Module 3: COMMUNICATIONS

OBJECTIVES List four benefits of effective fireground communications and explain the importance of each. UNDERSTANDING FIREGROUND COMMUNICATIONS THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE FIREGROUND COMMUNICATIONS Module 3 Overview

OBJECTIVES List the six steps identified in the communications model and explain the importance of each step. THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL Module 3 Overview

OBJECTIVES Apply the communications model to practical fireground communications when given a scenario. APPLICATION OF THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL Module 3 Overview

Understanding Fireground Communications Insert photo of radio

Fireground Communications More than just yelling orders Involves several steps Giving and receiving information Information understood

THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE FIREGROUND COMMUNICATIONS

Improved Firefighter Safety Ability to communicate essential information quickly. Knowing where personnel are at all times.

Effective Resource Use Manage action plan effectively. Gather clear and concise information. Flow of important information only

Improved Interagency Cooperation Through Good Communication Makes Department look good Makes it easier for others to understand your needs. Eliminates duplication of efforts.

Legal Implications Many radio communications are taped. Tapes may be entered as part of the evidence. All Departments must follow FCC licensing requirements.

THE NEED FOR A COMMUNICATIONS MODEL

Communications is a major factor in how well emergencies are managed

Departments need to train on improving fireground communication procedures. Photo of radio

Departments Should Have Written Communication Procedures Basis for training. Compatible with other agencies. Members know what the communication rules are. Used during post incident analysis.

Written Procedures Provide a Model Assurance that all the important factors in effective communication are included. Followed at all incidents “Perfect practice makes perfect” Vince Lombardi

Large Group Activity 3.1 Communication

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THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL

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TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES

When communication breaks down on the fireground so does: Coordination Control The ability to provide for firefighter safety

All personnel have the responsibility to communicate effectively Starts with a good brief initial report by the first-in officer. Continues throughout the incident.

Types of Tactical Communications Initial conditions reports Implementation orders Progress reports Reports of Safety Hazards

Tactical Benchmarks Completion of tactical operations Completion of primary search Stopping the forward progress of the fire When further property loss is stopped

Progress Reports from Cos “Report on Conditions” The tactical operations are having a positive impact. Tactical operations are not having a positive impact. Additional resources that may be needed.

Progress Reports from Cos “Report on Conditions” Advanced warning to the supervisor as to when relief crews will be needed. If and when resources might be available for release or reassignment. Periodic reports on the status.

Reports of safety hazards or evacuation orders “Emergency Traffic” All personnel have the responsibility. A method to quickly convey emergency information should be established. Accounts for all personnel when the structure has been evacuated.

Large Group Activity 3.2 Application of the Communications Model

Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Chief 1 Respond to a structure fire at 1901 Phelps Way

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Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Respond to a structure fire at 49 Seton Avenue

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Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Respond to a structure fire at 177 Windy Hill Road

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Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Respond to a structure fire at 19 Rosewood Road

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Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Respond to a structure fire at 32 Union Street

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Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Respond to a structure fire at 2 Knob Hill Road

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Engine 1, 2 Truck 1 Respond to a structure fire at 41 State Street

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Summary

When fireground communications is effective, information has been given in a clear concise manner and has been received and understood. Summary

Effective fireground communications is needed to improve firefighter safety, make effective use of resources, improve interagency cooperation, reduce liability, and increase accountability. Summary

The steps of the communications model are encoding, transmission through a medium, receiving, decoding, and providing feedback. Summary

Types of tactical communications which occur on the fireground include initial size- up reports, implementation orders for the action plan, progress reports, reports on safety hazards, evacuation orders,a dn tactical benchmarks. Summary

The major benefit of using the communications model is the assurance that the messages have been received and understood. Summary