[Skip to main content](https://www.t-mobile.com#content-main) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) Search Search Submit search query Close out of search RECENT0 recent searches POPULAR0 popular search suggestions Categoriesundefined categories Suggestions0 search suggestions TOP SUGGESTIONS - [](https://www.t-mobile.com) undefined top suggestions - [Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/network-services) Network - [Coverage & network support](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/network-services) - [T-Satellite](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/starlink-satellite-phone-service) - [Products & solutions](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions) Products & solutions - [Solutions](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions) - [Priority & Preemption](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions/network-priority-for-critical-communications) - [Mission Critical Push-to-talk](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-solutions/mission-critical-push-to-talk-service) - [Eligibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/eligibility) Eligibility - [Agency & business eligibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/eligibility) - [Device eligibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/eligibility/devices) - [Resources](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources) Resources - [Articles & case studies](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources) - [Rate plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-plan) Rate plans - [Agency & business plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-plan) - [Personal plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/first-responder-discounts) - [Why T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/why-choose-t-priority) Why T-Priority - [FAQs](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/why-choose-t-priority) Contact us Search Search Submit search query Close out of search RECENT0 recent searches POPULAR0 popular search suggestions Categoriesundefined categories Suggestions0 search suggestions TOP SUGGESTIONS - [](https://www.t-mobile.com) undefined top suggestions - [Wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) - [Prepaid](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/home) - [Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) - [T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) - [SuperMobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/plans/supermobile) [](https://www.t-mobile.com) # What fire departments and EMS say about connectivity Two national surveys of more than 1,100 fire and EMS professionals reveal a clear message—communications performance is a foundational requirement for modern emergency response.  [Read the survey results , opens in a new window](https://www.t-mobile.com/content/dam/digx/tfb/us/en/non-dynamic-media/pdf/Fire-and-EMS-Survey_eBOOK_FINAL.pdf?icid=TFB_TBW_P_24TFBFRSTR_363291672915J503AW830) [View infographic , opens in a new window](https://www.t-mobile.com/content/dam/digx/tfb/us/en/non-dynamic-media/pdf/FR1-EMS1-Fire_EMS_mobile_communications.pdf?icid=TFB_TBW_P_24TFBFRSTR_49N5B9978793311H74773) Ready to experience T-Priority? Speak to an expert __7 min read__ __Key findings from 1,100+ fire and EMS professionals.__ - __92%: Rate disaster resiliency and communications continuity as critically or very important.__ - __83%: Say satellite communications would be valuable during cellular outages.__ - __80%: Rate network slicing for prioritized access during congestion as critically or very important.__ ## Emergency response depends on resilient communications Fire and EMS professionals operate in environments where communications failures can directly impact response effectiveness, responder safety, and patient care. Whether responding to wildfires, severe weather, mass-casualty incidents, or other emergency calls, personnel depend on reliable connectivity to coordinate resources, share information, and maintain situational awareness. The surveys found overwhelming agreement on the importance of communications resiliency. Disaster resiliency was rated critically or very important by 92% of respondents, making it one of the strongest findings in the survey. Respondents also expressed strong support for communications continuity when traditional infrastructure is disrupted. In addition, 83% indicated that satellite communications would be important when cellular networks fail during disasters. These findings reflect a growing recognition that communications planning must account for a wide range of challenges. Organizations increasingly expect communications systems to remain available during infrastructure failures, severe weather events, power outages, and other large-scale disruptions. ## Coverage challenges remain a reality Reliable connectivity begins with coverage, and coverage limitations remain a significant concern for many fire and EMS agencies. When asked to identify their biggest communications challenge: - __59%__ of EMS1 respondents cited rural coverage gaps. - __53%__ of FireRescue1 respondents cited rural coverage gaps. For many agencies, response areas extend well beyond densely populated communities. Fire personnel routinely respond to wildland fires, rescue incidents, and hazardous materials events in remote locations. EMS providers often transport patients across large geographic areas where coverage may be inconsistent. Respondents also identified operational challenges related to coverage quality, including: - Poor building penetration during structure fires. - Network congestion during major incidents. - Coverage limitations in remote response areas. It's clear that agencies are evaluating more than simple coverage maps. They are increasingly focused on whether communications systems can provide reliable service in the environments where responders actually operate. ## Mobile technology is transforming emergency response The survey highlights how mobile data and real-time applications are becoming increasingly integrated into fire and EMS operations. Today’s emergency responders rely on connectivity to support: - Telemedicine and patient care. - Real-time drone operations. - Thermal imaging transmission. - Mobile data access. - Incident intelligence and situational awareness. High-speed 5G data for real-time applications was rated critically or very important by 82% of EMS1 respondents and 79% of FireRescue1 respondents. The survey also revealed differences in operational priorities. EMS personnel place significant value on transmitting patient information and vital signs to hospitals, while fire service personnel place greater emphasis on visual intelligence tools such as thermal imaging and drone video. Despite these differences, both disciplines share a common requirement: dependable connectivity capable of supporting increasingly data-intensive operations. ## Communications planning requires operational leadership As communications systems become more central to emergency response, technology decisions are increasingly becoming operational decisions. Approximately four out of five respondents believe operational leadership should have major input or equal partnership in wireless technology decisions. At the same time, many agencies reported uncertainty regarding future communications plans or indicated they do not currently have a formal implementation roadmap. These findings suggest that communications planning is increasingly viewed as a leadership responsibility that requires collaboration among operational personnel, technology stakeholders, and agency leadership. ## A shift in how agencies evaluate communications Historically, communications discussions centered on coverage maps, devices, and service plans. Today, fire and EMS leaders are asking a different set of questions: - Will communications remain available during disasters? - Can responders maintain connectivity in remote operational environments? - Will critical applications perform during periods of congestion? - Can the network support emerging technologies and growing data demands? As fire and EMS agencies increasingly rely on real-time technologies and data-driven operational tools, communications infrastructure is becoming a critical component of operational readiness, responder safety, and service delivery. The survey findings suggest that agencies that proactively evaluate these challenges today may be better positioned to support tomorrow's operational requirements.  ## Built for tomorrow’s emergencies. Ready today. First responders deserve the ultimate in network performance and we are ready to deliver the 5G era of public safety now, with America’s first 5G slice that prioritizes public safety. [Get the details](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) For qualifying emergency response organizations or individual first responders on eligible rate plans. Not available with Connecting Heroes rate plans. ## Built for tomorrow’s emergencies. Ready today. ## Recommended reading  MODERN POLICING ### Spokane County Sheriff’s Office delivers real-time intelligence to deputies in the field [Spokane County Sheriff’s Office delivers real-time intelligence to deputies in the field](https://www.t-mobile.com) Spokane County Sheriff’s Office delivers real-time intelligence to deputies in the field [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources/spokane-county-sheriff-real-time-intelligence) ## Spokane County Sheriff’s Office delivers real-time intelligence to deputies in the field  ADVANCED 5G CONNECTIVITY ### Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations [Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations](https://www.t-mobile.com) Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources/fire-department-communications) ## Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations  ALL-IN-ONE 5G SMARTPHONES ### Elevating policing with smart technology [Elevating policing with smart technology](https://www.t-mobile.com) Elevating policing with smart technology [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/first-responder-resources/monroe-county-police-technology) ## Elevating policing with smart technology  EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM ### Fast, flexible, and always ready to support [Fast, flexible, and always ready to support](https://www.t-mobile.com) Fast, flexible, and always ready to support [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority/why-choose-t-priority/emergency-response-team) ## Fast, flexible, and always ready to support Share this page - [](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Ft-priority%2Ffirst-responder-resources%2Ffire-ems-communications-priorities) - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Ft-priority%2Ffirst-responder-resources%2Ffire-ems-communications-priorities) - [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Ft-priority%2Ffirst-responder-resources%2Ffire-ems-communications-priorities&text=) Let’s talk. 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Ready today. ## Spokane County Sheriff’s Office delivers real-time intelligence to deputies in the field ## Volunteer firefighters leverage mobile solutions for safer operations ## Elevating policing with smart technology ## Fast, flexible, and always ready to support