COMMUNICATION TIP #3 5/8/06
Many radio messages are not heard at the scene of an emergency due to one contributing factor above all others. That factor is noise. The noise factor at an emergency incident can be caused by any number of things including sirens, horns, apparatus, traffic, equipment, wind, other radios and even the fire itself.
It is important for all members to take steps to insure that they can hear messages over their portable radios in noisy working environments.
When using a portable radio with an extension microphone keep in mind the mic also doubles as the radio speaker. If the microphone is not placed where it can be heard important messages may be missed. Depending on incident conditions the microphone can be clipped on a retractable cord near the Turnout Coat collar or even on the chin strap of the member's helmet near the ear in order to be better heard. A clip on the radio pouch or the pouch flap may not be the best place for the microphone to be attached.
At a recent incident a member of the Roof Team accidentally activated the emergency trigger on their handi-talki. Because the Roof Team was in the process of ventilating using chain saws the members were unable to hear the Incident Commanders radio request for the member's status. It was necessary for the I.C to declare an "Emergency Traffic" to resolve the issue.
Ventilation Ops is a perfect example of the type of noisy environment where steps must be taken to insure radio messages can be heard. The Officer in charge of the operation is usually in a position to best monitor radio traffic. If noise from the operation is a factor consider moving away from the saws if practical. Reposition or hold the extension mic so it can be heard. Make sure all the members of your team have their radios on, that they are on the correct channel and that the volume is turned up. These are basic steps that can be taken by any company prior to beginning their operations.
Finally, all members at the incident should help others in making sure radio communications are effective. If you hear a message that is intended for someone else nearby and the message is not received and acknowledged, take a moment to relay the message to that member and insure that their radio is properly functioning.
It is important for all members to take steps to insure that they can hear messages over their portable radios in noisy working environments.
When using a portable radio with an extension microphone keep in mind the mic also doubles as the radio speaker. If the microphone is not placed where it can be heard important messages may be missed. Depending on incident conditions the microphone can be clipped on a retractable cord near the Turnout Coat collar or even on the chin strap of the member's helmet near the ear in order to be better heard. A clip on the radio pouch or the pouch flap may not be the best place for the microphone to be attached.
At a recent incident a member of the Roof Team accidentally activated the emergency trigger on their handi-talki. Because the Roof Team was in the process of ventilating using chain saws the members were unable to hear the Incident Commanders radio request for the member's status. It was necessary for the I.C to declare an "Emergency Traffic" to resolve the issue.
Ventilation Ops is a perfect example of the type of noisy environment where steps must be taken to insure radio messages can be heard. The Officer in charge of the operation is usually in a position to best monitor radio traffic. If noise from the operation is a factor consider moving away from the saws if practical. Reposition or hold the extension mic so it can be heard. Make sure all the members of your team have their radios on, that they are on the correct channel and that the volume is turned up. These are basic steps that can be taken by any company prior to beginning their operations.
Finally, all members at the incident should help others in making sure radio communications are effective. If you hear a message that is intended for someone else nearby and the message is not received and acknowledged, take a moment to relay the message to that member and insure that their radio is properly functioning.
