All-Hazards Communications Unit
The objectives of the Oregon COMU Qualification Program are as follows:
- Establish minimum training and qualification standards for Communications Unit personnel working as part of the COMU or as a single resource assignment consistent with federal guidelines and/or the National Qualification System as appropriate.
- Guide the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to obtain recognition of qualifications within the state of Oregon through the certification and credentialing process.
- Define criteria to obtain and maintain both certification, and credentialed status for position-specific roles within the Communication Unit.
- Retain the foundation of the performance-based qualification system established and implemented through the NQS developed by FEMA and expand the performance-based evaluation process to include Oregon specific qualification requirements.
For more information about the COMU Program, please see the Program documentation.
Statewide EMS Air-to-Ground Frequency: VMED29
The Oregon State Interoperability Executive Council, recognizing the critical nature of air-to-ground communications between air and ground based emergency medical services (EMS) and firefighting units, has designated the National Public Safety Mutual Channel VMED29 (155.3475) as the default statewide air-to-ground channel for EMS communications in the VHF spectrum. While it is not required that agencies adopt VMED29 as their default air-to-ground channel for EMS operations, the SIEC highly recommends that the channel is programmed in all public safety radios. To assist agencies in adopting this frequency for this purpose, the Statewide Interoperability Program has obtained a statewide mobile license for the frequency and intends to allow agencies to operate under it. Please see the VMED29 Guidelines for detailed information about the frequency, it's intended use, and the procedures for requesting use of the state's license.