TN 104.3.2- mayday Part 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of using the word MAYDAY in radio communication during an emergency incident?

To signal the need for immediate assistance for a firefighter in a life-threatening situation (correct)

To request a medical evacuation

To report a civilian casualty

To announce the arrival of the Rapid Intervention Team

Under what circumstances can radio silence be broken?

When a crew is requesting a meal break

When a firefighter is taking a break

When a MAYDAY or EVACUATE message is transmitted (correct)

When a fire is almost extinguished

Who can initiate a MAYDAY call?

Only firefighters on the scene

Only the Communications Centre dispatcher

Only the Incident Commander

All TFS personnel involved with the incident (correct)

What happens when a firefighter depresses the emergency button on their portable radio?

The radio system alerts the dispatcher and the on-scene District Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of the radio system allocating priority transmission for the emergency activated portable radio?

It ensures that the emergency message is transmitted immediately Signup and view all the answers

On which channel does the radio system automatically allocate priority transmission for the emergency activated portable radio?

Either the TAC channel or the F/G channel Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step a firefighter should take after activating the emergency button?

Communicate the phrase MAYDAY – MAYDAY - MAYDAY Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if they cannot be accounted for?

Clearly indicate the number of personnel not accounted for Signup and view all the answers

When should a firefighter deactivate their PASS?

When they are reached by the RIT Signup and view all the answers

What should a partner of a firefighter in distress do if they are unable to communicate by radio?

Activate the downed firefighter’s PASS alarm Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if they are lost and their radio is inoperable?

Attempt to get re-oriented Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if they are in a life-threatening situation and their radio is inoperable?

Activate their PASS alarm Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if their PASS alarm is sounding in full alarm mode for an extended period of time?

Communicate a MAYDAY Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the MAYDAY call?

To alert others of a life-threatening situation Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if they are in a situation where they cannot find their way out?

Communicate a MAYDAY Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if they are in a hazardous area and their partner is in distress?

Inform Command of the situation and then attempt self-rescue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MAYDAY Protocol

In emergency situations, the term "MAYDAY" is used to indicate that a firefighter is in need of immediate assistance.
The word "MAYDAY" is transmitted via radio to alert all Toronto Fire Services personnel.

Radio Silence

During radio silence, only the following messages are allowed:
- MAYDAY,EVACUATE, URGENT transmissions relating to imminent danger
- Messages critical to Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) rescue operations
- Information requested by the Incident Commander, RIT Sector Officer, or RIT

Initiating a MAYDAY

Any TFS personnel involved in an incident can initiate a MAYDAY, including communications personnel.
A firefighter in distress activates the emergency button (orange) on their portable radio, which alerts the dispatcher and on-scene District Chief.
The firefighter then communicates the phrase "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" followed by:
- L - Location
- I - Identification (names, truck, and number of personnel involved)
- P - Problem (exact nature of the MAYDAY)

MAYDAY Procedure

If personnel cannot be accounted for, the PAR status report must clearly indicate the number of personnel not accounted for.
The firefighter(s) should try to remain in the same location until found by the RIT, if safe to do so.
If the firefighter(s) change location, the IC or RIT Sector Officer should be notified as soon as possible.
The firefighter shall activate their PASS and keep it in full alarm mode:
- After making radio contact with someone
- When a second attempt at making radio contact is unsuccessful
- When their radio is inoperable
  
  The firefighter shall deactivate their PASS when:
  
  • Firefighter(s) are reached by the RIT
  
  • they need to communicate (reactivate alarm after communication)
  
  • self-rescue is accomplished

Partner Response

The partner(s) of the firefighter in distress shall transmit a MAYDAY.
The partner(s) shall activate both PASS and keep it in full alarm mode, after making radio contact with someone, second attempt to radio fails, radio is inoperable.
If the immediate area becomes too hazardous, the partner(s) should attempt to rescue their partner and move to a safer location.
If the situation deteriorates, the partner should inform Command and then attempt self-rescue.

Firefighter with Inoperable or Missing Radio

If lost, the firefighter should attempt to get re-oriented using landmarks.
If conditions become too dangerous, self-rescue or safe egress should be attempted.
Partner(s) of a firefighter in distress shall activate the downed firefighter's PASS alarm in full alarm mode if unable to communicate by radio.

PASS Alarm Sounding

A firefighter must communicate a MAYDAY if a PASS alarm is sounding in full alarm mode for an extended period of time.
The IC shall conduct a PAR to find out whose PASS alarm is activated.

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Description

This quiz covers the radio communication protocols used by Toronto Fire Services during emergency incidents, including the use of the MAYDAY term and radio silence procedures.