Motorola R2s at the University of Central Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire upgraded from unlicensed radios to six Motorola R2 radios for paramedic student training after experiencing interference from taxi radios that disrupted clinical simulations.

The University of Central Lancashire is one of the UK’s leading universities for healthcare education, offering cutting-edge training for future paramedics. To ensure their student paramedics are fully prepared for real-world placements, the university continually invests in new technologies that enhance the learning experience, and reliable communication tools are a crucial part of that.

Previously, they used unlicensed radios for clinical simulations. However, these often suffered from interference caused by nearby taxi radios and other users, affecting the realism of scenarios and occasionally disrupting training sessions. To resolve these issues and better replicate real-world emergency communication, the University of Central Lancashire decided it was time for a professional upgrade.

A Need for Realism and Reliability in Training

The university required a communication solution that would replicate the real-life communication procedures of ambulance crews, be free from external interference to ensure seamless training sessions, offer clear and reliable voice quality for authentic incident responses, and be simple enough for students to use confidently. The radios also needed to be durable and efficient enough to withstand frequent use across multiple simulations, whilst remaining cost-effective and suited to an educational setting. It was important for the university to find a system that would integrate smoothly into their training programmes without creating additional work for teaching staff.

Choosing the Right Radios with SFL Mobile Radio

After reaching out to SFL Mobile Radio, the university explored options for licensed two-way radios that would deliver professional-grade performance. Following a straightforward, hassle-free purchasing experience, they selected six Motorola R2 radios. The Motorola R2 offered everything the team required: clear audio, strong resistance to interference, a robust design, and ease of use, all at a competitive price point.

The new radios were quickly integrated into simulation exercises. Students now receive their dispatch instructions via radio communications, exactly as they would when working with an ambulance service. This not only improves the realism of each training scenario but also helps students to develop their confidence and technical communication skills under pressure. The ability to operate professional radios in realistic situations provides invaluable experience that supports their progression from the classroom to clinical placements.

Immediate Improvements to Student Learning

The switch to Motorola R2 radios has been a significant enhancement for the University of Central Lancashire’s paramedic training. The radios deliver crystal-clear voice quality with no interference from external sources, allowing seamless management of simulated incidents. Students are able to immerse themselves more fully in realistic scenarios, which improves their preparation for real-world placements. The radios have also proven simple to operate, even for those unfamiliar with professional communication equipment, making them ideal for use in a busy educational environment. The overall experience with SFL Mobile Radio was smooth and efficient, with no delays or complications during the purchasing process.

Simon Dykes, Senior Lecturer Pre-Hospital Care (paramedics science) at the University of Central Lancashire, says “We use the radios to improve the authenticity of clinical simulations developed for student paramedics at the university. The students are sent to various simulated incidents via radio comms, as they would when on placement with the ambulance service. This also helps to develop the students’ confidence and communication skills when using the radios.” He adds, “Very good overall, no interference, clear voice and easy to use.”

Supporting the Future of Paramedic Training

“We’re delighted to support the University of Central Lancashire in delivering realistic and effective training for their paramedic students. It’s fantastic to see how the Motorola R2 radios are helping to prepare the next generation of emergency responders. Providing reliable communications that support such important work is exactly why we do what we do.”

Why the Motorola R2 Was the Perfect Fit

The Motorola R2 radios stood out due to their excellent audio clarity, strong resistance to interference, lightweight and comfortable design, simplicity of use, durability for frequent simulations, and great value for professional-grade performance.

If you are looking for reliable two-way radios to support training, education, or everyday operations, contact SFL Mobile Radio