ch 4 Flashcards
A device that keeps a detailed record of every incident and activity that
occurs.
Activity logging system
A series of data elements that informs the recipient of the location of the
alarm. (NFPA 1221)
Automatic location identification
A series of alphanumeric characters that informs the recipient of the source of
the alarm. (NFPA 1221)
Automatic number identification
A stationary radio transceiver with an integral AC power supply. (NFPA 1221)
Base station
A system of telephones connected by phone lines, radio equipment, or cellular
technology to a communications center or fire department.
Call box
An assigned frequency or frequencies used to carry voice and/or data
communications.
Channel
A combination of hardware and software that provides data entry, makes
resource recommendations, and notifies and tracks those resources before,
during, and after fire service alarms, preserving records of those alarms and
status changes for later analysis. (NFPA 1221)
Computer-aided dispatch
The transmission of information via radio waves using native digital (computer)
data or analog (voice) signals that have been converted to a digital signal and
compressed.
Digital radio
A telephone that connects two predetermined points.
Direct line
To send out emergency response resources promptly to an address or incident
location for a specific purpose. (NFPA 450)
Dispatch
A radio system that is able to simultaneously use two frequencies per channel;
one frequency transmits and the other receives messages. Such a system uses a
repeater site to transmit messages over a greater distance than is possible with
a simplex system.
Duplex channel
An urgent message, such as a call for help or evacuation, transmitted over a
radio that takes precedence over all normal radio traffic.
Emergency traffic
A distinctive sign intended to be recognized by the occupants as requiring
evacuation of the building. (NFPA 72)
Evacuation signal
The federal regulatory authority that oversees radio communications in the
United States.
Federal Communications Commission
The number of cycles (oscillations) per second of a radio signal.
Frequency
A system of computer software, hardware, data, and personnel to describe
information tied to a spatial location. (NFPA 450)
Geographic information systems
A satellite-based radio navigation system comprised of three segments: space,
control, and user. (NFPA 414)
Global positioning systems
A verbal declaration indicating that a fire fighter is lost, missing, or trapped
and requires immediate assistance.
Mayday
Technology that allows fire fighters to receive data while in the fire apparatus
or at the station.
Mobile data terminals
A two-way radio that is permanently mounted in a fire apparatus.
Mobile radio
Simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams, most often voice signals,
in either or both directions over the same frequency.
Multiplex channel
A battery-operated, hand-held transceiver. (NFPA 1221)
Portable radio
A facility equipped and staffed to receive emergency and non-emergency calls
requesting public safety services via telephone and other communication
devices. (NFPA 1061)
Public safety answering point
A building or portion of a building that is specifically configured for the primary
purpose of providing emergency communications services or public safety
answering point (PSAP) services to one or more public safety agencies under
the authority or authorities having jurisdiction. (NFPA 1061)
Public safety communications center
A special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one
frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency.
Repeater
Cards used to determine a predetermined response to an emergency.
Run cards
A radio system that uses one frequency to transmit and receive all messages;
transmissions can occur in either direction but not simultaneously in both;
when one party transmits, the other can only receive, and the party that is
transmitting is unable to receive.
Simplex channel
A simplex channel used for onsite communications.
Talk-around channel
An individual whose primary responsibility is to receive, process, or disseminate
information of a public safety nature via telecommunication devices. (NFPA
1061)
Telecommunicator
The phase in a 911 call during which the telecommunicator asks questions to
obtain vital information such as the location of the emergency.
Telephone interrogation
A system of predetermined coded messages, such as “What is your 10-20?” used
by responders over the radio.
Ten-codes
Status updates provided to the communications center every 10 to 20 minutes.
Such an update should include the type of operation, the progress of the
incident, the anticipated actions, and the need for additional resources.
Time marks
A radio system that uses a computerized shared bank of frequencies to make
the most efficient use of radio resources.
Trunked radios
User devices that allow speech- and/or hearing-impaired citizens to
communicate over a telephone system. TTY stands for teletype, and TDD stands
for telecommunications device for the deaf; the displayed text is the
equivalent of a verbal conversation between two hearing persons.
TTY/TDD systems
Radio frequencies between 300 and 3000 MHZ.
Ultrahigh-frequency band
Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz; this spectrum is further divided
into high and low bands.
Very high-frequency band
Technology that converts a person’s voice into a digital signal that can be sent
via the Internet to another device.
Voice over Internet Protocol
Recording devices or computer equipment connected to telephone lines and
radio equipment in a communications center to record telephone calls and
radio traffic.
Voice recording system
