Radio Discipline for the Firefighter:
If you were asked what technology has evolved and grown to become common place in today's fire service, it would be hard for one not to think of the two way portable radio.
As the fire ground evolves into a technology assisted
operation, the potential for technology-assisted problems evolve.
Over the last few months, my department taught the Advanced Firefighter certification for in-house personnel and a few neighbors, this allowed us to do a lot of live fire training and company-level drills. As we moved through the different burn and practical evolution's, we were presented with one of the ugly technology induced problems: Loud, ear- piercing audio feedback!
Over the last few months, my department taught the Advanced Firefighter certification for in-house personnel and a few neighbors, this allowed us to do a lot of live fire training and company-level drills. As we moved through the different burn and practical evolution's, we were presented with one of the ugly technology induced problems: Loud, ear- piercing audio feedback!
As advancements in
technology have allowed each firefighter to be equipped with a life saving
device as the portable radio, Radio Discipline becomes VERY IMPORTANT.
During these opportunities I always like to evaluate my crews as they move through these different drills to see what our strengths and weaknesses are and address them at later drills. When we work as a company; whether you’re the Engine Company advancing an attack line, or the Truck Company doing a search of the floor above, the company officer is the link to the incident commander.
All communications go through the company officer. So why
does every firefighter feel the need to have their audio blasting when they are
literally feet apart from each other ?
We must always stay in verbal contact with each other when working as a crew, That means we should be able to hear the officer’s radio loud and clear.
When our officer needs to communicate information, we need them to communicate a clear message to command. We have enough noises on the fire ground, Our radios needing to overcome audio feedback from the line firefighters shouldn't be one of them.
Firefighters need to keep their audio turned to a low level that simply covering there speaker with a glove while their officer transmits his message will prevent audio feedback.
These are critical messages being transmitted back and forth between the I.C. and companies.
Being delayed or misunderstood can cause dangerous problems on the fire ground.
We must always stay in verbal contact with each other when working as a crew, That means we should be able to hear the officer’s radio loud and clear.
When our officer needs to communicate information, we need them to communicate a clear message to command. We have enough noises on the fire ground, Our radios needing to overcome audio feedback from the line firefighters shouldn't be one of them.
Firefighters need to keep their audio turned to a low level that simply covering there speaker with a glove while their officer transmits his message will prevent audio feedback.
These are critical messages being transmitted back and forth between the I.C. and companies.
Being delayed or misunderstood can cause dangerous problems on the fire ground.
Officer’s before you go to transmit the radio report announce to your crew what your about to do. This will give them the opportunity to cover their speaker microphones to prevent feed bad.
Follow these three simple recommendations to help solve the radio feedback problem
- First, Firefighters keep you’re audio turned down low.
- Second, Use your glove to cover your speaker microphone while the Officer transmits a status message.
- Three, Officer’s give a heads up to your crew before you transmit a message allowing them time to cover their speaker microphone.
DON’T FORGET KEEP YOUR BATTERIES CHARGED!
FDFC
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