TN 104.3.2 Mayday Part 2

Study Notes

Channel 16 is located at the end of the channel selector by turning it clockwise.
It transmits on F/G 6 and is patched with TAC 6 when a DVRS is on scene and activated.
Channel 16 is no longer in Talk Around mode when patched with TAC 6.

Firefighters initiating a MAYDAY, along with aiding crews, RIT, RITSO, and Toronto Fire Communications, remain on the assigned radio channel.
Crews at the incident maintain radio silence and only switch to Channel 16 if announced by Toronto Fire Communications.
Incident Command runs the incident on Channel 16 and monitors the MAYDAY channel.

Radio silence is preferable at subway incidents due to DVRS range limitations.
Toronto Fire Communications informs Incident Command if Channel 16 is unavailable due to another incident.

If a DVRS is available and active, Incident Command can direct Toronto Fire to announce the switch to Channel 16 with alert tones.
If a DVRS is not available or in use on a Fireground channel, radio silence is maintained.
If a second DVRS is available, it can be used for Channel 16 if the first DVRS is in use on a Fireground channel.

Incident Commander ensures all MAYDAY messages are acknowledged.
Orders radio silence and announces the MAYDAY on all channels operating at the incident.
Ensures the channel receiving the MAYDAY is used for pertinent information.
Confirms the location, identification, and problem of the distressed firefighter.
Crews already tasked continue with their assignments.
Use crews in vicinity of area.
Briefs and deploys the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
Conducts a partial or full Personnel Accountability Report (PAR).
Establishes a backup RIT and assigns a RIT Sector Officer.
Updates Toronto Paramedic Services and positions their personnel at the Entry Control point.
Benchmarks for RIT
- RIT Deployed
- Firefighter (name) located
- Firefighter (name) outside

The GRAB LIVES Procedure may be used to aid in the rescue of the distressed firefighter.
Incident Command can assign the GRAB LIVES Procedure to someone directly under their command or to Communications.
If utilizing Channel 16, a DVRS and Channel 16 must be available.
Commuiations must use alert tones.
Personnel involved in the MAYDAY and current interior crews stay on the assigned channel unless otherwise directed.

Radio silence is critical during a MAYDAY response and must be adhered to by all at the onset of a MAYDAY.
If Channel 16 is not utilized, radio silence is maintained throughout the duration of RIT rescue operations.

Podcast