Communications play a vital role in any rescue, whether it be above or below ground.

Mountain Rescue - communications

Like other mountain rescue teams UWFRA uses high band VHF radios for surface and vehicle communication. These give reliable and good (just slightly better than line of sight) communications.

The vehicles and the Hut are equipped with more powerful VHF sets and can be used as relay points when required to extend the range of the hand held devices.

Callout of team members is achieved by MDS text messaging, the whole team is contactable in minutes.

Cave Rescue - communications 

(Hey Phone in use underground)

For underground to surface communication UWFRA uses two types of phone, a Hey Phone and/or Mole Phone. These are very low frequency radio systems. The phones although different work along the same principles and require the underground and surface sets being placed vertically above and below each other. Once achieved, good voice communication can be made.

Caver to caver communication underground is achieved by using a military spec pitch phone. The pitch phone is a waterproofed high band radio with a headset attached. They are particularly valuable when hauling casualties up long pitches.