II-N-05 Fire Communications System / Signal Code (Including Appendix) 05/25/2021

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'MAYDAY' indicate in radio communications?

A non-urgent message requiring a response.

An emergency announcement for firefighter assistance. (correct)

A routine check-in on radio status.

General information updates relevant to all personnel.

What is meant by an 'Urgent' transmission?

A signal for clearing the air for a critical message.

A message that can wait until the air is clear.

An immediate need for assistance to prevent injury to firefighters. (correct)

An announcement for non-life-threatening issues.

Which of the following actions is NOT a standard radio procedure?

Keep all transmissions brief and professional.

Key the mic and wait one second before transmitting.

Maintain sarcasm and jokes during transmissions. (correct)

Transmit with a clear and concise rhythm.

What is the primary purpose of using the two-way radio system in the MDFR Department?

To communicate official business or information. Signup and view all the answers

How should a radio transmission be concluded by the fire rescue dispatcher?

Finishing with 'Dade County.' Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the code '3-15' in radio communication?

An immediate threat to firefighter life requiring law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided during radio communications according to standard procedures?

Transmitting frivolous comments or expletives. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to limit airtime during radio transmissions?

To enhance professionalism and maintain discipline. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a MAYDAY transmission?

To indicate immediate assistance is needed to protect lives Signup and view all the answers

When should the URGENT signal be transmitted?

For serious injuries that need medical attention but are not life-threatening Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if they need to clear the air for an important message?

Issue a PRIORITY transmission Signup and view all the answers

What information must accompany a MAYDAY announcement?

The unit's location and the nature of the emergency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition that warrants a MAYDAY signal?

A firefighter is needed to assist in a routine drill Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation '3-15' indicate in radio communications?

A request for law enforcement response Signup and view all the answers

How often should the dispatcher check the back-up radio system?

Twice a week on each shift Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the hierarchy of radio communications?

URGENT communications require acknowledgment from the IC Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the daily recall check conducted by the Fire Alarm Office?

To ensure the availability of firefighters for emergencies Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'clear air' in radio communications?

No further messages will follow Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Two-Way Radio Communication System

Designed for official communication within the MDFR Department.
Utilizes standard radio procedures and approved plain language.

Emergency Radio Announcements

“3-15” indicates immediate threat to fire personnel requiring law enforcement assistance.
Mayday indicates urgent need for fire-rescue assistance, taking priority over other transmissions.
Urgent announces need for immediate assistance to prevent firefighter injury.
Priority is for important messages that do not fit MAYDAY or URGENT criteria.

Standard Radio Procedures

Maintain professionalism; avoid frivolous or inappropriate language.
Key the microphone and pause before transmitting to prevent information cutoff.
Keep transmissions brief; limit airtime for efficiency.
Transmissions should be clear and steady; include “Dade County” to signal closure.
Use 24-hour time for all communications.

Hierarchy of Radio Communications

Mayday and “3-15” – Highest priority
Urgent – Second priority
Priority – Third priority
Routine – Lowest priority

MAYDAY and “3-15” Protocol

Transmit MAYDAY three times followed by unit identification and location details.
Conditions for MAYDAY include: structural collapse trapping firefighters, low air situations, unconsciousness, or if a firefighter is unaccounted for.
“3-15” is only to be declared in immediate threats to fire personnel’s lives requiring police assistance.

Urgent Communication

URGENT confirmed by repeating the term three times followed by unit identification.
Conditions include serious injuries requiring medical attention, discovery of structural risks, or fire threatening exposure areas.

Priority Communication

Priority messages clear the air for critical updates, not fitting MAYDAY or URGENT.

Dispatch Procedure

Dispatchers follow specific radio procedure guidelines for standard operations.
Emergency responses will utilize lights and sirens unless declared "routine."

Transport Requests

Units must specify whether requesting Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support (BLS) transport when communicating with dispatch.

Incident Command Radio Procedures

Follow detailed procedures outlined in Incident Command System policies.

Daily Checks and System Maintenance

Fire Alarm Office conducts daily recall checks at 0700 hours without need for acknowledgment.
Dispatchers perform bi-weekly maintenance checks on backup radio systems and daily checks during hurricane season.
Units will describe radio reception quality using clear language, avoiding codes.

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Description

This quiz covers the protocols for using the two-way radio system within the MDFR Department. Participants will learn about standard radio procedures, emergency codes, and the approved terminology necessary for effective communication in official matters.