4 effective ways to improve fireground operations

Radios have long been essential tools for fireground communication.

However, if departments are unable to communicate well from inside a fire, lives are on the line.

According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), difficulty communicating with existing portable radios is the number one problem firefighters and company officers report.

Thankfully, new technology is much more reliable. More advanced radios are generally more reliable and able to do far more than just relay messages.

Along with introducing more water and heat-resistant designs, new technology has transformed radios into tools that can help with accountability on the scene of a fire.

Companies such as Motorola have developed radio command systems that can automatically report each firefighter’s radio ID and location. They can also show if a radio gets turned off, automatically inform commanders if a firefighter is in trouble, and allow the incident commander to send out an evacuation tone to every firefighter.

Of course, technology can only be helpful when we use it properly.

Departments should develop policies and protocols for radio use. This should also include training firefighters on the information they should send to command when they arrive at the fireground.

More specifically, it is important to develop standard practices when it comes to how you use radio technology.

Radio policies should address standard codes for emergencies, missing firefighters, and other incidents. However, departments should train firefighters on clear communication first and foremost – codes can be difficult to keep track of during emergencies.

According to the USFA, “Fire departments can enhance fireground communication by creating standard message formats and keywords used consistently. Plain English is usually preferred over codes, especially when transmitting a complex message.”

There are many more ways to improve communication via radio.

Stumbaugh recommends developing a communication model that emphasizes confirmation of messages.

This should involve repeating the message to confirm understanding.

“The communicator wants to know not only that he was heard but also that he was understood. The simple practice (and it takes practice) of the recipient’s repeating the main points of the message confirms that the message has been understood,” he wrote.

Keep in mind that when sizing up the scene on your radio, it is important to be as detailed as possible and include action and assignment when you can.

Stumbaugh said another helpful tool for enhancing safety and operations is the acronym “OCAA”:

• Object that has the problem: single-story residence, multistory, multifamily dwelling, vehicle, etc.
• Condition of involved object: heavy black smoke, well-involved, nothing visible, etc.
• Action you and your company intend to take: offensive fire attack, exposure protection, investigation, etc.
• Assignment of incoming alarm companies to needed tasks: Level 1 stage, water supply, ventilation, traffic control, etc.

When firefighters use them properly, the latest technology can help enhance situational awareness to keep everyone safe.

Tools like the Next-Generation Incident Command System (NICS) offer a higher view of command than other technology.

The Department of Homeland Security created NICS for rapid disaster response across agencies. Currently, at least 270 public safety agencies in California use NICS, most often for planning for and responding to wildfires.

From an operations perspective, NICS can greatly optimize fire responses.

This web-based tool gives firefighters a centralized location to access data from sensors as well as maps, weather, and infrastructure information. It can also provide real-time location for vehicles, team members and other firefighter resources.

Similarly, firefighters can use GPS systems on the ground during an incident to show routes, locate units and hydrants, geolocate firefighters on the scene, and predict wind and weather patterns. This way, firefighters would know ahead of time if they needed to evacuate.

When disaster strikes, communication within and between agencies is key. NICS is unique because it allows for collaboration.

Much like a whiteboard, any credentialed responder can view and markup NICS maps. This ensures the highest level of safety and the most up-to-date information for everyone involved.