Communications (IFSTA) Flashcards
Two types of FD communications
Emergency and nonemergency
Nonemergency calls are handled on ___
Dedicated conventional or business telephone numbers outside of the 911 system
Two broad categories of telecommunications systems
- Emergency service specific telecommunications center
- Public safety answering point (PSAP)
Separate telecommunications or dispatch center that the FD, EMS, or LE agency operates
Emergency service specific telecommunications center
Central location that takes all emergency calls and routes the call to the fire, emergency medical, or LE dispatcher
Public safety answering point
PSAP
Public safety answering point
Minimum requirements for receiving, processing and dispatching emergency responders
NFPA 1221
Info to gather from a caller
- Type of emergency
- Location of emergency
- Number and location of people involved
- Name and location of the caller
- Callback number
Regulates all radio communication in the US
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Using plain English instead of agency specific codes
Clear text
Radios used in the fire service can be classified according to their ___
Location and size
Radios used in fixed locations
Base station radios
Base station equipment includes ___
- Receiver
- Transmitter
- Antenna
- Microphone
- Speakers
The base station is powered by the ___
Building’s electrical system
Radios mounted in fire apparatus, ambulances, and staff vehicles and are powered by the vehicle electrical system
Mobile radios
Radios that are handheld devices, powered by rechargeable or replaceable battery packs
Portable radios
Portable radios used in hazardous atmospheres must be ___
Intrinsically safe for that environment
Thermal Class I conditions
212°F similar to an incipient fire, or some distance from a fully involved fire
Thermal Class II conditions
320°F similar to close to a fully involved fire
Firefighter radios exposed to firefighting activities fail after ___
- 25 min in Class I conditions
- 15 min in Class II conditions
Two types of communication transmission
Direct and repeated
Refers to the straight line travel of radio signals between the transmitting radio and the receiving radio
Direct communication
Allows the same radio channel to be used by other groups that are located at a greater distance from the first group
Direct communication
Used to strengthen communication signals between radios, increase distance of transmission, or increase capacity on the system
Repeated communications
Main limitations or barriers to all radio transmissions
- Distance
- Physical barriers
- Deadzones
- Interference
- Ambient noise
Basic elements of the communication model
- Sender
- Message
- Receiver
- Feedback to sender
- Interference
Everyone at the emergency scene should follow two basic communications rules
- ID yourself in every transmission
- The receiver should acknowledge the message
ABCs of good communications
Accurate
Brief
Concise
How far to hold microphone away?
1 to 2 inches
If your radio cannot be understood through the SCBA facepiece ___
Place the microphone against your throat
Mobile computer that communicates with other computers on a radio system
Mobile Data Terminal
