Policy Number 987 Section 2

Question 1

What is the aim of effective communication at incidents?

Answer 1

To integrate communications and decision-making between the incident commander, operational personnel, and fire control rooms.

Question 2

Why is effective communication fundamental to incident resolution?

Answer 2

It provides the incident commander with knowledge about the situation and progress of tasks, underpinning situational awareness and decision-making.

Question 3

What are the key elements effective communication should provide?

Answer 3

• Clear
• Relevant and concise
• Timely
• Easily understood
• Delivered confidently
• Active listening
• Aligned verbal and non-verbal communications
• Question assumptions

Question 4

What are the key principles to consider when establishing a communication strategy?

Answer 4

• Appropriate for the size, type, and location of the incident
• Effective and resilient
• Accurate, appropriate, and timely information
• Reliable and credible sources
• Use of secure communication methods if necessary
• Provide relevant information to appropriate recipients

Question 5

True or False: A single communication system is suitable for all incidents.

Answer 5

False

Question 6

What does the mnemonic PACE stand for in communication planning?

Answer 6

• Primary
• Alternative
• Contingency
• Emergency

Question 7

What is the importance of a good flow of information for an incident commander?

Answer 7

• Gather information
• Issue orders
• Receive situation reports
• Assess needs of other agencies
• Carry out risk assessments
• Brief personnel on tasks and hazards

Question 8

What is the structured briefing model recommended for incident commanders?

Answer 8

IIMARCH (Information, Intent, Method, Administration, Risk assessment, Communications and Humanitarian issues)

Question 9

What is the M/ETHANE message protocol used for?

Answer 9

To exchange information about the incident with other responders via Brigade Control and other agencies’ control rooms.

Question 10

What should be included in safety briefings as incidents develop?

Answer 10

Comprehensive information to ensure safety as the risk of injury increases.

Question 11

What are some roles of command support under the guidance of the incident commander?

Answer 11

• Establish communication links with Brigade Control
• Assign radio channels and call signs
• Establish communications with other agencies
• Use talk groups
• Request support of a communications tactical adviser

Question 12

What does correct radio discipline entail?

Answer 12

• Use correct voice procedure
• Maintain awareness of radio traffic
• Ensure correct channel use
• Answer calls without delay
• Limit transmissions to necessary information

Question 13

What is the purpose of using a phonetic alphabet in communications?

Answer 13

To ensure consistent and accurate pronunciation of letters, especially for difficult words.

Question 14

What are the characteristics of the Tait TP9355 incident ground radio?

Answer 14

• Not intrinsically safe
• Set to 4 Watts ERP
• Fully interoperable with other radios
• Not for use in flammable or explosive atmospheres

Question 15

What is the difference between the Tait TP9361 Atex IIA and IIC radios?

Answer 15

• Atex IIA is suitable for most flammable or explosive atmospheres
• Atex IIC provides an additional level of intrinsic safety

Question 16

What does the incident ground radio channel plan contain?

Answer 16

21 channels for use at operational incidents.

Question 17

What should personnel do with their assigned radio channel during incidents?

Answer 17

Remain on their assigned channel except in emergencies or when ordered otherwise.

Question 18

What is required for successful transmission between analogue and digital channels?

Answer 18

All users must be on the same mode.

Question 19

What are the channel numbers that have digital and analogue equivalents?

Answer 19

Channels 1 to 8 and 17 and 18 (digital) correspond to channels 9 to 16 and 19 and 20 (analogue).

Question 20

True or False: The London Fire Brigade is currently using both digital and analogue channels.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What is the purpose of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) in Tait incident ground radios?

Answer 21

It measures the amount of power present in a radio signal.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a deployable aerial in cable form that emits and receives radio signals.

Answer 22

[leaky feeder]

Question 23

What is the benefit of using fixed repeaters?

Answer 23

They provide known coverage before they need to be used.

Question 24

What should personnel do if they encounter legacy communication systems using previous channel plan numbers?

Answer 24

Use channel 13 instead of channel 5 or 8.

Question 25

What is the maximum acceptable dBm for communications to remain effective?

Answer 25

-100 dBm

Question 26

How does a leaky feeder enhance communication in buildings?

Answer 26

It extends the effective range of repeaters when deployed.

Question 27

What is the primary use of interagency talk-groups?

Answer 27

To facilitate communications between multiple emergency services.

Question 28

True or False: Digital radios can transmit on multiple talk-groups simultaneously.

Answer 28

False

Question 29

What is the main function of Brigade Control’s audio interrupt feature?

Answer 29

To override an incoming transmission and communicate with the talk-group.

Question 30

What should be checked during pre-planned ORD visits regarding communication systems?

Answer 30

The status and signage of any installed communications system.

Question 31

What is the purpose of mobile-to-mobile talk-groups?

Answer 31

To allow voice communications between operational appliances attending an incident.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: Digital main scheme radios communicate via a national network of _______.

Answer 32

[masts and base stations]

Question 33

What are the advantages of the digital radio system?

Answer 33

* Clear radio voice quality * Greater system resilience and security * Wider radio interoperability * Data communications

Question 34

What should be done if additional talk-groups are required at an incident?

Answer 34

They should be requested from Brigade Control.

Question 35

What mode do radios operate in when using a repeater?

Answer 35

Half-duplex mode.

Question 36

What is the operational level use of interagency talk-groups?

Answer 36

To share safety information and coordinate activities at incidents.

Question 37

What should personnel do if their communication system is not functioning effectively?

Answer 37

Test the correct channels before use.

Question 38

What happens if the incorrect channel is used on a legacy communication system?

Answer 38

The user will not be able to communicate effectively.

Question 39

What actions should teams take when deploying a repeater?

Answer 39

* Conduct regular communication tests * Monitor RSSI * Retreat if communications issues begin

Question 40

Fill in the blank: Digital radios conform to the European _______ standard.

Answer 40

[TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio)]

Question 41

What is the procedure for initiating mobile to mobile talk-group communications?

Answer 41

Use the mobile call-sign followed by 'Go ahead with talk through on talk-group...' and switch to the relevant talk-group. ## Footnote Brigade Control will allocate either MTM1 or MTM2 for this communication.

Question 42

What should both appliances do after completing mobile to mobile communications?

Answer 42

Return to the operational talk-group related to the incident they are attending.

Question 43

How is a point-to-point call initiated on the digital main-scheme radio?

Answer 43

Press and hold key 1 (PRTS), await call from Brigade Control, and answer by pressing the PTT switch.

Question 44

What type of information is suitable for point-to-point calls?

Answer 44

Operational messages containing sensitive information such as firefighter injuries or multiple fatalities.

Question 45

What happens if the ISSI number for another radio user is known?

Answer 45

Point-to-point calls can be made to avoid congesting talk-groups.

Question 46

What is the primary purpose of the digital main scheme radios?

Answer 46

Provide access to a national inter-agency communications infrastructure.

Question 47

Who supports the incident commander with communication problems?

Answer 47

The Brigade duty radio officer.

Question 48

What is the role of tactical advisors in an incident?

Answer 48

Advise and assist the incident commander without taking command.

Question 49

What is the default communication method when BA is being used?

Answer 49

Tait TP9361 IIA radio.

Question 50

What are the four main factors that affect communication systems?

Answer 50

Equipment Failure, Propagation (signal strength), Interference, Congestion. ## Footnote This is summarized by the mnemonic EPIC.

Question 51

What should be done if electronic equipment fails during an incident?

Answer 51

Replace the defective equipment as soon as possible to limit the impact on communications.

Question 52

What does propagation refer to in the context of radio communications?

Answer 52

The distance that a signal can travel.

Question 53

What is 'free space path loss'?

Answer 53

The reduction in signal intensity by a factor of four each time the distance doubles.

Question 54

What is the maximum radiated power for fireground radios according to Ofcom?

Answer 54

Five watts for handheld devices.

Question 55

What is the effect of radio-frequency interference?

Answer 55

Reduced range, messages not being received, distortion, or unwanted signals.

Question 56

What must be ensured when operating base stations and repeaters?

Answer 56

Two base stations should not operate on the same channel within range of each other.

Question 57

What causes congestion in communication systems?

Answer 57

Too many users attempting to access a single radio channel or talk-group.

Question 58

What is the definition of an explosive atmosphere according to DSEAR?

Answer 58

A mixture of dangerous substances with air under atmospheric conditions that can spread combustion.

Question 59

What should be done if gases in group IIC are suspected to be present?

Answer 59

Use the Tait TP9361 IIC radio.

Question 60

What actions must incident commanders take regarding intrinsically safe communication equipment?

Answer 60

Ensure that intrinsically safe communications equipment is used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Question 61

What should personnel do when transmitting radio messages?

Answer 61

Use the correct call sign and maintain radio discipline.

Question 62

What is the M/ETHANE message protocol used for?

Answer 62

To exchange information about the incident with other responders via Brigade Control.

Question 63

Fill in the blank: The role of the Operational Communications Tactical Advisor is to assist in the devising and implementation of an appropriate _______.

Answer 63

communications plan.

Question 64

True or False: Digital main scheme radios can transmit safely around electronically sensitive equipment without any precautions.

Answer 64

False.

Question 65

What should be done to avoid communication failures due to congestion?

Answer 65

Monitor channels to ensure they are clear and use alternative channels if necessary.