201.01B Dispatch Center Responsibilities

Questions and Answers

What is the initial phrase a member must communicate to initiate a Mayday?

Help, help, help

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday (correct)

Emergency, emergency, emergency

Rescue, rescue, rescue

Who is responsible for transmitting the emergency traffic tone when a Mayday is initiated?

Any firefighter in the field

The tactical radio operator (correct)

The Incident Commander

The first firefighter on scene

What should the tactical radio operator remind the Mayday initiator to do?

File an incident report

Communicate with crew members

Remain silent until help arrives

Initiate their 'GRAB LIVES' procedures (correct)

What is the purpose of the 'Mayday nature code'?

To upgrade the assignment and increase urgency Signup and view all the answers

How does the dispatch center support a Mayday situation following its initiation?

By providing redundant monitoring of Mayday radio traffic Signup and view all the answers

What must the tactical radio operator do if the first Fire Department Company on scene initiates the Mayday?

Assure the member that help is on the way Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options correctly describes the communication expectations during a Mayday?

Communications should be necessary and not to fill dead radio time. Signup and view all the answers

How does the dispatch center upgrade an incident in response to a Mayday?

By adjusting alarm levels based on the nature code Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dispatch Center Responsibilities in Mayday Situations

The dispatch center plays a crucial role in managing safety and communication during Mayday incidents.
Tactical radio operators are key in facilitating resolution during emergencies.
A Mayday can be declared by any field personnel using a portable radio with the phrase “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.”
The term Mayday applies beyond fire scenarios and is relevant in all hazard zones.

Tactical Radio Operator's Actions

Upon receiving a Mayday declaration:
- Transmit the emergency traffic tone to alert all units.
- Announce on the tactical channel: “We have a Mayday on the scene, all units hold your traffic.”
- Repeat the Mayday message following standardized radio procedures.
- Facilitate communication between the Incident Commander and the Mayday caller.
If the initial Mayday is declared by the first Fire Department Company on scene:
- Reassure the member that assistance is en route.
- Keep open lines of communication until support units arrive, while avoiding unnecessary chatter.
- Prompt the caller to execute “GRAB LIVES” procedures for safety.
- Notify all responding units about the Mayday situation.
- Elevate the incident’s nature code to a Mayday designation.

Dispatch Center Operations

The dispatch center performs redundant monitoring of Mayday radio traffic to ensure all communications are captured.
Processes are automatically activated upon Mayday declaration, including:
- Upgrading the incident to a Mayday nature code, leading to resource allocation:
  - Transition from a 3-1 incident to a 1st Alarm Mayday.
  - Progression to 2nd Alarm Mayday if needed, continuing to a maximum of 9 Alarms.
- Deploying additional medical and transport resources as necessary.
- Monitoring all hazard zone channels for potential threats and communications.

Description

This quiz covers the critical roles of dispatch centers and tactical radio operators in managing emergency situations, particularly during a Mayday. It highlights the importance of communication between the incident command team and dispatch for effective hazard zone management and firefighter safety.