This post comes on the heels of some discussion and training scenarios that we had at work. We have had the lapel microphones for our radios for a few years now, but it was a bit of a joke. Depending on who you relieved in the morning depended on whether the lapel mic was on that particular radio or not.
I had some Captains that hated them and would take them off as soon as they got on the truck and others did the exact opposite. Which, in turn happened with everyone else on the truck and we lost mics and so on an so on.
I personally like the lapel mics for the simple reason that you can get to it and get your “voice” closer to the mic when geared up and on air. Once you place your radio in a pocket and put your SCBA on, it can be almost impossible to get it out and talk on it.
Of course the argument from our dissenters is that the mic cord gets tangled up and it is a pain in the butt when you don’t need it. It is also difficult to re-clip the mic onto your coat or SCBA with gloves on.
I maintain that you have a better chance getting to the mic if you get into trouble as compared to the radio in a pocket.
What is the rest of the country and world doing?
Let us know your opinions and experiences.
Stay safe and thanks for reading.
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< I love my mic & have used one for years. Like FETC I wear mine on a leather radio strap, I have the same exact rig as in the picture & couldn't be happier. When on the fireground I wear it under my coat & pull the mic over the top of my collar. I turn the volume all the way up & lock the channel I want to use before I go in. I always know where the mic is, my radio is protected by my coat, if the mic is damaged it's alot better to replace a $80 mic than a $300 radio.
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