First responders: problems and solutions: communications.

This paper presents the narrative briefed at the “Engineering the Protection of Our Cities” Conference at Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY on 7 October 2002. DOB in supporting the new war on Terrorism within this country has vital engineering expertise, equipments and technologies that can assist the first responders. Particularly in the area of communications the distinct analogy of how the US Army is equipping the individual war fighter is very similar to that equipment needed by the police, firemen, EMS personnel, etc. Both need to operate within the urban environment, within the buildings and knowing where each is located. Several ongoing R&D and fielded communications solutions are described as potential solutions for the first responders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]