Radio Communications

Radio Communications

• Only Spring Fire Department members are authorized to use department radios unless permitted by the Fire Chief or designee.
• Mutual Aid departments may use Spring Fire Department radios for on-scene communications during emergency incidents.
• Headsets are required anytime a department vehicle (equipped with headsets) is in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communication in the United States.
• The UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System includes various channels for EMS operations, fire dispatch, and general operations, each monitored by dispatchers at all times.

Radio 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.
  • General operational radio traffic.
  • 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:
    • Light Structure/Structure Fire.
    • Motor Vehicle Incident with Entrapment.
    • Aircraft emergency.
    • As requested by the Incident Commander.
    • As deemed necessary by dispatchers for communications management.
  • Single incident per channel except in extraordinary circumstances
  • One dispatcher is dedicated to monitoring the tactical channel during critical incidents.

Radio Use

• Standard Order Model is used for all radio communications:
  1. Sender calls receiver to determine readiness.
  2. Receiver acknowledges sender.
  3. Sender transmits message upon acknowledgment.
  4. Receiver restates brief message acknowledgment.
  5. Sender restates the message if misunderstood.
• Field units shall call in incidents on COM 3: Operations Channel. Once notified, the dispatcher directs the unit to remain on the operations channel or switch to the appropriate TAC channel.
• Units shall monitor the Fire Dispatch Channel for incident notifications. Once dispatched, units switch to the directed Operations or TAC channel for incident communications.
• All enroute traffic occurs on the operations channel or assigned TAC channel.
• Emergency Traffic" is used for priority information from the Incident Commander to Dispatch.
• "Priority Traffic" is used by those operating in the hazard zone to communicate important/urgent information to the Incident Commander that interrupts normal communications flow.
• 99 Bravo is used by units in danger, unable to retreat to safety, and unable to provide details on the radio without jeopardizing safety. Law enforcement is contacted to assist units.

Radio Discipline

• Simulcast is not permitted between Fire Dispatch and Operations channels or TAC channels.
• Keep all transmissions brief and to the point.
• Avoid long-winded descriptions and unnecessary repetition.
• Speak distinctly and pronounce words carefully at a moderate speed using a conversational tone of voice with emphasis and rhythm.
• Avoid transmitting when audible emergency warning devices are operating.
• Use official titles and authorized apparatus designations in all transmissions.
• Maintain radio discipline at all times, avoiding monopolizing or overuse of radio communications.
• The use of thanks, please, and other expressions of courtesy are unnecessary and should not be used.
• When finished using the microphone, secure it in a proper position to avoid "open mic."

High Call Volume

• During high call volume, the dispatcher may limit routine radio traffic to priority traffic only by issuing a short alert tone, followed by “All Units Priority Traffic, Priority Traffic ONLY”.
• Priority traffic transmissions should be limited to mission-critical updates that have significant impact on the status, safety, or stabilization of an incident.
• Once call volume returns to a manageable level, the dispatcher will announce that radio traffic has returned to “normal operation”.

This quiz covers the policies and procedures regarding radio communications for the Spring Fire Department. It includes information about authorized users, the importance of headsets, and the various channels used for EMS and fire operations. Test your knowledge on the regulations set by the FCC and the specific radio channels utilized by the department.