Spring Fire Department Radio Communications Guideline PDF
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Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7
2024
Scott C. Seifert
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Summary
This document is a guideline for radio communications protocols within the Spring Fire Department. It outlines procedures, responsibilities, and channel usage for various incident types, focusing on clear and concise communication during emergency situations. The document details operational channels like EMS, Fire Dispatch, and general operations.
Full Transcript
# 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.