Operational Communications

Question 1

Learner Guide pp. 7–9

What is the main communications system used by FRNSW for mission-critical operations?

Answer 1

The NSW Public Safety Network (PSN).

Question 2

Learner Guide p. 15 | Comms 2 PPT

What are the three levels of communication in FRNSW?

Answer 2

Task, Tactical, Strategic.

Question 3

Learner Guide p. 16 | Comms 2 PPT

What is the default task-level radio channel?

Answer 3

Channel 501 (Incident Ground Simplex).

Question 4

Learner Guide pp. 16–17 | Comms 1 PPT

What report format is used for Tactical communications?

Answer 4

CAN report – Conditions, Actions, Needs.

Question 5

Learner Guide pp. 18–19 | Comms 2 PPT

Who does the Incident Controller communicate with at the Strategic level?

Answer 5

FireCOM (Communications Centre).

Question 6

Learner Guide p. 20 | Comms 2 PPT

What colour code is used for urgent priority messages to FireCOM?

Answer 6

Red, Red, Red.

Question 7

Learner Guide p. 21

What status code indicates “On scene at incident or move up”?

Answer 7

Code 3.

Question 8

Learner Guide p. 22 | Comms 1 PPT

What is the order model in radio discipline?

Answer 8

Receiver repeats the sender’s message, sender confirms it was understood.

Question 9

Learner Guide p. 29

What is the phonetic alphabet word for the letter “M”?

Answer 9

Mike.

Question 10

Learner Guide p. 30

What is the phonetic alphabet word for the number 9?

Answer 10

Niner.

Question 11

Learner Guide p. 23 | Comms 1 PPT

What terminology is used to say “Yes / that is correct”?

Answer 11

Affirmative.

Question 12

Learner Guide p. 23

What terminology is used when no answer is received on radio?

Answer 12

Nothing Heard.

Question 13

Learner Guide pp. 32, 35

What are the two types of intrinsically safe FRNSW radios?

Answer 13

APX 8000HXE (intrinsically safe) and APX 8000XE (not IS).

Question 14

Learner Guide p. 33

What must firefighters do with long radio antennas when wearing XFlex structural jackets?

Answer 14

Secure antenna using the antenna loop to prevent eye injury.

Question 15

Learner Guide pp. 26, 38

How do you activate an emergency call on a handheld radio?

Answer 15

Press and hold the orange Emergency button for 2 seconds.

Question 16

Learner Guide p. 10, 37 | Comms 2 PPT

What is the function of Incident Ground Channels (501–505)?

Answer 16

Direct mode (Simplex) digital radio communication on the incident ground.

Question 17

Learner Guide p. 40 | Comms 1 PPT

What should you do if your handheld radio battery is flat?

Answer 17

Replace it and put the used battery on charge.

Question 18

Learner Guide p. 13 | Comms 1 PPT

What are the three main principles of communication at incidents?

Answer 18

Use ICS, establish flow of information without overloading IC/FireCOM, and ensure firefighter safety.

Question 19

Learner Guide pp. 44–47

What additional communications tool is fitted in all frontline FRNSW appliances?

Answer 19

Adashi First Responder (Mobile Data Terminal – MDT).

Question 20

Learner Guide p. 15 | Comms 2 PPT

What information must be obtained when a member of the public calls the station directly to report an emergency?

Answer 20

Address & suburb, nearest cross street/landmark, type of emergency, persons trapped/injured, ambulance or police needed, caller details.