TN 104.3.2 Mayday Part 2

Questions and Answers

What is the procedure to access Channel 16?

Press the emergency button on the radio

Turn the channel selector clockwise to the end (correct)

Switch to the assigned radio channel

Turn the channel selector counterclockwise to the beginning

What happens to Channel 16 once a DVRS is on scene and activated?

It is switched to the Fireground Channel

It is patched with TAC 6 and is no longer in Talk Around mode (correct)

It is patched with TAC 6 and remains in Talk Around mode

It becomes the primary channel for the incident

Who is responsible for announcing the switch to Channel 16 during a MAYDAY?

Incident Commander

Fireground Sector

RIT Sector

Toronto Fire Communications (correct)

What is the purpose of radio silence at subway incidents?

To minimize radio traffic and ensure clear communication Signup and view all the answers

When is the assignment of Channel 16 during a MAYDAY not required?

When the incident is minor Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a DVRS is on scene but not available?

Radio silence is maintained Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Incident Commander upon hearing a MAYDAY?

Ensure that all MAYDAY messages are acknowledged and order radio silence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Channel 16 in a MAYDAY situation?

To communicate pertinent information of the rescue, another MAYDAY, EVACUATE, or URGENT transmission Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a DVRS is not available or the IC chooses not to utilize Channel 16?

The Incident Commander requests Toronto Fire to announce the MAYDAY with alert tones Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the GRAB LIVES Procedure?

To aid in the rescue of the Fire Fighter in distress Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of radio silence in a MAYDAY situation?

To prevent further communication errors Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the RIT Sector Officer in a MAYDAY situation?

To oversee the rescue operation and provide tactical guidance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Channel 16 Operations

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.

MAYDAY Response Protocol

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 and DVRS Availability

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.

DVRS Availability Scenarios

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.

Command Responsibilities for a MAYDAY

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

GRAB LIVES Procedure and Channel 16 Utilization

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 Importance

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.