Radio Traffic and Use PDF

RADIO TRAFFIC AND USE A. High Call Volume NORMAL: This term is used for normal radio traffic usage. The only time this term should be used is when returning to this mode of traffic from Priority traffic. PRIORITY: This term will be used when there is an influx in call...

RADIO TRAFFIC AND USE A. High Call Volume NORMAL: This term is used for normal radio traffic usage. The only time this term should be used is when returning to this mode of traffic from Priority traffic. PRIORITY: This term will be used when there is an influx in call volume to the center and the normal radio traffic will interfere with normal operations. All units should be made aware that the Commcenter has gone into Priority radio traffic, and that all “non-essential” radio transmissions should be ceased. EMERGENCY: This term should only be used when a dispatcher hears a “MAYDAY” or another life threatening radio transmission on a channel that is not assigned to a fire ground scene. Most of the time the term Emergency should only be transmitted from the fire ground when a member at the scene witnesses a life threatening event. If you do hear a call for “MAYDAY” or another emergency transmission contact the IC that the firefighter is on and advise them that there is a firefighter calling a “MAYDAY.” Does This affect Acknowledgement Radio Traffic Comments Response? Required? Chief Officers responding Yes Chiefs are always our friends! Yes to incident Priority 1 Apparatus w/ MDT’s on Box Alarms should voice for Yes Apparatus En Route Yes members but don’t have to have Priority 1 acknowledgement Additional apparatus with Yes First apparatus on scene MDT’s could update and don’t Yes Priority 1 have to be acknowledged All accept last unit could update Apparatus Yes, may affect Yes with MDT’s and don’t have to be In Service future response Priority 1 acknowledged Chief Officers going Yes Primarily for membership info No in/out of district Priority 2  Comm Center knows the call was heard and the truck will be Yes Apparatus 10-10 Yes responding shortly. Re-page Priority 2 timers are cancelled Maybe- Non Fire Officer’s CommCenter A firefighter first on scene to give No responding to scene / knows the call was size up would be acknowledged Yes on size up station heard and someone is responding First station officer Comm Center is not required to Yes Maybe responding to station acknowledge Priority 2 Station Officers going Primarily for membership info No No in/out of district Apparatus clearing the No such status; however last unit scene should advise call may be cleared No No after all address changes are (different from available) made and notes entered in CAD. Primarily for membership info. Apparatus on the air for MDT equipped apparatus should No No PR/Fuel/Training/Etc. use appropriate status switch B. Members are to avoid unnecessary telephone calls and radio transmissions to the ComCenter. In the event the individual misunderstands an emergency dispatch the individual shall not telephone the ComCenter. C. Important Considerations Just because you have a radio does not mean you have to talk. Assure your message will add value to the incident Listen before speaking to assure clear air Push the push-to-talk button 1 second prior to speaking to activate the repeater Assure your message content prior to keying up Use short phrases Assure others understand what you are saying – confirm if necessary D. Consider Priorities Command staff has highest priority Responding to the station – consider how many are enough??!!!! Apparatus enroute – each one POV to scene – MAXIMUM of two stating enroute Rehab Team – enroute only statement On scene – Common Sense Makes Good Sense E. Fire Department Designators 10- Champions VFD 60- Ponderosa VFD 20- Cypress Creek VFD 70- Spring VFD 30- Klein VFD 80- Little York VFD 40- Northwest VFD 90- Northeast VFD 50- Cypress Creek EMS 40 – Westlake VFD F. Radio Numbers Title Number Command Staff Chief 6001 Asst. Chief 6002 Deputy Chief 6003 Captain St. 61 6111 Captain St. 62 6211 Captain St. 63 6311 Fire Marshal 6024 Appointed Officers Junior Captain 6112 Lieutenant Sta. 61 6113 Lieutenant Sta. 61 6114 Lieutenant Sta. 62 6213 Lieutenant Sta. 62 6214 Lieutenant Sta. 63 6313 Dept. Safety Officer 6021 Dept. Medical Officer 6027