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Chapter 3 Communications and

Alarms

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IntroductionEffective emergency responseEffective telecommunicationProactive measures to ensure

communication qualityTeaching communications skillsCommunications systemsModern technology

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The communications process must be complete and clearly understood in order to be effective.

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Communications PersonnelReceives emergency requests

Evaluates need for responseSounds the alarm

Provides pre-arrival instructionsNFPA 1061Quality training program; work

performance evaluationAdequate staffing levels at

communications centers

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The Communications FacilityReceive and disseminate

emergency and non-emergency information

NFPA 1221Built in area where little risk of damageLimited traffic and exposure to hazardsFew windows; outside entrances monitoredBackup power systems

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Computers in the Fire ServiceMany departments incorporate

computer systems in the communications systems.

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systemsHandle increased call volume

Uses for computersCreate and store recordsStatistical analysisProvide informationAccess to off-site databases

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Receiving Reports ofEmergencies

Call-taking processSpeed is very important.Telecommunicators must prioritize

calls. Important calls get fastest attention.

Calls should be answered in priority.

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The work flow of call processing by a public safety telecommunicator.

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Receiving Reports ofEmergencies (cont.)

Telecommunicators should:Speak slowly and clearly Project authority and knowledgeUse plain, everyday languageRemain polite and friendly

Telecommunicator must control the conversation.

Non-emergency calls should be accommodated.

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Receiving Reports ofEmergencies (cont.)

Obtain the following information:Location and nature of the emergencyCallback numberCaller’s location SituationSecure information such as landmarks

Life safety is of primary importance.Information relayed to field unitsNote caller’s proximity to incident locationDeploy emergency apparatusEmergency medical calls

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Methods of ReceivingReports of Emergencies

Common means for receiving reportsConventional telephonesWireless or cellular telephonesEmergency call boxesAutomatic alarmsTDD equipment Still alarms or walk ups

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Some call boxes are equipped with signal switches that allow the caller to select the type of emergency being reported.

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Emergency Services Deployment

Must know nature of emergency for most effective emergency responseCommon situations and pre-assignments

Deployment plansManual run card systemGlobal Positioning System (GPS) Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)

system

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AVL systems help to locate the response unit closest to an incident location.

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Basic deployment process is the same for manual and automated systems. Verify location and nature of emergency Determine available resources

Fire station alerting must comply with NFPA standards.

CAD systemsMobile data terminals and computers

Speed and accuracy

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Emergency Services Deployment (cont.)

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Traffic Control SystemsEmergency preemption systems

control traffic signals.Transition to priority right-of-way

for emergency vehiclesAllow response vehicle to change

the traffic control signals.Utilize different technology; use

variety of systems.

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Radio Systems and ProceduresOnce personnel deployed,

communicators provide supportSimplex system

Simplistic design; reduced costLimited range; interference

Duplex systemTwo frequencies per channel

Multisite trunkingMultiple transmitters on different

channels

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Multisite trunked radio systems provide perhaps the best coverage and also offer direct benefits associated with the most efficient use of radio

resources.

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Radio Systems andProcedures (cont.)

Proper radio discipline Avoid clipping beginning or end of message. Be brief but concise. Avoid touching any radio antenna. Do not eat, or use slang, profanity, or jargon. Speak clearly across microphone.

Portable units Ten codesClear speech Electronic tones

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Proper use of a mobile radio microphone.

Improper use of a mobile radio microphone.

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The user has positioned the portable radio properly and is speaking across the microphone.

The user shows the improper positioning of a portable radio.

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Radio ReportsFirst unit arriving gives size-up

Correct addressSituation evaluationEmergency location in the buildingBuilding information, potential occupantsRequest for other agency supportLocation of on-scene command post Identity of incident commanderBrief action plan for the incident

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Radio Reports (cont.)First status report and follow-up

reportsProcedures for reporting life-

threatening conditions and assistanceTraditional terminologyEmergency traffic: possible life-threatening

informationMayday: member is in trouble and needs

assistanceMust receive priority over the radio

Department procedures mayday

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Mobile Support VehiclesUsed for major events involving

fire and EMSOn-scene command post

DeploymentHighly specializedSize depends on jurisdiction

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Lessons LearnedTelecommunicator is the first

person “on the scene.”Impact of citizens’ impression of

departmentCollects information and

transmits to first respondersAnswers incoming calls quickly,

gains control of the call, and calms caller

Makes use of all available resources

Plays vital role in successful outcome of an emergency incident