Learning Objective 1

Essentials of Fire Fighting

6th Edition
Firefighter I
Explain the procedures for receiving
Chapter 3 — Fire Department emergency and nonemergency
Communications external communications.

3–1

Emergency calls are received

Learning Objective 2 through two basic systems.

Describe the information required to

dispatch emergency services.

Emergency Service Specific Public Safety Answering

Telecommunications Center Point

3–2 3–3

Communications centers contain a Processing an emergency call

variety of equipment. requires gathering information.

Type of
emergency
Tone-
Two-way TDD-TTY-
generating Telephones
radio Text phone
equipment Cross street, Location of
landmarks nearby emergency

Recording Alarm-
Direct-line
Computers systems, receiving Number, location
telephones
devices equipment Callback number of people
involved

Name, location of
caller

3–4 3–5

1
Emergency calls are reported to REVIEW QUESTION
responders in a variety of ways.

Enhanced 9-1-1

Public Alerting Systems What is the procedure for receiving

an emergency external
• Radio communication?
• Wired telegraph circuit box
• Telephone fire alarm box
• Radio fire alarm box
3–6 3–7

Receiving nonemergency calls is also You must remain calm and courteous
a part of station life. when handling angry calls.

Take information

• Requests for
• Be Refer caller
professional
assistance Know
All types • Refer those
• Personal procedures
calls
you cannot
answer PIO as contact

Be familiar with department

3–8 3–9

Some stations may have a watch Emergency services dispatching

room that is monitored at all times. begins with some form of alert.

Audible
Pager
alarm

Alerting
device

3–10 3–11

2
REVIEW QUESTION Learning Objective 3

What is the procedure for receiving Describe the systems used for
a nonemergency external internal communications.
communication?

3–12 3–13

Internal communications are Radio systems used to transmit messages

transmitted to specific groups. vary based on location and size.

Department to
Within fire other agencies
department during
emergencies Fixed Mobile Portable

Courtesy of James Nilo

location

3–14 3–15

Radio signals transmit in either analog

or digital format over two types of Signal transmission occurs depending
carrier waves. on the type of equipment in the system.

(Cont.)

3–16 3–17

3
Signal transmission occurs depending Signal transmission occurs depending
on the type of equipment in the system. on the type of equipment in the system.

(Cont.)

3–18 3–19

A trunked system uses repeaters to

Modern fireground systems are designed assign transmissions to available
to operate on multiple channels. frequencies.

Unit to Nonemergency
Dispatching Command
personnel channel for
channel channel
channel training

3–20 3–21

REVIEW QUESTION Radio communication and terminology

are regulated by specific practices.

What types of systems are used for Do not send

Communications
internal communication? Commissions –
personal
messages over Use clear text
Both U.S. and
department
Canada
channel

3–22 3–23

4
 There are several radio limitations that
Learning Objective 4 can impact internal communications.

Explain radio limitations that may Click for

next slide

impact internal communications.

3–24 3–25

REVIEW QUESTION Learning Objective 5

What radio limitations can impact Describe radio procedures used for
internal communications? internal communications.

3–26 3–27

Always follow local protocols when

sending a message, these are part of the WARNING
official incident record.

Identify
yourself DO NOT REMOVE YOUR
FACEPIECE TO TALK INTO THE
MIC.
Wait a
Acknowledge
second or
message
two for signal
3–28 1–29

5
REVIEW QUESTION
What radio procedures must be
followed for internal
communications?
3–30
Learning Objective 6
Handle emergency and
nonemergency calls.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 3-I-1.
3–32
Summary
• Fire department communications are a
critical factor in the successful outcome
of any incident.
• There is a direct connection between
fireground communications and
fireground safety: The better the
communications, the safer the incident.
3–31
Learning Objective 7
Use a portable radio for routine and
emergency traffic.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 3-I-2.
3–33