COMMUNICATIONS

Question 1

According to SOGs - What are the three basic principles for communication at incidents?

Answer 1

1. To use the principles of ICS and ensure an effective span of control
2. To establish a flow of information at all levels of the incident, without overwhelming the IC of ComCen with superfluous data; and
3. To ensure the safety of FFs by using effective communication

Question 2

An MVA has occurred between a truck and two cars requiring the attendance of a rescue unit, the MVA has occurred on the M5 Motorway in the GSA. There are multiple emergency services within NSW that are responsible for rescue incidents. According to SOGs, who determines which emergency service will send a rescue unit to this rescue incident?

Answer 2

• NSW Police will determine which emergency service will send a Rescue Unit to Rescue incidents.

Question 3

What is the correct meaning for the numerical codes: 3, 6, 4, 1, 7?

Answer 3

• CODE 3: On scene at incident or move-up station (state location/address)
• CODE 6: Incident in Rural Fire District
• CODE 4: Available for response. If not returning to station, give destination eg FireCom, Pump 95 code 4, returning to standby at 60 station
• CODE 1: Responding to an incident or move-up – should include a clarification when the appliance is travelling under normal road conditions
• CODE 7: Unavailable for response – state reason and transmit code 4 immediately when available

Question 4

According to SOGs - Radio codes for automatic fire alarms (AFAs) are used by the Incident Commander (IC) to send an incident completed (Stop) message to FireCOM at the conclusion of an AFA-reported incident. When AFA call is to an actual fire – i.e., one which FRNSW has been alerted to by the activation of an AFA or manual call point. What is required to be reported to FireCOM?

Answer 4

• The IC must ensure that a detailed message is sent with the 100 code. The code is passed to eAIRS, but on return to station, the eAIRS report needs to be updated to reflect the nature of the incident.

Question 5

According to the SOG’s, when responding into a Rural Fire District, when are you required to send a Code 6?

Answer 5

• Immediately when it becomes apparent to the OIC of an FRNSW appliance that they have received a call to an incident located within a Rural Fire District, or
• With the Code 1 (responding) message if it is known at the time of the call that the incident is in a Rural Fire District.

Question 6

You attend a Hazmat incident involving Phosgene, you appreciate the importance of correct spelling of a substance when transmitting messages to Comms. You are requested to relay the message using the phonetic alphabet. What is the correct phonetic alphabet transmission for Phosgene?

Answer 6

• Papa, Hotel, Oscar, Sierra, Golf, Echo, November, Echo

Question 7

According to SOGs, Describe the term “All Clear.”

Answer 7

• Search and rescued have been completed and the Incident Controller is satisfied that all occupants have been accounted for.
• The term indicates that primary and secondary searches have been completed – ie primary and secondary all clear – for a compartment, location, or the entire structure, at a fire or hazmat incident. This confirms to the IC that FFs have checked for occupants in those locations and none have been located.

Question 8

According to SOGs when sending radio messages, to ensure they are easy to understand and hear. How should they be formulated?

Answer 8

• CONDITIONS:
• ACTIONS:
• NEED:
• Be clear, concise and factual
• Make sure message is received and understood – read back message (order model)
• Describe what is happening
• Protect sensitive information (consider using mobile phone)