Communications

1. Communications

2. Communications Main Topics: • Types of Communication • Communication Tools • Common Communication Terms • Radio Operation • Communication Considerations

3. Communications • Communication is the number one asset in any emergency or non-emergency type situation that you will encounter in the fire service.

4. Communications • Communication begins before the call goes out, and is used through the duration of the call, and is maintained until the responding units are back in their designated stations.

5. Types of Communication There are two main types of communication that you will use in the fire service: • Radio Communication • Face-to-Face Communication

6. Types of Communication Scenario: A 72 year old male falls down in the bathroom of a restaurant and breaks his hip. Unfortunately for the patient, there is no one around to immediately assist him. • The patient begins to yell for help. (Face-to-Face Communication) • A bystander hears him calling for help and goes to check out the person yelling for help. The patient briefly explains to the bystander what happened. (Face-to-Face Communication) • The bystander calls 911 and explains the situation to the dispatcher. (Phone Communication)

7. Communications Scenario: • The dispatcher then dispatches the appropriate units to the call. (Radio and Pager Communication) • The units responding advise dispatch that they are responding. (Radio or Computer Communication) • The responding units then advise dispatch that they are on scene. (Radio or Computer Communication) • The responders then make patient contact and begin patient care. (Face-to-Face Communication)

8. Communications Scenario: • The responders on scene then advise dispatch that they will be transporting the patient code one to the hospital. (Radio or Computer Communication) • The responders then give a brief patient care report to the hospital while in route. (Radio or Phone Communication) • The responding unit then advises dispatch that they are out at the hospital. (Radio Communication) • The responders then transfer patient care over to the appropriate hospital staff. (Face-to-Face, Comp., and Written Communication)

9. Communications Scenario: • The unit then advises dispatch that they have cleared the hospital and are in route back to their station. (Radio or Computer Communication) • The unit then advises dispatch that they are back in station. (Radio or Computer Communication)

10. Radio Communications Communication Tools: • Mobile Radios (Truck Radio) • 800 MHZ Handheld Radios • VHF Handheld Radios • Alpha Numeric and Minitor Pagers • Computers and Written (PCR’s) • Phones (*Cell Phones are becoming more and more useful in emergency operations particularly in our area due to topography.)

11. Communication Terms Commonly Used Communication Terms: • “800”---This refers to the 800 MHZ radio. • “On Scene”---This means you have arrived at the incident. • “Clear”---This means you are through with the call and are and are leaving the scene. • “Available in local area.”---This means that you are available outside your station in your district.

12. Communication Terms Commonly Used Communication Terms: • “Stand-By”---Hold your traffic. • “May Day”---Emergent situation. • “Received”---”okay.” • Incident Command (IC)---Person ultimately reasonable for and in charge of the entire scene. • “Emergency Traffic”---The person has emergency traffic and it is very important that you not speak during this time.

13. Communication Terms Commonly Used Communication Terms: • “Scene Size-Up”---This is the over all first general impression of the the scene typically given by the first unit that arrives on scene. • “B-Channel”---This is a tactical channel assigned by dispatch for larger scale calls. • “Negative”---No. • “Box Alarm”---Typically refers to a brush or structure fire.

14. Communication Terms Commonly Used Communication Terms: • “Pin-In”---Vehicle Rescue. • “Entrapment”---Typically this refers to a patient that is trapped in a vehicle but is not pinned-in. • “Affirmative”---Yes. • “Negative Signal 4”---This is a code word for dispatch in case of accidental activation of the emergency button.

15. Communication Terms Commonly Used Communication Terms: • “Public Service”---Call by telephone.

16. Communication Terms Remember we do not use “10 codes,” or phrases like “over,” “come-in,” or any “Trucker Talk!!!”

17. Radio Operation The following tips will help you when using your radio: • Switching to a “B-Channel:” To switch to “B Channel”, you push the button with a single purple dot located underneath the screen. This is the “Zone” button. Then you scroll one click to the right using the round arrow button in the center of the key pad. This will put you in the “B Bank.” Then you use the knob located on the top of the radio to scroll to what ever “B-Channel” you are switching too.

18. Radio Operation • Returning to Metro-North: To return to Metro-North you simply hold down the button with the house on it for two seconds and it will automatically switch back to metro-north regardless of what channel you are on. • Scanning: To scan multiple channels on your radio, use the silver switch located at the top of your radio and switch it to “A.” Remember, when you are on a “B Channel,” you will not be able to scan the other channels.

19. Radio Operation • Switching to ESD 1A or ESD 1B: To switch to these channels you just use the knob at the top of your radio and scroll to channel 11 for 1A or 12 for 1B. You can also scroll to any other dispatch channel or ESD 6 or 8. • Using the Emergency Indicator Button: To use this button you simply push the orange button on top of your radio and it will activate. Remember, if you accidentally push this button, use the code word “Negative Signal 4” to dispatch.

20. Radio Operation • Switching to a PSAF: To switch to a PSAF, you push the “Zone” button, scroll to the right using the arrow key until you get to the “D” bank, and then use the knob on top to switch to which ever PSAF channel you are assigned. Note: You will only use this particular channel for a Williamson County mutual Aid call.

21. Communication Considerations Since communication is our number one asset, it is important for all of us to consider the people we are trying to convey information to regardless of what type of communication we are using. The following are some suggestions that should be considered while communicating: • Use a moderate rate of speaking. • Use moderate expression in speech. • Speak clearly and confidently. • Use a vocal quality that is not to strong or to weak. • Keep things such as gum and snuff out of your mouth. • Be concise and to the point. • Do not transmit until the channel is clear.

22. Communication Considerations • Do not use anyprofane or obscene language. • Hold the microphone at least 2-3 inches from your mouth. • Pay attention to what is being said. • Repeat any directive given back to the person who gave it to you. • Give good and precise information the first time. • When transmitting identify who you are talking to first, and then identify yourself. (Hey you it’s me.) • Think about what you are going to say before transmitting. • When talking truck-to-truck use ESD 1A or 1B. • You can also use the ESD channels for small operations. • When communicating with Star Flight use MedComWest. • Do not use “10-Codes or trucker lingo…....ever………eevvveeerr!!!”

23. Conclusion

24. Questions or Comments?