SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 28 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife, via the Island Directorate of Security and Emergencies, has procured a set of portable Tetra radio stations, a communication system that operates independently of standard networks, thereby enhancing emergency response capabilities and management through the Island Operation Coordination Centre (Cecopin).
The newly acquired portable stations, with an investment of 12,000 euros, now create a backup communication channel for other systems, ensuring effective information flow between Cecopin, serving as the main coordination point, and the operational control units and action groups involved in an emergency or incident.
Furthermore, these stations will aid in the effective management of other human resources involved in civil protection plans covering logistics, health, and security, among other areas.
The Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, highlighted in a statement the critical nature of communications when territorial and specialised plans are activated in response to risks, particularly the PEIN of Tenerife or Infoca.
“Subsequent to the fire in 2023, the necessity for Cecopin to manage extraordinary emergencies was underscored, alongside the importance of communications and the need for their enhancement to coordinate future incidents,” she stated.
In this respect, Pérez noted that “the procurement of this Tetra equipment bolsters the capacity of both Cecopin and the response teams to handle emergency scenarios, ensuring more reliable, secure, and effective communications among first responders.”
She expressed that “this could significantly impact the efficacy and rapidity of responses.”
Additionally, the insular director of Security and Emergencies, Iván Martín, emphasised that “the capability to coordinate any incident or emergency in real-time is vital, particularly in the initial hours of a crisis, as well as in the management of operations.”
He elaborated that “the units, whether on the ground or in vehicles, will be able to receive and transmit orders instantaneously, thereby expediting decision-making and the execution of specific actions.”
Iván Martín also underscored that “the acquisition of the Tetra systems is crucial because, during incidents or natural disasters such as fires, floods, or volcanic eruptions, conventional communication networks may fail or become inactive, whereas the Tetra systems are autonomous and continue operating, ensuring that emergency services remain functional.
