FIRE FIGHTER I CLEAR RADIO TEXT AND COMMON TERMINOLOGY TOPIC: TIME FRAME: 1:00. Level I LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: AUTHORITY: 1997 NFPA

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1 TOPIC: CLEAR RADIO TEXT AND COMMON TERMINOLOGY TIME FRAME: 1:00 LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: Level I AUTHORITY: 1997 NFPA BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVE: Condition: Behavior: Standard: A written test The student will confirm a knowledge of clear radio text and common terminology by completing the written test With a minimum 80% accuracy according to the information contained in the Incident Command System, IFSTA, First Edition, Appendix N, and Field Operations Guide, FIRESCOPE, 1999 Edition, Chapters 11, 17 and Appendix A MATERIALS NEEDED: Writing board with markers/erasers Appropriate audiovisual equipment Appropriate audiovisual materials REFERENCES: D-105 Administrator's Guide, NWCG (NFES 2233), 1992 Edition Field Operations Guide, FIRESCOPE, 1999 Edition Incident Command System, IFSTA, First Edition PREPARATION: Proper use of the radio requires the use of clear text and common terminology instead of various codes. The intent of the use of "clear text" and "common terminology" is to paint a clear picture and reduce confusion, particularly where different agencies are working together. Confusion could result in inefficient operations causing greater loss of life or property. Page 0

2 I. ADVANTAGES TO THE FIRE SERVICE A. Clear text 1. Concise 2. Plain English 3. Easily understood 4. No agency specific codes B. Common terminology 1. Same system as used in FIRESCOPE's Incident Command System 2. Allows different fire department jurisdictions to understand one another 1) Type I Engine Strike Team is the same throughout the state C. Allows easy integration of agencies, private companies, and organizations other than the fire service into emergency operations II. 1. Provides multiagency coordination CLEAR TEXT RADIO TERMINOLOGY DEFINITIONS A. What is your location? 1. Announce your present location B. Disregard 1. Don't pay attention to the radio traffic C. Standby 1. Wait for additional instruction 2. Wait for other radio users to continue with higher priority traffic D. Is available for a phone call? Does the fire service need to integrate with other agencies? Page 2

3 E. Contact the communications center 1. Call your dispatch center by phone F. On-scene 1. Used when units arrive at the scene of an incident 2. The person speaking on the radio identifies who is being called first, then who is speaking 1) "Mariposa, Engine 99, on-scene" G. Can handle 1. Used when the amount of equipment needed to handle the incident is sufficient 1) "Mariposa, Engine 99, can handle" H. Fire contained 1. There is a line built around the fire but still potential for the fire to jump control lines I. Fire under control 1. To complete a control line around a fire and cool all hot spots 2. The line can be expected to hold under foreseeable conditions J. Emergency traffic only 1. Radio users will limit all radio traffic to emergency in progress or a new incident What does clear text message "on-scene" mean? What is the difference between "fire contained" and "fire under control?" Page 3

4 2. Radio traffic includes status information a) Responding b) Reports on conditions c) On-scene and available may be authorized during this period K. Emergency traffic 1. Used to clear designated channels used at an incident for life/safety radio traffic 2. All other radio users unless directly related to the emergency will refrain from using the radio until cleared by the communications center or IC s 1) "Fire fighter down" 2) "Immediate change in tactical operations" 3. The term "mayday" shall not be used a) This could cause confusion with the term used for aeronautical and nautical emergencies L. Priority traffic 1. This term is used to gain control of a radio frequency to report very important traffic 2. You are assigned a task and you are unable to complete your objective 1) "Mariposa, Engine 99, priority traffic" M. Resume normal traffic Why can't the term "mayday" be used? What would be an example of "priority traffic?" Page 4

5 1. The emergency traffic is completed and radio users may resume routine traffic N. Routine traffic 1. Radio use that involves resources changing locations, incident numbers, call times, and other nonemergency traffic O. Unreadable 1. Used when signal received is not clear 2. In most cases, try to address the specific trouble a) Under modulating (low modulation) b) Background noise P. Copy, copies 1. Used to acknowledge message is received 2. Unit identifier must also be used 1) "Mariposa, Engine 99, copies" Q. Affirmative 1. Yes R. Negative 1. No What is "routine traffic?" What does "copy" mean? Page 5

6 S. Respond, responding 1. Used during dispatch to mean "proceed to" or "proceeding to" the incident 1) "Mariposa, Engine 99, responding" T. En route 1. Normally used by administrative or staff positions 2. Can be used by resources proceeding to nonemergency incidents 3. "Responding" is used for proceeding to an emergency incident 4. "En route" is used for proceeding to nonemergency incidents 5. Public service, move-up/cover assignments 6. "En route" is not a substitute for "responding" U. In quarters 1. Used to indicate that a unit is in a station 2. When the unit is in quarters not normally assigned 1) "Mariposa, Engine 99, in quarters Bagby" V. Out-of-service What is the difference between responding and en route? What type of incidents would you say "en route?" When would you use your station name or number? Page 6

7 1. Indicate why the unit is out-of-service a) Mechanical b) Uncovered c) Training W. In-service 1. This term means that a unit is operating, not in response to a dispatch X. Resource request 1. Specify resource type a) Engines b) Patrols c) Water Tenders d) Squad e) Supplies f) Frequencies 2. Example a) "Mariposa, Engine, resource request, engine, and water tenders" What types of resources might you request? Page 7

8 SUMMARY: The fire service's main tool of communication is the radio. The use of clear text and common terminology is a crucial part of effective communications during routine and emergency incidents. Your fire department must be able to communicate within its own organization as well as other jurisdictions. In addition, all fire departments must be able to effectively communicate with other agencies and private companies. Clear text includes painting a picture without the use of 10 Codes or other department specific codes. When all agencies are speaking the same language, confusion is reduced and effective communications is accomplished. EVALUATION: The student will complete the written test at a time determined by the instructor. ASSIGNMENT: Review your notes and read Incident Command System, IFSTA, First Edition, Appendix N, and Field Operations Guide, FIRESCOPE, 1999 Edition, Chapters 11, 17 and Appendix A in order to prepare yourself for the upcoming test. Study for our next session. Page 8