Policy: 2.1.750 Lewis County Fire/EMS SOPLEWIS COUNTY FIRE AND EMS STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES

MANUAL

2.1.750.005 Authority

2.1.750.010 APPLICABLE GOVERNING STANDARDS FCC REGULATION All communication on agency radio frequencies is governed by FCC Regulation, Part 90, 47 CFR, Ch. 1. In general, the Commission assigns frequencies in the different radio fields, licenses the radio stations and determines the operating requirements of their transmitters and promotes the more effective use of radio with emphasis on its utilization to protect life and property. In this sense, the Commission Rules and Regulations provide for those radio services that will best promote and protect the public interest in matters relating to that portion of the public domain of the electromagnetic (frequency) spectrum that is within the Commission's jurisdiction. To comply with FCC regulations, all users shall continually assure:

• A public safety radio station shall not be operated unless it is properly licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and the station license is posted or kept available as specified by the rules governing the particular service and/or class of station. Station licenses must be renewed prior to the expiration of such license as provided in the rules and regulations.

• On all radio frequencies, in order to avoid interference with communications in progress, an operator shall listen on the frequency on which it is intended to receive for a sufficient period to ascertain that it will be possible to hear the station being called and that transmission will not cause interference. The operator shall not attempt to call if interference is likely to result.

• All stations and records of stations in these services shall be made available for inspection to a Commission representative at any time while the station is in operation or shall be made available for inspection upon reasonable request of an authorized representative of the Commission.

• Station call signs shall be transmitted slowly and clearly using the following format time, call sign: e.g. "0830, KOH888."

• The radios will not be operated by any unauthorized person(s). To comply with FCC regulations, all users shall continually prohibit:

• Transmission of any false or superfluous traffic contrary to regulations of the Commission. • Operation on a frequency not authorized by the Commission for use by such station. • Interference with any distress call or distress communication contrary to the regulations of the

Commission. • Rendering a communication service not authorized by the Commission. • Operation with a type of emission not authorized by the Commission. • Operation with transmitting equipment other than that authorized by the Commission. • Failure to respond to official communications from the Commission. • Operate a control point that fails to indicate when the transmitter is on or one that does not have

means to monitor. • Denial of access to properly identified representatives of the FCC (must be at a reasonable hour). • Use of profane, indecent or obscene language. • Willfully damaging or permitting radio apparatus to be damaged. • Allowing the interception, use or publication of the content of a radio message without permission

of the proper authority. • Making adjustments, repairs, or alterations whatsoever to the radio transmitter. It is required by law

that only a professional radio technician, holding a license, make adjustments and repairs.

Upon conviction for violations of any of the offenses listed, the licensee is subject to either a fine, imprisonment, or both. For further information, consult the Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations. Any user in violation of these procedures is subject to disciplinary action. GENERAL RULES

• Speak clearly (enunciate), in a normal tone of voice and at a reasonable rate of speed.

• Messages should be transmitted to provide the maximum amount of information transfer with the least amount of words.

• Never change the meaning of a message that is intended for relay. Messages shall be repeated as

close to the complete original as possible.

• Maintain professionalism at all times.

2.1.750.015 DESCRIPTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN OF SYSTEM The majority of the Fire/EMS system in Lewis County is a Simplex system, basically stating that the signal is sent from a single transmit site directly to the intended receive site. Transmit sites are primarily all radio towers that are placed on high-elevation strategic locations across the County to reach the maximum number of field receiving units. Transmit sites are also equipped with receivers that can send transmitted messages from the field directly to the E911 Center. Channels operated via the Simplex system will have the same transmit and receive frequency. This is a graphic representation of the way signals are transmitted from the E911 Center to the field.

This is a graphic representation of the way signals are transmitted from the field to the E911 Center.

With this style of a communicating system, field units may encounter an inability to communicate reliably with the E911 Center via portable radio. This is mainly due to the area and topography of Lewis County in relation to the unit’s location and the location of the intended receive site. Agencies are recommended to study areas of poor communication within their jurisdictions and devise mitigation plans. Some areas of Lewis County are served by an alternative communicating system known as Half Duplex. This system implements the use of two separate radio frequencies for the transmission of a single message. Transmissions are sent from the initiating radio to a repeater, which then retransmits the message to additional units and the E911 Center via a different frequency. Advantages to this system include an increase of the area that a transmission can be broadcast by employing a higher powered repeating transmitter. Areas served by this configuration include the RFA, City of Chehalis, FD11 and East County.

This is a graphical representation of a Half Duplex system.

Note that additional field units cannot receive transmissions directly from the initiating radio, all signals must pass through the repeater.

2.1.750.020 TOWER EQUIPMENT/SITES

SITE LOCATION CHANNELS SERVICED PRIMARY USERS CREGO HILL FIRE 1, VTAC11 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20, 48,

RFA COOKS HILL FIRE 1, FIRE 2 RFA, 48 COURTHOUSE REDNET WEST COUNTY BENNETT ROAD REDNET, VTAC11 10, 14 DEMOCRAT FIRE 1 3, 8 DOG MOUNTAIN FIRE 1 4, 10, 14, 18 STATION 14-1 FIRE 3 14 PACKWOOD SURGE TANK FIRE 4 10 MINERAL FIRE 5 9 BAW FAW DEM W WEST COUNTY

2.1.750.025 CHANNEL LIST & FUNCTIONS The following frequency list is the minimum that shall be programmed in all user agency radios. The implementation of this list is intended to provide uniform communication across all county Fire/EMS agencies.

CHANNEL DESCRIPTION FREQUENCY TONE

FIRE 1 PRIMARY DISPATCH AND OPERATION WESTERN/CENTRAL COUNTY

RX: 154.19000 TX: 154.19000 123.0

FIRE 2 PRIMARY DISPATCH AND OPERATION RFA AND CITY OF CHEHALIS

RX: 154.97250 123.0 TX: 159.09750 123.0

FIRE 3 PRIMARY DISPATCH AND OPERATION RANDLE AREA

RX: 156.10500 TX: 155.80500 123.0

FIRE 4 PRIMARY DISPATCH AND OPERATION PACKWOOD AREA

RX: 156.10500 TX: 155.80500 88.5

FIRE 5 PRIMARY DISPATCH AND OPERATION MINERAL AREA

RX: 154.19000 TX: 159.31500 118.8

REDNET WA STATE FIRE INTEROPERABILITY LOCAL PRIMARY SCENE FREQUENCY

RX: 153.83000 TX: 153.83000

SAR SEARCH AND RESCUE RX: 155.16000 TX: 155.16000

DEM W DEPT. OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WEST COUNTY

RX: 155.71500 TX: 156.00000 88.5

DEM E DEPT. OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EAST COUNTY

RX: 155.71500 TX: 156.00000 131.8

OSCCR ON-SCENE COMMAND AND CONTROL RADIO

RX: 156.13500 TX: 156.13500

DNR COMMON

WA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

RX: 151.41500 TX: 151.41500

VCALL10 NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY RX: 155.75250 TX: 155.75250 156.7

VTAC11 NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY LOCAL SECONDARY SCENE FREQUENCY

RX: 151.13750 TX: 151.13750 156.7

VTAC12 NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY RX: 154.45250 TX: 154.45250 156.7

VTAC13 NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY RX: 158.73750 TX: 158.73750 156.7

VTAC14 NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY RX: 159.47250 TX: 159.47250 156.7

2.1.750.030 TACTICAL CHANNELS Tactical channels are frequencies licensed by individual agencies for the purposes of conducting business and transmissions not appropriate for dispatch, response and scene frequencies.

2.1.750.035 INCIDENT RECEIPT When an incident is received, dispatchers shall:

1) Obtain the nature of the incident

2) Obtain the location of the incident

3) Input information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System to enable incident dispatching

4) Obtain additional incident information

a) If EMS nature, use the EMS Criteria Based Dispatch (CBD) guidelines b) If FIRE nature, use the FIRE Criteria Based Dispatch (CBD) guidelines (In development)

5) Obtain reporting party information

6) Input all additional information into the CAD system for dispatcher view and transfer to field

units

2.1.750.040 DISPATCHING

RESPONSE PLANS The use of response plans provides an agency with the opportunity to preplan the appropriate level of resources that should be dispatched to an incident. Response plans can be customized for specific addresses, jurisdictional areas, certain natures and single or multiple unit/agency deployments. RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION In order to provide uniformity across all individual county Fire/EMS Agencies, the following designators shall be used to identify resources: APPARATUS: Type, Agency, Location, Response Order EXAMPLE: Engine 14-1 (E141) An engine from FD14 responding from Station 1 Aid 5-3 (A53) An ambulance from FD05 responding from Station 3 Response order designators, represented by alpha characters, shall be used when multiple like-typed apparatus respond from the same station. EXAMPLE: Aid 15-1A (A151A) An ambulance from FD15 responding as the 2nd ambulance from Station 1 Resources from Fire/EMS agencies that service multiple jurisdictions (regional fire authorities, private service providers, service entities established by interlocal agreement, etc.) shall preface their identification designator by announcing the name of their agency: Agency, Type, Location/Response Order EXAMPLE: Riverside Engine 1 (RFAE1) A Riverside engine responding from Station 1 AMR Medic 2 (AMRM2) An AMR medic unit responding from Station 2 PERSONNEL: CHIEF CHIEF, Agency, Rank EXAMPLE: CHIEF 9 (CHF9) Chief from FD09 (“CHIEF-Nine”) CHIEF 9-2 (CHF9-2) Chief Officer from FD09, Second in Command of the Agency (“Chief-Nine-Two”) CHIEF 9-3 (CHF9-3) Chief Officer from FD09, Third in Command of the Agency (“CHIEF-Nine-Three) DUTY CHIEF/OFFICER DUTY, Agency, Response Order EXAMPLE: DUTY 5-1 Designated Command Officer for FD05 (“DUTY-Five-One”)

OFFICERS Agency, Personnel # EXAMPLE: 204 Captain/Lieutenant from FD02 (“Two-Zero-Four”) Agencies shall assign personnel numbers to officers to represent positioning within the agency’s chain of command. The designation of officers shall be reserved for personnel numbers -01 through -09. PERSONNEL Agency, Personnel # EXAMPLE: 815 Personnel from FD08 (Eight-Fifteen) 1320 Personnel from FD13 (Thirteen-Twenty) DISPATCH: CENTRAL All Fire/EMS agencies shall refer to LCE911 as “CENTRAL”

2.1.750.045 RESOURCE TYPE DESIGNATIONS

AID Ground Ambulance staffed and equipped to the BLS level, per WA Dept. of Health AIR Unit equipped additional breathing air capacity that can be deployed to an incident BRUSH Apparatus equipped for fighting brush/wildland type fires CHIEF Apparatus staffed by a Chief Officer DUTY Apparatus staffed by a designated agency Duty Officer ENGINE Apparatus equipped with fire suppression equipment LADDER Apparatus equipped with an aerial device and ground ladders MARINE Watercraft used for fire suppression and/or rescue MEDIC Ground Ambulance staffed and equipped to the ALS level, per WA Dept. of Health REHAB Apparatus with supplies and equipment for personnel rehab at an incident scene RESCUE Apparatus with specialized rescue equipment SPRINT Non-transporting EMS vehicle staffed and equipped to the ALS level, per WA DOH SUPPORT Apparatus used to carry additional equipment and personnel TENDER Ground apparatus with a large capacity tank for transporting water

The CHIEF and DUTY resource type designators shall only be used to indicate a SUPPORT-typed apparatus that is staffed with personnel designated by an agency to perform an incident command function. The use of any additional terms to designate the resource types shall be discouraged.

2.1.750.050 NOTIFICATION Incidents shall be dispatched in the following manner:

1) Select the appropriate agency/agencies, station assignments and/or units, as designated per CAD response plans.

2) Select and transmit the appropriate tones and prescribed units as indicated in CAD response

plans.

3) State the incident nature, including ALS/BLS for EMS incidents, address, city and response frequency

4) Repeat the message

5) State the Cross Street

6) Finish by stating the time and station identifier

EXAMPLE: “District 8: BLS abdominal pains; 218 Stowell Road, Salkum; Respond FIRE1; (repeat) District 8: BLS abdominal pains; 218 Stowell Road, Salkum; Respond FIRE1; Cross of Shanklin Rd; 1832, WSP350” OR: “District 10: BLS abdominal pain; 1279 Hwy 12, Packwood; Respond FIRE4; (repeat) District 10: BLS abdominal pain; 1279 Hwy 12, Packwood; Respond FIRE4; Cross of Kiser Rd; 2135, WPJU343” If an agency has response plans established to designate specific units to be dispatched, the designated units should be stated in place of the agency being dispatched during the repeat of the message. EXAMPLE: FD15 has Medic 242 and Aid 15-1 designated as the primary responding units to all ALS medical incidents. “District 15: ALS chest pains; 321 NE 1st Street, Winlock; Respond FIRE1; A15-1, M242: ALS chest pains; 321 NE 1st Street, Winlock; Respond FIRE1; Cross of E Walnut; 2234, WQD378” If the address is a business or other landmark, state the name of the business/landmark directly after the address. EXAMPLE: “District 15: ALS chest pains; 307 NE 1st Street- Brosey’s Hardware, Winlock; Respond FIRE1”

2.1.750.055 ADDRESSES In order to provide maximum clarity in transmitting addresses, numerals shall be used as follows: EXAMPLE: 1200 Jackson Hwy “One-Two-Zero-Zero Jackson Highway” 6525 Hwy 12 “Six-Five-Two-Five Highway 12” 105 Haywire Rd, Apt 102 “One-Zero-Five Haywire Road, Apartment One-Zero-Two”

2.1.750.060 RESPONSE FREQUENCY All communications from responding units to LCE911 shall be transmitted via channels designated as an incident’s response frequency. Dispatchers shall designate the appropriate channel to be operated as a response frequency during the notification announcement of each incident. EXAMPLE: RFA and Medic 1 are dispatched to an incident with all response communications occurring on FIRE 2. “Riverside Fire: ALS Chest Pains; 1100 South Tower, Centralia; Respond FIRE2 (repeat) M20-1, M1: ALS Chest Pains, 1100 South Tower, Centralia; Respond FIRE2; Cross of West Van Buren; 1746, Station Call Sign.” Units shall communicate all status updates and informational messages via the response frequency until a SCENE FREQUENCY has been designated by Incident Command or requested by the dispatcher. Upon the designation of a SCENE FREQUENCY, responding units shall continue to communicate all status updates and informational messages with LCE911 on the response frequency until they have updated their status to ARRIVED. Once a unit has arrived at the scene of an incident and communicated their status update to LCE911, the unit shall then transfer all communications to the designated SCENE FREQUENCY. Communicating in this manner enables the appropriate tracking and accountability of a responding unit by LCE911 and clears the SCENE FREQUENCY for use by the Incident Commander to direct resources at the scene of the incident. Upon being released from the incident by the Incident Commander, units shall transfer all communications back to the incident’s response frequency to communicate status updates with LCE911.

2.1.750.065 RESPONSE UNIT COMMUNICATION Fire/EMS agencies shall initiate a transmission series by stating the unit designator that they are transmitting to, followed by their own radio name or number. (The “FROM” method) “CENTRAL, Engine 6-1” OR: “Aid 3-1, Sprint 531” Once a transmission series has been established, it is not necessary to repeat radio names for each transmission. The first apparatus responding to an incident should give their radio number, status, and the destination address. Incidents with multiple agencies responding shall have only the first responding apparatus from each agency state the destination address. All additional apparatus shall give their radio number and status and only confirm the address if unknown. If an agency has units responding to multiple incidents, each unit shall state the destination address when responding. UNIT: “CENTRAL, Engine 13-1 Enroute; 1203 Wildwood Rd.” DISP: “Engine 13-1 Enroute; 1203 Wildwood Rd.; 0934”

Units shall use the following status indicators to indicate their operating status:

INDICATOR MEANING USE ENROUTE A unit is responding in emergency mode “CENTRAL, A5-1 Enroute, (Address)” ENROUTE NON-PRIORITY

A unit is responding in non-emergency mode

“CENTRAL, A5-1 Enroute Non-Priority, (Address)”

STAGING A unit has staged away from the incident (Used only for unsecured scenes)

“CENTRAL, A48 Staging, (Location)”

ARRIVING A unit has arrived at the incident/hospital

“CENTRAL, A3-1 Arriving, (Road Name)/(Hospital Name)”

ALS / ILS / BLS A unit is transporting to a hospital “CENTRAL, A2-1 BLS to (Hospital)” PRIORITY A unit is transporting to a hospital in

emergency mode “ CENTRAL, A2-1 PRIORITY to (Hospital)”

RETURNING A unit is returning from the incident “CENTRAL, E4-1 Returning” CLEAR HOSPITAL

A unit is returning from the hospital “CENTRAL, M242 Clear (Hospital Name)”

OUT OF SERVICE

A unit is unavailable to respond “CENTRAL, E7-1 Out of Service”

IN SERVICE A unit has completed an incident and/or is available to respond to an incident

“CENTRAL, E7-1 In Service”

The use of any additional terms to indicate the status of a unit shall be discouraged.

2.1.750.070 PERSONNEL RESPONSE TO AN INCIDENT For user agencies operating via the model that requires personnel to respond from their residence to an incident, whether it be to the station or incident scene, multiple personnel should be discouraged from transmitting that they are responding via the response frequency. For a multiple agency response to an incident, a maximum of one person from each agency shall be authorized to transmit their response via the designated response frequency. For single agency responses, a maximum of two members shall be authorized to transmit a response via the designated response frequency. All other responding members shall transmit their initial individual responses via tactical channels or alternative communications platforms designated for use by the user agency.

2.1.750.075 NOTIFICATION AND STAGING FOR UNSAFE SCENES The staging process will be used whenever a scene has been determined unsafe for entrance by Fire/EMS personnel. An unsafe scene is defined as any location in which a violent or potentially violent incident has occurred or has the potential to occur and the situation has not been brought safely under control by law enforcement. EXAMPLES: Assault with Injuries Suicide involving weapons, or unknown details Hostage Situations Other Violent Scenes LCE911 will dispatch Law Enforcement then dispatch Fire/EMS. Dispatchers shall advise responding units that Law has been advised for a potential unsecured/unsafe scene. Upon receipt of dispatch to an unsafe scene, Fire/EMS personnel and apparatus will either advise that they are staged at their station, another location that is an adequate distance away from the incident location as to provide for their safety or as directed by Law Enforcement. EXAMPLE: UNIT: “CENTRAL, A15-1 Staged, Station 1” DISP: “A151 Staged, Station 1; 2345” OR UNIT: “CENTRAL, A15-1 Staged, 505 & Cemetery Rd” DISP: “A15-1 Staged, 505 & Cemetery Rd; 2146” Fire/EMS units will remain at the staging location until notification has been received that the scene has been secured.

2.1.750.080 SHORT REPORT The dispatcher will provide a report to the first responding apparatus from each agency including: Details of the incident, Critical medical/safety information, and Any additional pertinent information. Unit(s) will acknowledge they received the report by stating their unit number.

2.1.750.085 INFORMATIONAL MESSAGES Upon completion of an informational radio transmission, unit(s) affected will reply with their radio number to indicate they received the information. The text of informational type transmissions need not be repeated by units in the field. If the message is unclear or not understood, field units shall ask for a clarification. All informational messages from field units to the dispatcher shall be repeated by the dispatcher to enable additional field units that may not be in close proximity to the unit transmitting an opportunity to understand the message. Examples: DISP: “CENTRAL, Engine 7-1” UNIT: “Engine 7-1” DISP: “Fire Marshall is enroute, eta 10 minutes” UNIT: “Engine 7-1,” (meaning they received) DISP: “Engine 7-1, 1543.” (Unit & time - meaning the transmission has ended) If the Unit does not understand what was just said: UNIT: “CENTRAL, (from) Engine 7-1, repeat the last traffic” DISP: “Fire Marshall is enroute, eta 10 minutes” UNIT: “Engine 7-1” DISP: “Engine 7-1, time” The text of transmissions containing orders or requests should be repeated so the message is understood and confirmed as correct, by both parties. Examples: UNIT: “CENTRAL, (from) Engine 7-1” DISP: “Engine 7-1” UNIT: “Request Fire Marshal to the Scene.” DISP: “Engine 7-1 requesting Fire Marshal, 1345” THEN: DISP: “Engine 7-1 (from) CENTRAL” UNIT: “Engine 7-1” DISP: “Fire Marshal is enroute, ETA 15 minutes” UNIT: “Engine 7-1” DISP: “Engine 7-1, 2339”

2.1.750.085 REQUESTING LAW ENFORCEMENT Field units requesting Law Enforcement assistance will provide an initial short report of the situation, unless doing so in plain English could jeopardize personnel or public safety. Examples of normal requests for Law Enforcement: Disorderly subject Crowd control/scene security Presence of controlled substance Traffic Control EXAMPLE: UNIT: “CENTRAL, A2-1” DISP: “A2-1” UNIT: “Request Law for disorderly male” DISP: “A2-1 requesting Law for disorderly male, 2232”

2.1.750.090 DURESS If Fire/EMS personnel are confronted with a life threatening or safety situation requiring expedited response from Law Enforcement, units shall use the code CENCOM. This code should be used when it is determined unsafe to transmit with plain English. Upon the receipt of the CENCOM distress code, dispatchers shall advise all area Law Enforcement officers of the location of the Fire/EMS unit(s) in distress. The use of the CENCOM distress code shall be reserved only for incidents of imminent threat to personnel. EXAMPLE: UNIT: “CENTRAL, M20-1 CENCOM” DISP: “M20-1 CENCOM; (Last known location); 0124” As soon as safe and practical, Fire/EMS personnel shall communicate additional information describing the threat to be relayed to Law Enforcement. Once confirming the CENCOM transmission has been received by LCE911, Fire/EMS personnel are recommended to turn down radio equipment to prevent any perceived threat from hearing radio transmissions and escalating the situation. In the event that that Fire/EMS units are able to safely remove all personnel from the threatening situation, LCE911 shall immediately be notified to relay information to Law Enforcement that personnel have been removed from danger.

2.1.750.095 STATUS CHECKS For all EMS nature incidents, dispatchers shall request a status update from units that have arrived at the incident scene at intervals of 20 minutes from the last unit contact. The status check process shall progress as follows: 20 minutes have passed since a unit has arrived at an incident or transmitted a message from an incident scene

Unit Answered with Unit # The dispatcher shall log contact and the 20 minute timer will reset Unit Indicates Duress The dispatcher shall advise Law per duress procedure No Answer by Unit The dispatcher shall repeat the status check request 2nd No Answer by Unit The dispatcher shall page the unit and request status update 3rd No Answer by Unit The dispatcher shall attempt phone contact to the residence or reporting

party; If it is not practical to contact the reporting party (i.e. a passing vehicle), then the dispatcher shall advise Law of a unit not answering status check requests

4th No Answer by Unit The dispatcher shall advise Law of a unit not answering status check requests

At any time, units that are on scene may request to have status checks discontinued.

2.1.750.100 RADIO TRANSMISSION PRIORITIES Transmission restrictions shall be placed on channels with the intent of limiting radio transmissions to only units encountering emergencies while operating on incident scenes. Traffic restrictions will be designated via two categories: EMERGENCY TRAFFIC: Scenarios involving life-threatening situations will have the highest priority. All other radio traffic shall be restricted to the emergency in progress. EMERGENCY radio traffic means the frequency is to be clear of any other transmissions not pertaining to the emergency in progress and may include the application of an emergency-priority marker. During EMERGENCY TRAFFIC units shall be prohibited from transmitting on the designated channel unless they are directly involved in the emergency. Examples of EMERGENCY TRAFFIC scenarios: With Priority Marker: CENCOM Immediate threats to personnel or citizens Weapon involvement Without Priority Marker: MAYDAY Abandon building order EXAMPLE: DISP: “ALL UNITS ON FIRE3, EMERGENCY TRAFFIC FOR FD14” THEN: Place the priority marker, if applicable

2.1.750.105 RESTRICTED TRAFFIC Multiple incident occurrences or other high-traffic scenarios may cause a RESTRICTED TRAFFIC designation to be placed on a channel. This designation is primarily used to limit or reduce the amount of transmissions on a channel and is not to be used to signify threats to Fire/EMS unit safety. During periods of RESTRICTED TRAFFIC, transmissions should be limited to responding apparatus or apparatus at incident scenes only. Units are encouraged to use alternate frequencies and communication platforms for transmissions between units. Once the causing factor of the RESTRICTED TRAFFIC designation has been resolved, dispatchers shall advise to “RESUME NORMAL TRAFFIC.” Dispatchers shall advise after any subsequent dispatch tone of an incident after RESTRICTED TRAFFIC has been implemented, that RESTRICTED TRAFFIC is in place. Traffic restrictions are the key reason why it is imperative for radio users to briefly listen to gauge the activity of the radio channel before attempting transmissions.

2.1.750.110 ALERT TONE An alert tone (high-pitched warble) is available for an Incident Commander to request prior to the transmission of critical incident operations and safety messages.

2.1.750.115 NO RESPONSE TO INCIDENT DISPATCH If there is no response from an agency within approximately three (3) minutes of an original dispatch, Dispatch will verify no units are on the air. If no units are on the air the agency will be re-dispatched and advised that it is “a second tone.” All Fire/EMS agencies should have, at minimum, response plan directives to provide instruction for requesting additional agencies to assist when there has been no response to the incident. EXAMPLE: DISP: “CENTRAL to Any District 1 unit on the air” *** No Response *** DISP: “CENTRAL to Any District 1 unit on the air” *** No Response *** If no response, the dispatcher shall re-dispatch the incident tones DISP: “Lewis District 1, SECOND tone; BLS fall, 153 Carlisle Ave; Respond FIRE1” DISP: “Lewis District 1, SECOND tone; BLS fall, 153 Carlisle Ave; Respond FIRE 1; 1454, WQD378”

2.1.750.120 INCIDENT CANCELLATION LCE911 shall not be authorized to cancel or call off any Fire/EMS unit response once the incident has been dispatched. The first responding unit will be notified of false alarm or supplemental information and will make the final response determination in consideration of individual standard operating procedures. LCE911 will advise, if applicable, of any party’s request to cancel to provide responding units the opportunity to lower their response level.

2.1.750.125 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM COMMAND ORGANIZATION The first person to arrive at the scene of multiple unit responses, with the exception of basic EMS calls, shall initiate Command and remain in Command until: relieved by another member, passing Command to another, or until the incident is terminated. Upon the initiation of Incident Command, ALL radio communications between LCE911 and the scene shall be initiated or directed to IC or IC’s designee. There shall be no other direct communication by units at the incident scene and LCE911, with the exception of an emergency or units arriving and clearing the incident scene.

2.1.750.127 ARRIVAL REPORT Units arriving at the scene of an incident shall transmit a brief arrival report to LCE911. Reports shall include: SIZE (Small, Medium, Large, Mega, etc.; 1-Story, 2-Story, etc.) The method to estimate and designate the size of a structure shall be the percentage of structure area that a 200’ preconnected line can reach: SMALL 100% MEDIUM 75% LARGE 50% MEGA 25% OCCUPANCY (Residence, Apartment, Commercial, Strip mall, Known occupancy name, etc.) PROBLEM (Nothing showing, Light Smoke, Smoke showing, Working Fire, Defensive fire; Location of problem: Division Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta; Floor 1, etc.) INITIAL ACTION PLAN (Declare strategy: Offensive/Defensive –and- Task, Location and Objectives of the actions of the unit; Tasks: Investigating, establishing water supply, stretching lines, operating master stream, forcing entry, rescue, etc.; Location: Division (Side), floor, exposure, etc.; Objectives: Search/Rescue, fire control, exposure protection, etc.) INITIATE COMMAND (Name the command) Upon the status update that the first unit is ARRIVING at the incident scene, dispatchers will be prepared to receive the arrival report transmission. EXAMPLE: UNIT: “CENTRAL, E4-1 Arriving” DISP: “E4-1 Arriving” UNIT: “Medium, 2-story residence; (pause) Working fire on Division Alpha; (pause) Offensive Strategy; (pause) Stretching a line to Division Alpha for Fire Control; (pause) E4-1 Initiating Westlake Command” DISP: “Medium, 2-story residence; Working fire on Division Alpha; Offensive Strategy; Stretching a line to Division Alpha for Fire Control; E4-1 Initiating Westlake Command; 1435” -OR- UNIT: “CENTRAL, E10-1 Arriving” DISP: “E10-1 Arriving” UNIT: “2 vehicles; (pause) 1 vehicle on its top; (pause)

Assessing for injuries; (pause) E10-1 Initiating Skate Creek Command” DISP: “2 Vehicles; 1 Vehicle on its top; Assessing for injuries; E10-1 Initiating Skate Creek Command; 2136” Upon the repeat of the arrival report by the dispatcher, Incident Commanders may transmit a request to LCE911 to give initial instructions to incoming units. It is critical that any instructions to incoming units be repeated as accurately as possible by the dispatcher, in the event that incoming resources are not close enough to receive the Incident Commander’s initial transmission. Upon the completion of the arrival report, Incident Commanders are instructed to conduct a further survey of the incident scene, “a 360,” to confirm their first impression of the incident as indicated by the arrival report. During the 360 survey, Incident Commanders are looking for any additional life safety hazards, to confirm the size and type of the occupancy or incident scene, to confirm the presence of a basement, to confirm the Initial Action Plan and to determine the need and instructions for additional resources. Upon the completion of the 360 survey, Incident Commanders will transmit the survey findings to LCE911 for broadcast to additional units and recording in the radio log. It is critical that any arrival reports or 360 survey findings relayed to LCE911 are retransmitted as completely as feasible to allow message transfer to units that may not be able to receive the Incident Commander’s initial transmissions. As part, units transmitting arrival reports and 360 survey findings must do so in a manner that allows for the Dispatcher to accurately receive and understand what is communicated.

2.1.750.130 SCENE FREQUENCY Incident Commanders, upon establishing a command post and/or the determination of extended incident operations, shall designate a scene frequency to conduct operations at the incident scene. The primary scene frequency for Lewis County is REDNET. The secondary scene frequency for Lewis County is VTAC11. Incident Commanders shall continue to monitor the dispatch and response frequencies to maintain situational awareness of additional incidents, to communicate with LCE911 and to ensure that there is no missed incident traffic from the incident scene that is transmitted on the response frequency. All scene frequency communications should be transmitted via portable radio.

2.1.750.135 STAGING FOR MULTIPLE UNIT RESPONSES For responses to larger scale incidents requiring multiple unit responses, the following staging procedures shall be used: LEVEL 1: All Fire/EMS units shall report to the incident with the status of LEVEL 1 when there has been no specific instruction given to them by an Incident Commander that has already transmitted and Arrival Report. LEVEL 1 staging locations should be in the immediate vicinity of the incident- preferably near a water supply, but in a location that provides the ability to approach the incident from an alternative direction, if requested.

Units will advise that they have arrived at the incident with a status update of “ARRIVING, LEVEL 1.” EXAMPLE: UNIT: “CENTRAL, E6-1 ARRIVING, Level 1.” DISP: “E6-1 ARRIVING, Level 1; 1453.” The dispatcher will update the CAD to show E6-1 has arrived at the incident. LEVEL 2: In the event of the need for a formalized staging area, Incident Commanders shall advise dispatch of a LEVEL 2 location for all incoming apparatus to report to. Dispatch will broadcast that the Incident Commander has designated a specific area for LEVEL 2 staging operations. EXAMPLE: IC: “CENTRAL, (Command)” DISP: “(Command)” IC: “All incoming units to Level 2 Staging, (Location)” DISP: “(Command) requesting all incoming units to Level 2 Staging, (Location); 2350” THEN, when a unit has arrived at the LEVEL 2 location: UNIT: “CENTRAL, E48-1 ARRIVING, Level 2” DISP: “E48-1 ARRIVING, Level 2; 2356”

The dispatcher will update the CAD to show E48-1 has arrived at the incident.

2.1.750.140 BENCHMARK PROMPTS Benchmark prompts are a critical component of incident scene operations and are intended to aid Incident Commanders in maintaining situational awareness of the incident’s elapsed time. Benchmark prompts shall be given by LCE911 at 10 minute intervals for all incidents, with the exception of basic EMS incidents. In reply to benchmark status prompts, Incident Commanders shall reply with a briefing of incident operations. Benchmark prompts shall continue until the Incident Commander requests them discontinued. EXAMPLE: DISP: “CENTRAL, Middle Fork Command, 10 minute benchmark” UNIT: “Middle Fork Command, continuing offensive strategy.” DISP: “Middle Fork Command, continuing offensive strategy, 1546” -OR- DISP: “CENTRAL, Bishop Road Command, 30 minute benchmark” UNIT: “Bishop Road Command, fire controlled, mop up operations, discontinue benchmarks” DISP: “Bishop Road Command, fire controlled, mop up operations; discontinuing benchmarks, 2058” In addition to communicating the status of incident operations at benchmark prompts, Incident Commanders should communicate critical incident progression benchmarks as they occur. Examples of critical incident benchmarks include: STRATEGY CHANGES Offensive to Defensive, Defensive to Offensive, etc. ALL CLEAR Results of a primary or secondary search for victims FIRE CONTROLLED The fire incident has been stabilized and there is no additional loss of property expected UTILITIES CONTROLLED Electrical or gas utility has been controlled and no longer poses a risk to personnel PATIENT EXTRICATED A patient has been removed from an entanglement

2.1.750.145 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS LEVELS OF OPERATION Levels of operation are used to initiate contingency plans that enable a more efficient method of conducting operations and processing information. Levels for fire response units and communications can be initiated simultaneously or separate of each other, depending on which agency has the need for it. WHO MAY DECLARE A CHANGE IN LEVELS System Wide: A system wide change in levels of operation may be declared by the Incident Commander, LC E911 Supervisor, or other designated authority. Limited: An Incident Commander, LC E911 Supervisor, or other designated authority may declare a change in levels of operations for their specific agency or jurisdiction. WHEN TO DECLARE AN UPGRADE IN LEVELS A designated authority may declare an upgrade in levels when personnel and equipment resources are becoming overwhelmed or major system breakdowns require procedures for special management of information. WHEN TO DECLARE A DOWNGRADE IN LEVELS The declaration of a downgrade in levels of operations shall take place with a mutually agreed upon decision by designated authorities. LEVELS OF SYSTEM OPERATION Normal Operations Stressed Operations The volume of activity in the dispatch center is overwhelming available resources. Partial failure of radio/telephone systems. Full failure of all systems. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS In order to preserve communication resources, in the event of a need for STRESSED or PARTIAL FAILURE OPERATIONS, procedures will be initiated that limit incidents to emergency information only. Incidents classified by LCE911 as emergency in nature will be broadcast as per the Radio Procedures Manual to the extent possible. Radio channels should be preserved for emergency voice communications. Incidents classified by LCE911 to be non-emergency in nature will receive a lower priority for radio dispatch. Agencies that possess alternate means for notifications such as telephone, fax, computer terminal, etc., are encouraged to notify LCE911 when they are prepared to receive non-emergency requests for service. Those agencies may then process their own non-emergency requests, clearing the dispatch channels for emergency traffic. Failure of the CAD/radio system will require a determination of the LCE911 Supervisor to seek other available means of communications (telephone, cellular, amateur packet radio, courier, etc.). OPERATION RESTRICTIONS An upgrade in the level of operation will usually restrict telephone and radio activity to emergency use only at the communications center. The sorting, prioritizing and unit assignments will be made by the user agency when non-emergency calls are forwarded to the end user.

AUTHORIZED RADIO USERS To the maximum extent possible, radio dispatch channel use will be limited to LCE911, Incident Commanders, field users in emergency situations, and the EOC. Internal agency communications shall be conducted on business/tactical frequencies. DISPATCH CENTER PROCEDURE Upon declaration of an upgrade in the level of operations, the LCE911 Supervisor will ensure that all affected agencies are notified and appropriate procedures are initiated.

2.1.750.146 CHIEF’S TONE (Addition Change 7/15/2017) PURPOSE: The "Zone Chiefs" tone is to be utilized at any time it is felt there is a shortage of command level persons on scene or enroute to a scene. To assist in accomplishing this, the County Chiefs are broken into three groups. Although there are definite "zone" boundaries, this would not preclude the Chief from FD06 (for example) from responding to a request from the West Zone. The object is to get overhead help to a scene as quickly as possible and therefore one tone set is used county wide.

• Topic of Special Instructions: FIRE CHIEFS • Text of Special Instructions: (see below)

FOR TONING "ZONE CHIEFS" OR FIRE CHIEFS BY AREA DISPATCH UNIT TO CALL CENTRAL/ZCC, WEST/ZCW, EAST/ZCE There are three ZONES:

• CENTRAL (I-5) GROUP: FD'S RFA, STA48, 1, 2, 5, 6, 15, CL20 Ø ZCC

Dispatch Toning Instructions:

Ø SELECT CREGO AND RFA ONLY (SIMUL-SELECT THE TWO) Ø MANUAL TONE WITH BOTH SIMUL-SELECTED – USE TONING

BUTTON "CHIEFS PAGE"

Spillman Unit: ZCC - ASSIGN ZCC AND A SPILLMAN PAGE WILL AUTO SEND

• WEST COUNTY GROUP: FD'S 6, 11, 13, 16 Ø ZCW

Dispatch Toning Instructions:

Ø SELECT CREGO ONLY - MANUAL TONE USING TONING BUTTON "CHIEFS PAGE"

Spillman Unit: ZCW - ASSIGN ZCW AND A SPILLMAN PAGE WILL AUTO SEND

• EAST COUNTY GROUP: FD'S 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 18 Ø ZCE

Dispatch Toning Instructions:

Ø SELECT DEMOCRAT AND SK ONLY - MANUAL TONE WITH BOTH SIMUL-SELECTED -USE TONING BUTTON "CHIEFS PAGE"

Ø SELECT DOG FIRE AND E FIRE RANDLE ONLY - MANUAL TONE WITH BOTH SIMUL-SELECTED - USE TONING BUTTON "CHIEFS PAGE"

Ø SELECT E FIRE PACKWOOD ONLY MANUAL TONE WITH BOTH SIMUL-SELECTED -USE TONING BUTTON "CHIEFS PAGE"

Spillman Unit: ZCE - ASSIGN ZCE AND A SPILLMAN PAGE WILL AUTO SEND

EXAMPLE OF UNIT REQUESTING A CHIEFS PAGE: "Central, this is 317." (Central acknowledges.) "Requesting an EAST CHIEFS response to a rollover bus accident at SR12 at MP 117". (Central acknowledges.) Fire Dispatcher completes toning instructions for "EAST COUNTY ZONE". NOTE: Units requesting a Chief’s page MUST specify which of the three zones that will be paged. Additional Dispatch Procedures: ZONE CHIEF UNITS WHEN ZONE CHIEF IS REQUESTED, ATTACH THE UNIT FOR THAT ZONE, WHICH WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEND THE SPILLMAN PAGE, THEN YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO TONE AS INSTRUCTED ABOVE. ZONE UNIT

• CENTRAL ZCC • WEST ZCW • EAST ZCE

SPECIAL INSTR. ALIAS TABLE: Seq Special Instruction Description --- --------------- ------------------------------ 1 CHIEF PAGE 2 CHIEFS PAGE 3 CHIEFS PAGES 4 CHIEF TONE 5 CHIEFS TONE 6 TONING CHIEFS 7 FIRE CHIEFS 8 ZONE CHIEFS 9 ZONE CHIEF 10 ZC 11 CHEIFS PAGE

2.1.750.150 STRESSED OPERATIONS 911 CALL PROCESSING System Wide: Accept and dispatch emergency calls or threats of damage/injury only. Advise all others that only emergency calls are being accepted and non-emergency calls are being forwarded as time allows. Limited: The LCE911 Supervisor will consult the Incident Commander to determine what restrictions will be placed on 911. CALL TAKERS DECISION TREE “911, what are you reporting?” Yes: Proceed through normal steps/procedures. No: “Are there any threats of injury?” Yes: Proceed through normal steps/procedures. No: Advise the caller that only emergency calls are accepted at this time and non-emergency calls are currently being held. SYSTEM USER Restrict radio usage to “emergency” and “restricted” traffic only. All interagency traffic shall be handled on tactical/business frequencies.

2.1.750.155 PARTIAL FAILURE Radio System Failure: Follow 911 call processing and system user procedures established for STRESSED OPERATIONS. Export incidents to the Fire/EMS Agencies where available. Each user agency will perform their own sorting, prioritizing, dispatching, and tracking of incidents. If phones are down, transfer the information by other forms of communications. Back-up Dispatch Stations may take over self-dispatching services for the areas affected.

2.1.750.160 BACK-UP DISPATCH STATIONS Back-Up Dispatch Facilities are encouraged to have multiple channel base stations with emergency power and tone encoding capability for pager activation. Having the ability to page neighboring jurisdictions may also prove to be beneficial. Multiple phone lines, fax and Internet capabilities are also encouraged. Agencies without self-dispatch capabilities need to work with neighboring agencies for alternative dispatching. Phone System Failure: Follow Fire Radio STRESSED OPERATIONS established procedures. All fire agencies shall respond personnel to staff ALL of their facilities and prepare to receive incidents by various local means.

2.1.750.165 FULL SYSTEM FAILURE For FULL SYSTEM FAILURE, all communications will resort to established contingency plans. CONTINGENCY PLANS All agencies shall have contingency communication plans and procedure for emergencies such as:

• Phone Line Failures • Radio System Failures • Natural Disasters • 911 Outages

At minimum, contingency communication plans should include existing alternative measures to communicate with personnel, initial response actions of personnel to an announcement of contingency plan activation and emergency communication equipment deployment. All agencies shall have contingency plans for recording and responding to lower priority incidents during large scale emergency events. Lower priority incident natures include:

• Downed Power Lines • Roadway Blockages • Trapped Animals • Any other incident not immediately threatening to life or property

2.1.750.170 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESS The quality assurance process is intended to ensure optimal levels of performance across all segments of personnel operating radio communications equipment. By adopting the radio procedures manual, agency representatives have committed to implementing the guidelines within their respective initial and continuing training programs. As part, all agencies have a responsibility to ensure that users are using communications equipment in the manner agreed upon via the radio procedures manual. As a tool to evaluate the performance of all components of the Fire/EMS communications system in Lewis County, the Communications Committee, a subcommittee of the LCFCA, will conduct a quality control process of randomly selected incidents on a monthly basis. SELECTION Fire incident 50 and 100 and EMS incidents 100, 200 and 300 from the last calendar month shall be selected for evaluation. EVALUATION Incidents will be evaluated via the criteria included on the QC ANALYSIS form. COMPLAINTS Individual complaints of poor adherence to radio procedures or radio system capabilities should be recorded via the COMMUNICATIONS ISSUE form. Completed forms should be forwarded through an agency’s chain of command for submittal, if applicable, to the LCE911 manager for review and recommendation of corrective action. All complaints of conduct shall be managed via the chain of command of an agency, individual users should be discouraged from contacting any party outside of their individual agency to address any instance of complaint. In contrast, any party wishing to directly convey praise for any action shall be authorized and encouraged to do so, in addition to recording such an occurrence via the COMMUNICATIONS ISSUE form and forwarding via an agency’s chain of command. RECORDINGS/CAD REQUESTS Recordings requests are a valuable tool to evaluate the performance of the radio communications system. All requests for recording requests shall be submitted via the TAPE REQUEST form and signed by a Chief Officer of an agency.

2.1.750.175 PORTABLE RADIO GUIDE Users and their behaviors have an impact on the effectiveness of fire ground communications. Human factors, such as the way users speak and organize reports, affect communications. Technical factors obviously have an impact on fire ground communications. Like any other technology, users need to know the limitations of the technology and how to use the tool appropriately. HUMAN FACTORS When a user talks on the radio, they subconsciously performs a process before speaking. Managing this process will provide more effective communications. ORGANIZATION Before speaking, formulate what information is being communicated and put the information in a standardized reporting template. For instance, a standard situational report might contain Unit ID, location, conditions, actions, and needs. This method forces users to fill in the blanks, answer all the necessary questions, and filter out unneeded information. DISCIPLINE Often, ICs are overwhelmed by excess information on the radio. Radio discipline on the fire ground will help to determine if information needs to be transmitted on the radio. If face-to-face communications are possible between members of a crew and the information is not needed by the IC, don’t get on the radio. MICROPHONE LOCATION Placing a microphone too close to the mouth or exposing the microphone to other fire ground noise may result in unintelligible communications. When transmitting in a high-noise environment, shield the microphone from the noise source. Hold the microphone a couple of inches from the mouth or, when speaking through a SCBA mask, place the microphone near the voice port or amplifier on the face piece. VOICE LEVEL When speaking into a microphone use a loud, clear, and controlled voice. When users are excited, the speech often is louder and faster. These transmissions often are unintelligible and require the IC to ask for a rebroadcast of the information, resulting in more radio traffic on the channel. Managing these human factors will have a positive impact on fire ground communications. Reporting should be complete, necessary, and in a controlled, clear voice. These actions will reduce the amount of repeat transmissions on the fire ground, reducing air time. TECHNICAL FACTORS In some cases, communications problems are caused by a technical issue. Users need to recognize technical problems and take corrective action to improve communications. Radio users often blame the radio or system for coverage problems. In many cases user actions can improve communications. For all issues that cannot be remedied by user corrective action, users should relay information via the COMMUNICATIONS ISSUE form.

2.1.750.180 PORTABLE RADIO SELECTION AND USE POSITION AND RADIO LOCATION Firefighting often places firefighters in challenging environments forcing them to crawl on the floor. The optimal position for a portable radio transmission is at head height with the antenna in a vertical position. In a crawling position, the radio is against the body inside of the radio pocket on the turnout coat. Some of the transmitted energy is absorbed by the body, and the antenna is in a horizontal position. This results in a poor radiation pattern and a reduction in range of the radio. Moving to a location where the firefighter can sit up may improve communications, if transmissions from the prone position are not heard. COVERAGE When communicating on the fire ground, some areas of a building may be difficult to communicate from. When encountering these areas, move to a location where communications are possible, such as near windows and doors. ACCESSORIES Many accessories are available for radios. Use of accessories that protect the radio from heat and steam allows the radio to operate in high heat environments. Each user group may have specific working conditions that require some accessories to make radio communications easier. Common accessories include carrying cases, speaker microphones, ear pieces, chargers, battery types, and optional antennas. PROPER MAINTENANCE Agencies should incorporate communications equipment manufacturer recommendations into the initial and continuing training of all members. Agencies should adopt policies to assure that appropriate maintenance is being performed and equipment is functioning in optimum condition. Batteries should be replaced at recommended intervals. A weak battery can severely affect the transmission capability of a portable radio, even when the battery charge indicator is displaying that the battery is fully charged. SUMMARY Many factors contribute to the success or failure of fire ground communications. Some are human factors that affect the way information is processed and communicated. Processing and communicating information in a standardized manner assists in managing information and the amount of traffic on the radio. Speaking with a loud, clear, and controlled voice will reduce the amount of repeated radio traffic on the fire ground. In addition technical factors may require a recognition of a problem and corrective action by the user to improve communications. The portable radio equipment is what the firefighter sees and has the most impact on the perceived performance of a system. Agencies planning to purchase radio equipment should determine the number required and specific mission of each radio. This will assist in classifying each user type and the radio tier needed for each user classification. Selecting the correct tier radio for the target user is a way to contain cost and provide reliability for users on the fire ground. While many of today’s radios provide reliable communications, they may not be manufactured for the extreme environments of the fire service. When selecting radios for fire ground use the minimum feature set for firefighting portables can be found in NFPA 1221.

2.1.750.190 MDC USAGE User agencies may implement mobile data computers (MDC) within their response apparatus as another form of communication and data access point. For MDCs desired to have access to the CAD system, users should assure that members being given access are properly trained before use. Inexperienced users operating MDCs connected to the CAD system can inadvertently change information and negatively affect the accuracy of the incident record.

2.1.750.195 UNIT ATTACHMENT TO INCIDENT For agencies with preconfigured response plans that designate specific units for assignment, units will be attached to the incident automatically. For user agencies who do not have specific units designated via response plans, all units shall be added to the incident by the dispatcher once the unit has communicated that they are responding.

2.1.750.200 UPDATING STATUS Once added to an incident, units have the ability to update their response status for addition into the incident’s radio log. For ease of access, all units updating their status should do so under the Mapping screen. At minimum, user agencies should have the following codes programmed within the Mapping screen:

ENRT (Enroute) ARRVD (Arrived) RETRN (Returning) INSRV (In Service)

Response status updates transmitted via MDC will not be repeated by the dispatcher. If a unit needs a dispatcher to verbally repeat a unit’s status update, the unit should transmit the status update verbally via radio. VERBAL ONLY STATUS UPDATES To enable dispatchers the opportunity to log certain required incident information, there are several instances where status updates shall be only transmitted verbally via radio:

1) When an EMS unit is initiating transport to a hospital, units shall communicate the hospital name and level of care disposition (ALS/BLS). This enables dispatchers to properly code and verify that the transporting patient disposition appropriately matches the initial dispatch of the call and serves as a continuing quality control process.

2) The last unit attached to the incident shall communicate the completion of the incident. This enables dispatcher to appropriately enter the incident disposition into the incident record and properly close the incident.

2.1.750.205 DEFINITIONS GENERAL AFFIRMATIVE “Yes” ALARM LEVEL Predetermined initial response assignment for a given type of incident Alarm levels are designated for FIRST, SECOND, THIRD and FOURTH levels, with each level requesting a predetermined assignment of resources. A GENERAL alarm level is the notification and assignment of all available agency resources. ALSO A user has additional information to transmit APPARATUS Fire/EMS vehicle ASSIGNED A unit has been designated to an incident or is performing an active assignment BREAK End of transmission, beginning of another CALL BACK An agency specific request for off-duty personnel to return to duty CONFIRM Verify and report findings DISPATCH FREQUENCY A channel reserved solely for the dispatch announcement of an incident E.T.A. Estimated Time of Arrival EVACUATE To remove the occupants of a building or geographical area IN SERVICE A unit is ready to respond to an incident MOVE UP Repositioning of apparatus from one location to another to improve response coverage NEGATIVE “No” OUT OF SERVICE A unit is not available to respond or perform any active assignment RELAY Repeating of a radio message from one unit to another Process used when one unit is unable to communicate directly with another. RESPONSE FREQUENCY A channel designated for all responding unit communications SCENE FREQUENCY A channel designated and reserved for operations at the scene of an incident STAND BY An order to hold position, assignment or radio traffic STATUS The condition, assignment, or availability of personnel or equipment TRANSMISSION Sending of a message UNIT A single or group of personnel or apparatus

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) ACCOUNTABILITY TAG A system used to account for personnel at an incident; also PASSPORT COMMAND POST Formal location where IC has established operations COMPANY Unit consisting of an apparatus, equipment and personnel DIVISION Geographic designation of an area within an incident

ESTABLISHING COMMAND An Incident Commander is formally establishing a Command Post GROUP Organization of resources with a specific functional assignment at an incident HAZARD ZONE An area of an incident where personnel working within are placed at risk INITIATING COMMAND A responder is initiating the Incident Command function, but is actively engaged in task-level operations and unable to formally establish a Command Post INCIDENT COMMANDER (IC) Person in overall command of an incident LIASON Contact person for assisting or coordinating with other agencies ON DECK A forward crew staging position located just outside the immediate hazard zone OPERATIONS Segment of ICS designated as responsible for all tactical incident operations P.A.R. Personnel Accountability Report; Used to communicate that all members of a team are accounted for P.I.O. Public Information Officer; responsible for interface with the media PLANNING Segment of ICS designated as responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information about the development of the incident and resources status RECYCLE Timely and efficient means of air-replacement and rehydration of companies while maintaining their assignment

REHAB Rehabilitation; Manner of reducing the level of personnel physical stress created by environmental and workload conditions; generally accomplished by cooling/warming, rehydrating and monitoring personnel ROLL CALL Communication process used by IC to account for all personnel at the incident SAFETY Segment of ICS designated as responsible for assessing safety hazards STRIKE TEAM Five (5) of the same type resources with common communications and a Strike Team Leader TASK FORCE A group of mixed type resources with common communications and Task Force Leader EMS A.L.S. Advanced Life Support; Level of emergency medical response B.L.S. Basic Life Support; Level of emergency medical response B.P. Blood pressure C.H.F. Congestive Heart Failure C.V.A. Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke) E.M.D. Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols used to determine the level of response and response mode for medical incidents H.B.D. Has Been Drinking I.L.S. Intermediate Life Support; Level of emergency medical response TRIAGE Process of prioritizing multiple patient needs, kind/type/severity of injury/illness and facilities available to handle them RED – Immediate need of care/transport YELLOW – Delayed need of care/transport GREEN – Minor need of care/transport BLACK - Deceased FIRE ABANDON Order to immediately exit the building or area due to safety concerns for personnel abandoning a building or area do so without regard for equipment. ALL CLEAR No victims found in search area

C.A.N. REPORT A report from units working at the incident to the incident commander or unit supervisor of the Conditions encountered, Actions being performed and Needs for additional resources DEFENSIVE Exterior firefighting operations EXPOSURE An adjacent structure threatened by fire conditions Exposures shall be described in the following manner:

MAYDAY Transmission by personnel to signal an immediate need of assistance Upon the receipt of a MAYDAY, emergency traffic restrictions are implemented. OFFENSIVE Interior firefighting operations P.A.S.S. Personal Alarm Safety System; Audible warning device to indicate firefighter peril PRIMARY SEARCH Initial search of an occupancy for potential victims RAPID INTERVENTION CREW Personnel responsible for the rescue of personnel operating within the hazard zone SECONDARY SEARCH Follow up search of an occupancy after initial fire suppression activities have been completed S.C.B.A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus WITHDRAW To exit the building or area with equipment due to a change in strategy WORKING FIRE An incident that will require the commitment of all responding resources Resources will be engaged in tactical activities and will be held at the scene for an extended period of time.