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Online Courses for Wildland Firefighters~ Serving the Forest Industry since 1996 ~Safety is Our #1 Priority! |  |
S-212 ~ Fireline Communications S-212 ~ Introduction
This course is designed to give firefighters a working knowledge of how to use portable two-way radios while on the fire line. The information is consistent with the version of the S-212 course originally developed by the BC Ministry of Forests and can be considered an S-212 equivalent.Communications on any emergency incident is critical to both a successful mitigation and for the safety of all involved. This course is designed to help emergency workers properly use a portable two-way radio and have everyone use standardized procedures and terminology.
Outline:
Section 1- Introduction to Radio Communication
Section 2- Radio Frequency Waves
Section 3- Transmission Techniques and Radio Procedures
Section 4- Distress Calling
Section 5- Radio Position / Location
Section 6- Radio Equipment and Care
Section 7- Fire Repeaters
Section 8- Terminology / Phonetic Alphabet
Section 9- ExamSection 1~ Introduction to Radio Communication
Not many years ago a two-way radio was the only way to communicate wireless. Today, with the onset of cell phone use, two-way radios play a lesser (but important) role in communications. As we all know, cell phone service can be unreliable at times and there are parts of the Province that still do not have cell coverage.Two-way radios rely on a repeater and are therefore more reliable, especially in an emergency situation where the use of cell phones can overwhelm the support system. BCWS relies on two-way radios for communications on wildfires.
In Canada, the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development controls the use of radio wave Spectrum and requires a license for the use of a two-way radio. I.S.E.D. may, at any time, monitor the use of radio frequencies it has assigned. Regulations control the following aspects or radio transmission:
Fines or imprisonment can be imposed for any violation of these regulations.
- Interference. One may not deliberately interfere with any transmission except for an emergency broadcast.
- Superfluous Transmission. Communications are restricted to official business and the transmission of unnecessary or superfluous communications is not permitted.
- Profane or Obscene Language. Profane and obscene language is strictly prohibited.
- False Distress Signals. Any person who knowingly transmits, or causes to be transmitted, a false distress signal or message is guilty of an offence.
- Confidentiality. Divulging, abuse or using information that is overheard over the radio is strictly prohibited.
Section 2~ Radio Frequency Waves
What is a radio frequency and modulation? This section will try to make some sense of just what comes out of the radio.Radio wave. A radio wave is a natural phenomenon and is basically an electromagnetic carrier signal (wave) which travels in space without artificial assistance. This natural wave becomes a wave length capable of carrying information when it has been manipulated (modified) by humans.
A radio wave has to be modulated to carry information. This is done in three basic ways, Amplitude modulation (AM), Frequency modulation (FM) and Single sideband (SSB).
Amplitude modulation is how high and low a radio frequency can go. See fig. 1
Frequency modulation is how far apart a radio frequency can go. See fig. 2
Single Sideband is a modified form created by removing part to the amplitude signal.
AM is used for High Frequency radio stations (HF) and aviation. FM is used for better radio station quality. SSB is used for long distance radio communication.
The word "frequency" means some action being repeated in intervals. A "cycle" describes one complete interval from peak to peak. See fig. 3 The number of completed cycles per second is called Hertz. The higher the Hertz rating (i.e.: 30 GHz) the more information can be carried. A lower the rating (i.e.: 30 KHz), the less information can be carried.
AM / Single Side Band frequencies are in the higher range and are therefore suited for two-way radio communications. See fig. 4
Fig. 1 Amplitude Modulation (AM)
Fig. 2 Frequency Modulation (FM)
Fig. 3 Frequency Cycle
Fig. 4 Frequency Classification
Section 3~ Transmission Techniques and Procedures
Unlike speaking face to face with someone where you can pick up on visual cues to fully understand what is being said, radio communications is like talking in a darkened room.When using a two-way radio, you must follow some basic rules:
1- Make sure the radio is turned on and on the channel you want.If spelling something out, use the Phonetic alphabet. See appendix2- Make sure no one else is broadcasting.
3- Hold the mic close to your mouth and speak in a clear and calm voice.
4- Call the person (or station) you want to talk to and state who you are.
5- Wait for a reply before saying anything else.
6- If you are being called, reply by repeating their call sign and then stating your own.
7- Do not speak too fast or use an uneven rhythm. If you have a lot to say, take a break and ask if they are copying you alright. Don't ramble on, just say what is needed.
8- Think about what you are going to say and try to avoid "er's" and "um's" or pauses where you have to think.
9- Be mindful of the time you spend on the radio, especially if others are using that same channel.
10- Avoid standing close to loud background noise such as pumps or heavy equipment.
Here is an example of a good two-way radio conversation. If you do not have a call sign, use your name or position.
I.C. ~ Pump operator, this is Incident Command. wait for a reply
P.O. ~ Command this is pump operatorI.C. ~ Pump operator please up the pump pressure as high as it will go.
P.O. ~ Roger, running the pump up to full pressure.I.C.~ Thank you, I.C. clear
P.O. ~ Pump operator clear.If you are giving GPS coordinates, the decimal point should be spoken as "decimal"
Example: 23.55 sounds like two, three, decimal, five, five 23.05 sounds like two, three, decimal, zero, five.Common words or phrases:
Acknowledge- Let me know you have received and understood the message.*Volume and clarity are used to indicated how well you are receiving on a scale of 1-5. 5 by 5 means loud and clear, 5 by 2 means loud but hard to understand, 3 by 3 means low volume and not very clear. And so on.Affirmative- You agree with what was said.
Break- Indicates a break between separate parts of a message.
Break with (name)- Indicates you are done with one person and going to call another.
Clear- You are done with the conversation and signing off.
Confirm- Is my version correct.
Copy that- If you understood everything that was said.
Correction- If you said something wrong. Give the amended information.
Go ahead- Proceed with your transmission.
How do you read*- Do you hear me ok?
I say again- use if you have to repeat yourself.
Negative- No or incorrect or permission not granted.
Over- Your transmission is over and you are waiting for a response.
Out- Your transmission is over and you and signing off.
Repeat- You did not understand what was said.
Roger- You have received and understood the message.
Stand by- You have to pause for a moment and want the other person to wait.
Standing by- Indicates you are waiting for the caller to return.
Say again- You did not understand and want the caller to repeat the message.
What is your location- You are asking for the other person's location.
Section 4~ Distress Calling
Broadcasting an emergency distress signal is now universally standardized. All radio operators should be familiar with the three levels of distress:Mayday, Pan-Pan and Security.
Mayday- This indicates a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention, such as an unconscious accident victim or immediate rescue is required.
1- Make sure the radio is turned on and on the channel you have been using.If you hear the call but cannot respond, and you hear that no one else has responded, call the caller and offer to relay the information. If you are not involved in the incident maintain radio silence until the emergency is over.2- When no one is speaking, call "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" state your name, location and nature of the emergency. You can break into an ongoing conversation when no one is speaking. If someone is transmitting, another caller cannot be heard!
3- If you hear a Mayday call, do not respond to the caller if you are unable to help.
4- If you are the caller and get no response, move to a different location and try again.
5- If you can help, contact the caller with your call sign and ask what they need.
Mayday comes from the French word, m'aidez ("help me").
Pan-Pan - This indicates a non-life-threatening situation but has great urgency.
The call procedure is the same as above only use the words "Pan-Pan" three times.
Pan-Pan is derived from the French word "panne", which means failure or breakdown.
Security - This indicates a safety signal and can be used if the fire makes a sudden change, a section of a road is washed out, a power line is down and across the road.
The call procedure is the same as above, only use the words "Security" three times.
Security is derived from the Latin word, "securus", meaning freedom from anxiety.
Section 5~ Radio Position / Location
Two-way radios can be fussy when it comes to transmitting and receiving (Tx & Rx) due to the nature of the signal emitted from the antenna and the power of the radio. Most hand-held radios are in the 3-5-watt power range whereas a truck mounted radio is 30-50 watts.The antenna will send out a signal in all directions equally and will work best if held vertically.
The Very-High Frequencies (VHF) and Ultra-High Frequencies (UHV) used by the radios are considered a "line of sight" wave. This means it will not transmit to the other side of the mountain and can even be hampered by dense forest cover.
If you lose contact try a different location, preferable in an open area or at a higher elevation. Also make sure the battery is fully charged before leaving the base.
Because of the limited range of hand-held radios, BCWS and most Fire Departments employ a repeater station located on high ground to boost the signal. As there are a limited numbers of frequencies available for use, a tone can be used. A tone is a built-in sub frequency, allowing a single frequency to be used for several channels. Operator Selectable Tone (OST) can be used on the radios to change tones from T1 to T9.
Section 6~ Radio Equipment and Care
Antenna A radio is only as good as it's antenna! No antenna, no reception. Today's radios come with antennas that are matched to the particular radio and frequencies used. Our job is to maintain them or exchange them when broken.There are basically two types of antennas used these days:
VHF for a hand held, called a "Rubber Ducky". It is a coiled antenna imbedded in rubber so it is both flexible and water proof. Make sure it is screwed hand tight into the radio. If it is to be stored or transported in a small container it is best to remove the antenna. Watch for wear and tare especially at the base. Do not use the antenna as a handle.
VHF for base stations and trucks, called a"High Gain antenna. It is single wire antenna about 92 cm long. It so flexible in the upper portion but can be snapped off at the base in under stress. Make sure it is securely attached to the base.
Battery All hand-held radios have associated snap on batteries. The days of the dry cell AA or D batteries are long gone. Make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave for the job site. 12 vDC charges are also available. The shelf life of the batteries is limited. Some are only good for 2-3 years, some longer. If it will not hold a charge very well when not in use, if it starts to leak or is getting hot in use it is probably time to replace it. There is also the recharge cycle. Once it has reached the limit (say 300 charges) it will be time to replace it.
Plan ahead, no one wants to be on a remote job site and have the only radio go dead on them!
Water Immersion If your radio drops into water, do not attempt to dry it out. Remove the battery. Put both parts into separate sealed plastic bag and get it to a radio repair shop as soon as possible. It must be completely disassembled and dried properly or a crust will form on the electrical parts and damage the radio.
It is recommended that the battery be removed from the radio for long term storage after it is charged up. Keep batteries in a cool place to extend shelf life.
Communications on any emergency incident is critical to both a successful mitigation and for the safety of all involved. This course is designed to help emergency workers properly use a portable two-way radio and have everyone use standardized procedures and terminology.
Section 7~ Fire Repeaters
Due to the fact that hand held radios have a limited range, radio repeaters are set op throughout the Province to boost the working range. There are two types of repeaters, fixed and portable. The fixed ones are located in commonly used areas and on mountain tops in order to give the greatest service. BCWS has portable repeaters that can be set up to service local radio traffic. These are used on large fires.Portable radios will have the capacity to use these repeaters for long distance communications on repeater or duplex channels, as well as simplex channels that only go line of sight from radio to radio. For BCWS radio channels, the metal colours (gold, silver, bronze, etc.) are simplex and the pallet colours (Black, Orange, Blue, etc.) are the duplex channels.
Become familiar with whatever brand radio you are using. There are many functions available (such as scan, priority channels, lone worker and emergency) that are very helpful.
Practice using proper radio transmission procedures before the next emergency!
Look after your radio as it is literally your life line when you are out in the bush.
Section 8~ Terminology / Phonetic Alphabet
Following is a list of terms used in radio communications and a list of the Phonetic letters.
Radio operators should be familiar with all these terms.Link to the "Radio Handbook" issued by the Radio Communication Services.
Fig. 5 Phonetic Alphabet
Fig. 6 Phonetic Numbers
Please note, several of these terms are old and no longer appropriate for today's use.
Fig. 7 Terminology
Section 9~ Exam
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