Radio Infrastructure

URI EMS operates a state-of-the-art multi-tier repeaterized communications system.

Our primary system infrastructure is based on a 110W Motorola MTR2000 VHF repeater with battery backup, duplexer and power supply. It is supported by 31 portable radios, 22 pagers, 2 control stations, 1 mobile radio, 2 mini dispatch console desksets and 1 full dispatch console. The mini dispatch console desksets are located at URI EMS headquarters and connected to the repeater as well.

This setup allows us to take over dispatch and control capability as a backup should our primary dispatch center go offline or if we have a major event that requires us to dispatch internally with a dedicated EMS dispatcher. For instance, during some of our major summer events, we may dispatch our resources to respond to over 300 hundred requests for medical assistance for a single event. This would overwhelm a dispatcher easily.

We also operate a secondary UHF system to maintain interoperability with area departments that consists of 1 control station, 1 mobile radio and 14 portable radios.

As a part of the integrated Rhode Island Statewide Communications Network (RISCON), we also operate on the statewide 800MHz radio network with a few talkgroups.

Dispatch WPWJ589 – 159.375 MHz – Simulcast on RISCON 800mHz

We are dispatched by the URI Police/Public Safety Communications Center using tones. The Dispatch Center uses a new Zetron full-service Dispatch Console to dispatch Police, Security and EMS services, among other routine non-emergency University services. The Zetron console is hard-wired to our repeater.

The Dispatch Center is equipped with recorded video monitors controlling several cameras all strategically located throughout the campus, a state-of-the-art SIgnal Communications Vision 21 digital fire alarm receiver/printer. The Dispatch Center is also equipped online with access to specialized local and national law enforcement telecommunicaitons systems for police use.

Our primary dispatch and communications can be heard on our VHF frequency of 159.375 MHz (WPWJ589) and reaches across most of Rhode Island.