Radio Communications

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Radio Communications
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Agenda

• Introduction
• Short learning object (PowerPoint)
• Practice and testing
• Scenario

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Introduction

• Firefighters use radios almost extensively to
  communicate. Why?

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Introduction

• Firefighters use radios almost extensively to
  communicate. Why?
• Distance
• Environment
• Impaired vision
• Expediency

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Standard Operating Procedures

• Safety paramount
• Consistency of use
• Discipline use
• common terminologies
• 10-4

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Hints and Tips

• Speak at a moderate rate
• Midrange pitch (too high or too low)
• Avoid ah or um
• Think before you transmit
• Clear and concise

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Remember

• Excessive ambient background noise
• Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus
• You life may depend on clear communications and
  understanding

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Initiation of Communications

• Phone call?

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Initiation of Communications

• Phone call?
• Hi Bob, its Mary
• Who your calling, who you are!

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Initiation of Communications

• Radio
• Toronto Fire Pumper 2 means
• Hi Toronto Fire, its Pumper 2 calling

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Ending messages

• Over youre expecting a reply
• Example Aerial 7, Report to the second floor,
  Over
• A good way for the other person to know youre
  message is done.

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Repetition

• To ensure the message is conveyed properly we
  often repeat back what our orders are
• Example
• Pumper 2, this is Command, report to the rear of
  the building and place a ladder to the roof,
  Over
• Pumper 2 acknowledges place a ladder to the roof
  at the rear of the building, Out

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Command Structure

• Similar to an typical business organizational
  chart
• You report to the position above you!
• Except.
• Its very dynamic and grows or shrinks as the
  situation changes
• Span of control is smaller (4-6 teams/supervisor)
  due to safety factors

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Small Incident
Manager
Supervisor
Worker
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Typical Radio Log