Communications and Alarms

1. Communications and Alarms

2. Objectives (1 of 2) • Demonstrate the proper method of answering a nonemergency administrative call. • Demonstrate the proper method of answering an emergency call and effectively obtaining full and complete information, and promptly relaying that information to the communications center.

3. Objectives (2 of 2) • Demonstrate the proper method of operating a mobile radio. • Demonstrate the proper method of operating a portable radio. • Complete a basic incident report.

4. Introduction (1 of 2) • Fire service communications is an important role of the fire service. • Telecommunicators must communicate with citizens and relay information to first responders. • Communications have a great impact on the delivery of service.

5. Introduction (2 of 2) • Communication process must be complete and understood to be effective. • Leaders are taking proactive measures to ensure quality.

6. Communications Personnel (1 of 3) • Basic role of communications has not changed over time. • Telecommunicator responsibilities • Receiving calls • Evaluating response need • Initiating appropriate response • May remain on the line, provide pre-arrival instructions

7. Communications Personnel (2 of 3) • NFPA 1061 - Standard for Professional Qualifications for Public Safety Telecommunicators • Detailed work performance evaluation program follows training programs

8. Communications Personnel (3 of 3) • Communication managers rely on historical data to produce staffing models and requirements. • Fire departments must provide well-trained personnel to serve as telecommunicators. • These individuals have a direct impact on the overall response time of the agency.

9. The Communications Facility (1 of 3)

10. The Communications Facility (2 of 3) • NFPA 1221 - Standard on location and construction of communication centers • Dispatch centers range in size and staffing. • All serve common goal of receiving and delivering information. • All communication centers should have a backup in place.

11. The Communications Facility (3 of 3) • New technology in hardware and software has allowed incorporation of computers. • Computer-aided dispatch systems • Tracking location and status of incidents and vehicles

12. Receiving Reports of Emergencies (1 of 3) • Call-taking process • Receiving a report • Interviewing • Referral or dispatch • Telecommunicators • Prioritize incoming calls • Answer incoming lines promptly • Control the conversation

13. Receiving Reports of Emergencies (2 of 3) • The following information must be obtained. • Location of emergency • Nature of the emergency • Callback number • Caller’s location and situation

14. Receiving Reports of Emergencies (3 of 3) • Call taker must ask the right questions to generate proper responses. • Many departments use emergency medical dispatch protocols for dealing with EMS calls.

15. Call Process

16. Methods of Receiving Reports of Emergencies (1 of 5) • Reports of emergencies can be received in various ways. • Telephone is the most common means. • 93% of the population in the US have 911 access. • 95% of the 93% have enhanced 911. • Geographically, 50% of nation has 911.

17. Methods of Receiving Reports of Emergencies (2 of 5) • Enhanced 911 provides telephone numbers and addresses of call origins. • Cellular phone is becoming very common. • By 2000, cellular phones must be able to provide means to determine caller location.

18. Methods of Receiving Reports of Emergencies (3 of 5) • Municipal fire alarms allow a coded or voice message to be generated from an alarm box. • Alarm boxes located in areas of easy access and visibility • Began near the turn of the century • Commonly referred to as call boxes

19. Methods of Receiving Reports of Emergencies (4 of 5) • Call boxes

20. Methods of Receiving Reports of Emergencies (5 of 5) • Automatic alarm systems are another means to notify communications. • Two types of alarm systems defined by NFPA. • Type A receives alarm from a fire alarm box and retransmits to a fire station manually or automatically. • Type B automatically sends alarm.

21. Type A Municipal Alarm

22. Type B Municipal Alarm

23. Reports via TDD • ADA entitles citizens to equal service. • Communications need to receive calls from specialized equipment. • Keyboard uses text messages rather than voices.

24. Walk-Up Alarms • Report of an emergency may be received at fire station. • Firefighter must obtain information. • Communication center must be notified.

25. Emergency Services Deployment (1 of 2) • Once an emergency is reported, action must be taken. • Most response organizations have a preassigned standard response. • Communication centers have deployment plans. • Deployment is based on apparatus, equipment, and personnel available.

26. Emergency Services Deployment (2 of 2) • Deployment may be done manually or through computers. • Next step is to notify responders. • Several methods exist. • Some departments use mobile data terminals.

27. Notification Systems

28. Mobile Data Terminal • Computers mounted in apparatus. • Dispatch information displayed on screen. • Units can communicate with dispatch by pushing buttons.

29. Traffic Control Systems • Some jurisdictions use emergency preemption systems to control traffic signals. • They provide a safe transition to a priority right-of-way for emergency vehicles. • System designed to recognize emergency vehicle and change traffic control signal.

30. Radio Systems and Procedures (1 of 2) • Radio system is the primary link between field units and communications center. • Radio frequencies commonly used by the fire service are: • VHF low band • VHF high band • UHF

31. Radio Systems and Procedures (2 of 2) • FCC monitors frequencies. • 800 Mhz range frequencies have also been allocated. • All personnel must be able to talk properly over the radio. • A clear and concise message is important. • Some departments use “10-codes,” while others use clear speech.

32. Proper Use of Radio

33. Arrival Reports • First arriving unit establishes command and provides initial report. • Command can be transferred as needed. • Status reports should be given regularly during large incidents. • Some SOPs call for time marking incidents at regular intervals.

34. Summary • How emergency calls are answered and information processed has a direct impact on the public’s impression of the department. • Answering calls quickly, gaining control, and, possibly, calming the caller is very important. • Use knowledge and skills, and all the available resources to successfully handle an emergency incident.