Spring Fire Department Radio Communications Guideline 2024 PDF

Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024...

Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024 Approved by: MISSION Review Date 23 Aug. 2025 CRITICAL Reviewed by Operations Scott C. Seifert Radio Communications Radio Communications 1. Executive Summary a. Only members of the Spring Fire Department are authorized to use department radios unless permitted by the Fire Chief or designee. b. Headsets must be used anytime a department vehicle equipped with headsets is in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel. c. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States. d. The UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System includes various channels for EMS operations, fire dispatch, and general operations, each monitored by dispatchers at all times. e. Tactical channels (COM 6-18) are not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned. f. The Standard Order Model is used for all radio communications, ensuring clear and concise message transmission. g. During high call volume, the dispatcher may limit routine radio traffic to priority traffic only. SFD.006 Uncontrolled if printed Page 1 of 6  Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024 Approved by: MISSION Review Date 23 Aug. 2025 CRITICAL Reviewed by Operations Scott C. Seifert Radio Communications 2. Purpose a. 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 a. All members must comply with this guideline regarding any radio communications. 4. Scope a. This guideline pertains to all department personnel that respond to or assist in emergency incidents. 5. Definitions a. See Glossary. 6. Procedures and Responsibilities a. The Communication i. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all radio communications in the United States. b. Radios i. 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. c. Headsets i. Headsets will be used anytime a department vehicle (equipped with headsets) is in movement, operation, or being utilized by personnel. SFD.006 Uncontrolled if printed Page 2 of 6  Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024 Approved by: MISSION Review Date 23 Aug. 2025 CRITICAL Reviewed by Operations Scott C. Seifert Radio Communications d. UHF Digital NexEdge Radio System i. COM 1: EMS Operations Channel 1. Patched with ESD 11-4(7/800) 2. Monitored by dispatchers at all time 3. General EMS operational radio traffic a. Units going in route, in service. b. On-scene operations and communications with dispatch 4. Multiple EMS incidents may run simultaneously on the channel ii. COM 2: Fire Dispatch Channel 1. Monitored by dispatchers at all times. 2. Primarily outgoing transmissions, No Talk in iii. COM 3: Operations Channel 1. Monitored by the dispatcher at all times. 2. Low acuity incidents will utilize this channel a. Those incidents not specifically listed as high acuity/critical. 3. General operational radio traffic a. Units going enroute, in service, etc. b. On-scene operations and communications with dispatch 4. Multiple incidents may run simultaneously on each channel iv. Tactical Channels, COM 6 -18 1. Not monitored by dispatch unless a working incident is assigned 2. High acuity/critical incidents a. Light Structure/Structure Fire b. MVI-entrapment c. Aircraft emergency d. As requested by Incident Commander i. IC may request monitored or not monitored channel e. As deemed necessary by dispatchers for communications management 3. Single incident per channel except in extraordinary circumstances 4. One dispatcher shall be dedicated to monitoring the tactical channel during critical incidents a. Dispatcher shall remain dedicated to the critical incident until the incident is declared under control. e. Operations and Radio Traffic Discipline i. No simulcast between Fire Dispatch and Operations channel and/or TAC channels SFD.006 Uncontrolled if printed Page 3 of 6  Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024 Approved by: MISSION Review Date 23 Aug. 2025 CRITICAL Reviewed by Operations Scott C. Seifert Radio Communications ii. Standard Order Model shall be used for all radio communications 1. When the sender is ready to transmit a message, they call the receiver to determine if they are ready to receive the message. 2. The receiver then acknowledges the sender. 3. When the sender receives the readiness reply, they can transmit the message 4. The receiver then gives a brief restatement of the message to acknowledge the receipt of the message. 5. The sender restates the message if misunderstood. iii. 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. iv. 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. 1. All enroute traffic occurs on the operations channel or assigned TAC channel. v. “Emergency Traffic” 1. From the Incident Commander to Dispatch relaying important/urgent information vi. “Priority Traffic” 1. 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. vii. 99 Bravo 1. 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 2. Law enforcement will be contacted advising units needing assistance f. BASIC RULES FOR RADIO OPERATION i. The manner in which radio operations are handled is often a measure of the efficiency of an organization and the attitude of its individuals. Observing simple basic rules will expedite message handling and improve working relationships among all concerned. Application of general guidelines outlined here will lead to professional performance. 1. Prior to transmitting, organize your thoughts and listen to make certain the talk groups are clear. 2. Keep all transmissions brief and to the point. Avoid long-winded descriptions and unnecessary repetition. 3. Speak distinctly and pronounce words carefully. Speak at a moderate speed using your conversational tone of voice with emphasis and rhythm. SFD.006 Uncontrolled if printed Page 4 of 6  Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024 Approved by: MISSION Review Date 23 Aug. 2025 CRITICAL Reviewed by Operations Scott C. Seifert Radio Communications 4. Avoid transmitting when audible emergency warning devices are operating. 5. Use official titles and authorized apparatus designations in all transmissions. 6. During all radio operations, remain cordial and calm. 7. Units should maintain radio discipline at all times. Avoid monopolizing or overuse of radio communications. 8. The use of thanks, please, and other expressions of courtesy are unnecessary and should not be used. 9. When you are finished using the microphone, secure it in a proper position to avoid an “open mic” which could be very damaging to essential and emergency radio traffic g. Radio Traffic during High Call Volume i. At times when multiple fire incidents are in progress, routine traffic may interfere with proper scene communications. During these times, the dispatcher may request a limitation of routine radio traffic by issuing a short alert tone, followed by “All Units Priority Traffic, Priority Traffic ONLY”. ii. Priority traffic transmissions should be limited to mission critical updates that will have significant impact on the status, safety, or stabilization of an incident. iii. When radio traffic returns to a manageable level the dispatcher will announce that radio traffic has returned to “normal operation”. 7. References & Related Policies a. 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 Other: 8. Contact Office a. The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: SFD.006 Uncontrolled if printed Page 5 of 6  Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 Standard Operating Guideline SFD.006 Revision No. 04 Issue Date 23 Aug. 2024 Effective Date 23 Aug. 2024 Approved by: MISSION Review Date 23 Aug. 2025 CRITICAL Reviewed by Operations Scott C. Seifert Radio Communications i. Company Officer 1. District Chief a. Deputy Chief of Operations i. Assistant Chief 1. Fire Chief 9. List of Changes Revision Approved Effective Description of Changes No. by 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. SFD.006 Uncontrolled if printed Page 6 of 6