IMS 104.3.2 MAYDAY Part 3

Communications Responsibilities for a Mayday

• Upon receiving a Mayday request, radio silence is maintained, and Toronto Fire Communications ensure Incident Command (IC) is aware of the Mayday.
• Toronto Fire Communications transmit a message over all channels at the incident, with alert tones, announcing the Mayday and requiring radio silence.
• If Channel 16 is available, crews (except interior crews and those involved in the Mayday) are directed to switch to Channel 16.
• If Channel 16 is not available, Command is notified, and radio silence is maintained.
• The closest RIT apparatus and an additional alarm level are dispatched to the Base location on a Strategic Channel.
• A Dispatcher is dedicated to monitor the Channel of the Mayday event.
• Another Dispatcher is dedicated to handle the emergency event.
• A Captain is dedicated to monitor both the Mayday and the emergency event.

Receiving an Emergency Signal from a Portable Radio

• Upon receiving an emergency signal from a portable radio, Toronto Fire Communications try to establish radio communication with the Firefighter to determine the nature of the emergency.
• If unable to establish communication, the Incident Commander is immediately informed of the emergency signal, and radio silence is ordered if necessary.
• The Mayday protocol is implemented as dictated by the Incident Commander or by Communication staff if the Incident Commander doesn't acknowledge the Mayday.

Mayday Protocol

• If the Incident Commander doesn't acknowledge the Mayday or an unreasonable amount of time passes without acknowledgment, Communication staff implement the Mayday protocol.
• The protocol involves transmitting "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" followed by the last known location of the Firefighter, the apparatus and crew radio identifier, and the problem.

Concluding a Mayday

• Once the "Firefighter Outside" benchmark is announced, Toronto Fire Communications announce the conclusion of the Mayday, and all crews are asked to switch back to their original assigned Channel(s) upon the direction of the Incident Commander.

Incident Commander's and RITSO's Quick Reference Sheet and Operations Mayday Checklist

• The Incident Commander's and RITSO's Quick Reference Sheet and Operations Mayday Checklist are developed by the IMS Review Committee/Firefighter Self Survival and Rescue Program to assist in managing a Mayday situation.
• These documents highlight key points to be addressed for a successful outcome in a Mayday situation and are used to prepare and enable Incident Commanders and Officers to respond effectively.
• The Reference Sheets and Checklist are plasticized and placed in all Command vehicles and District Chief vans.