Two children were busted with radios in the Catskills on Sunday, after they were interfering with Hatzolah emergency operations.
The two children were in possession of radios which are manufactured in China, and cost as little as $30. They were interfering with Hatzolah for the past two weeks in the Woodridge area, until they were tracked down by Hatzolah members. They immediately had their radios confiscated.
YWN spoke with Catskills Hatzalah who said there will be a zero-tolerance for this totally reckless behavior.
“We are pleading with parents to confiscate ALL radios with Hatzolah frequencies from children, and imploring parents not to buy these devices for them. This is Pikuach Nefashos, and this will not be tolerated whatsoever”, a Catskills Hatzalah Coordinator told YWN.
Sources confirm to YWN that the FCC has recently been notified about this issue, following multiple reports of interference in Lakewood, NY, Monsey, Kiryas Joel and other areas. Federal law prohibits radio broadcasts without a license issued by the FCC. Anyone found operating a radio station without FCC authorization can be subject to a variety of enforcement actions, including seizure of equipment, fines and other criminal penalties including arrest.
Authorized exceptions
Years ago, radio communication equipment was very expensive, with Hatzolah radios costing in the range of $1000 – $2000 per radio. Thanks to electronics made in China, radios capable of transmitting on every frequency – including that of Hatzolah – can now be purchased for as low as $30! Children who once upon a time had “scanners”, now have devices capable of transmitting over the Hatzolah radio frequency. This has already caused interference during life threatening emergencies when members on scenes have been unable to communicate with their dispatcher to relay vital information in which seconds can make a difference in saving a life.
You aren’t allowed to use those radios without a license.
To 11 i agree! To number one shmira is different to hatzolah not neccessarily do they have to be in a place in seconds and therefore whatsapp can work but with hatzolah its different they cant have whatsapp, what if it doesnt work and how could you describe a situation in typing????
Im a Ham radio operator. The attraction for groups like Hatzolah , is that these radios are so inexpensive, that many more can be purchased than used to be possible, even a volunteer himself wouldnt have a problem forking out $30 to buy one for himself. The kids just need the frequency, and can disrupt communications nearby.Here In Israel, Magen David Adom uses these frequecies as well, and this is a problem. (Im not talking just about kids disrupting, vehamaivin yavin) Parents need to be made aware, and take approprate action. (and yes these radios legally need a liscence to… Read more »
Isn’t it potentially dangerous for children to have walkie talkies, if it’s possible for them to communicate with random strangers?
Are you kidding me these people save lives and here you are complaining!! Your child can find a different toy but hatzokah deffinetely does NOT have to find a different way of communication!
Lots of boys are playing with these walkie talkies and they can all practically do this…it’s a problem…
I’m assuming that encryption would only accomplish that people can’t listen in, but they would still be able broadcast (unencrypted).
How is this not an issue for police, fire dept?
please can someone explain how these kids interfered with hatzolah , what did they do exactly , how did hatzolah know it was them etc
for someone who is clueless, as i am , this article is confusing .
You are the clueless one. Your typical walkie-talkie will never bump into hatzolos frequency.
These kids are pranksters and know exactly what they’re doing
As someone who has worked wireless communication all my life (over 20 years as my main parnosso) a few pointers: WhatsApp is not an alternative whatsoever. Besides it being unreliable it is not a workable option in stressful situations. You expect a guy who saving someone in cardiac arrest to be WhatsApping and waiting for people to check his WhatsApp?? Now about secure Communications. What you’re referring to is using channels that are not accessible using normal radios. If however you are using the radio that has access to all frequencies. You can access whoever you want including police fire….… Read more »
Why don’t YOU DO THE RESEARCH FOR HATZOLLAH?
Maybe that way YOUR CHILDREN can learn some positivity in life to do what’s right & not do what’s wrong…thereby always being GOOD CITIZENS.
Children enjoy walkie talkies. They have no idea who they are talking to and if it’s serious or not. Hatzalah needs to find a better method of communication. They cannot rely on parents educating their children especially in an area where its a safe toy.
I am surprised that Hatzola do not have secured communication on their radios, not only to make it impossible for an outsider to broadcast but even to listen.
whatsapp comes with its problems as well, how many times do we hear that whatsapp is down, or the phone has bad service, or no service at all
walkie talkies that do not require any license will not interfere with any emergency personnel
Chevra, and when Whatsapp is down? People need to educate their children.
I watsapp my doctor when I have a question. I’ve even sent pictures of a rash on my child. This doesn’t replace visiting, but it does help me get info I need fast.
If Hatzola had watsapp, how good would that be!
What is Hatzala frequencies? I’m buying my kids walkie talkies now, want to make sure they won’t interfere.
Thanks for all the amazing work!!
Do your kids need EVERY toy & gadget on the market? Check what your kids have and remove anything that could cause a problem.
As for these two kids… I’ll bet they didn’t realize the potential consequences of their games. It might be an idea if they watched a Hatzala video & heard from a Hatzalah volunteer about what they do & why this is so dangerous. Maybe it’s time to visit as many camps/homes as possible to get the word out. I’m sure these kids know which of their friends are using these radios, hopefully they will tell.
Is there a suitable app. There must be. Shmira simply uses WhatsApp.