FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT BASIC TRAINING SECTION Introduction Instructor’s Name Emergency procedures Exits Phones Bathrooms Breaks Questions Admin & Logistics notes: Copy of handout for each recruit (6 slides per page, double sided). Equipment needed 1 radio, antenna, battery and handmike per recruit (leave disassembled) 1 complete radio for instructor. Also a battery that is on low charge to demonstrate low battery signal. ENSURE THAT ALL RADIOS ARE ON A TRAINING CHANNEL PRIOR TO BEGINNING CLASS Contact UFO/DPSC to activate EA and Evacuation Tones on 46D Training 2 One copy of NOVA Procedural Bulletin 2008-002 Emergency Activation (EA) Button per recruit REVSION DATE: 3/3/09

MOTOROLA XTL/XTS5000 MOBILE & PORTABLE RADIOS As was noted in your Communications class earlier, effective communication on the fireground is critical. The process of receiving a call for service, through to dispatch relies on systems and technology working so that the firefighter on the street receives and understands what is required of them. In the NOVA and most of the COG region, that radio communication utilizes the Motorola XTL/XTS 5000 radio systems. In this period of instruction you will learn more about these systems.

REFERENCES NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications Fairfax County FRD Communications Manual NOVA Procedural Bulletin 2008-002 Emergency Activation (EA) Button Motorola ASTRO XTS 5000 User Guide NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 6.2.2 Fairfax County FRD Communications Manual (May 2007) NOVA Procedural Bulletin 2008-002 Emergency Activation (EA) Button Motorola ASTRO XTS 5000 User Guide

CLASS GOALS Demonstrate the proper method of operating a portable radio. Understand the proper method of operating a mobile radio. Demonstrate the proper method of operating a portable radio. Demonstrate the proper method of operating a mobile radio.

XTS-5000 LAYOUT Power On / Off Volume Control Rotary Select Knob Push-to-Talk (PTT) Button Keypad Lock Review components, following slides will discuss each in more detail. The XTS-5000 is a 3 watt radio. Emergency Activation Button 3 – Position Switch A: Scan Off B: Scan On C: Scan On Microphone Display Screen Soft key Pad

ICONS Battery Status Flashes when Battery is Low. Call Received Discuss various icons Call Received Indicates receipt of a Private Call or Page / Call alert Scan Indicates radio is scanning. Program Radio is in View Program state. Direct / Talkaround Indicates radio is in Direct / Talkaround mode and not receiving system communication.

INSTALL/REMOVE ANTENNA Screw the antenna into the antenna receptacle on top the radio. Tighten the antenna firmly with your fingers. Screw the antenna into the antenna receptacle on top the radio. Tighten the antenna firmly with your fingers.

INSTALL/REMOVE BATTERY TO INSTALL BATTERY: Turn off the radio and hold it with the back of the radio facing upward. Align the three slots at the top of the battery with the three tabs on the back of the radio. Rotate the battery down to the radio and squeeze together until the battery clicks into place. TO REMOVE THE BATTERY: Press in on the battery release button on the bottom of the battery. Pull the battery away from the radio and remove. A flashing light indicator will appear on the screen when a low battery is detected. An audible tone will sound every 30 seconds when this condition exists. Note: The battery must be charged before use. Memory effect is a phenomenon that causes a loss in battery capacity or voltage due to repetitive shallow discharging or long – term overcharging.

HANDMIKE Handmike allows for placing microphone closer to user In fire incidents the cord has burned through DEMONSTRATE ATTACHING HANDMIKE DEMONSTRATE ABILITY TO USE PTT ON RADIO EVEN IF HANDMIKE IS ATTACHED. This is critical is cord is burned through Guidance from Communications is not to screw handmike in, should be able to breakaway to avoid entanglement hazard. Discuss storage of radio in coat pocket.

TURN RADIO ON / OFF SET VOLUME Turn the radio on by rotating the On / Off / Volume Control Knob clockwise. Turn the radio off by rotating the On / Off Volume Control Knob counterclockwise until you hear a “click.” Turn the radio on by rotating the On / Off / Volume Control Knob clockwise. Turn the radio off by rotating the On / Off Volume Control Knob counterclockwise until you hear a “click.” Turn the On / Off / Volume Control Knob clockwise to increase volume, counterclockwise to decrease volume. SET VOLUME 1. Turn the On / Off / Volume Control Knob clockwise to increase volume, counterclockwise to decrease volume. VOLUME-UP

SELECT A ZONE 46C TRAIN 1 TRN 414 MUTE ZONE VIEW Press the key below ZONE. The current zone name E flashes on the display. Press the arrow keys until the desired zone name appears on the display. GO TO BU ZONE Press the HOME button to lock in the displayed zone. Pressing the HOME button for 2 seconds will return you to 4A DISP Go back to 46D2. Now turn the channel to 46A and 46P. Talkgroup 4P (Papa) is the simulcast talkgroup of 4A (Alpha). Talkgroup 4P was designed for us when we may be unable to locate a specific channel due to limited or zero visibility. 4P allows us to turn the channel selector knob all the way in either direction and reach dispatch. As a safety measure, no matter which of the Fairfax zones you are in (4 or 41-49), you can turn to Dispatch by turning the channel all the way to the left or all the way to the right. DEMONSTRATE 1 3 2 Press the key below ZONE. The current zone name “4” flashes on the display. Press the arrow keys until the desired zone name appears on the display. Press the HOME button to lock in the displayed zone. Pressing the HOME button for 2 seconds will return you to 4A DISP Go back to 46D2. Now turn the channel to 46A and 46P.

FAIRFAX ZONE 4 CHANNELS/TALKGROUPS Dispatch- Talkgroups 4A/4P Talkgroup 4A (Alpha) is used as the primary dispatch channel. This means that 4Alpha should be clear of all unit traffic. Response- 4Bravo is the primary response channel for everyday events. If units need to convey information to either other units or “Fairfax”, they should voice the information on 4B. Incident - Talkgroups 4C – 4K Talkgroups 4C (Charlie) through 4L (Lima) are assigned as tactical and command talkgroups for larger scale incidents that require separate channels. 4C is specifically for Interstate incidents (I-66, 95, 395, 495). Incident channels can be used as: “Tactical” channels on which operations are conducted “Command” channels for command coordination Alternate- 4L & 4M are used to patch with mutual aid jurisdictions as needed Talk Around - 4N & 4O are non-repeated talkgroups and cannot be monitored by DPSC. These talkgroups are used to assist units with communications in areas that may be hard for them to transmit a signal to the command post. Talkgroup 4O may also be used for non-priority events (such as ELEV, PSERVF, etc.). When on lower priority calls, units using channel 4O shall be cognizant of other events in the area. If units are on a low priority event within a close proximity to a high priority event, department personnel on the low priority event shall not use channel 4O, as it may interfere with emergency transmissions. Members must also remember that while on talkgroups 4N or 4O, the emergency activation button WILL NOT transmit to DPSC. In addition, command must remember if calling for an emergency evacuation tone that they must also key their 4O radio to broadcast simultaneously. Can also referred to as the “Safety” Channel Dispatch Response Incident Tactical Command Talk-around

OTHER ZONES Zone 41-second/alternate primary Zone 42-Special Ops Zone 43-MI channels Zone 44-Coordination Zone 45-Prevention Zone 46-Training Zone 47-Fairfax City Zone 48-Back-up zone Zone 49-Hospitals At the Academy we operate in Zone 46. You will receive additional training in the field on the additional zones as needed. Zone 41-second/alternate primary Zone 42-Special Ops Zone 43-MI channels Zone 44-Coordination Zone 45-Prevention Zone 46-Training Zone 47-Fairfax City Zone 48-Back-up zone Zone 49-Hospitals

MUTUAL AID ZONES Zone 1 - Arlington County Zone 1A1 –Arlington County Second Zone Zone 2 - Alexandria City Zone 3 - MWAA Zone 5 - Prince William County Zone T1 - Manassas City Zone T9 – Manassas Park Zone 6 - Loudoun County Zone 7 - Montgomery County Zone 71 – Montgomery County Second Zone Zone CFEMAIN – Charles County Remember, Fairfax County is Zone 4. Our second zone is Zone 41. Hospitals are Zone 49.

SELECT A CHANNEL Rotary Select Knob Talkgroup or channel selection Once you have the desired zone displayed, rotate the 16 – position Rotary Select Knob to the desired talkgroup. The new channel name will appear on the display.

KEYPAD LOCK Keypad Lock Screen will flash “Keypad Lock” for approximately one second and then disappear Attempt to change Zone. What happens? Keypad lock is important to avoid accidentally pressing the zone key and possibly switching zones in the middle of an operation. In areas subject to mutual aid response on a regular basis this must become part of the routine after switching over to the appropriate response/incident channel. Rotate the switch to enable the keypad lock. When the line is pointing to the O the keypad is unlocked, the O with the line through it is keypad locked.

TRANSMIT/RECEIVE Turn the radio on and select the desired zone and mode. The selected channel appears in the display. Listen for ongoing conversations: if channel becomes available, proceed with your call. Press the PTT button to transmit and wait for the talk permit tone. When speaking, keep the microphone 1-2” from your mouth and speak in a normal tone. (If you hear a busy signal, wait for a call back tone, then proceed with your call.) Release PTT button to listen. Turn the radio on and select the desired zone and mode. The selected channel appears in the display. Listen for ongoing conversations: if channel becomes available, proceed with your call. Press the PTT button to transmit and wait for the talk permit tone. Avoid “clipping”, when you begin to speak before the talk permit tone is complete. When speaking, keep the microphone 1-2” from your mouth and speak in a normal tone. (If you hear a busy signal, wait for a call back tone, then proceed with your call.) Release PTT button to listen. Transmit=Press & Hold PTT switch Receive=Release PTT switch

This table breaks down the process by which to transmit. It is important you understand this process so you don’t “clip” your transmission. “Clipping” is where you press the PTT and begin talking before the radio is prepared to actually transmit…this will lead to an incomplete messsage being received. Additionally you must understand what the “Busy” or “Out of Range” tones indicate DEMONSTRATE OUT OF RANGE BY REMOVING THE ANTENNA OR DIALING UP AN ADJOINING JURISDICTION DEMONSTRATE WHAT OCCURS WHEN MORE THAN ONE RADIO ATTEMPTS TO TALK AT THE SAME TIME ON THE SAME CHANNEL

SCAN ON / OFF 3-Position Switch Scan Off Scan On At the top of the radio, silver switch labeled A, B, and C, which allows the user to set SCAN programming. A = Monitor B = Scan C = Set Scan Program (disables the radio until back on A or B) Once dispatched for an incident, units should then switch to the dispatched operations talkgroup, or operations channel, and change the scan option on the radio to the off position to eliminate any confusion. It is crucial that the unit officer inform the members of the crew what the appropriate talkgroup, or operations channel, will be for the given incident. Once the switch to the operational channel has been made on the portable it may be of benefit to then turn the portable off until you have reached the scene. This will eliminate any feedback as well as prevent an accidental keying of the microphone while enroute. Place the 3- position Switch to the B or C position to enable Scan. The Scan icon will appear indicating Scan is active. Place the 3-Position Switch to the A position to disengage Scan. The Scan icon will disappear indicating Scan no longer active. While scanning, the radio will use the selected channel as the scan priority, and the default transmit channel. Model II radios will only scan while on channel A or B and I.

ALERT TONES Alert tones Causes __________________________________________________________ Single, low-pitched tone Continuous low-pitched tone when pressing the PTT button Short, medium-pitched tone Continuous medium-pitched tone Short, high-pitched tone or “chirp” Indicates invalid key press or radio self –test fail. Also out of range, in programming mode to long- generally an error tone. Indicates you are out of range, or system is out of service, or talk prohibit. Exiting emergency state. Indicates activating emergency button or receiving page. Low battery. Go to Zone 2 (Alexandria) Display shows “Out of range” and tone alerts every 7-8 seconds Attempt to move to location that may have a stronger signal Above grade Out of elevator shaft Out of stairwell Towards building exterior walls Ensure antenna is properly fastened ATTACH LOW BATTERY TO INSTRUCTOR RADIO SO RECRUITS CAN HEAR LOW BATTERY TONE

LED INDICATORS LED Description With PTT pressed (transmitting): Continuous red Normal transmission Unlit Not transmitting With PTT released (receiving): Blinking green Private call or page has been received

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART Symptom Possible Cause/Solution Doesn’t turn on Check that your battery is charged and connected properly. Busy signal You cannot transmit because all system channels are busy. Release the PTT button and wait for call back tone. (same as talk permit, must transmit within 3 seconds to “grab” channel). Cannot transmit or receive Be sure the radio is turned on and the 16-position Select Knob is turned to the correct channel. Replace or recharge the battery. The first time a new battery is used, it should charge a minimum of 16 hours. The antenna must be screwed on properly, with its base flush against the top of the radio. Check your accessories i.e. public safety microphone or ear piece for improper connections. Try operating the radio from several different locations, especially when using the radio inside buildings. Check the transmitter by transmitting with an alternate portable radio from the same location. Particularly after any incident where it may have gotten dirty or sustained damage inspect and ensure functionality. Ensure radio is kept clean with mild soap solution, non-metallic brush and lint free cloth. Do not immerse radio in water or use solvents. Before sending in a radio for repair, make sure basic checks are done. Some of these checks include making sure the battery is firmly attached, the power is turned on, the antenna is tightly attached, and the lapel mike is tightly attached. Also consider cleaning contacts for battery and handmike. Take pencil eraser and lightly rub across copper contact. Clean off debris. If all of these are correct and the radio is non-functional, follow the proper steps for a routine or emergency repair.

EMERGENCY ACTIVATION BUTTON All 800 MHz radios are equipped with an Emergency Activation (EA) button. When depressed, the EA button will broadcast an emergency signal to all dispatch consoles that have been programmed for the same talkgroup (regardless if the talkgroup is monitored or not). Have recruits open up NOVA Procedural Bulletin 2008-002 Emergency Activation (EA) Button Activating the EA Button Initiating an EA signifies a critical or hostile situation in which your imminent safety is threatened and immediate assistance is needed. Therefore, all EA’s will be treated seriously and should not be used unless personnel are in immediate danger. The user must understand the EA will transmit the emergency signal to the talkgroup currently assigned to that radio. For example: Engine 105 is on the scene of a working structure fire and their radio assignment is 2 Bravo. When Engine 105’s EA is activated the emergency signal will transmit to Alexandria’s Emergency Communications Center (ECC), not Arlington’s. An exception to the above occurs when the user changes talkgroups during an EA. The emergency signal will move to, and continue on, the newly selected talkgroup without having to depress the EA button again. It is essential every user maintain familiarity with the location and operation of the EA button on every radio they use. To initiate an alarm, press and hold the Emergency Activation (EA) button. Do Not turn the rotary knob once the EA button has been activated. Turning the knob will activate an Emergency on every channel the knob is turned to. The emergency activation will also activate on other Jurisdictions Radio Zones, depending on the Zone the radio is set on. To cancel an alarm, press and hold the EA button until you hear a continuous exit tone.

EMERGENCY ACTIVATION Accidental Activation of the EA Button When Not to Use the EA Button Talk around channels (4N/4O) Failsoft Accidental Activation of the EA Button If a unit accidentally activates the EA button, the unit shall “deny” the Signal 1 acknowledgement by the dispatcher. The unit should then push and hold the EA button until the EA signal clears. This ordinarily requires one to three seconds of depressing the EA button. Note: Turning the radio off and on does not reset the alert. When Not to Use the EA Button There are a couple of instances that the EA button will not function properly. While operating on the talk around channels (channels N and O), the EA button will not function. These channels are used for local fire ground communications and will not transmit the EA to the ECC. Additionally, the EA button does not function while the radio system is in the Failsoft mode. Unlike using the EA on the safety channels, when the EA button is pushed while the system is in Failsoft, the radio is inoperable for 15-30 seconds. This is caused by the radio searching for a frequency to use.

"MAYDAY" Reporting a lost or trapped firefighter or team of firefighters during any working incidents Limited to only those rare occasions when a firefighters life is known, or perceived to be in danger, and immediate notification to the incident commander is essential in order to initiate an action plan or deploy the rapid intervention team Once the phrase "MAYDAY" is announced, all other radio traffic shall cease Reporting a lost or trapped firefighter or team of firefighters during any working incidents Limited to only those rare occasions when a firefighters life is known, or perceived to be in danger, and immediate notification to the incident commander is essential in order to initiate an action plan or deploy the rapid intervention team Once the phrase "MAYDAY" is announced, all other radio traffic shall cease Classes on FF Survival, RIT Procedures as well as practical evolutions during SCBA will cover this in more detail

"PRIORITY TRAFFIC" Request (DPSC) to grant immediate access to a radio channel to report a significant event Reporting a significant event When something of significance occurs, on an incident, that severely affects standard operations (e.g., losing a water supply, burst hose, locating victim or fire) Request (DPSC) to grant immediate access to a radio channel to report a significant event Reporting a significant event When something of significance occurs, on an incident, that severely affects standard operations (e.g., losing a water supply, burst hose, locating victim or fire)

SIGNAL CODE SIGNAL 1 - Responder in immediate danger. SIGNAL 2: Responder needs assistance/back-up SIGNAL 3: Responder is taking or anticipates taking subject into custody (for FM use). SIGNAL 4: Responder/Dispatcher needs to convey sensitive, confidential, or safety information. Signal 1: Responder in immediate danger An example of a situation where a responder would use a Signal 1 is with a patient who becomes combative with a crew. Police and Fire assistance will be expedited to known or last known location (again, AVL will help in the future) Replaces 13F Signal 2: Responder needs assistance/back-up (followed by common language urgency indicator, i.e., urgent, non-emergency, etc.). This replaces calling for 10-65. An example of a situation where a responder would use a Signal 2 urgent is when the responder is witnessing a fight. An example of a situation where a responder would use a Signal 2 non-urgent is when a police officer is needed for an accident without injury. REVIEW NOVA PROCEDURAL BULLETIN 2008-002

RADIO SYSTEM COMPLICATIONS MANUAL MODE FAILSOFT Other Events: SITE TRUNKING/TOWER SITE OUTAGE POWER FAILURE AT DPSC CATASTROPHIC EMERGENCY AT DPSC Manual Mode - In the event the CAD has failed or there is a planned outage, fire stations shall be notified by a special announcement following the “all call” alert tone. Generally means a slow down of information being processed by DPSC due to the fact that all operations are down without CAD. Failsoft is a back-up mode of operation that automatically activates when the radio system experiences loss of both of its central controller computers. During Failsoft; radios will display “FAILSOFT” and an alert tone is heard approximately every ten (10) seconds, evacuation and special announcement tones are not available, emergency activations from mobile and portable radios will not work. Radio ID’s will not be available at the dispatch consoles. Patching and multi selecting will not be available at the dispatch consoles All fire stations may remain in the night mode because station tone activations will still operate properly. Other Events will dictate operational changes but they will be announced. Just be familiar that these are contingencies which are planned for. SITE TRUNKING/TOWER SITE OUTAGE POWER FAILURE AT DPSC CATASTROPHIC EMERGENCY AT DPSC

BACKUP RADIO ZONE Zone 48 is the Backup zone. There are some limitations to this system and they are: There is a backup radio system that we have in our radios it is on the Public Service radio system. Zone 48 is the Backup zone. There are some limitations to this system and they are: The system is designed for the schools, Parks, and Fastran bus system, therefore may not have the in building coverage like our current system. The system has 6 transmit/receive towers throughout the county, compared to the 11 transmit/receive towers for our primary system. Surrounding jurisdictions do not have this zone in their radios If we lose our radio system for any reason the UFOD will make the decision to have all units switch over to the Backup Radio System. A radio watch will be necessary because the station radios do not have the BU zone in them. If we lose our radio system for any reason the UFOD will make the decision to have all units switch over to the Backup Radio System.

MOBILE RADIO Much stronger signal Basic functions identical Layout of keys is main difference 25 Watt output

BEWARE THE OPEN MIKE!!!!

REVIEW Which button is the EA button? What are two methods to transmit with the portable radio? If you receive an “Out of Range” tone and display on your radio, what should you do? How do you lock the keypad? No matter what zone you are operating in, how can you get back to 4A? What is the Zone 48 utilized for? What does “Day Mode” refer to? What is “Signal 1”? The EA button is the orange button on top of the portable. The two methods to transmit with the portable are the PTT button on side of radio or PTT button on handmike. If you receive an “Out of Range” tone and display you should attempt to move to location that may have a stronger signal: Above grade, Out of elevator shaft, Out of stairwell, Towards building exterior walls, Ensure antenna is properly fastened. Lock the keypad by turning the keypad lock to the “O” with a slash through it. Pressing and holding the home key for 2 seconds Zone 48 is the Backup zone if the primary radio system fails. When station speakers are left in the “on” position, broadcasting 4A continuously. Usually only left on when CAD fails/crashes (Manual Mode) and FAILSOFT. Signal 1: Responder in immediate danger, Police and Fire assistance will be expedited to known or last known location. An example of a situation where a responder would use a Signal 1 is with a patient who becomes combative with a crew. Replaces 13F.

SUMMARY Understanding the operation of your portable radio may save your life and the lives of your fellow fire fighters. The ability to change channels and zones while en route to calls, as well as while operating on the emergency is critical. Continual practice and training must continue to ensure your proficiency. Understanding the operation of your portable radio may save your life and the lives of your fellow fire fighters. The ability to change channels and zones while en route to calls, as well as while operating on the emergency is critical. Continual practice and training must continue to ensure your proficiency.

ANY QUESTIONS?