Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which channel is primarily for outgoing transmissions and has no talk-channel functionality?
Which channel is primarily for outgoing transmissions and has no talk-channel functionality?
What type of incidents utilizes the Tactical Channels?
What type of incidents utilizes the Tactical Channels?
Who is responsible for monitoring the Tactical Channel during critical incidents?
Who is responsible for monitoring the Tactical Channel during critical incidents?
How should field units call in incidents?
How should field units call in incidents?
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What channel do units switch to for all incident communications once dispatched?
What channel do units switch to for all incident communications once dispatched?
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What does 'Emergency Traffic' signify in incident communications?
What does 'Emergency Traffic' signify in incident communications?
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What is a key rule regarding transmissions on the Fire Dispatch Channel and Operations channel?
What is a key rule regarding transmissions on the Fire Dispatch Channel and Operations channel?
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What is indicated by the term '99 Bravo'?
What is indicated by the term '99 Bravo'?
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Which channel is monitored at all times by dispatchers for general EMS operational traffic?
Which channel is monitored at all times by dispatchers for general EMS operational traffic?
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Who must remain dedicated to critical incidents until they are declared under control?
Who must remain dedicated to critical incidents until they are declared under control?
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What is the first step when the sender is ready to transmit a message?
What is the first step when the sender is ready to transmit a message?
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When is it permissible for multiple incidents to run on a single channel?
When is it permissible for multiple incidents to run on a single channel?
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In the context of incident communication, what does 'Priority Traffic' refer to?
In the context of incident communication, what does 'Priority Traffic' refer to?
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Which of the following is NOT a related policy mentioned in the content?
Which of the following is NOT a related policy mentioned in the content?
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Who should be contacted for questions or comments on the SOG?
Who should be contacted for questions or comments on the SOG?
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What is the result of a proven violation of this policy?
What is the result of a proven violation of this policy?
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Who is authorized to use department radios within the Spring Fire Department?
Who is authorized to use department radios within the Spring Fire Department?
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What must be done when a department vehicle equipped with headsets is in use?
What must be done when a department vehicle equipped with headsets is in use?
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What role does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) play in radio communications?
What role does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) play in radio communications?
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Which channels are not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned?
Which channels are not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned?
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What is the main purpose of the radio communication guidelines for the Spring Fire Department?
What is the main purpose of the radio communication guidelines for the Spring Fire Department?
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What happens during high call volume in terms of radio usage?
What happens during high call volume in terms of radio usage?
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Who can permit others to use Spring Fire Department radios?
Who can permit others to use Spring Fire Department radios?
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What must mutual aid departments do when using Spring Fire Department radios?
What must mutual aid departments do when using Spring Fire Department radios?
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What is the primary function of the Standard Order Model in radio communications?
What is the primary function of the Standard Order Model in radio communications?
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What does 'Priority Traffic' signify in incident communications?
What does 'Priority Traffic' signify in incident communications?
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When are headsets required to be used in department vehicles?
When are headsets required to be used in department vehicles?
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What is the primary role of the dispatcher during a critical incident?
What is the primary role of the dispatcher during a critical incident?
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Which entity regulates all radio communications in the United States?
Which entity regulates all radio communications in the United States?
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Under what conditions can mutual aid departments use Spring Fire Department radios?
Under what conditions can mutual aid departments use Spring Fire Department radios?
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Which of the following statements about the '99 Bravo' term is true?
Which of the following statements about the '99 Bravo' term is true?
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What does the policy state about compliance with the radio communication guidelines?
What does the policy state about compliance with the radio communication guidelines?
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What indicates the 'Emergency Traffic' being communicated?
What indicates the 'Emergency Traffic' being communicated?
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During which circumstance can multiple incidents use the same channel?
During which circumstance can multiple incidents use the same channel?
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What is implied about routine radio traffic during high call volumes?
What is implied about routine radio traffic during high call volumes?
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What is NOT an appropriate behavior regarding the use of department radios?
What is NOT an appropriate behavior regarding the use of department radios?
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Which of the following is NOT true regarding Tactical Channels?
Which of the following is NOT true regarding Tactical Channels?
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How should information about laws, standards, or policies related to operations be handled?
How should information about laws, standards, or policies related to operations be handled?
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What is the intended outcome of standardizing radio communications at the Spring Fire Department?
What is the intended outcome of standardizing radio communications at the Spring Fire Department?
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What must happen when an error or inconsistency is noticed in policy?
What must happen when an error or inconsistency is noticed in policy?
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What is the primary function of COM 1: EMS Operations Channel?
What is the primary function of COM 1: EMS Operations Channel?
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Which COM channel is designated for low acuity incidents?
Which COM channel is designated for low acuity incidents?
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What action must be taken before a sender can transmit a message on any channel?
What action must be taken before a sender can transmit a message on any channel?
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What is the protocol regarding simulcast between Fire Dispatch and Operations channels?
What is the protocol regarding simulcast between Fire Dispatch and Operations channels?
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Which type of incident might require the use of Tactical Channels?
Which type of incident might require the use of Tactical Channels?
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How are multiple incidents managed on the Tactical Channels?
How are multiple incidents managed on the Tactical Channels?
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What should units do after making the initial notification of an incident?
What should units do after making the initial notification of an incident?
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What distinguishes COM 2: Fire Dispatch Channel from other channels?
What distinguishes COM 2: Fire Dispatch Channel from other channels?
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What is the main intention behind standardizing radio communications in the Spring Fire Department?
What is the main intention behind standardizing radio communications in the Spring Fire Department?
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Which statement most accurately reflects the use of headsets in department vehicles?
Which statement most accurately reflects the use of headsets in department vehicles?
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Which of the following is true regarding communication during high call volumes?
Which of the following is true regarding communication during high call volumes?
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Who has the authority to permit the use of department radios by personnel outside of the Spring Fire Department?
Who has the authority to permit the use of department radios by personnel outside of the Spring Fire Department?
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What is a key regulation regarding Tactical Channels during incidents?
What is a key regulation regarding Tactical Channels during incidents?
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Which of these elements is NOT established in the policy statement regarding radio communications?
Which of these elements is NOT established in the policy statement regarding radio communications?
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What defines the role of the dispatcher during critical incidents?
What defines the role of the dispatcher during critical incidents?
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What is an implied consequence for a proven violation of radio communication policy?
What is an implied consequence for a proven violation of radio communication policy?
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What is the primary role of the dispatcher during critical incident communications?
What is the primary role of the dispatcher during critical incident communications?
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Under what circumstance is 'Priority Traffic' used?
Under what circumstance is 'Priority Traffic' used?
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What does the designation '99 Bravo' indicate?
What does the designation '99 Bravo' indicate?
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Which of the following describes the actions required when a violation of the communication policy is proven?
Which of the following describes the actions required when a violation of the communication policy is proven?
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How should critical incidents be managed in terms of radio usage during high call volume?
How should critical incidents be managed in terms of radio usage during high call volume?
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Which office should be contacted for inquiries about the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG)?
Which office should be contacted for inquiries about the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG)?
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What is the significance of remaining dedicated to an incident until it is declared under control?
What is the significance of remaining dedicated to an incident until it is declared under control?
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What is one implication of a policy violation as described?
What is one implication of a policy violation as described?
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Which channel is specifically designated for monitoring incidents that are not immediately considered high acuity or critical?
Which channel is specifically designated for monitoring incidents that are not immediately considered high acuity or critical?
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What is required from the receiver after acknowledging a received message from the sender?
What is required from the receiver after acknowledging a received message from the sender?
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Which of the following statements about the Tactical Channels is inaccurate?
Which of the following statements about the Tactical Channels is inaccurate?
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What does the term 'TAC channel' refer to in the context of operations?
What does the term 'TAC channel' refer to in the context of operations?
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Which channel allows multiple incidents to run simultaneously while being monitored by dispatch?
Which channel allows multiple incidents to run simultaneously while being monitored by dispatch?
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Under which condition might a dispatcher monitor a Tactical Channel?
Under which condition might a dispatcher monitor a Tactical Channel?
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What protocol must be followed before a sender can transmit a message over the radio?
What protocol must be followed before a sender can transmit a message over the radio?
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Which channel's primary function is described as monitoring general operational traffic, including units going en route?
Which channel's primary function is described as monitoring general operational traffic, including units going en route?
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Study Notes
Radio Communication Guidelines
- Only Spring Fire Department members can use department radios, unless permitted by the Fire Chief or designee.
- Headsets must be used when department vehicles equipped with headsets are in motion, operational, or used by personnel.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States.
- The UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System uses various channels for EMS operations, fire dispatch, and general operations.
- Dispatchers monitor these channels at all times.
- Tactical channels (COM 6-18) are only monitored by dispatch for incidents in progress.
- The Standard Order Model is used for all radio communications, ensuring clear and concise messages.
- During high call volume, dispatch may limit routine radio traffic to priority traffic only.
Radio Channels
-
COM 1: EMS Operations Channel
- Patched with ESD 11-4(7/800)
- Monitored by dispatchers at all times
- Used for general EMS operational traffic like unit status updates and on-scene operations.
- Multiple EMS incidents can occur concurrently on this channel.
-
COM 2: Fire Dispatch Channel
- Monitored by dispatchers at all times.
- Primarily used for outgoing transmissions; incoming talk-in is not permitted.
-
COM 3: Operations Channel
- Monitored by the dispatcher at all times.
- Used for low acuity incidents, those not specifically listed as high acuity/critical.
- Includes general operational traffic like unit status updates and on-scene operations.
- Multiple incidents can occur simultaneously on this channel.
-
Tactical Channels, COM 6 -18
- Not monitored by dispatch unless an incident is in progress.
- Used for high acuity/critical incidents like structure fires, vehicle entrapments, aircraft emergencies, and as requested by the Incident Commander.
- One dispatcher is dedicated to monitoring the tactical channel during high-priority incidents.
- Only one incident is assigned to each channel unless in extraordinary circumstances.
Radio Traffic Discipline
- No simultaneous transmissions allowed between Fire Dispatch, Operations, and Tactical channels.
- Sender calls receiver to confirm readiness before transmitting.
- Receiver acknowledges receipt of message with a brief restatement.
- Sender restates the message if misunderstood.
- Field units call in incidents on COM 3: Operations Channel.
- Dispatch then directs units to remain on the operations channel or switch to the appropriate Tactical channel.
- Units continuously monitor the Fire Dispatch Channel for incident notifications.
- Once dispatched, units switch to the assigned Operations or Tactical channel for incident communications.
- En route traffic occurs on the operations channel or assigned Tactical channel.
- "Emergency Traffic" is from the Incident Commander to Dispatch relaying important/urgent information.
- "Priority Traffic" is from personnel in the hazard zone to the Incident Commander relaying urgent info needing immediate attention.
- "99 Bravo" indicates that a unit is in danger, unable to retreat safely, and cannot provide further details without jeopardizing their safety.
- The dispatcher remains dedicated to a critical incident until it's under control.
References & Related Policies
- This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, and related internal policies or guidelines.
- Examples include NFPA, OSHA, TCFP, CPSE PI, ISO, and TFCA.
Contact Office
- Questions or comments regarding this SOG should be directed to:
- Company Officer
- District Chief
- Deputy Chief of Operations
- Assistant Chief
- Fire Chief
- Assistant Chief
- Deputy Chief of Operations
- District Chief
- Company Officer
Radio Communications
- Only members of the Spring Fire Department can use department radios unless authorized by the Fire Chief or designee
- Headsets must be used anytime a department vehicle equipped with headsets is in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States
- The UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System includes various channels for EMS operations, fire dispatch, and general operations
- Each channel is monitored by dispatchers at all times, except for tactical channels (COM 6-18), which are only monitored during working incidents
- The Standard Order Model is used for all radio communications
- Dispatchers may limit routine radio traffic to priority traffic during high call volume
- Mutual Aid departments may use Spring Fire Department radios for on-scene communications during emergency incidents
Channels
- COM 1 (EMS Operations Channel): Patched with ESD 11-4 (7/800)
- Monitored by dispatchers at all times
- General EMS operational radio traffic for units going en route, in service, on-scene operations, and communications with dispatch
- Multiple EMS incidents can run simultaneously on the channel
- COM 2 (Fire Dispatch Channel): Monitored by dispatchers at all times
- Primarily outgoing transmissions
- COM 3 (Operations Channel)
- Monitored by the dispatcher at all times
- Low acuity incidents that are not specifically listed as high acuity/critical will utilize this channel
- General operational radio traffic: Units going enroute, in service, etc.
- On-scene operations and communications with dispatch
- Multiple incidents may run simultaneously on each channel
- Tactical Channels (COM 6 -18): Not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned
- Used for High acuity/critical incidents like light structure/structure fire, MVI-entrapment, aircraft emergency, etc.
- May be requested by Incident Commander or assigned as deemed necessary by dispatchers for communications management
Operations and Radio Traffic Discipline
- No simulcast between Fire Dispatch and Operations channel and/or TAC channels
- The sender must call the receiver to determine if they are ready to receive a message
- The receiver acknowledges the sender, and the sender can then transmit the message
- The receiver restates the message to acknowledge receipt
- The message is restated if misunderstood
- Field units must call in incidents on COM 3: Operations Channel
- Dispatch will instruct the unit to remain on the operations channel or switch to the appropriate TAC channel
- Units must monitor the Fire Dispatch Channel for incident notifications and switch to the directed Operations or Tac channel for all incident communications
- All enroute traffic occurs on the operations channel or assigned TAC channel
- "Emergency Traffic" is used by the Incident Commander to Dispatch to relay important/urgent information
- "PriorityTraffic" interrupts normal communications flow and is used by those operating in the hazard zone to the Incident Commander to relay important/urgent information that requires immediate attention
- "99 Bravo" is used when a personnel unit believes they are in danger, cannot retreat to safety, and cannot provide details on the radio without jeopardizing their safety
- The dispatcher will remain dedicated to critical incidents until declared under control
Radio Communications
- Only Spring Fire Department members are authorized to use department radios, unless permitted by the Fire Chief or designee.
- Headsets must be used when department vehicles equipped with headsets are in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States.
- The UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System includes multiple channels for EMS operations, fire dispatch, and general operations, all monitored by dispatchers.
- Tactical channels (COM 6-18) are not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned.
- The Standard Order Model is used for all radio communications, ensuring clear and concise message transmission.
Channels
-
COM 1: EMS Operations Channel
- Patched with ESD 11-4(7/800)
- Monitored by dispatchers at all times
- General EMS operational radio traffic
- Multiple EMS incidents may run simultaneously on the channel
-
COM 2: Fire Dispatch Channel
- Monitored by dispatchers at all times.
- Primarily outgoing transmissions, No Talk in
-
COM 3: Operations Channel
- Monitored by the dispatcher at all times.
- Low acuity incidents utilize this channel.
- Multiple incidents may run simultaneously on each channel
-
Tactical Channels, COM 6 -18
- Not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned.
- High acuity/critical incidents
- Single incident per channel except in extraordinary circumstances.
Radio Traffic Discipline
- The sender must call the receiver to determine if they are ready to receive the message before transmitting.
- The receiver acknowledges the sender.
- The sender transmits the message once the receiver is ready.
- The receiver reiterates the message to confirm receipt.
- The sender restates the message if misunderstood.
- Field units call in incidents on COM 3: Operations Channel.
- Units monitor the Fire Dispatch Channel for incident notifications.
- Units switch to directed Operations or Tac channel for all incident communications once dispatched.
- All enroute traffic occurs on the operations channel or assigned TAC channel.
- “Emergency Traffic” refers to important/urgent information from the Incident Commander to Dispatch.
- “Priority Traffic” is used by those operating in the hazard zone to the Incident Commander relaying important/urgent information.
- “99 Bravo” is used when a personnel unit believes they are in danger, cannot retreat to safety, and cannot provide details on the radio without further jeopardizing their safety.
Contact Office
- Company Officer
- District Chief
- Deputy Chief of Operations
- Assistant Chief
- Fire Chief
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Description
Test your knowledge on the radio communication guidelines established for the Spring Fire Department. This quiz covers the usage of department radios, headset protocols, and the regulatory framework by the FCC. Understand various channels and their specific purposes in EMS and fire operations.