SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Western Nebraska hospitals and emergency health care providers are joining together to raise nearly one million dollars to meet an FCC-required conversion of emergency communications equipment by January 1, 2013.

The mandate calls for all emergency services radios be converted from wide to narrow bandwidth to make room for more radio frequencies. This regulation will require an upgrade of emergency radios used by all regional hospitals, ambulances, and EMS providers, as well as Air Link.

“Radio communication is critical in emergency situations. And here, in western Nebraska where trauma victims may be miles from emergency care, reliable radio communication can be the difference between life and death,” said John Massey, Chairman of Regional West Foundation.

Working together as the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection, panhandle hospitals and foundations have launched a campaign to raise $900,000. The funds will be used to convert existing wide band equipment to narrow bandwidth. This includes purchasing new narrow band radios for all licensed emergency medical providers and hospitals. In addition, a new repeater will be installed near Lakeside Neb., which has long been a communications “dead spot.” Six towers will be added to the regional emergency communications network and the entire system will be connected to the new Rural Nebraska Healthcare Network fiber optic network. Microwaves will also be added to all repeater towers to make the system redundant and to allow for seamless roaming.

“This conversion and upgrade will enhance emergency communication between EMS providers and hospitals for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, and travels in western Nebraska,” said Massey.

The Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection campaign involves hospitals, foundations, and EMS services in 16 western Nebraska counties, including: Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Chase, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Keith, Kimball, Morrill, Perkins, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux. More than $300,000 has been raised in the joint campaign to date.

For additional information about the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection, contact your local hospital foundation or call 308-630-1485.

Donations to the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection campaign are tax-deductible. To make a contribution, please send a check to the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection, P.O. Box 1844, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361.