Portland Fire & Rescue General Order #04 Communication Procedures

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from the Portland Fire & Rescue General Order #04 Communication Procedures.

Project 25 (P25)

A state-of-the-art digital radio system used for interoperability among public safety agencies.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency that regulates communication by radio and other means.

Public Safety Radio System

A communication network that allows police, fire, and emergency services to communicate effectively.

Communication Pathway

Any electronic technology combination used for real-time voice communication.

Frequency

A defined unit of electromagnetic spectrum measured in Megahertz (MHz) used to define a channel.

Radio Band

A group of frequencies that radio equipment can use.

Channel

A talk path utilizing one or more radio frequencies for communication.

Talkgroup

A talk path controlled by the P25 system that dynamically assigns frequencies.

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

A system used to communicate incident details to responders through interconnected workstations.

Simplex Channel

A channel where radios use a single frequency for direct communication between units.

Repeated Channel

A channel where radios use one frequency to transmit and another to receive.

Interoperability

The ability of different emergency responders to communicate effectively with each other.

Portable Radio

A hand-held radio used by individuals for communication.

Mobile Radio

A larger radio, usually mounted in vehicles, powered by the vehicle's electrical system.

Radio Identification Number

A unique number assigned to each division or section in the radio system for identification.

SERT Medics

Special Emergency Response Team medics who identify themselves on the radio.

First-line Company

The primary units that retain their unit identities at all times.

Reserve Apparatus

Spare equipment that retains their unit ID when staffed.

State Task Force

Teams assigned for a specific state-level emergency task or incident.

PF DISP

Fire Dispatch, staffed 24/7 to manage fire and EMS responders.

OPS 1

Primary tactical talkgroup for low complexity incident communication.

PFB TALK

Semi-private talkgroup for administrative communication among PF&R units.

Simplex Channels

Channels allowing direct radio-to-radio communication without using the radio system.

Mayday Channel

A region-wide channel dedicated to reporting firefighter distress or loss of communications.

State Fire Network

A state-wide VHF channel for tactical communications among organized fire forces.

County Interoperability Talkgroups

Talkgroups that allow communication across all radio users in a county.

NPSPAC Channels

National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee channels for emergency communications.

Mutual Aid

Support provided by one agency to another during an incident.

Incident Commander

The officer responsible for managing an emergency response.

Emergency Traffic

A protocol used to prioritize critical information communication during incidents.

Zetron Station Alerting System

An interactive system used for station tap out and status management.

ServiceNow Portal

A platform for reporting radio system problems and requests for assistance.

Radio Maintenance Procedure

Protocols for managing and maintaining radio communication devices.

Lost Communications Equipment

Protocol for reporting and recovering missing radios.

Mobile Command 9 (MC9)

A specialized mobile command apparatus equipped for multi-channel communications.

Radio Bridge

A device that allows two different radio systems to communicate effectively.

HARDENED Computers (MDC/MDTs)

Durable computers integrated into the dispatch system used for mobile communications.

Face-to-Face Communication

Direct verbal communication used in hazardous environments where radios shouldn't be used.

Explosive Atmospheres

Areas where the use of radios may ignite an explosion.

Effective Range

The maximum distance a radio can communicate effectively.

Radio Discipline

The practice of using radio communication carefully and effectively.

Talk Path

The route through which radio communications are transmitted.

Public Safety Agencies

Organizations responsible for protecting the public, including police and fire departments.

Authorization

Permission required to perform certain actions, such as using specific radio channels.

Training Talkgroups

Dedicated communication channels for training purposes.

Phonetic Designators

Clear spoken identifiers used for divisions and geographical positions.

Administrative Traffic

Non-emergency communications related to management and coordination.

Emergency Management Talkgroups

Talkgroups designated for coordinating emergency management activities.

Hazards of Radio Operations

Potential dangers associated with using radios in certain situations.

Intrinsically Safe

Radio equipment designed to operate safely in explosive environments.

Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs)

Devices that provide dispatch information and allow communication while in vehicles.

Out of Range

A radio state indicating it cannot communicate with the system.

Inter-agency Communications

Communication between different emergency response agencies.

Communication Procedures

Protocols for using the emergency communication system.

Status Update Procedures

Methods for keeping dispatch informed about units' statuses.