SOP 109 - Communication Procedures

Question 1

Define a Still Alarm

Answer 1

Alarm handled by 1 company, e.g., grass fire, car fire

Includes response details like 1 Engine and 1 Ladder for specific conditions.

Question 2

What is the response for a Lift Assist alarm?

Answer 2

1 Company

Typically involves assistance without fire suppression.

Question 3

What is the complement for an Automatic Alarm in a single family residence?

Answer 3

1 Engine

Hospitals, apartments, industrial, commercial, educational, public assembly, hotels require 1 Engine and 1 Ladder.

Question 4

Define a General Alarm

Answer 4

An alarm where a D/C responds with more than a still alarm complement

Examples include detached garage or shed requiring 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Ambulance, and 1 District Chief.

Question 5

What is the response for a high-rise or hospital fire under a General Alarm?

Answer 5

4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 2 District Chiefs, 1 Ambulance

This reflects the higher resource needs for larger structures.

Question 6

What is included in a response for any structure fire involving hazardous materials?

Answer 6

General Alarm assignment, Haz-Mat, MABAS 8 Decon

This ensures specialized support for hazardous situations.

Question 7

What is the response for EMS calls or Medical Alarms?

Answer 7

1 Ambulance, 1 Company

A District Chief is dispatched to stabbings and shootings.

Question 8

What is a Special Alarm?

Answer 8

An alarm requiring a response by specialized apparatus

Includes types such as Extrication, Elevator Rescue, Technical Rescue, and Hazardous Materials Incident.

Question 9

What is the response for an Extrication alarm?

Answer 9

Extrication Company, 1 Suppression Company, 1 Ambulance, 1 District Chief

This highlights the complexity of extrication situations.

Question 10

What is the response for a Water Rescue incident?

Answer 10

2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 2 Boats, W-1 & On duty divers, 2 District Chiefs, 1 Ambulance

Off-duty divers and MABAS 8 Water Rescue can be requested.

Question 11

What is the response for a CO alarm with symptoms?

Answer 11

1 Suppression Company, 1 Ambulance

Indicates the potential for medical issues related to CO exposure.

Question 12

How often will dispatch notify the IC during an incident?

Answer 12

In 10 minute increments

This ensures ongoing communication and updates.

Question 13

List the 16 Benchmarks acknowledged by Dispatch.

Answer 13

• 360 completed
• Rescue completed
• Primary Search
• Agent on fire
• Water Supply established
• Sprinkler/standpipe charged
• Safety Officer established
• RIT established
• Utilities controlled
• All Clear on Life
• Fire under Control
• Termination of Command
• MAYDAY or Emergency Traffic
• Atmosphere air quality
• Any significant event not listed

Benchmarks help in tracking the progress of incidents.

Question 14

What is a Fire Scene Alert?

Answer 14

Immediate notification for fire ground personnel about notable hazards

Examples include wires down or a hole in the floor.

Question 15

What is the purpose of Emergency Traffic communication?

Answer 15

Used for perilous changing conditions

Example includes structural collapse or rapidly changing fire conditions.

Question 16

What is a MAYDAY call?

Answer 16

Used by individuals in an immediately perilous situation

Examples include lost or trapped firefighters, SCBA malfunction, or out of air.

Question 17

What will Dispatch send in response to a MAYDAY call?

Answer 17

1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Ambulance, and possibly an Extrication Company

This response ensures adequate resources are available for emergencies.

Question 18

How is Emergency Mode activated on Portable Radios?

Answer 18

Push the orange button next to the antenna

This sends a signal to Dispatch.

Question 19

What happens if the orange button is pushed and there is no response?

Answer 19

Dispatch will send a District Chief, the closest fire unit, and Police with lights and sirens

This ensures safety and immediate response.

Question 20

Who notifies the 911 Center when a spare radio is put in service?

Answer 20

The District Chief

They specify the company and position of the radio.

Question 21

What is a Working Fire Alert?

Answer 21

Activated on all working incidents where companies will be utilized

Dispatch announces the working incident and units on the scene.

Question 22

What is the procedure for non-emergency response requests?

Answer 22

Receive authorization and unit assignment from a District Chief prior to dispatch

Ensures proper protocol is followed.

Question 23

What are the acceptable 10 Codes for Rockford Fire Department?

Answer 23

• 10-4 OK
• 10-33 need Police, immediately
• 10-67 call Coroner
• 10-99 contagious disease

These codes facilitate communication during emergencies.

Question 24

When is the hydrant report announced?

Answer 24

Every Thursday

Regular updates help maintain hydrant readiness.

Question 25

What information is entered into the RFD compute from CAD?

Answer 25

* Incident number * Date/time call received * Address of the incident * Comments-Type of incident/hospital, etc. * Units sent * All times for each unit ## Footnote This ensures accurate record-keeping of incidents.

Question 26

How often should the Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) be rebooted?

Answer 26

At the beginning of each shift ## Footnote Regular maintenance ensures optimal operation.

Question 27

What does F2 through F7 on the MDT stand for?

Answer 27

* F2 En route * F3 on scene * F4 to hospital * F5 at hospital * F6 return to quarters (Available) * F7 in Quarters ## Footnote These functions facilitate unit status updates.

Question 28

What is the AVL Dispatch Process?

Answer 28

* AVL * CAD recommendation * Monitor * Report issues to the 911 Shift Supervisor ## Footnote Ensures efficient and accurate unit dispatching.