FFFS Chapter 3 - The Communications Center

Question 1

Communications Center

Answer 1

• Central processing point for all information relating to an emergency incident.
• Connects and controls all of department’s communication’s systems.

Question 2

Stand Alone Com Center

Answer 2

Serve single agency

Question 3

Regional Com Center

Answer 3

Works with several fire departments, sometimes all in a county or redion.

Question 4

Co-located Com Center

Answer 4

Co-located with other public safety agencies, including law enforcement and separate EMS providers.

Question 5

Integrated

Answer 5

All employees cross-trained to receive calls/dispatch any type of emergency incident

Question 6

Telecommunicator Duties

Answer 6

• Perform multiple tasks effectively
• Communicate effectively to obtain critical information even when caller is highly stressed.
• Operate all systems and equipment in comm. center
• Understand/follow fire department’s operational procedures.
• Determine location of emergency
• Determine nature of situation

Question 7

Communications Facility Requirements

Answer 7

• Well protected against natural threats.

- NFPA 1221 requires backup systems for all critical equipment in a comm. center.

Question 8

Communications Center Equipment

Answer 8

• Two-way radio system(s)
• Recording devices to record phone calls/radio traffic
• Backup electrical generators

Question 9

CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch)

Answer 9

• Shortens time it takes for telecommunicator to receive and dispatch calls.
• Some utilize GPS devices in department vehicles.
• Some transmit dispatch info to mobile data terminals.
• Provide immediate access to info such as preincident plans and haz. materials lists.

Question 10

Voice Recorder vs. Activity Log

Answer 10

• Voice recorder=audio

- Activity log=written/computer

Question 11

Reasons for records/logs

Answer 11

• Defend department actions
• Demonstrate organization is ethical
• Review incident

Question 12

Call Response and Dispatch

Answer 12

CAD must verify address and determine which units to send to scene.

Question 13

Generally accepted time from call to comm. center to dispatched units

Answer 13

1 minute or less

Question 14

Comm Center Basic Functions

Answer 14

• Receiving calls/dispatching units
• Supporting operations of fire department units
• Coordinating fire department operations with other agencies
• Keeping track of the status of each fire department unit
• Monitoring level of coverage/managing deployment of available units
• Notifying designated individuals and agencies of particular events and situations
• Maintaining records of all emergency-related activities
• Maintaning information required for dispatch purposes

Question 15

Receiving and Dispatching Emergency Calls

Answer 15

1. Call receipt
2. Location validation
3. Classification and prioritization
4. Unit selection
5. Dispatch

Question 16

ANI/ALI

Answer 16

• Automatic number identification

- Automatic location identification

Question 17

Radio Systems

Answer 17

• Link comm. center and individual units

- Link units at incident scene

Question 18

Simplex Channel vs. Duplex Channel

Answer 18

• Simplex transmits and receives radio to radio.

- Duplex used with repeater systems

Question 19

AFD Band

Answer 19

Trunked 800 Mhz band