June 2010
Terminal Learning Objective
●Preventing the emergency
●Recognizing a FF emergency situation
●Procedures for calling "Mayday"
●Dealing with the FF emergency
June 2010
Enabling Learning Objectives●The term "Mayday" and its
meaning on the fireground●Ways to prevent a FF
emergency incident●Situations that create or
may create a FF emergency situation
●Proper procedures for calling "Mayday"
June 2010
Consider inserting a video showing an example of communications
such asGerman Coast Guard Trainee
June 2010
Mayday Defined●From the French term "m’aider" or
help me●Adopted as the universal distress call
in 1927●International radio language,
"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" = Life is in danger.
Send help immediately.
June 2010
FIRESCOPE/ICS 910NFPA 1500 & 1561 Standards●Terms that can be used by a fire fighter in
distress on the tactical frequency○"Mayday," "Help," "Responder down"
●Term that should be used by the IC○"Emergency traffic"○Used to gain control of the frequency
●Clear text used to identify the emergency
June 2010
Consider inserting a video showing an example of calling
"Mayday" on the fireground such as Houston Fire Captain Abbt
June 2010
Early Recognition●Recognize the need for help early
○Allows for more expedient assistance●Factors delaying early response
○Pride ○Denial○Loss of situational awareness○Fear of retribution – firehouse ridicule ○Lack of procedural knowledge
●The emergency can always be cancelled
June 2010
Recognizing the Emergency
●Some situations can be mitigated prior to calling "Mayday"
●Call your crew for assistance○Collapsed roof or floor ○Entanglement in wires or cables○Separation from hoseline, crew, interior walls○Low air activation and an unknown exit point○Rapid fire progression
June 2010
Calling "Mayday"Factors that limit communications
●Air remaining in the SCBA●Rate of fire spread●Degree of entrapment●Severity of injuries to the fire fighter●Radio traffic
June 2010
Early Recognition●Trapped fire fighter stays on same
tactical frequency●All other traffic moves to a secondary
tactical frequency●Use clear text●Limit traffic to trapped fire fighter and
operations (if possible) on original frequency
June 2010
Transmit
L Location (Where Are You?)
U Unit (Apparatus Assigned?)
N Name (Who Are You?)
A Assignment/Air (What Were You Doing?)
R Resources (What Do You Need?)
June 2010
Personal ProceduresAfter the call has been transmitted●Communicate your surroundings●Activate pass device
○ Assure device is off when transmitting on radio ●Monitor and control your air●Look for exits●Stay clam●Stay low●Never give up – help is on the way