Satellite Phone Use & Accountability Policy PDF

**PURPOSE** This document was created to assign accountability, establish the storage location, as well as guide on the use and post-use procedures for the fire department satellite phone. **POLICY** It is the policy of the Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue (BCFR), when possible and practical, to...

**PURPOSE** This document was created to assign accountability, establish the storage location, as well as guide on the use and post-use procedures for the fire department satellite phone. **POLICY** It is the policy of the Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue (BCFR), when possible and practical, to provide our personnel with the communications tools that will promote a safe environment when we are responding to, and from emergencies. We institute a variety of devices that will work in a variety of topographical conditions so that overall safety and response is maximized. One specific device is a Satellite phone, which may only be used as a last resort when the other devices do not work. **PROCEDURE** I. **ACCOUNTABILITY** A. The phone shall be visually checked and listed in the daily asset log by the station officer at the beginning of the shift. II. **STORAGE OF PHONE** A. The phone shall be stored inside the station, in an area close to the station/apparatus bay access doors, for easy access. B. The phone shall always be powered on, and plugged into the charger, when it's sitting at the station. III. **USE OF SATELLITE PHONE** A. The satellite phone issued to station 41 and Battalion 7 is for emergency field use only and not for routine communication. B. It is the responsibility of the officer of the Engine and Paramedic of the Rescue, to take their phone from the station on all calls in District 41, or mutual aid to Torrance County when responding to calls for emergency services. 1. Any unit going into areas with known communications issues should take the phone with them. 2. C. The phone is to be used for communication when the crew's health or safety is in jeopardy in areas without radio or cellular phone coverage. D. If the crew is in need of communications on an emergency incident, and requires communication, the order of communication device priority is: 1. Handheld radio 2. Unit radio 3. VHF radio 4. Cellular phone if available 5. Satellite phone E. The phone is pre-programmed with the phone number for the Bernalillo County Emergency Communications Center (BCECC) in the directory. 1. If you need to speak to anyone other than the BCECC, you will still call the BCECC number and the dispatcher will transfer the call as required. F. To maximize signal efficiency, the antenna needs to be extended and pointing straight up. 1. If it's held to your head at an angle, the antenna needs to be turned and pointing straight up. 2. It might be necessary to move to a higher location, if positioned in a narrow valley, to increase signal strength. 3. **Inclement** weather might interfere with signal strength, so appropriate pre-planning is advised when away from the station. IV. **POST USE** A. Inspect the phone after use and return to the station. 1. Any damage must be reported and the associated risk management paperwork must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of the discovery. B. Any issues with the phone should be reported to the Division Chief of Support Services. **REVIEW/REVISION** 1/02/2023 - Removed reference to leaving single phone at station as both units have phone. - Removed using patient home landline as communication tool under III. (D.). - Removed requirement of station officer to notify Battalion and justify use. - Changed problem reporting under section IV. to Division Chief of Support Services.