Napier Communication Trailer A First For New Zealand

To the untrained eye, it looks like a basic trailer – nothing special. The only thing looking slightly conspicuous is the satellite dish protruding from the surface. Little do people know that this trailer has high-tech devices enabling it to serve as an emergency command post within five minutes of set-up. And Napier City Council has acquired the first of its kind in New Zealand.

The Council recognised the importance of efficient communication with emergency services after the recent tragedies in Canterbury and Japan. Their Civil Defence team subsequently teamed up with local communication experts, Ray McKimm, Andrew Friedlander and Paul Hughes to create a state-of-the-art trailer designed to be a self contained multi-purpose communication base. Made in the USA, the trailer can be quickly deployed via road or air to provide communication via satellite, 3G Mobile, wireless and UHF anywhere in the country.

Many local authorities have existing mobile communication systems that connect to one service, such as satellite, but this system has taken it a step further by providing connections to multiple services, i.e. copper, cellular, fibre and satellite. Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade says during the initial stages of an event the trailer can provide telephone and internet access for four people via satellite immediately.

“The trailer’s capabilities expand from there depending on the scale of the event,” Angela says. “The services can be escalated by connecting to the cellular network, enabling communication for response teams as they arrive. “It allows emergency management to continue with its response while allowing Council to continue business as usual. It basically becomes a central hub to deliver council services.”

As well as recognising the importance of efficient communication in an emergency, the trailer ensures that Napier Civil Defence can use EMIS (Emergency Management Information System) even if all the networks are down, which is recommended by the Ministry of Civil Defence.

“We see the trailer being used for local and regional one-off events as well as a national resource when required.”

Different pods (portable operation devices) equipped with specialist equipment are stored in the trailer, and swapped depending on what is required for the event. Currently there are four pods: a First Aid pod, with first aid equipment, extra oxygen, bandages, masks etc; a communication pod, with extra handheld radios, portable repeaters, battery chargers and long-range radios; a server backup pod containing Council systems; and a fuel pod and stand-alone generator, enabling the trailer to operate for longer periods.

Angela says she is thrilled to have the communication trailer as it enables her team to respond immediately after an event even if the emergency operation centre is inaccessible.

“It gives us more confidence knowing that our business continuity plan has that additional option if we need it. We are grateful to Ray, Andrew and Paul for their excellent service and expertise in creating this valuable resource as well as local businesses for their enthusiasm and support. It’s a great example of how public and private sectors can work really well together.”

For more information about the communication trailer see www.fieldcontrol.co.nz

Specs at a Glance

The trailer provides the following:

• Wireless internet connectivity using the cellphone mobile network
• Establishes a wireless/LAN hub for multi uses to connect
• Provides a communication link between satellite and internet
• Additional power outlets for charging and operating extra devices
• The ability to have additional Portable Operation Devices (PODs) which can carry an array of equipment