NATO Phonetic Alphabet in Communications

Communications

• A communications model is used to ensure receipt and acknowledgment of critical communications.
• The NATO phonetic alphabet is used to identify sides of buildings (e.g., Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta).
• Remove unnecessary phrases and terminology from transmissions to keep them concise.
• Avoid "good news reporting", only report priority or pertinent information.

Pre Arrival

• Identify and request required resources to mitigate the incident effectively.
• Deliver Water Supply instructions prior to arrival when feasible, including rural water supply declaration.

Initial Radio Reports (IRR)

• Provide basic information that impacts incoming units' actions on the fireground.
• Include arriving unit(s), building size, height, type of occupancy, unique construction, smoke/fire conditions, establishment of Command, actions being taken, and instructions to incoming units.
• Use the IDéal acronym to structure the report:
  • I - Identify arriving unit(s)
  • D - Describe what you see
  • E - Establish Command
  • A - Actions
  • L - Let incoming units know what you want them to do

360°

• Complete a 360° assessment of the scene, or advise what you have seen if unable to complete.
• Identify known or potential rescue, active and potential flow path of fire and fire gases, fire location and extent, structure size, construction, and age, and structural stability.
• Assess hazards and identify potential issues.

Follow-up Report (FUR)

• Provide updates on conditions and potential hazards after a 360° assessment.
• Use the CAN format:
  • Conditions: updates on fire location and potential hazards
  • Actions: confirm Operational Mode and Actions Taken
  • Needs: request additional resources as needed

Benchmarks

• Key milestones to report during an incident:
  • Making Entry
  • Water on Fire
  • Two-Out Established
  • Water Supply Established
  • Fire Under Control
  • Primary Search
  • RIT Established
  • Extrication Initiated / Extrication Complete