Chapter 4 Fire officer communications Flashcards
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What are the parts of the communications cycle?(5)
- message
- sender
- medium (with Noise)
- receiver
- feedback
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What are the basic skills of effective communications?(6)
- active listening
- stay focused
- ensure accuracy
- keep your supervisor informed
- the grapevine - the informal system of comms.
- overcoming environmental noise
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
Techniques that may help improve your listening skills (5)
- do not assume anything
- do no interrupt
- try to understand the need
- look for the real reason the person wants your attention
- do not react to quickly
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What should a fire officer have up to date information on?
- S.O.G.’s
- department policies
- department practices
- personnel regulations
- department budget
- union contract (if applicable)
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What does the fire officer need to keep the chief officer informed about?(3)
- progress toward performance goals and project objectives
- matters that may cause controversy
- attitudes and morale
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What is environmental noise?
A physical or sociological condition that interferes with the message.
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What doe physical evironmental noise include?
back ground conversations, out side noises, or distracting sounds that make it difficult to hear
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What are examples of sociological environmental noise?
Prejudice and bias
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What can reduce sociological environmental noise?(8)
- do not struggle for power
- avoid an offhand manner
- keep emotions in check
- remember that words have meaning
- do not assume that the receiver understands the message
- immediately seek feedback
- provide and appropriate level of detail
- watch out for conflicting orders
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What are key points for emergency communications?(8)
- be direct
- speak clearly
- use a normal tone of voice
- if you are using a radio, hold the microphone 2 inches from your mouth
- if you are using a repeater system, allow for a time delay after keying the microphone before speaking
- use plain english rather than “10 codes”
- use common terminology that is recognized by the nation incident management system, especially when interacting with multiple agencies and disciplines
- try to avoid being in the proximity of other noise sources.
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What information is contained in routine reports?
information that is related to fire department personnel, programs, equipment and facilities.
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What incidents should the fire officer expect to provide expanded incident report for?(6)
- fire with civilian fatality or injury
- incident that would qualify for recognition or award
- involved in and unusual, difficult, or high profile activity that requires review by the fire chief or designated authority
- incident where company activity occurred that may have contributed to a death or serious injury
- an activity that may have created a liability
- activity that initiated and internal investigation
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What may be included in informal communications?
internal memos, e-mails, instant messages, and messages transmitted via mobile data terminal
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What are types of formal reports?(6)
- SOP’s
- SOG’s
- general orders
- announcements
- legal correspondence
- recommendation report
CHAPTER 4 FIRE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
What does a decision document include?(6)
- statement of problem or issue
- background
- restrictions
- options
- recommendation
- next action
