06. Communications and Information Management.docx

Communications and Information Management 6.1* Communications Systems. 6.1.1 The communications system shall meet the requirements of the emergency services organization (ESO) for both routine and large-scale emergencies. 6.1.2 The communications system shall have the capacity to provide one dispatc...

Communications and Information Management 6.1* Communications Systems. 6.1.1 The communications system shall meet the requirements of the emergency services organization (ESO) for both routine and large-scale emergencies. 6.1.2 The communications system shall have the capacity to provide one dispatch radio channel and a separate tactical radio channel for initial use at the incident. 6.1.3 When a division or group has been implemented, the communications system shall have the capacity to provide a dispatch radio channel, a command radio channel, and a tactical radio channel. 6.1.4* The communications system shall provide reserve capacity for complex or multiple incidents. 6.1.5 The ESO shall provide for communications interoperability with mutual aid resources or other agencies that could be expected to respond to a major incident. 6.1.6 The ESO shall develop an information management system. 6.2 Protocols and Terminology. 6.2.1 The incident management system shall include SOPs for radio communications that provide for the use of standard protocols and terminology at all types of incidents. 6.2.2* Clear text/plain language shall be used for radio communications. 6.2.3* Standard terminology shall be established to transmit information, including strategic modes of operation, situation reports, and emergency notifications of imminent hazards. 6.3 Emergency Traffic. 6.3.1* To enable responders to be notified of an emergency condition or situation when they are assigned to an area designated as immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), at least one responder on each crew or company shall be equip⁠ped with a portable radio and each responder on the crew or company shall be equipped with either a portable radio or another means of electronic communication. 6.3.2* The communications system shall provide a standard method to give priority to the transmission of emergency messages and notification of imminent hazards over that of routine communications to all levels of the incident command structure. 6.3.2.1* The term “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” shall be used to alert responders that a member(s) need immediate help. 6.3.2.2 When a “Mayday” condition is announced on the radio for an immediate condition for a responder, the IC shall make sure the “Mayday” is broadcast utilizing the distinctive emergency traffic alert tones and a plan is implemented to facilitate the immediate action to address the situation. 6.3.3* To ensure that clear text/plain language is used for an emergency condition at an incident, the ESO shall have an SOP that uses the radio term emergency traffic as a designation to clear radio traffic. 6.3.4* “Emergency Traffic” or “Mayday” shall be declared by an incident commander, branch director, division/group supervisor, or any member that needs to address an emergency condition, or is aware of an emergency situation that hasn’t been broadcast on the radio channel. 6.3.5* When a responder has declared an “Emergency Traffic” message or a “Mayday” situation, that person shall use clear text/plain language to identify the type of emergency, change in conditions, or change in tactical operations. 6.3.6 When the emergency has been abated or all affected members have been made aware of the hazardous condition or emergency, the incident commander shall permit radio traffic to resume. 6.4 Telecommunicator Support. 6.4.1 The incident management system shall provide SOPs for a telecommunicator to provide support to emergency incident operations. 6.4.2 Telecommunicators shall be trained to function effectively within the incident management system and shall meet the qualifications required by NFPA 1061. 6.4.3* The incident commander shall be provided with reports of elapsed time-on-scene at emergency incidents in 15-minute intervals from the ESO communications center, until reports are terminated by the incident commander.