systems resolve that critical communications dilemma facing most emergency responders. Because these entities typically do not share a common frequency or a standard type of communications equipment, the responders do not have an efficient method of talking with one another when working jointly in an emergency environment. The T.E.A.M. system provides a means of networking these independent communication systems by using a series of ad-hoc radio nets. The “nets” provide responders with rapidly deployable communications for on-site, cross-band radio net integration for civilian and military radios and commercial cell phones services. The system includes telephone and radio-to-telephone integration services and can establish mobile radio relays and radio connectivity into buildings and tunnels. Providing broadband Internet connectivity and network support via satellite link, the system also contains a cellular base station for access to existing cell networks from extended ranges. In addition to the standard telephone, fax and dial-up modem, the system can include satellite phone and television, wireless voice over internet protocol (VOIP), and complete video monitoring equipment.
The portable communications system is packaged as a self-contained shelter that is mounted on the bed of a full-size pick-up truck. The system can be operated using the vehicle as a power source, or using standard 110 volt AC, or a small commercial generator. Once activated, the unit serves as a portable communications center or centralized command post. It is fully accessible by key emergency management personnel, and the side panel can be extended to provide easy access to personnel outside the vehicle.
“It's something our responders have not had access to in the past,” Belton said. “The value of this type of integrated communications capability was one of the most important lessons learned from the response to the 9/11 disaster. Every second counts, and communications is key.” Though the emergency response vehicle was designed to provide support during large events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, or terrorist attacks, the T.E.A.M. system is effective in any situation that requires instant communications across multiple organizations.
Madison County officials utilized a T.E.A.M. prototype during the change of venue hearing for Eric Robert Rudolph. The mobile vehicle was used as a centralized communications hub that allowed local and federal officials to communicate with each other during the course of the hearing at the Federal court house.
Each of Alabama's seven emergency management regions is receiving a First Response T.E.A.M. system. The first unit will be delivered to Madison County officials, in Region Six, on August 16. Madison County serves as headquarters for that region. The state's remaining six regions are expected to have the units by September. The remaining two T.E.A.M. units will go to the state Emergency Management Agency (EMA) office in Clanton, and to Baldwin County.
About First Response T.E.A.M.
First Response T.E.A.M. is a division of Quantum Research International (QRI). Based in Huntsville, AL, the privately held company provides high-quality services and technical solutions for commercial, federal, allied and local governments. Founded in 1987, QRI has offices in Washington D.C.; Bel Air, Maryland; El Paso, Texas; Honolulu, Hawaii; Fort Greeley, Alaska; and Killeen, Texas. For more information, visit online at www.firstresponseteam.com or www.quantum-intl.com.
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