Training Prompt: Before You Speak

Radios are perhaps the most important tool we have, and each firefighter should have one.
But, not every firefighter knows how to talk on one.

Everyone, officer and firefighter alike, should know the basics of an initial radio report by the first arriving company. Most departments have a detailed order or SOP stating what is to be said. Some even have it that updates should be given at certain times. Most of us, at least on the east coast, are familiar with the FDNY type of report:

"Battalion one-nine to da Bronx, K."
"One-nine go ahead."
"The address is a five story multiple dwelling, h style, occupied, approximately one-five-oh by one-five-oh, wit fire on da number four floor. I have two lines stretched, one in operation. Primary searches are in progress and da trucks are openin' up. Fire is doubtful, K."

You don't have to be a New Yorker to understand this and have a mental picture in your mind. Some of you after reading this have already thought, "that will go to a second".

Clear, concise, and to the point. Here are some opposite examples I have heard in my experience:

A fire reported in a high-rise, numerous calls:
"Engine __ is on the scene."
Where did they layout? Is anything showing?

Working fire in a garden apartment:
"Hey, uh Jimmy, it looks like you got some extension in the attic there."
Who the heck is Jimmy?

"Command to Truck __ I want you to ventilate the house, take out all windows."
Did they need to be told this?

After the fire is knocked down:
"Truck __ to Interior, confirming the electric has been shut off."
They were on the same floor, separated by 10 feet.

Whatever your department's procedure for initial reports, chances are there is not a lot of thought put into what your members should say next. Some important rules, little things, for everyone to think about would be:

- Think before you speak, and think again once more.
- Use unit, sector, division, or rank titles. There may be more than one Jimmy or Mike on the scene.
- If it is at all possible, talk to the other person face to face. Using the radio when you can easily walk up to the other person just creates unnecessary traffic.
- Remember, your siren and air horn are louder than your voice.
- Screaming, unless it is a mayday, only delays your message because no one can understand you.
- Provide only what is asked or what needs to be said.
- Don't state the obvious when it comes to tactics, especially if you have fireground SOPs. A competent engine company should not have to be told to stretch a line and a competent truck company should not have to be told to ladder the building.
- It is a radio, not a temporary promotion to officer status.
- Just because you have a radio does not mean you must talk on

The fireground is complex. We often don't think of it like that, but it is. There are many things that can happen, some out of our control and some within our control. However, nothing can have such a degree of impact on the fireground then the little things that are in our mind that might distract us.