Firefighter MAYDAY Procedures Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'MAYDAY' message in the fire service?

To request equipment support

To signal a routine check-in

To report a firefighter in distress needing rescue (correct)

To announce a training drill

Which of the following correctly describes a situation that warrants a 'MAYDAY' call?

Indicating a missing piece of equipment

A firefighter experiencing low air supply in hazardous conditions (correct)

Reporting a minor injury while on duty

Surveying the fire scene for hazards

What is the correct order of the LUNAR report after calling 'MAYDAY'?

Location, Unit, Name, Assignment, Air

Unit, Name, Resources, Location, Assignment

Location, Unit, Name, Assignment, Resources (correct)

Name, Location, Resources, Unit, Assignment

What should a firefighter do immediately after activating the Emergency Identifier Button (EIB)?

Call 'MAYDAY' followed by the LUNAR report Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'Emergency Traffic' in radio communication?

It is used to report other emergencies or high risk hazards Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a firefighter to remain calm during a 'MAYDAY' call?

To conserve air and communicate effectively Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the 'MAYDAY' message NOT appropriate?

Submitting a maintenance request for equipment Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym LUNAR specifically refer to in the context of a 'MAYDAY' call?

Location, Unit, Name, Assignment, Resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action the Incident Commander (IC) must take immediately upon receiving a MAYDAY?

Advise all personnel that non-critical radio traffic must cease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the designated term used for the team activated for firefighter rescue during a MAYDAY incident?

Firefighter Rescue Team Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following considerations might NOT be pertinent when responding to a MAYDAY situation?

Establishing another command post Signup and view all the answers

What should the IC confirm with the Fire Alarm Office (FAO) during a MAYDAY?

That all radio channels in use are being monitored Signup and view all the answers

After resolving a MAYDAY situation, what should the IC communicate?

The MAYDAY has ended, and normal radio traffic may resume. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended to minimize radio traffic during a MAYDAY?

Conduct PAR face to face when possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step the IC should ensure regarding radio communications following a MAYDAY announcement?

Only essential communications regarding the MAYDAY should be transmitted. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles can potentially be assigned Firefighter Rescue operations?

District Chief Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MAYDAY Procedures Overview

"MAYDAY" radio message indicates a firefighter is in trouble and requires rescue, prioritized over all non-essential communication.
Reserved specifically for endangered firefighters; "Emergency Traffic" is designated for other emergencies or hazards.
Repetitive use of "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" is authorized solely for firefighter emergencies.

Firefighter Emergencies Defined

Alarm: Low air supply, poor conditions, or distress signal.
Fall: In need of assistance or unable to get back up.
Lost: Disorientation or confusion regarding location.
Collapse: Structural failures such as stairs or roofs leading to entrapment.
Caught: Entangled by objects like wires.
Trapped: Inaccessible due to debris, smoke, fire, or heat.
General: Any other rescue situation affecting firefighter safety.

Calling a MAYDAY

Maintain composure and conserve air supply during the incident.
Activate the orange Emergency Identifier Button (EIB) to alert the FAO and identify the radio.
Communicate a LUNAR report after declaring "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY":
- Location: Provide a clear and specific location based on available clues.
- Unit: Provide details about the responding unit.
- Name: State first and last name along with nature of distress.
- Assignment: Clarify current assignment and remaining air supply.
- Resources: Request necessary assistance or resources.
Ensure the entire LUNAR report is transmitted before releasing the "talk" button after activating the EIB.
Activate the PASS device to signal distress.

Incident Command (IC) Response to a MAYDAY

Upon receiving a MAYDAY, the IC must halt non-critical radio traffic and confirm the firefighter has finished the transmission.
Conduct a Personnel Accountability Roll Call (PAR) to identify all personnel accounted for, especially if the trapped firefighter's location is unknown.
Consider face-to-face PARs to minimize radio traffic during an emergency.
Deploy the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) to the appropriate location for immediate rescue efforts.
All units, except those directly involved, may need to switch to the Emergency Operations Channel for better coordination.
Confirm ongoing assignments are maintained and not abandoned for rescue efforts.
Ensure radio monitoring of all channels in use during the incident.
Once resolved, the IC will announce that "The MAYDAY has ended," allowing for a return to regular radio communication.

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Description

This quiz covers critical MAYDAY procedures for firefighters in distress. Learn the definitions of various emergencies and the steps to initiate a MAYDAY call effectively. Understanding these protocols is essential for ensuring safety during rescue operations.