Fire Scene Operations - Mayday and Emergency Traffic

Questions and Answers

When a firefighter transmits a 'MAYDAY', what specific action is expected from all units on the frequency?

Cease all transmissions to ensure clear communication for the 'MAYDAY' call. (correct)

Immediately transmit a reply to acknowledge the 'MAYDAY' call.

Immediately shift to an alternate frequency to avoid interference.

Continue regular transmissions but prioritize the 'MAYDAY' call.

What is the primary responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) when a firefighter transmits a 'MAYDAY'?

Contact the Northwest Central Dispatch (NWCD) and report the 'MAYDAY' call.

Facilitate communication by repeating the 'MAYDAY' message and giving the firefighter priority. (correct)

Provide immediate assistance to the firefighter in distress.

Evacuate all other personnel from the immediate area of the incident.

Which of these actions is NOT required of a firefighter who transmits a 'MAYDAY' call?

Activating the emergency button on the radio.

Using any available means to draw attention to their location.

Activating the PASS device once the 'MAYDAY' is acknowledged.

Confirming their location with the Incident Commander (IC). (correct)

In what scenario is the 'EMERGENCY TRAFFIC' call used instead of a 'MAYDAY' call?

When a unit encounters a dangerous situation but is not in immediate danger. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in communication priority between a 'MAYDAY' and an 'EMERGENCY TRAFFIC' call?

A 'MAYDAY' call has higher priority and receives immediate action from all units. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Northwest Central Dispatch (NWCD) in responding to a 'MAYDAY' call?

NWCD is responsible for monitoring all radio frequencies for 'MAYDAY' calls and relaying them to the Incident Commander (IC). Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a firefighter to activate their PASS device after acknowledging a 'MAYDAY' call?

To ensure that their location can be identified if they become incapacitated or unable to respond. Signup and view all the answers

What action can terminate an 'EMERGENCY TRAFFIC' call?

The Incident Commander (IC) can terminate the call after assessing the situation and determining that it no longer requires priority. Signup and view all the answers

What is a situation that would warrant the use of a 'MAYDAY' call?

A firefighter needs immediate assistance due to an injury. Signup and view all the answers

When should 'EMERGENCY TRAFFIC' be initiated?

When a structural collapse occurs without any trapped firefighters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid reason to call a 'MAYDAY'?

A firefighter wishes to report an operational update. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'MAYDAY' primarily signify in firefighting operations?

An alert that rescue efforts are needed for a firefighter in danger. Signup and view all the answers

How should communication be structured when 'EMERGENCY TRAFFIC' is called?

Communications should be quick and uninterrupted. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation describes the proper context for shifting from offensive to defensive operations?

When dangerous conditions, such as rapidly changing fire behavior, arise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct response to a firefighter who is out of SCBA air?

Signal for a 'MAYDAY' immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What does the five air horn blasts signify in the context of emergency protocols?

Immediate evacuation of the structure or area is necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MAYDAY and Emergency Traffic/Evacuation

Purpose

The "MAYDAY" alert notifies all personnel on an emergency scene that rescue efforts are needed for a firefighter in danger.
"Emergency Traffic" ensures quick, uninterrupted communication to the Incident Commander or Dispatch in perilous situations.

Definitions

"MAYDAY" is used when a firefighter(s) is in danger, such as:
- Injured and needs immediate assistance
- Lost or missing
- Trapped
- Out of SCBA air
- Any circumstance that can seriously injure firefighter(s)
"EMERGENCY TRAFFIC" is used to alert others of a perilous or dangerous situation, such as:
- Structural collapse without entrapped firefighters
- Burst hose line
- Rapidly changing fire or incident conditions
- Evacuation of the structure or area followed by five air horn blasts
- Change from Offensive to Defensive Operations

Procedure for MAYDAY

Any unit or firefighter encountering a dangerous situation uses the "MAYDAY" term to alert others.
The term "MAYDAY" is repeated two or three times over the radio and receives the highest communications priority.
All units on the radio frequency cease transmissions, and the frequency belongs to the individual giving the "MAYDAY" call.
The Incident Commander considers moving other radio traffic to an alternate frequency.

Procedure for EMERGENCY TRAFFIC

Any unit encountering a perilous situation uses the "EMERGENCY TRAFFIC" term to alert others.
The term "EMERGENCY TRAFFIC" receives a high communications priority.
Units initiate emergency communications by verbally contacting the Incident Commander or Northwest Central Dispatch.
All units on the frequency cease transmissions, and the frequency belongs to the unit giving the "EMERGENCY TRAFFIC" call.

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Description

This quiz covers the Standard Operating Guidelines of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department related to Mayday and Emergency Traffic/Evacuation procedures at fire scenes. It is NIMS compliant and effective as of January 1, 2022.