CERT Basic Radio Communication

1. CERT Basic Radio Communication WYCO KS COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM – under the direction of Kansas City, Kansas / Wyandotte County Emergency Management Department Mike Baughman CERT Program Manager

2. Types of Stations &Tactical Call Signs WYCO CERT CALL SIGN EXAMPLES MOBILE GROUND (portable and fixed) Search Team 3 Mobile Mobile Command Command Search Team 1 Fire Team 2 Triage Team Leader Medical Staging Rehab Damage Team 4 Washington Shelter

3. PROWORDS Prowords are a special set of words used for clarity and brevity in communications. Most commonly used prowords are: • AFFIRMATIVE Yes • AVAILABLE Used when a unit is ready for assignment. • AVAILABLE AT SCENE Used when a unit is still committed to an incident, but could be dispatched to a new assignment if necessary. • AVAILABLE AT RESIDENCE Used by personnel to indicate they are available and on-call at their residence. • AT / ON SCENE Indicates units have arrived at the scene of an incident. • BREAK I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message or you are trying to interrupt a radio transmission. • CAN HANDLE Indicates that the resources on scene of the incident are adequate. • COMMAND Incident Commander • COPY, COPIES Used to acknowledge message received. Example: Search Team 1 Copies. • CORRECTION An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted. An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated) The correct version is__________ That which follows is a corrected version answer to your request for verification. • DISREGARD LAST MESSAGE Self explanatory. • DISREGARD THIS TRANSMISSION This transmission is in error. Disregard it. (This proword shall not be used to cancel any message that has been completely transmitted and for which receipt or acknowledgment has been received.) • EMERGENCY TRAFFIC Term used to gain control of radio frequency to report an emergency or an emergency in progress. All other users will refrain from using that frequency until cleared for normal use. • EN ROUTE Normally used by personnel to designate destinations. En route Is NOT a substitute for responding. • FIGURES Numerals or numbers follow (Optional) • FIRE CONTAINED Self explanatory.

4. I READ BACK The following is my response to your instructions to read back I SAY AGAIN I am repeating transmission or portion indicated I SPELL I spell the next word phonetically LOUD AND CLEAR Self explanatory MESSAGE A message which requires recording is about to follow (Transmitted immediately after the call. ) MINIMIZE Please limit your transmissions to essential traffic. Emergency operational traffic is in progress. MINIMIZE is imposed by Net Control or by the Incident Commander. MINIMIZE LIFTED Minimize is lifted by Net Control or by the Incident Commander MORE TO FOLLOW Transmitting station has additional traffic for the receiving station NEGATIVE No OUT This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required or expected. (Since OVER and OUT have opposite meanings, they are never used together OVER This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary. Go ahead; transmit READ BACK Repeat this entire transmission back to me exactly as received. RELAY (TO) Transmit this message to all addresses (or addresses immediately following this proword). The address component is mandatory when this proword is used REPEAT Do not used this word. (This proword is used in US Army Artillery to request another artillery round be fired.) RESPOND, RESPONDING Used during a dispatch – proceed to or proceeding to an incident. RESUME NORMAL TRAFFIC Opens the frequency back up to normal traffic. RETURN TO ________ Normally used by a dispatch center to direct units to return to their original location. For example: Triage Team 1, return to staging. ROGER I have received your last transmission satisfactorily. SAY AGAIN Repeat all of your last transmission. SPEAK SLOWER Your transmission is at too fast a speed. Reduce speed of transmission STANDBY Indicates a need to wait for further information by either the sending or receiving party. STOP TRANSMITTING Self explanatory

5. THIS IS This transmission is from the station whose designator immediately follows TIME That which immediately follows is the time. UNKNOWN STATION The identity of the station with whom I am attempting to establish communication is unknown. UNREADABLE Used when the signal received is not clear. In most cases, try to add the specific trouble. Example: Unreadable, back ground noise. WAIT I must pause for a few seconds. WAIT OUT I must pause for more than a few seconds. WHAT IS YOUR LOCATION Self explanatory. WILCO I have received your signal, understand it, and will comply. (To be used only by the addressee. Since the meaning of ROGER is included in that of WILCO, the two prowords are never used together. WORD AFTER The word of the message to which I have reference is that which follows. WORD BEFORE The word of the message to which I have reference is that which precedes. WORDS TWICE Communication is difficult. Transmit each phrase twice. This proword may be used as an order, request, or as information.

6. Phonetic Alphabet Letter Phonetic Letter Phonetic A Alpha B Bravo C Charlie D Delta E Echo F Foxtrot G Golf H Hotel I India J Juliet K Kilo L Lima M Mike N November O Oscar P Papa Q Quebec R Romeo S Sierra T Tango U Uniform V Victor W Whiskey X Xray Y Yankee Z Zulu

7. 1. To distinguish numerals from words similarly pronounced, the proword "FIGURES" may be used preceding such numbers. 2. When numerals are transmitted by radiotelephone, the following rules for their pronunciation will be observed: 3. Numbers will be transmitted digit by digit except that exact multiples of thousands may be spoken as such. However, there are special cases, such as anti-air warfare reporting procedures, when the normal pronunciation of numerals is prescribed for example, 17 would then be "seventeen." 4. The figure "ZERO" is to be written "Ø," the figure "ONE" is to be written "1" and the letter "ZULU" is to be written "Z." 5. Difficult words may be spelled phonetically using the four-step method. Abbreviations and isolated letters should be spelled phonetically without the proword "I SPELL.“

8. I SPELL / FIGURES / INITIALS • Use “I SPELL” for pronounceable words • PIZZA • “I SPELL PIZZA PAPA INDIA ZULU ZULU ALPHA PIZZA” • Use “FIGURE(S)” AND “INITIAL(S)” for non-words • N516F • “INITIAL NOVEMBER FIGURES FIVE ONE SIX INTIAL FOXTROT” CORRECTIONS •  Use proword “CORRECTION” to correct a mistake • Example: • “… Turn right at next corner … CORRECTION Turn left at next corner…”

9. SENDING NUMBERS • Use of Prowords “FIGURES”, “DECIMAL”, “TIME”, “INITIALS” Digit-by-Digit Not “Seven Fifty” 750 “FIGURESSEVEN FIVE ZERO” Niner Not Nine 849 “FIGURESEIGHT FOUR NINER” Decimal Point 14.5 “FIGURESONE FOURDECIMALFIVE” Z Time 1635Z “TIMEONE SIX THREE FIVE ZULU” Initial And Figures E21 “INITIALECHOFIGURESTWO ONE” One Figure and Initial 3-A “FIGURETHREEDASHINITIALALPHA”

10. Operator Responsibility • The primary responsibility of the radio operator is to pass accurate and timely information from the sender to the receiver and follow through with an accurate and timely response to the sender if needed. • Transmit only when necessary. Use plain english, no “10 codes”. • Limit your transmissions to no more than TEN seconds each. Anything longer than that will not allow anyone with emergency traffic to use the frequency. Insert breaks in any transmissions that need to be longer. • Never use actual names, or anything else that is sensitive over the air. Never use a personal name over the air. Use their tactical callsign designation, for example, Fire Team One. • Say addresses only when necessary. • Always speak clearly. This should be a given. Never pause on the air. Know what you are going to say BEFORE you key the mike. Know what your response is BEFORE you key the mike. DO NOT pollute the airwaves with unnecessary "ummms", "ahhhhs" and anything else that announces cluelessness over the air. Do not key the mike while looking up some information. Do not key the mike unless you are prepared to speak. • Do not "step" on each other. Always say, OVER when it is time for the other guy to talk. When two other people are talking to each other, do not jump in unless they call you.

11. Acknowledge the reception of information with a brief repetition of it. For example, Operations to Command, Fire Team Two ENROUTE your location. Command to Operations, COPIES Fire Team Two ENROUTE my location. This lets both parties know that each other understands, without any errors or excess. Directions should be given from a specific, unmistakable reference. The other guy doesn't always know what you have in mind. If it can be misunderstood, it will be. • Do not get into pissing contests over the air, with ANYBODY. EVER. PERIOD. • Always know what the other channels are for. Example: channel 14, 38 command; channel 12, 22 Fire Team operations; channel 5, 33 Medical Team Operations, etc…. • When communicating patient triage results, the terms “Immediate”, “Delayed”, “Dead” as taught in the class will not be transmitted. Use “Red” (Immediate), “Yellow” (Delayed), “Black” (Dead). EXAMPLE: 3 RED, 12 YELLOW, 6 BLACK, 25 GREEN. The term “Green” (walking wounded) can be used to describe someone who is mentally and physically able to remove themselves from the dangerarea. CAUTION: THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE NEWS MEDIA CAN HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING ON THESE FREQUENCIES. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

12. CALLING ANOTHER STATION • Command is calling Search Team One • Search Team One THIS IS Command OVER • Command THIS IS Search Team One OVER • They conduct their traffic • When the traffic is completed, they will say OVER • When done communicating, they will say Command OUT, Search Team One OUT • Search Team Two is Calling Operations • Formulate your transmission. Keep them short and to the point. • Listen to make sure the channel is clear. • Press Push to Talk button, take a breath, and then speak slowly and distinctly. • Operations THIS IS Search Team Two OVER • Search Team Two THIS IS Operations OVER • Requesting 2 additional search team and 1 additional triage team OVER • COPIES 2 search teams and 1 triage team OVER • Search Team Two OUT • Operations OUT

13. CERT RADIO CHANNEL ALLOCATION ICOM IC-F11 Channel 1 - CERT MAIN: This channel is the main CERT channel, used for all operations. Top Button - CERT TAC A: This channel is used for “on scene” communications. Channel 2 - CERT PAGING: This channel is used to receive the paging functions. Channel 3 - CERT TAC B: This channel is used by CERT Leadership, if the base repeater malfunctions. Channel 4 - TEXAS FIRE 1: This channel is used for on-scene FIRE tactical – command communications. Channel 5 - TEXAS FIRE 2: This channel is used for on-scene FIRE tactical – command communications. Channel 6 - TEXAS FIRE 3: This channel is used for on-scene FIRE tactical – command communications. Channel 7 - TEXAS MED 1: This channel is used for on-scene MEDICAL tactical – command communications. Channel 8 - TEXAS LAW 1: This channel is used for on-scene POLICE tactical – command communications. Channel 9 - TEXAS LAW 2: This channel is used to contact POLICE base stations. Channel 10 - RACES MAIN: This channel is used exclusively by licensed RACES personnel, subject to third-party communications rules and emergency declarations, as set forth in FCC CFR97. Channel 11 - NWS: This channel is used for receiving National Weather Service information. Channel 12 - STN DISP: This channel is used to monitor fire station dispatches.

14. CERT RADIO CHANNEL ALLOCATION REHAB ONE RADIO Channel 1 - CERT MAIN: This channel is the main CERT channel, used for all operations. P - 0 - CERT TAC A: This channel is used for “on scene” communications. Channel 2 - CERT TAC B: This channel is used by CERT Leadership, if the base repeater malfunctions. Channel 3 - TEXAS FIRE 1: This channel is used for on-scene FIRE tactical – command communications. Channel 4 – RACES MAIN: This channel is used exclusively by licensed RACES personnel, subject to third-party communications rules and emergency declarations, as set forth in FCC CFR97. P - 1 - ALERT TONE: This button is used to transmit the page tones to handheld units. P - 2 - CHANNEL DOWN: This button is used to move radio channels down. P - 3 - CHANNEL UP: This button is used to move radio channels up. FRS/GMRS Channel 5 Code 35: This channel is used for on-scene communications when CERT Radios are not available.

15. Top 10 Things to Remember About Your Radio • Leave your radio on Channel 2 – quiet, page alert. • Not Waterproof. • Channel 1 is normal operating channel. • Bottom button sets off paging tones. Top button sets local channel that does not hit repeater (TAC A). • Put your Name/ID # on everything. • Do not use Channel 10 (RACES) unless instructed to do so by a RACES member. • Always use your CERT ID number to identify yourself. • Use plain English, no 10 codes. (Correct, Affirmative, Received, etc.) • Battery will last 8 – 10 hours with normal use. Consider backup (BP-208). • Be grown up and considerate of others.

16. CERT RADIO SELF-ACTIVATION SCRIPT Switch to Channel 1  Depress the lower button twice to generate two sets of codes.  Once codes have stopped, read the following: ATTENTION ROWLETT CERT ATTENTION ROWLETT CERT CERT IS BEING SELF-ACTIVATED FOR AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY AUTHORITY OF TEAM (TEAM #).  PROCEED IMMEDIATELY TO THE STAGING AREA AT (LOCATION OF STAGING AREA)  PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR REPONSE USING YOUR ID NUMBER TO CERT OFFICER ON THE AIR.  TIME OUT (CURRENT TIME)  Transmit activation notice, wait 5 minutes, transmit a second time. Stay on the air until a CERT Officer checks in and takes control of the staging sector.  Activation Authorized by:_________________________________  Activation transmitted at: _____________ By: ______________________  2nd Activation transmitted at: ____________ By: ______________________ This completed form should be retained with all activation paperwork.

17. Two-Way Radio Usage Guidelines • 1.0 Purpose • The purpose of this policy is to set general guidelines for the use of two-way radios in the course of program operations. • 2.0 Applicability • This policy applies to all RCCC members, including its affiliated programs. • 3.0 Frequency and Authority • RCCC is not registered for the use of any specific frequencies through the FCC at this time. The RCCC has arranged to use several Public Works type frequencies registered by the City of Rowlett for RCCC purposes. The City of Rowlett has total, complete, and final authority over the operation of these frequencies and can dictate rules for use, equipment, and procedures at will. Use of these frequencies is by permission only and not automatic, implied or inferred. Permission for use is granted to the RCCC Board of Directors by the City of Rowlett and not to individual users. Individual RCCC Member permission comes from the RCCC Board of Directors by way of its designated Radio Officer.

18. Two-Way Radio Usage Guidelines • 5.0 Guidelines for Use • 5.1 All members with permission to operate on the designated frequencies will transmit using approved ID numbers, and abide by the code of conduct described later in this policy. • 5.2 It is the duty of each member operating under this policy to ensure compliance with the rules, regulations and polices of all applicable Federal, State, and Local agencies, and the RCCC. • 5.3 By nature, Public Works frequencies may be heard by the general public without restriction. Members shall refrain from use of approved frequencies for casual, personal or non-RCCC conversation. • 5.4 Members shall abide by frequency use restrictions as outlined in the orientation guide and class. • 5.5 Permission to operate under this policy is given at the sole discretion of the RCCC Board of Directors and their designee. Permission is not automatic, implied or inferred by membership or status.

19. Two-Way Radio Usage Guidelines • 5.6 Members operating under this policy agree to immediately discontinue the use of approved frequencies upon suspension, expulsion, notification of bad standing, inactive status, or at the direction of any agency or City official or at the direction of the RCCC Board of Directors, RCCC President or Radio Officer. • 6.0 Training Requirement • All RCCC members with the intention or need to communicate using the stated frequencies must attend an orientation class before permission for use is granted. In an emergency, this provision may be waived by the RCCC President, Radio Officer or the activation of the Rowlett EOC. • 7.0 Penalty • Violation of this policy, or any part thereof, may be punishable up to and including immediate expulsion from the RCCC organization. This policy does not limit other civil or criminal charges that may arise as a result of a violation.

20. Two-Way Radio Usage Guidelines 8.0 Operating Code of ConductMembers operating under this policy are obligated to: ♦ Monitor traffic to make sure the channel is clear before transmitting. ♦ Stand by for any emergency radio messages. ♦ Identify radio transmissions with the assigned RCCC ID number. ♦ Be courteous to other licensees using the approved channels. ♦ Follow all FCC Rules and Regulations. ♦ Observe the operating requirements defined by the City of Rowlett and the RCCC. ♦ Discontinue use of any frequency when requested. ♦ Refrain from the use of profanity, obscenity, and/or indecent language. ♦ Conduct themselves in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.

21. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) • The effective use of radios is predicated on the call and response form of communication. A quick and meaningful exchange of information is essential. Standardized language ensures effective and efficient communication, and can result in decreased emergency response times. • General: • Speak slow and articulate so that your transmission can be understood • All radio traffic needs to be important • Use “plain” English • Avoid using codes, except for those commonly understood (noted below) • Remember perception, everyone is listening • Dispatch Phrases • “Responding” or “En-Route” – Personnel (SAS, ERT, other) acknowledging radio tones, an assignment, or request and committing themselves as a resource until otherwise indicated • “ETA” – Estimated Time of Arrival. Not necessary to provide to base or IC unless significantly delayed and/or more resources have been requested

22. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) Arrival Phrases “On Scene” – First responder to arrive at the location of the incident and who nominally takes charge until Incident Command can be established. Additional responders may advise “On Scene” status to base until IC has been established. “Locating AP” – Indicates on scene and typically implies that IC has not necessarily been established and that more information will soon follow. AP = Affected Party (patient). “Investigating” – Indicates on scene and generally gathering information. May indicate searching for signs of fire, hazardous condition, or other cause of emergency response activation process. “UTL” – Unable To Locate. Indicates caller is attempting to locate AP or source of emergency response activation but is unable to. May accompany request for additional information, directions, etc. “Requesting Assignment” – Personnel is checking in with IC and advising availability to be assigned a role under the IC system or any miscellaneous task necessary.

23. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) Incident Command “Establishing IC” – First person officially taking command of an emergency scene. Responsible for developing objectives, providing assignments, and maintaining safety and accountability of responders. Location must be given when Establishing IC. Initial ROC should be provided (see below). “Assuming IC” – The next person, typically more qualified or senior in rank, who formally takes over Incident Command. Assumption of IC must occur in person, all relevant information must be handed off, and the change must be announced via radio. If location has changed, the update must also be broadcast. “Transferring IC” – The next person who takes control of an emergency event typically due to the length of time or complexity of the emergency. Normal guidelines for Assuming IC apply (face to face, handoff of information, resources, assignments, etc.)

24. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) “ROC” – Report On Conditions. A brief report that includes a summary of the most important information. What has occurred, what is the severity, what actions are being taken, what you need, and where you are. Example: “ERT1 to base.” Base Acknowledges. “I’m at a two car collision, at least one injury, beginning patient care, next responder please establish IC at Charlie side Building Alpha.” “Update on Conditions” – A periodic report from the IC to base that occurs when significant changes have occurred or a pre-established time interval has elapsed. A request for an “Update on Conditions” may be made by base due to incoming EOC, Executive, or other requests. Report should include same information as the ROC.

25. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) During the Incident “Sweep”– This term may refer to a systematic search of a building or parking lot to ensure evacuation or to locate an individual or hazard source. Typically, “Sweep Teams” are designated in pairs of responders for general safety and assigned an intuitive call sign signifying the floor (ie: Sweep Team 2 conducts sweep of 2nd Floor). “Repeat Traffic”– Implies that the last radio transmission was either not heard clearly or was not understood. Last party to broadcast should repeat the transmission. “Last Unit” – Typically used when the identity or call sign of the last person to communicate via radio is unknown, as in “Last unit, identity yourself and repeat traffic.” “Additional Resources”– This request indicates that more responders are necessary to effectively manage an incident. Additional resources should always check in with the Incident Commander. The IC or requesting party should specify, if necessary, that additional ERT, EMT, SAS, Facilities, etc. are required.

26. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) “Switching Channel”– Indicates that traffic for an incident is changing from one radio channel to another. Direction may come from base, IC, or another party. Unless otherwise instructed, all responders should switch to the appropriate channel and monitor traffic. “Copy”– Acknowledgment that last radio traffic was received, understood, and will be carried out. Replaces common “10-4” radio code or military “WilCo” (Will Comply). “Standby”– Indicates that additional information will follow shortly or that one or more parties is occupied and not available to receive radio traffic. “Break” – Used when a long radio message is broken into 2 or more segments to allow “Emergency” or “Priority” radio traffic an opportunity to transmit. May also be used when transmission to one party has concluded and transmission to another party must immediately begin.” Typically a 5-second delay should follow the “Break.” “Hold All Non-Emergency Traffic”– Used as a polite reminder that either non-incident related radio traffic is being heard on the incident radio channel or as a reminder that radio traffic is deemed “excessive” due to volume and should be reduced.

27. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) “Priority Traffic” – Important radio traffic that does not directly affect the health or welfare of emergency responders. Typically it is used when you have critical information relevant to an existing incident or you are introducing initial activation of an incident. This phrase should be used sparingly. Example – “SAS5 to base, priority traffic.” Base acknowledges. “Smoke visible from Daycare Center inner courtyard, unknown source, ERT1 is investigating.” Example – “ERT1 to base, priority traffic.” Base acknowledges. “I have a medical emergency, Building 2, Delta Side, AP is experiencing chest pains, please dispatch 911 and activate ERT.” “Emergency Traffic” – Radio traffic that directly impacts health and safety of any party. All other radio traffic must immediately cease! Used when any party is injured, killed, or is in a life threatening circumstance. Example – “IC to all units, emergency traffic. EVACUATE, immediate danger of building collapse. Repeat, all units EVACUATE.”

28. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) “Responder Roll Call” – This phrase is used to initiate personnel accountability during large, complex, or dangerous events. This is an important radio message impacting safety and must be acknowledged by all parties. Typically, responding units should check-in beginning at the exterior A-side, rotating clockwise to the B, C, and D-sides of the building until all exterior personnel are accounted for. Interior units may then check in until all parties are accounted for. Example –“IC to all units, responder roll call, please acknowledge.” “Traffic Control checking in, 3 units accounted for.” “Perimeter Control checking in, 4 units accounted for.” “Liaison checking in, 1 unit accounted for.” “Patient Group checking in, 3 units accounted for, 1 missing.” “Mobile 2 to IC, I’m on the Bravo side, checking in w/ Patient Group for accountability.” “IC to all units, copy, all personnel accounted for. Break. IC to base, all personnel accounted for.”

29. Emergency Response Team (ERT) Standardized Radio Terminology (Non-10 Code) Resolution Phrases “Okay to Re-Occupy” – Indicates that permission has been granted, typically by the Fire Department, to reoccupy a building after an emergency event. This information should come from the IC, who should also issue a reminder to perimeter control to check for ID badges. “Affected Party Being Transported”– Indicates that patient is being transported via AMR, Co-worker, Manager, Friend, Family Member, or Self-Transport to… “X” Location. “All Clear” – This code is given when the incident has been fully resolved, there is no longer any imminent danger, and all external agencies (FD, PD, AMR, etc.) have departed Cisco property. The general resolution should also be provided to SFOC for the final page. (ie: Patient Transported to “X” Location, Power Restored, False Fire Alarm, Fire Extinguished, etc.). “Debrief” – Indicates that the incident has concluded (though “All Clear” may not have been given) and that all responders should meet, typically at the lobby or at the location of the incident for a review session.