Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which channel is designated specifically for dispatching emergency response vehicles?
Which channel is designated specifically for dispatching emergency response vehicles?
What system is used as the primary emergency backup for communications?
What system is used as the primary emergency backup for communications?
Which of the following is NOT included among the six constantly monitored channels?
Which of the following is NOT included among the six constantly monitored channels?
Which battalions are assigned to TAC 3A?
Which battalions are assigned to TAC 3A?
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What is the purpose of the updates to the PPM?
What is the purpose of the updates to the PPM?
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Which communication system utilizes 160 channels?
Which communication system utilizes 160 channels?
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What is the role of the Deputy Chief of Operations regarding the PPM?
What is the role of the Deputy Chief of Operations regarding the PPM?
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Under which circumstances are channels TAC 7A through TAC 12A assigned?
Under which circumstances are channels TAC 7A through TAC 12A assigned?
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When is the use of code 10-24 appropriate?
When is the use of code 10-24 appropriate?
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What is a critical reason to avoid discussing criminal information over non-encrypted channels?
What is a critical reason to avoid discussing criminal information over non-encrypted channels?
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Which of the following statements about PBSO encrypted radio channels is incorrect?
Which of the following statements about PBSO encrypted radio channels is incorrect?
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Which of the following is the correct use of PBSO encrypted radio channels for Fire Rescue personnel?
Which of the following is the correct use of PBSO encrypted radio channels for Fire Rescue personnel?
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What is the purpose of the VHF Marine Radio communications?
What is the purpose of the VHF Marine Radio communications?
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What should Fire Rescue personnel do if they determine the scene is secure while monitoring the PBSO encrypted channel?
What should Fire Rescue personnel do if they determine the scene is secure while monitoring the PBSO encrypted channel?
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Which of the following channels can be used specifically for North Region communication?
Which of the following channels can be used specifically for North Region communication?
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What type of information is appropriate for encrypted radio channels?
What type of information is appropriate for encrypted radio channels?
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What is the primary protocol for Fire Rescue Communications when responding to incidents requiring Law Enforcement?
What is the primary protocol for Fire Rescue Communications when responding to incidents requiring Law Enforcement?
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Which of the following channels is primarily used for fire rescue recruits?
Which of the following channels is primarily used for fire rescue recruits?
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What is the primary purpose of the E Zone channels?
What is the primary purpose of the E Zone channels?
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Which channel is described as always monitored by the Communications Center?
Which channel is described as always monitored by the Communications Center?
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What does the term 'Enroute' signify in the context of emergency incident reporting?
What does the term 'Enroute' signify in the context of emergency incident reporting?
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Which channels fall under the D Zone?
Which channels fall under the D Zone?
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What is the function of TAC channels 10-12B?
What is the function of TAC channels 10-12B?
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What type of channels are TAC 1F through TAC 14F classified as?
What type of channels are TAC 1F through TAC 14F classified as?
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When units need to report their status, which term indicates they have completed an incident?
When units need to report their status, which term indicates they have completed an incident?
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Which TAC channel is designated for Fleet maintenance communication?
Which TAC channel is designated for Fleet maintenance communication?
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Which TAC channel is for Fire Rescue Training?
Which TAC channel is for Fire Rescue Training?
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Which status must units report if they have been On-scene beyond a specific timeframe?
Which status must units report if they have been On-scene beyond a specific timeframe?
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What is the purpose of the Daily OPS Bulletin?
What is the purpose of the Daily OPS Bulletin?
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Which channel is not utilized for mutual aid communication?
Which channel is not utilized for mutual aid communication?
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How often should the Communicator Supervisor update the Daily OPS Bulletin?
How often should the Communicator Supervisor update the Daily OPS Bulletin?
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When a unit is marked 'Available Out-of-Zone', which condition must be met prior to leaving their response zone?
When a unit is marked 'Available Out-of-Zone', which condition must be met prior to leaving their response zone?
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What is the primary purpose of the 'In-Service' status for a unit?
What is the primary purpose of the 'In-Service' status for a unit?
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Which statement correctly describes the communication process when a mechanical breakdown occurs?
Which statement correctly describes the communication process when a mechanical breakdown occurs?
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What must be done before a unit can be placed 'Out-of-Service' for training?
What must be done before a unit can be placed 'Out-of-Service' for training?
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Which status is used to indicate that a unit is back at its assigned fire station?
Which status is used to indicate that a unit is back at its assigned fire station?
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What action should an Operational Captain take once a vehicle has completed repairs?
What action should an Operational Captain take once a vehicle has completed repairs?
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What must be approved before a unit is scheduled to be Out-of-Service?
What must be approved before a unit is scheduled to be Out-of-Service?
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Under what circumstance can a unit be considered 'Available In-zone'?
Under what circumstance can a unit be considered 'Available In-zone'?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Fire Operations Officer?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Fire Operations Officer?
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What is the correct procedure when a unit needs to go Out-of-Service due to mechanical breakdown?
What is the correct procedure when a unit needs to go Out-of-Service due to mechanical breakdown?
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What is the communication requirement for units that are Out-of-Zone?
What is the communication requirement for units that are Out-of-Zone?
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If a unit experiences mechanical problems that do not require it to be taken Out-of-Service, what should be done?
If a unit experiences mechanical problems that do not require it to be taken Out-of-Service, what should be done?
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What term is used when a unit is temporarily out of service for approved activities such as training or community education?
What term is used when a unit is temporarily out of service for approved activities such as training or community education?
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Study Notes
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Radio Communications Policy (FR-O-201)
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Purpose: Provide understanding and procedures for the fire rescue communication system.
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Effective Date: December 16, 2022
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Authority: Fire Rescue Administrator, Florida State Statute 401, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 90 (and amendments).
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Scope: Applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
Radio Systems
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Primary Communication: 800 MHz radio system (160 channels). Six channels (Firemain, TAC 2A-5A, and TAC 13A) are continuously monitored for emergencies and daily operations.
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Primary Emergency Backup: Conventional VHF radio system.
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Secondary Emergency Backup: 800 MHz repeater/simplex system.
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Equipment: Emergency and non-emergency vehicles equipped with 800 MHz radios. All 800 MHz portable radios are programmable.
Channel Assignments (800 MHz)
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TAC 6A: Incident dispatch and move-ups.
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TAC 2A-5A: Battalion and city assignments. Battalion 1, 2, 7, Cities of Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, and North Palm Beach (TAC 2A); Battalions 3, 9, 10 (TAC 3A); Battalions 4, 5, and Delray Beach (TAC 4A); Cities of West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, and Palm Beach Shores (TAC 5A).
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TAC 7A-12A: Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) incidents.
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TAC 13A: Department of Airports (assigns Station 81 to airport incidents); In the Glades, monitors PBSO WR1 Alpha.
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TAC 14A-15A: Fire ground simplex channels (limited range, no communications center contact or emergency button).
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TAC 3B-16B: Designated for various training, support, and specialized services, by recruit, training, and other designated groups.
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C Zone: Channels assigned to hospitals used for encodes by field personnel.
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D Zone: Common channels for Fire, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Management.
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E Zone: Assigned to Training, Support Services, Reservists, and State Mutual Aid (monitored during Fleet Maintenance hours).
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F Zone: Repeater channels and channels for Medical Control.
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G Zone: Hospital expansion channels.
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H Zone: Martin County channels (mutual aid); Treasure Coast (mutual aid) channels.
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I Zone: Assigned Broward County Fire channels.
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J Zone: Jail and beach patrol channels (Lifeguards).
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K Zone: Mutual aid channels(7) 700MHz.
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M Zone: Martin County TAC Channels; Life Star, Martin Memorial North, and South Channels.
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Firemain (TAC 1A, 1B, 16A, 16B): Always monitored; use to turn channel selection knob fully left/right.
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PBSO South Region 1 and 2: Encrypted channels for Battalion 5.
VHF Radio System
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Location: Fire Rescue Stations and emergency response vehicles.
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Use: Per Emergency Communications Plan or as required.
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Specific channels: VHF RPTR 1 (East Coast Fire Stations) and VHF RPTR 2 (Battalion 7 only).
Incident Reporting
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Methods: Standard terms (responding, enroute, on scene, transport, transport complete, available)
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Reporting: Units not reporting statuses after certain timeframes will be challenged.
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Status Reports: Always inform when unit status changes (mechanical issues, training, move-ups, etc.), provide unit ID and reason.
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Dispatch: Dispatch Protocol used for incident assignment. Simulated three alert tones precede incidents. Locution format specified.
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Out-of-Zone: Contact communications center for approval on Firemain channel.
Burning Status
- Daily OPS Bulletin: Communicator Supervisor obtains information from Florida Forest Service and National Weather Service; documents changes and posts on the Intranet.
Move-Ups
- Coverage: Fire Operations Officer and/or Communicator Supervisor direct units to cover other stations.
Out-of-Service for Training
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Scheduling: Lieutenant or Operational Captain request date/time from Battalion Chief.
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Calendar Verification: Check Staffing program and Fire Rescue approved staffing program (FR-O-101) for available dates/times.
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Officer Approval: Battalion Chief approves.
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Safety: Approved drill safety plans, if appropriate.
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Coverage: Move-up units for coverage.
Out-of-Service Due to Mechanical Breakdown
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Reporting: Immediate notification of Communications Center and Support Services.
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Fleet Maintenance: Reporting to Communications Center or Support Services via designated channels or landlines for on-call mechanic during regular maintenance; for after-hours, mechanic dispatch and vehicle-to-vehicle equipment transfer.
Returning Units In-Service
- Reporting: Notification to Communications Center regarding repairs and equipment transfer.
Radio Signals/Codes
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Clear Language: Only use signals/codes for security/confidentiality; otherwise, use clear language.
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10-24 Code: Use in life-threatening situations requiring Law Enforcement assistance.
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Encrypted Channels (PBSO): Used for situational awareness, not direct communication. Fire Rescue personnel do not monitor these channels; only respond to specific requests. Not for general discussion of incidents, especially criminal matters.
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VHF Marine Radio: Refer to SOG 210-01 Item # 9 for procedures. Specific marine channels listed for water rescue purposes.
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Description
This quiz covers the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Radio Communications Policy (FR-O-201), which outlines the procedures, equipment, and channel assignments for effective communication within the fire rescue team. Understanding these protocols is essential for all personnel involved in emergency operations.