Module 3:
COMMUNICATIONS
OBJECTIVES
List four benefits of
effective fireground
communications and
explain the importance
of each.
Module 3
Overview
UNDERSTANDING
FIREGROUND
COMMUNICATIONS
THE NEED FOR
EFFECTIVE
FIREGROUND
COMMUNICATIONS
OBJECTIVES
List the six steps
identified in the
communications model
and explain the
importance of each step.
Module 3
Overview
THE
COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
OBJECTIVES
Apply the
communications model
to practical fireground
communications when
given a scenario.
Module 3
Overview
APPLICATION OF
THE
COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
Understanding Fireground
Communications
• Insert photo of radio
Fireground Communications
•
•
•
•
More than just yelling orders
Involves several steps
Giving and receiving information
Information understood
THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE
FIREGROUND
COMMUNICATIONS
Improved Firefighter Safety
• Ability to communicate essential
information quickly.
• Knowing where personnel are at all times.
Effective Resource Use
• Manage action plan effectively.
• Gather clear and concise information.
• Flow of important information only
Improved Interagency Cooperation
Through Good Communication
• Makes Department look good
• Makes it easier for others to understand
your needs.
• Eliminates duplication of efforts.
Legal Implications
• Many radio communications are taped.
• Tapes may be entered as part of the
evidence.
• All Departments must follow FCC licensing
requirements.
THE NEED FOR A
COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
Communications is a major
factor in how well emergencies
are managed
Departments need
to train on
improving
fireground
communication
procedures.
Photo of radio
Departments Should Have Written
Communication Procedures
• Basis for training.
• Compatible with other agencies.
• Members know what the communication
rules are.
• Used during post incident analysis.
Written Procedures Provide a
Model
• Assurance that all the important factors in
effective communication are included.
• Followed at all incidents
• “Perfect practice makes perfect”
Vince Lombardi
Large Group Activity 3.1
Communication
THE
COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
THE COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
THE COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #22 FROM MODULE 3
formulate
THE COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #23 FROM MODULE 3
SEND
THE COMMUNICATIONS
MODEL
• THE COMMUNICATIONS
INSERT SLIDE #24 FROMMODEL
MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #25 FROM MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #26 FROM MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #27 FROM MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #28 FROM MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #29 FROM MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
INSERT SLIDE #30 FROM MODULE 3
THE COMMUNICATIONS MODEL
TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES
When communication breaks
down on the fireground so does:
• Coordination
• Control
• The ability to provide for firefighter safety
All personnel have the responsibility
to communicate effectively
• Starts with a good brief initial report by the
first-in officer.
• Continues throughout the incident.
Types of Tactical Communications
•
•
•
•
Initial conditions reports
Implementation orders
Progress reports
Reports of Safety Hazards
Tactical Benchmarks
•
•
•
•
Completion of tactical operations
Completion of primary search
Stopping the forward progress of the fire
When further property loss is stopped
Progress Reports from COs
“Report on Conditions”
• The tactical operations are having a positive
impact.
• Tactical operations are not having a positive
impact.
• Additional resources that may be needed.
Progress Reports from COs
“Report on Conditions”
• Advanced warning to the supervisor as to
when relief crews will be needed.
• If and when resources might be available
for release or reassignment.
• Periodic reports on the status.
Reports of safety hazards or
evacuation orders
“Emergency Traffic”
• All personnel have the responsibility.
• A method to quickly convey emergency
information should be established.
• Accounts for all personnel when the
structure has been evacuated.
Large Group Activity 3.2
Application of the
Communications Model
Engine 1, 2
Quint 1
Batt 1
Respond to a structure fire at 1901 Phelps Way
Insert photo of business fire
Engine 1, 4, 3
Quint 1
Batt 3
Respond to a structure fire at 49 Seton Avenue
Insert photo of house fire
Engine 9, 10, 15
Truck 9
Batt 2
Respond to a structure fire at 177 Windy Hill Road
Insert photo of Apartment house fire
Engine 8, 11, 5
Truck 8
Batt 1
Respond to a structure fire at 19 Rosewood Road
Insert photo of trailer house fire
Engine 2, 6 Quint 6
Quint 1
Batt 2
Respond to a structure fire at 32 Union Street
Insert photo of brick home fire
Engine 13, 7 16
Quint 7
Batt 2
Respond to a structure fire at 2 Knob Hill Road
Insert photo of two story farm house fire
Engine 12, 3 6
Quint 6
Batt 3
Respond to a structure fire at 41 State Street
Summary
Summary
• When fireground communications is
effective, information has been given in a
clear concise manner and has been received
and understood.
Summary
• Effective fireground communications is
needed to improve firefighter safety, make
effective use of resources, improve
interagency cooperation, reduce liability,
and increase accountability.
Summary
• The steps of the communications model are
encoding, transmission through a medium,
receiving, decoding, and providing
feedback.
Summary
• Types of tactical communications which
occur on the fireground include initial sizeup reports, implementation orders for the
action plan, progress reports, reports on
safety hazards, evacuation orders,a dn
tactical benchmarks.
Summary
• The major benefit of using the communications
model is the assurance that the messages have
been received and understood.