NCJ Number
194528
Editor(s)
Hollis Stambaugh
Date Published
2001
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This document focuses on inadequate fireground communication, cited repeatedly as a contributing factor in many of the incidents reported through the United States Fire Administration Major Fires Investigation Project.
Abstract
Despite technological advances in two-way radio communications, important information is not always adequately communicated on the fireground or emergency incident scene. Inadequate communication has a definite negative impact on the safety of emergency personnel and may contribute to injuries or deaths of firefighters, rescue workers, and civilians. Communication problems commonly encountered by firefighters are divided into two categories. First, there are problems related primarily to mechanical/technical issues such as unsuitable equipment, radio malfunction, limited system capacity, or atmospheric interference. The second category of problems is somewhat broader and includes the critical human factors necessary for effective communications, such as radio discipline and completing the communications “loop.” Recommendations include firefighters individually equipped with portable radios; a better portable radio; and more training to develop effective firefighter communication skills. Policies and procedures should be developed that define standard message format, important/urgent messages vs. routine messages, mayday procedures, procedures for operations conducted on multiple channels, roles and responsibilities of those involved in the communications process at every level, and procedures for regular situation reporting. Radio discipline must achieve a balance between limiting nonessential radio traffic and ensuring that potentially important information is regularly broadcast. There should be effective communication between firefighters and the Incident Commander. Firefighters should practice actively listening to radio traffic, and senior fire officers should install a department culture that encourages firefighters to request assistance and communicate operational problems. Firefighters can reduce interference factors by turning down the volume on portable radios; and dispatchers should be continually involved in fireground communication by actively listening for transmissions that might go unnoticed.