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

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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 3.1Communication

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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 3.2Application 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

Insert photo of trailer house fire

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