Chapter 2 Set 04: Firefighter Radio Communication Procedures and Best Practices

What determines the radio channel available to incident personnel and the communications center?

Department Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs, and local protocols.

Who may have access to or monitor an incident radio channel?

Units and personnel at the scene, the communications center, and in some systems other department facilities or the public.

Why should firefighters assume radio transmissions may be heard or reviewed by others?

Frequencies may be monitored, and recorded transmissions become part of the official incident record.

How may recorded radio transmissions become public?

Through applicable open-records laws or Freedom of Information Act requests.

How often should a unit or individual identify itself on the radio?

In every transmission, according to local protocol.

Why should the receiver acknowledge a radio message?

To confirm it was received and understood or to request clarification if necessary.

What should you do after keying the microphone and before speaking?

Wait a second or two for the radio connection to be established, following local equipment procedures.

What can happen if you speak immediately after keying the microphone?

The beginning of the message may be cut off, requiring it to be repeated.

What should you do before opening the microphone?

Know what you are going to say.

What speaking rate should be used for radio communication?

A moderate rate that allows clear understanding.

What unnecessary speech habits should be avoided on the radio?

Pauses and verbal fillers such as 'ah' or 'um.'

How much expression should you use when speaking over the radio?

A moderate amount, with carefully placed emphasis rather than a monotone or exaggerated delivery.

How should words be spoken during radio transmissions?

Pronounce them correctly and articulate clearly without excitement or shouting.

What voice strength and pitch are recommended for radio communication?

A clear, controlled voice that is neither too strong nor too weak, with a midrange pitch.

How should you finish a radio message?

Finish the entire comment clearly without trailing off.

What kinds of expressions should be avoided during radio transmissions?

Slang and regional expressions.

Why should you avoid eating or chewing gum while transmitting?

They can interfere with clear speech.

How should radio messages be organized and delivered?

Confidently, concisely, and to the point.

When should you begin transmitting on a radio frequency?

When the frequency is clear and the radio is ready.

Which radio transmissions take priority?

Emergency transmissions take priority over routine transmissions.

What language must not be used on the radio?

Profane or obscene language.

How far should the microphone be from the mouth or SCBA voice port?

Approximately 1 to 2 inches, or 25 to 50 millimeters, following manufacturer recommendations.

In what direction should you speak into the microphone?

Directly into it, rather than across it.

Whose instructions should guide microphone placement and positioning?

The manufacturer's recommendations.

How can you confirm that you received and understood a radio message?

Repeat the message back to the sender.

Why should you avoid shouting into a radio microphone?

Shouting does not make the message clearer and may make it harder to understand.

How can you protect a microphone from noise, water, and debris?

Cup a hand over it or use the helmet brim as a shield.

Where should a radio or microphone be positioned relative to noisy equipment?

As far as possible from the PASS device, low-pressure alarm, and other noise-generating equipment.

Why should you avoid laying a microphone on a vehicle seat?

The transmission button may be pressed accidentally.

Why should you avoid transmitting too close to another radio on the same frequency?

It can interfere with clear communication, including producing feedback.

How should the radio antenna be positioned for the best transmission results?

Vertically.

What two factors can significantly affect the ability to hear and understand radio traffic?

Background noise and personal protective equipment.

What can you try if you cannot be understood while wearing an SCBA facepiece?

Place the microphone against your throat as described in the outline.

What must you never do to improve radio communication while wearing SCBA in a hazardous atmosphere?

Never remove the facepiece to speak into the microphone.

When should firefighters practice using a radio while wearing SCBA?

Before they need to use it during an emergency.