Montgomery County Radio Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Out of Service' indicate?

The unit is not available for calls. (correct)

The unit is on standby for requests.

The unit is available for calls.

The unit has been dispatched.

Which phonetic representation corresponds to the letter 'K'?

Keepsake

Kilo (correct)

Kite

King

What is the first step in the Dispatch Format?

Unit(s)

Nature

Alert

Encode (correct)

What is the meaning of the term 'Affirmative' in communications?

Yes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the Dispatch Format?

Weather Conditions Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for advising status changes over the radio?

Only chief officers and apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when using the radio?

Using terms like 'sir' or 'ma'am' Signup and view all the answers

What type of radio system does Montgomery County utilize?

Motorola Astro P25 Digital System Signup and view all the answers

When a unit arrives at the scene, what status should they communicate?

On Location Signup and view all the answers

Which city has a tower that is part of the Montgomery County Radio System?

Conroe Signup and view all the answers

What type of language should be used over the radio?

Simple English or common phrases Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT necessary for single unit responses to incidents?

Creating a command structure over the radio Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Inter Subsystem Interface (ISSI) switch in Montgomery County's systems?

To connect different talk groups for interoperability Signup and view all the answers

How many sites are part of the MCHD/MCFCA VHF Simulcast system?

Six Signup and view all the answers

Which VHF frequency is patched to FD 1 WARN?

158.82 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the TAC channels in Montgomery County's radio system?

For fire ground operations and tactical operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following channels is NOT part of the FD 4-8 tied to the WARN system?

FD 9 Signup and view all the answers

What channels are available for expanding incidents or area command during regional events?

Events 1-5 Signup and view all the answers

When should FD 5-8 be used?

When an incident commander requests a separate TAC channel. Signup and view all the answers

Which events should Events 1-5 be utilized for?

Expanding incidents and significant events upon IC request. Signup and view all the answers

Who manages the Harris P25 and VHF simulcast and repeater system?

Montgomery County Health Department. Signup and view all the answers

Which department has the radio number 9?

N. Montgomery Signup and view all the answers

OPS 1-3 may be used for which of the following purposes?

Large incidents and interoperability patching. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of FD 1 channel?

Used for paging, dispatching incidents, and alerting from Fire Com Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct monitoring protocol for FD 2?

Monitored constantly and used for still alarms Signup and view all the answers

Which channel is primarily used for medical calls?

FD 3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following channels should be monitored constantly by Fire Com?

FD 1 and FD 4 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main uses of the WARN Channels?

Communication for training exercises Signup and view all the answers

Which channel is specifically for motor vehicle collisions?

FD 4 Signup and view all the answers

How are units directed to return to service after a call?

By switching to FD 2 or EMS 2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the PSAP Talk Groups?

Facilitate emergency communication Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a unit does not respond to a call within three minutes?

Re-encode the unit. Signup and view all the answers

Who should be informed when sending mutual aid to another department?

The home department's Battalion Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after all units have updated their status as en route?

Fire Com informs a chief officer or the first due apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when units arrive on scene and report their size-up?

Fire Com repeats the information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action for out-of-territory units responding to a call?

Add the Battalion Chief to all calls. Signup and view all the answers

What tone is given before announcing special calls and signals?

A short (two-second) alert tone. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is incorrect when managing resources during a medical call?

Dispatch the next unit regardless of their location. Signup and view all the answers

What should be communicated when a command is established according to the communications procedures?

The establishment of command must be announced over the response channel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 20-Minute Clock?

To inform the Incident Commander of the time since the call was received. Signup and view all the answers

What does the announcement of '7-1' signify?

The incident is under control and certain units should be held on scene. Signup and view all the answers

When is the first Period of Action Report (PAR) due after the 20-Minute Clock is given?

20 minutes after the 20-Minute Clock is announced. Signup and view all the answers

Which departments are responsible for traffic blocking on certain major roadways?

Departments 9, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 15. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the activation of the Working Fire Procedure?

The arrival of the first apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

When can other PARs be set beyond the first?

Only during hazardous environments like material spills. Signup and view all the answers

What should units with Mobile Data Centers (MDCs) do?

Electronically make status changes. Signup and view all the answers

How do the PARs conclude during an incident?

When the IC announces 'no more PARs' or issues a '7-1'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of issuing a MAYDAY on the emergency scene?

To report firefighters who are trapped, missing, or in distress Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for establishing a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)?

The Incident Commander must notify Fire Communications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios requires the issuance of a MAYDAY?

A firefighter who is lost or disoriented Signup and view all the answers

What should be transmitted to the Incident Commander to initiate a MAYDAY procedure?

The words 'MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY' Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should an exterior attack be made before forming a Rapid Intervention Team?

Until an IRIT/RIT is established Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Fire Com when a working fire alarm is activated?

To update the IC on resource status and inform about the working fire response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a critical station for back-in assignments during a fire incident?

Station 204 Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the communication for additional alarms?

The alarm number Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following equipment is typically requested for back-in assignments?

Tanker trucks in addition to engines Signup and view all the answers

When a second or greater alarm occurs, what action should Fire Com take?

Ensure all critical stations are covered, including mutual aid Signup and view all the answers

Who does Fire Com need to notify for traffic and crowd control during an incident?

Law enforcement agencies Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when activating additional alarm levels during an incident?

The dispatcher should inform the IC about their working fire response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the critical stations for back-in assignments is true?

Certain stations can cover critical stations from their own location Signup and view all the answers

What must be done if a unit in the field calls Fire Com and uses the term 'emergency'?

All radio traffic will stop on that channel until the emergency is resolved. Signup and view all the answers

If a unit adds 'x-ray' to their unit number, what does it signify?

An immediate need for law enforcement due to physical danger. Signup and view all the answers

How often should Periodic Alarm Reports (PARs) be conducted during a Mayday situation?

Every 10 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first task the Incident Commander (IC) must coordinate during the initial rescue effort?

Advise all personnel to cease radio traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken when Fire Com receives a bomb or terroristic threat?

An Alert is entered to prevent the call from being aired. Signup and view all the answers

What information must be relayed to responding units if staging has been noted?

Pertinent staging information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is required when establishing constant radio communications with trapped personnel?

Identify the LUNAAR. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a dispatcher sounds a single short alert tone?

It advises of immediate danger requiring a modified response. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Montgomery County Radio Systems Overview

Montgomery County utilizes a Motorola Astro P25 Digital five-site Simulcast Radio System, part of the Texas Wide Area Radio Network.
The system is capable of operating in site-trunking mode when the TXWARN system experiences issues.
Towers are located in Montgomery, Conroe, Grangerland, Tamina, and Magnolia.
The Montgomery County Hospital District/City of Conroe Harris P25 Digital Radio System is a six-site system with many talk groups connected to TXWARN.
The MCHD/MCFCA VHF Simulcast and six-site VHF Repeater TAC Channel System offers a six-site simulcast system with towers in Willis, Conroe, Splendora, South County, and Magnolia.
EMS1 and FD 1-3 utilize the VHF simulcast system.
There are six tower sites with six associated repeated pair channels available for fire ground operations, tactical operations, and redundancy.

Radio Channel and Talk Group Lineup

FD 1, FD 2, and FD 3 are VHF frequencies patched to WARN and connected by ISSI to MCHD.
FD 4-8 are WARN TGs connected to MCHD by ISSI.
TAC 10-15 are VHF repeated channels with associated fire ground channels.
Events 1-5 are WARN TGs available for expanding incidents, IC needs, regional events, or area command during large events.

Radio System Usage

FD 1 is used for paging, dispatching incidents, sending messages, and alerting field units.
FD 2 is the primary channel for still alarms.
FD 3 is the primary channel for medical calls.
FD 4 is the primary talk group for motor vehicle collisions.

Radio Number Assignments

Each department in Montgomery County has an assigned radio number and an ESD.

Apparatus Seat Assignment

D signifies the apparatus driver.
C signifies the firefighter behind the driver.
B signifies the firefighter behind the officer.
A signifies the apparatus officer.

Radio Usage and Format

Only chief officers and apparatus advise status changes over the radio.
The first unit arriving at an incident provides a description and establishes command if necessary.
Avoid using terms like "sir," "ma'am," or "thank you" over the radio.

Procedural Words

A.Responding indicates the unit is enroute to the location.
B.On Location indicates the unit has arrived at the scene.
C.In Service indicates the unit has completed the call for service.
D.Out of Service indicates the unit is unavailable for calls.
E.Received acknowledges the unit/dispatcher understands.
F.Affirmative signifies "yes."
G.Negative signifies "no."

Phonetic Alphabet

Alpha through Zulu are phonetically spelled out during radio transmissions.

Dispatch Format

When stopping USDD for manual dispatch, a consistent format is followed with nine steps.

Communications Operating Procedures

If a unit doesn't respond to a call within three minutes, re-encode the unit.
For still alarms, dispatch the next closest unit.
When sending mutual aid to another department, add the home department's BC to the call.
For units responding out of territory, add the BC to all calls.
Once all units have updated their status, Fire Com informs a chief officer or the first due apparatus of the status of units dispatched.
Fire Com repeats size-up and instructions given by units on scene.

Special Calls and Signals

The dispatcher repeats/announces:
- Establishment of Command
- Work Fire Announcement
- Command Initiated PAR Requests
- Signal 7-1/Incident under Control

Master Stream Operations

The dispatcher announces:
- Master Stream Operations
- Offensive to Defensive Operations
- Evacuation of Structures

20-Minute Clock and PARs

The 20-Minute Clock is given 20 minutes after receiving a call.
The first PAR is due 20 minutes after the IC has been given the 20-minute clock.
PARs stop when the Incident Commander announces "no more PARs" or issues a 7-1.

Signal 7-1

The IC announces "7-1" to Fire Communication when an incident is under control.
Fire Communication sounds a short alert tone and announces the 7-1.

Mobile Data Centers (MDCs)

Units with MDCs should electronically make status changes.
Size-up reports should be made over the assigned response channel.

Traffic Blocking on Major High-Risk Roadways

Departments 9, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 15 will utilize a traffic blocking unit for responses on routes 145, 1-99, and 1-69.
Departments 9 and 15 will utilize a traffic blocking unit for MVAs on 105 East.

Working Fires and Additional Alarms

When the first apparatus or officer arrives on the scene of a working fire, Command will announce "Working Fire" to Fire Communication.
Fire Com shall add an additional alarm level, generating an additional EMS response, updating the Fire Marshal's Office, and activating specific department resources.
Fire Com shall also contact law enforcement and the electrical provider.

MAYDAY and RIT (Rapid Intervention Team)

A MAYDAY is used to report firefighters trapped, missing, or in distress.
RIT is established prior to firefighters entering hostile environments.
The IC notifies Fire Com of conditions:
- Interior Attack with RIT in Place
- Emergency Rescue with No RIT
- Exterior Attack until RIT in Place (NO-GO)
- Deploying Additional RITS
A MAYDAY is initiated using the phrase "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" to the Incident Commander on the fireground channel.

Emergency Communications

All pertinent information is relayed to responding units.
If a unit uses "emergency" over the radio, all traffic stops on the channel/TG.
If a unit adds "x-ray" to their unit number, it indicates immediate need for law enforcement due to danger.
If an emergency activation is received from a unit's 800 radio, Fire Com asks the unit "What is your status?" and acts accordingly.
If an alarm is received from a unit's MDC, the unit's status is confirmed over the radio and via CAD to the unit's MDC.

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Description

Explore the intricate details of Montgomery County's radio systems, including the Motorola Astro P25 Digital and VHF simulcast systems. This quiz covers the various tower locations, operational modes, and radio communication channels utilized by local emergency services. Test your knowledge on the structure and functionality of these essential communication tools.