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

Learn how to use the NATO phonetic alphabet in critical communications to identify sides of buildings and ensure clarity in messages. Practice with examples of radio calls and responses.