901: Radio Communication

INTRODUCTION - The department uses handheld and mobile in-vehicle radios to communicate between each other. There is one base frequency, three talkaround channels, training and detective channels, and interop channels. LSFD often refers to their dispatch base as Metro, while other agencies will say “Los Santos” (LSCoFD) or “Blaine County” (BCFD).

901.1 Introduction to Radio Communications

The proper way to speak over a handheld or radio communicator is important for proper information being relayed to and from a scene or personnel on site. Communications in a fire agency are turned around- instead of saying who is broadcasting; you would say who you are trying to reach first- and then state who is reaching that person. An example would be "Engine 42 from Truck 19, come up." This can also be applied to crew positions on an apparatus; or can be applied directly to a specific member you're trying to reach. An example; "Stetson from Arcade, Come up." - Keep in mind, when speaking directly to another member in the fashion above, it can be informal to a certain degree- and shouldn't last longer than five seconds over a broadcast. Unless you've specifically called for a clear band to broadcast over, or in the context of providing ample room for others to communicate.

Common Phrases -

• Metro, from [Apparatus] responding.

• Metro, from [Apparatus] on scene at the 7000 Block, Atlee Street. 

• Metro, from [Apparatus]- Requesting additional [Specify kind of resource] resources to [Location.]

• Metro, from [Location IC], knock down as of [time]

901.2 Communication Codes / Terminology

Fire Departments typically do not use terminology over the radio, as it isn't necessary for the circumstances of the type of job firefighters do. In comparison to Police Officers; this is quite the difference. There are some words or short-libbed terms that are exercised in some cases though.

• Knockdown - A fire is no longer spreading or has been doused and rendered inert.

• Mayday - Any situation where a firefighter is unable to safely exit the hazard zone or an event that cannot be resolved by. Any member working on duty is empowered to call a Mayday when the above conditions exist.

• Canceled - This unit has been canceled from responding or preparing to respond to a call-out. Typically to save resources or to assign to a different call.

• BCC - Bureau of Central Communications; Dispatch, Central, Control- Whatever you call it. BCC is the epicenter of relaying communications between agencies using switchbacks and manual communications. The use of BCC is not required in transmission, but can be relayed by just saying the prefix before the term.

  • • • • County BCC: Used in Countywide Jurisdictions.

        • Metro BCC: Used in Metropolitan Jurisdictions (I.E City of Los Santos)

• Code R(Robert);  A unit shall always respond with lights and sirens activated to any incident unless specified by an incident command member specifying it as being non-emergent or Code R not being required. 

  • NOTE: It shall also be noted that Law Enforcement recognizes Code R as a request for an Urban Patrol Rifle, according to the Law Enforcement Manual. It is strongly advised to use this term exclusively with Fire Department Members as to not cause confusion.

901.3 Mutual Aid Requests

Mutual aid is assistance that is dispatched, upon request, by the responding fire department. Typically, it is requested upon arrival at the scene. Mutual aid is defined by a signed contractual agreement. Generally, Mutual Aid programs are only recognized for water supply or major disaster scenarios. Incidents that require Mutual Aid will be handled on a Mutual Aid Request System (MARS) handled by a Battalion Chief or Senior Communications Operator within the Bureau of Central Communications. (BCC)

901.4 Law Enforcement Presence, and Requests

Law Enforcement shall be requested by the MDT function, 'REQUEST LEO'. Any other methods of requests will not be acceptable by department standards. Law Enforcement Officials shall be requested under the following circumstances:

• A combative or actively resisting patient is unable to make rational decisions on their own accord.

• Self-Inflicted injuries, not limited to: Shootings, Stabbings, Immolation, Self-Harm, or other negative attritional effects on a person's well-being.

• Injuries caused by a third party involvement; I.E An attempted stabbing or shooting.

• Crimes committed in the presence of EMS or Fire Crews.

• Self-Preservation under any circumstances deemed imminently requiring Law Enforcement Intervention.

• Signs of Domestic Violence, or Sexual Abuse.

• Incidents involving department members result in injury or death.

901.5 Activation of Emergency Distress Signals, by handheld or otherwise

Members are authorized to activate their distress signal if the rational belief that imminent danger is approaching by a person or animal, and time to make a request is not feasible or logically possible. In regards of using a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS); Firefighters equipped with such shall use PASS alarms in lieu of an Emergency Distress Signal.