The POLYCON SAR communication system provides increased safety through improved communication and situational awareness.

• Interfaces with the helicopter or vessel ICS/Intercom system.

• Provides secure, closed circuit communication between the aircrew and the rescue crewmember.

• Waterproof transceiver supports hands-free operation.

The POLYCON system provides a wireless communication link between the rescue crewmember and the SAR helicopter crew.  The communication link is established by interfacing a transceiver carried or worn by the rescue crewmember with the aircraft’s ICS/intercom system.

Prior to the introduction of POLYCON, this form of communication was accomplished primarily with a VHF transceiver broadcasting over an open channel to the helicopter airborne radios.  This open broadcast method does not satisfy the very specific operational and communication needs for helicopter SAR operations due to the following:

• SAR helicopter hoist operations are "heavy workload" activities, requiring critical/extensive communication among the helicopter crew.  External broadcasts over open channels should be kept to a minimum.

• Information is vital to the full understanding of a situation, and to be able to take the appropriate actions.  This common rule also applies to crewmembers operating outside the helicopter.  Traditional communication concepts do not include the rescue crewmember in the onboard communications.

• In certain operations it is preferable, or even critical to maintain direct communication between the rescue crewmember and onboard crew, such as a doctor.  Using an open channel for such communication can result in sharing sensitive information to irrelevant personnel.

The POLYCON system eliminates these problems by:

• Allowing external crewmembers to overhear the aircraft intercom and access information.  Thereby reducing the need to relay information between aircrew and rescue crewmember.

• Removing external communication over airborne radios. This reduces the flight crew’s workload since maintaining an external radio link over an open channel with the rescue crewmember is no longer required.

• Improving the external crewmember’s situational awareness through monitoring the onboard communications, and allows the crewmember to "remain part of the crew."

• Improving CRM.

• Maintaining a closed circuit communication system.

Other POLYCON system benefits include:

• Hands-free continuous communication.

• Wireless hands-free intercom during flight.

• Enhanced aircraft safety via positive clearances to the rear from external crew on the ground.

• TX off mode allows the pilot to cut the transmissions from the helicopter to the rescue crewmember. This can be preferable in situations where a patient requires preparation time before transfer. The rescue crewmember maintains the ability to call the airborne crew at all times.

NOTICE:
The sale or lease of the Polycon SAR Communication System within the USA to operators other than the federal government may be restricted as required by the Rules of the FCC.  Export to other countries is subject to local laws and regulations.  Contact LSC's Technical Help for additional information on the POLYCON system.

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