Apart from P25, there are other interoperability standards, such as data formats, naming conventions, communication protocols, APIs, security and authentication standards, and industry-specific standards. Interoperability standards help to foster innovation, enable collaboration, and enhance efficiency by allowing diverse systems to work seamlessly together.
The SIEC works together with stakeholders to identify when and where a standard is needed and works to encourage standards adoption when and where applicable.
While there is no comprehensive list of applicable standards for emergency communications, the SAFECOM Grant Guidance is a recommended resource and compliance with standards identified within the guidance is a requirement for most grants funding the purchase of emergency communications equipment.
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, its intended use, and the procedures for requesting use of the state's license.
OR-Alert Statewide Guidance on Alerts, Warnings & Notifications
The OR-Alert Governance Committee adopted the Statewide Guidance on Alerts, Warnings, & Notifications effective October 2022. This standard provides guidance on the use of Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and the processes and procedures for issuing alerts, warnings, and notifications through the State of Oregon’s OR-Alert system. The OR-Alert system includes several different tools that emergency managers can use to reach different segments of the population, depending on the scope and scale of the emergency. OR-Alert includes:
- A mass notification tool capable of issuing geotargeted messaging to contacts via a wide array of communications modalities including text message, email, and voice call
- Mobile App based messaging
- Keyword based messaging
- IPAWS messaging
- Automated National Weather Service messaging
The guidance is designed to help ensure that the citizens and visitors of Oregon are notified of life-threatening situations in as timely and accurate a manner as possible.
OR-Alert is governed by a diverse committee made up of emergency managers, public safety leaders, state agency and tribal representatives, and other stakeholders from across the state, and from across all levels of government who share a vision of saving lives through timely alerts, warnings, and notifications.