EMS-Fire Scanner Question Inside

Titus · 06-08-2008, 10:03 PM

Well I'm now working for Sunstar Paramedics (Paramedics Plus). Company is big over in TX and OK, and is #1 in Pinellas County FL.

I've been looking for a scanner to pick up calls and listen for both fire and EMS. Issue's this. The county went 100% Trunked. So all older scanners can not pick up police, fire, ems, etc.

Question is more of a 2 parter.

#1: Does anyone know anything about these scanners? What brands are preferred over the others?

#2: Does anyone have a scanner that will fit my needs for sale? As I really want one, and if I hint enough about it, I pray that amber will buy it for me for our anniversary coming up.

Thanks!

Latoolman · 06-09-2008, 06:09 AM

Best I could do on short notice... interesting how it works.... Need to read more, I think our local towns have done this also, my old scanner is getting alot more quiet lately...

How it works..
Overview of Trunking Radio Systems - Police-Scanner.info

scanners....
PoliceScanners4Less.com: Trunking Scanners

Schmitti · 06-09-2008, 11:20 AM

In reality you will find that all you want is the pager that the department/corp. issues you.

I had a friend in high school that was with the local EMS volunteer corp as a first responder and fireman. The first year he had his scanner and his pager and was all psyched about running to calls even when he wasn't paged.... eventually he got wise... an older and more experienced ems guy told him two things...

First, if you show up on scene uninvited you are probably going to get in the way and even if not, you will "step on somebody's toes" and piss them off.

Secondly, you will learn that every moment you aren't on call or on the way to a scene or you're not working your normal job (if you are a volunteer) is worth more than gold.

Take that with a grain of salt... leave the scanners to the photo journalists who take pictures of accidents and fires to make their ends meet.... now I'm wondering how they are going to find out about the fires and accidents if their scanners aren't going to work anymore... hmmm.

E

Mr. Furious · 06-09-2008, 11:30 AM

I'd ask the whackers you work with. They'll tell you what works for them and what they tried in the past that didn't work.

As far as what Schmitti said: 100% accurate and absolutely true. You'll figure that out for yourself in about 5 or 8 years.

bulldog_TT · 06-09-2008, 11:44 AM

Does sunstar use a analog or digital system? If its a digital system you will have to have a digital scanner. Are you wanting a desk top model or hand held?

Overview of Digital Police Scanners - Police-Scanner.info

Some digital info.

It looks like sunstar uses Motorola Type II SmartZone, which can run in analog and digital both.

It looks to be they run all digital
Pinellas County System

bulldog_TT · 06-09-2008, 02:08 PM

We used this service when i lived in the Chicago area to keep tabs on other departments that we did auto aid with.

:: IPN :: Nationwide Fire & Police Incident Notification

That may suit your needs better then a scanner.

06-09-2008, 11:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
Schmitti Out and about Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Schen. NY	In reality you will find that all you want is the pager that the department/corp. issues you. I had a friend in high school that was with the local EMS volunteer corp as a first responder and fireman. The first year he had his scanner and his pager and was all psyched about running to calls even when he wasn't paged.... eventually he got wise... an older and more experienced ems guy told him two things... First, if you show up on scene uninvited you are probably going to get in the way and even if not, you will "step on somebody's toes" and piss them off. Secondly, you will learn that every moment you aren't on call or on the way to a scene or you're not working your normal job (if you are a volunteer) is worth more than gold. Take that with a grain of salt... leave the scanners to the photo journalists who take pictures of accidents and fires to make their ends meet.... now I'm wondering how they are going to find out about the fires and accidents if their scanners aren't going to work anymore... hmmm. E __________________ Gone fishing

06-09-2008, 11:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mr. Furious Got Rage? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northwestern Pennsylvania	I'd ask the whackers you work with. They'll tell you what works for them and what they tried in the past that didn't work. As far as what Schmitti said: 100% accurate and absolutely true. You'll figure that out for yourself in about 5 or 8 years. __________________ A skeleton walks into a bar and orders a beer and a mop...... Feedback: http://www.mcarterbrown.com/forums/f...-feedback.html

06-09-2008, 11:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
bulldog_TT MCB Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ocala, Florida	Does sunstar use a analog or digital system? If its a digital system you will have to have a digital scanner. Are you wanting a desk top model or hand held? Overview of Digital Police Scanners - Police-Scanner.info Some digital info. It looks like sunstar uses Motorola Type II SmartZone, which can run in analog and digital both. It looks to be they run all digital Pinellas County System Last edited by bulldog_TT; 06-09-2008 at 11:51 AM..

06-09-2008, 02:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
bulldog_TT MCB Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ocala, Florida	We used this service when i lived in the Chicago area to keep tabs on other departments that we did auto aid with. :: IPN :: Nationwide Fire & Police Incident Notification That may suit your needs better then a scanner.