EMERGENCY & CRITICAL MISSIONS
A civil protection agency in Southern Europe coordinates emergency operations during large wildfires, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.
Its teams comprise ground units and mobile command centers, often operating in remote areas where terrestrial networks are damaged or non-existent.
To overcome the limitations of traditional communications (saturated cellular networks, limited local radios), the agency chose to deploy Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT).
This solution makes it possible to maintain reliable and instant communications among all teams, to create scalable communication groups based on unit types and fire evolution, and to ensure continuity of operations even under extreme conditions.
Communications are heavily restricted by mountainous terrain and dense forest areas, making VHF/UHF range insufficient in certain critical zones.
It is necessary to rapidly link multiple teams and cross-border partners, which is impossible with traditional systems.
Equipment must be immediately operational, resistant to heat, dust, and shock, while being intuitive for non-technical field personnel and capable of running for long hours on site.
As operations expanded into more isolated, high-risk areas, cut off from all connectivity, it became clear that the agency required a more reliable, robust, and truly global PTT solution to protect, ensure the safety of its teams, and guarantee the continuity of rescue operations.
During an operation in a remote mountainous area, the firefighting teams found themselves out of range of cellular and radio networks while the fire was evolving rapidly and threatening inhabited areas.
Intervention Delays: The coordination of resources and water bombers was delayed by 2 to 3 hours, increasing the risk for responders and the population.
Exposure to Danger: several dozen responders found themselves isolated in high-risk areas.
Operational Vulnerability: This failure highlighted the critical dependency on local infrastructure and the need for a global, reliable, and terrain-independent solution.
Inability to Communicate with Command Centers: Teams were unable to relay the situation or receive real-time instructions.
To secure its communications during firefighting operations, the agency selected Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT), based on the constellation of 66 LEO satellites, offering global coverage, even in remote or isolated areas.
Teams can speak instantly with a single button press, without dialing or delay, ensuring rapid coordination in the field.
Thanks to the 66 LEO satellites, the solution operates everywhere, including in mountainous, forested, or isolated areas, regardless of terrestrial networks.
The Iridium Extreme® PTT terminals are resistant to heat, dust, and shock, with an autonomy of up to 30 hours in standby mode for prolonged operations.
Communication groups (talk groups) can be easily configured and reconfigured based on the units and the fire’s evolution, optimizing team coordination.
Teams were able to remain in constant contact with command centers, even in the most isolated areas or those impacted by the fires.
The creation of scalable talk groups made it possible to efficiently synchronize field teams, command posts, and logistical and medical units.
Regional agencies and European partners were able to share information in real time, improving responsiveness and intervention strategy.
The global coverage and robustness of the terminals reduced risks for responders and the public during critical operations.
The intuitive use and instant access to communication enabled rapid decision-making and immediate response to the evolving fires.
The Iridium Extreme® PTT is a professional satellite terminal that combines the power of Push-To-Talk (PTT) with the reliability of the Iridium network, the only one with 100% global coverage. It allows for instant walkie-talkie-style communications with a simple button press, even in the most isolated areas.
Instant Group Communication (PTT)
Standard Satellite Calling (Standard Voice Mode)
Robust Terminal (MIL-STD 810F / IP65)
Integrated GPS Geolocation with SOS Function
Simple Toggle Between PTT and Phone Modes
Long-lasting Battery, Field Autonomy
Designed for demanding environments—security, humanitarian missions, transport, maritime sector, or isolated industries—the Iridium Extreme® PTT is the critical communication solution, wherever you are.
Your teams face the most critical situations, but are they equipped to communicate quickly and safely ?
Switch to Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT) for instant communication, seamless coordination, and global coverage, even in isolated or hard-to-reach areas. Strengthen the safety and efficiency of your operations today.
