General - The manner in which radio and telephone messages are handled is often a measure of the efficiency of an organization and the attitude of its individuals. Observing simple basic rules will expedite message handling and improve working relationships among all concerned. Application of the general "do's" and "don'ts" outlined here plus specific procedural examples shown elsewhere will lead to professional performance.
Listen before transmitting to make certain the channel is clear, and organize your thoughts before transmitting. The over-eager operator is a source of wasted time and confusion.
Keep all transmissions brief and to the point. Avoid long winded descriptions and unnecessary repetition. Accuracy, brevity and speed are all important, however, they should be spoken by phrases--not one word at a time.
Speak distinctly and pronounce words carefully. Speak at moderate speed using your conversational tone of voice with natural emphasis and rhythm. Messages should be spoken by phrases--not one word at a time.
Make sure the microphone switch is fully depressed, and pause briefly before starting to talk. This is necessary to allow time for the tones to open the receiver in the radio system. Hold mobile microphones close to but not touching the mouth and talk directly into it--not across it. Talk at the conversational level--don't shout.
Avoid transmitting when sirens are operating at high level.
Use of official titles and authorized unit and equipment designations must be used in all transmissions.
The use of so-called "10 signals" is not authorized for fire-rescue communications. This is to avoid potential confusion with unit or personal designations. Standard abbreviations and phraseology to be used are listed elsewhere in this publication.
During all radio and telephone operations, remain calm. Be careful to avoid uncivil, angry, abusive, derogatory or sarcastic remarks or language. When faced with such a situation, maintain control, do not attempt to retaliate--proceed with the business at hand. In cases where corrective action is considered necessary, the parties concerned may report the facts and circumstances in writing to the Fire Communications Advisory Board through the Department of Communications.
Do not use preliminary calls simply to establish contact. Unless conditions are known to be difficult, eliminate unnecessary calls. Whenever possible, identify yourself and send your message in a single transmission.
| Example |
Good |
Poor |
| Unit: |
Engine 19-1 |
Engine 19-1 available |
| Disp: |
OK Engine 19-1 |
Proceed Engine 19-1 |
| Unit: |
|
Engine 19-1 returning available |
| Disp: |
|
OK Engine 19-1 |
All apparatus and stations should assume good signal strength and readability unless otherwise notified. Unless one unit or station cannot clearly hear another or except when tests are being conducted, strength and readability reports will not be requested. When an exchange is necessary, the reply will be a short and concise statement of actual conditions. "Loud and clear," "weak but readable," "strong but distorted," "unreadable," etc. Terminology such as "five by five," "copy o.k.," "ten two," etc. are not to be used.
