Spring Fire Department Radio Communications Guideline PDF

# Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline - Radio Communications ## SFD.006 - Revision: 0 - Issue Date: 23 Aug. 2024 - Effective Date: 23 Aug. 2024 - Review Date: 23 Aug. 2025 - Operation: Approved by: Scott C. Seifert - Reviewed by: S ## Radio Communication...

# Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline - Radio Communications ## SFD.006 - Revision: 0 - Issue Date: 23 Aug. 2024 - Effective Date: 23 Aug. 2024 - Review Date: 23 Aug. 2025 - Operation: Approved by: Scott C. Seifert - Reviewed by: S ## Radio Communications ### 1. Executive Summary - Only members of the Spring Fire Department are authorized to use department radios unless permitted by the Fire Chief or designee. - Headsets must be used anytime a department vehicle equipped with headsets is in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel. - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States. - The UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System includes various channels for EMS operations, fire dispatch, and general operations, each monitored by dispatchers at all times. - Tactical channels (COM 6-18) are not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned. - The Standard Order Model is used for all radio communications, ensuring clear and concise message transmission. - During high call volume, the dispatcher may limit routine radio traffic to priority traffic only. ### 2. Purpose - To provide a guideline that standardizes communications and the proper terminology while utilizing Spring Fire Department radios. - It is also provided to reflect our continued professionalism and conduct in the use of the radio, since news and the public monitor it, and to reduce unnecessary “traffic” on the radio. ### 3. Policy Statement - All members must comply with this guideline regarding any radio communications. ### 4. Scope - This guideline pertains to all department personnel that respond to or assist in emergency incidents. ### 5. Definitions - See Glossary. ### 6. Procedures and Responsibilities - **The Communication** - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States. - **Radios** - Only members of the Spring Fire Department are authorized to use department radios unless permitted by the Fire Chief or designee. - Mutual Aid departments may use Spring Fire Department radios for on-scene communications during emergency incidents. - **Headsets** - Headsets will be used anytime a department vehicle (equipped with headsets) is in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel. - **UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System** - **COM 1: EMS Operations Channel** - Patched with ESD 11-4(7/800) - Monitored by dispatchers at all time - General EMS operational radio traffic - Units going in route, in service. - On-scene operations and communications with dispatch - Multiple EMS incidents may run simultaneously on the channel - **COM 2: Fire Dispatch Channel** - Monitored by dispatchers at all times. - Primarily outgoing transmissions, No Talk in - **COM 3: Operations Channel** - Monitored by the dispatcher at all times. - Low acuity incidents will utilize this channel - Those incidents not specifically listed as high acuity/critical. - General operational radio traffic - Units going enroute, in service, etc. - On-scene operations and communications with dispatch - Multiple incidents may run simultaneously on each channel - **Tactical Channels, COM 6 -18** - Not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned - High acuity/critical incidents - Light Structure/Structure Fire - MVI-entrapment - Aircraft emergency - As requested by Incident Commander - IC may request monitored or not monitored channel - As deemed necessary by dispatchers for communications management - Single incident per channel except in extraordinary circumstances - One dispatcher shall be dedicated to monitoring the tactical channel during critical incidents - Operations and Radio Traffic Discipline - No simulcast between Fire Dispatch and Operations channel and/or TAC channels - When the sender is ready to transmit a message, they call the receiver to determine if they are ready to receive the message. - The receiver then acknowledges the sender. - When the sender receives the readiness reply, they can transmit the message - The receiver then gives a brief restatement of the message to acknowledge the receipt of the message. - The sender restates the message if misunderstood. - Field units needing to call in incidents shall do so on COM 3: Operations Channel. Once the initial notification has been made, the dispatcher will notify the unit to remain on the operations channel or switch to the appropriate TAC channel. - Units shall monitor the Fire Dispatch Channel for incident notifications. Once dispatched, units will switch to directed Operations or Tac channel for all incident communications. - All enroute traffic occurs on the operations channel or assigned TAC channel. - “Emergency Traffic” - From the Incident Commander to Dispatch relaying important/urgent information - “Priority Traffic” - Used by those operating in the hazard zone to the Incident Commander relaying important/urgent information that interrupts normal communications flow that requires immediate attention. - 99 Bravo - Term used when a personnel unit believe they are in danger, cannot retreat to safety, and cannot provide details on the radio without further jeopardizing their safety - Dispatcher shall remain dedicated to the critical incident until the incident is declared under control. ### 7. References & Related Policies - This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, or other related internal policies or guidelines. - NFPA: Applicable State or Federal Statutes - OSHA: Spring FD - TCFP: CPSE PI - ISO: TFCA ### 8. Contact Office - The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: - Company Officer - District Chief - Deputy Chief of Operations - Assistant Chief - 1. Fire Chief ### 9. List of Changes | Revision No. | Description of Changes | Approved by | Effective Date | |---|---|---|---| ### 10. Errors - See something wrong? Click here or use this QR code to submit an error or inconsistency. This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline.