Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety 800 MHz Radio User Training Radio Operations Radio Operations and Policies EMS COMMUNICATIONS CLASS - REFRESHER 2020
Zone Batt Nuis Radio MESSAGE FROM THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC SAFETY Operations
The Rensselaer County radio system is an extremely vital part of the safety of our first responders while they provide a service to the residents of Rensselaer County. It is imperative these first responders operate and practice proper radio procedures while operating on the system at all times.
This multi-year project costing 21 million dollars to provide a digital 800 radio system, paging system and 911 center renovations are all invaluable in providing vital communications for the emergency services.
This presentation was developed to provide authorized users the proper usage and operation of the radio system, which includes; incident command structure, on-scene operations, fleet mapping, channel selection, mutual aid and inter agency communications.
A full set of policies and procedures to include the Communications Field Operations Guide (CFOG) and Field Users Guide are available online: http://rensco.com/departments/publicsafety/
Thank you for attending and for your service to our communities. Director Jay Wilson Radio Operations: System Description
Radio Operations • The Motorola 800 MHz Digital Trunked Radio System provides simulcast trunked and direct channels for Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, County Highway and County Government throughout the county.
• The trunked system is designed to provide a high degree of street level portable radio coverage, established at a 98% portable street level countywide standard, operating at head level without a speaker microphone.
• Direct or Ground channels are simplex (single frequency - radio to radio) 800 MHz channels that do not require access to a trunked repeater and are to be used for on scene, hazardous environment and interior building operations. These channels have approximately ½ mile line of sight range.
• There are eight (8) trunked frequencies and 4 direct frequencies. Radio Operations
Radio Operations SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT ARE IN NEED OF EMPHASIS
• RESPONSE MODES – NO CODES
• RADIO IDENTIFIERS – APPROVED PER CFOG 29
• TAC USE AT INCIDENTS
• USE OF EMS TAC 10 • ALS INTERCEPT – DIRECT FIELD COMMUNICATIONS
• NO BLIND TRANSMISSIONS • USE OF ICS • TRUNKED VS GROUND CHANNEL USE Radio Operations Radio Operations
Radio Operations EMS SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
• EMS SQUAD PERSONNEL RESPONDING COMMUNICATE CREW STATUS TO EMS DISPATCH
• ALS RESPONSE AND INTERCEPT COMMUNICATIONS ARE ASSIGNED TO TAC 10 AND SHOULD BE DIRECT, NOT THROUGH DISPATCH
• EMS UNITS COMMUNICATES DIRECT TO FD’S ON APPROPRIATE TAC CHANNEL, FD’S COMMUNICATE WITH EMS ON TAC 10
• RADIOS SHOULD BE PROGRAMMED TO SCAN THE CORRECT TAC CHANNELS
• EMS INCIDENT EMERGENCY ALERT BUTTON POLICY (FOR FD AND EMS) Radio Operations: Alerting and Messaging
Alerting: Radio Operations
• Paging will be broadcast on VHF frequency 155.6550, and 800 Alert channel. • East Greenbush Communications dispatches the 3 Fire Departments in East Greenbush using the County Paging System.
Text Messaging: • CAD technology will transmit text messaging via Internet to various devices using Cellular Service Provider by SMS technology.
• Stations using "I AM RESPONDING" will receive messages through the APP by direct IP connectivity.
• Both methods are dependent on the Cellular Service Provider systems. Radio Operations
Radio Dispatch Procedures: Operations
• Responding ambulance will be provided detailed call/patient information.
• Station response will be announced on VHF Dispatch and 800 Alert. Radio Operations: Field Communications Procedures
Radio Operations • Dispatch is referred to in all radio communications as "Dispatcher”. • Fire Dispatch and EMS Dispatch are separate Talk Groups, but same dispatcher
• No codes are to be used, except those specifically authorized in the Radio User Guide. (Signals, EMD Patient Determinant)
• Blind Transmissions
o Blind Transmission is defined as the calling unit transmitting a message without first identifying the party they are calling and without waiting for the receiving party to acknowledge that they can copy the message
o When messages are transmitted in this format, the dispatcher will reply by stating; "Dispatcher is on unit calling, identify and repeat your message." Radio Operations: Field Communications Procedures
Radio Operations • Response Mode Terminology
DO NOT USE CODE 2, CODE 3, Other Terminology such as proceed with caution, slow response, ETC
o Emergency Mode - red lights & siren o Non-Emergency Mode - no red lights & siren o Stand-by Mode - no response
• The Emergency Communications Center is capable of, and records, all transmissions on the trunked system, on all channels. Recordings are confidential and will be released for authorized purposes only. Recordings will be used for training purposes and to identify incorrect use of the Radio System. Radio Operations
Radio Operations Field Communications Procedures: EMS
• All responding units will communicate when enroute and arriving to Dispatch for all incidents.
• Fire Department units will communicate with EMS Units on TAC 10. EMS Units will communicate with Fire Units on the Battalion TAC. Radio Operations: Field Communications Procedures
Radio Operations • RADIO IDENTIFIERS
o All identifiers must be authorized and approved. CFOG POLICY 29 (PP 70-73, 128-129) • Unauthorized Radio Identifiers are prohibited on all channels
• UNIT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (UID)
o Each radio (mobile, portable, or control station) on this system has a unique identification number assigned by the Bureau. (UID) o This number will identify the radio. o Dispatch will maintain a master copy of all UID’s on the system. o The ALIAS (Actual Car # or Unit ID) will be displayed at the Dispatch console. Radio Operations: Radio Identifiers
• EMS UNITS Radio Operations • STATION # & ID # Ambulances • STATION # & ID # (60 SERIES) Medic (ALS) • FIRST RESPONSE + STATION # First Response (BLS) • STATION NAME & CAR # Command Officers, Duty Crew Chiefs
• FIRE UNITS • STATION NAME & CAR # Chiefs • ENGINES STATION # & NUMERIC 1 – 9 • SPECIALIZED APPARATUS Use Station Number with Identifier Apparatus should not use Station Name with Identifier
NO OTHER RADIO IDENTIFERS ARE AUTHORIZED AND ARE NOT BE USED ON ANY TALKGROUP OR DIRECT CHANNEL. Radio Operations: Radio Identifiers
Radio Operations Out of County Units use their standard radio ID proceeded by Agency Name on Rensselaer County System –
Examples: Cambridge 2217 Valatie 708 Radio Operations: RADIO VOICE
Radio Operations Speak in a normal voice NO YELLING
Think before you transmit
Listen to transmission – Don’t Assume to know what message is
Avoid unnecessary phrases and terminology that may be confusing or RADIO SLANG Copied information – Not Copied Direct What Does “Same Traffic” Mean “Be Advised” - Why else are you communicating the information Radio Operations: Priority Transmissions
Radio Operations
Priority Transmissions:
• EMERGENCY is defined as a potentially critical life threatening situation.
• There are 2 accepted priority transmissions:
o EMERGENCY TRAFFIC o PRIORITY AIR Radio Operations: Priority Transmissions
Radio Operations • EMERGENCY TRAFFIC is a message from the field that requires an immediate response from the dispatcher.
• In the event that an incident occurs, or a situation arises where an Emergency Transmission is required, the following procedure should be used: o Contact the Dispatcher using your Radio Identifier, and state "Emergency Traffic". o The Dispatcher will immediately acknowledge your transmission. o Once the Dispatcher acknowledges you, transmit your Emergency message. Radio Operations: Priority Transmissions
Radio Operations
• PRIORITY AIR is a declaration by the dispatcher. Once declared, this means that no other units are to transmit until the Priority Traffic is cleared by Dispatch
• Priority Air is UNIT SPECIFIC or INCIDENT SPECIFIC. Only communications related to the Priority Air declaration are allowed on the system, until the Priority Air is lifted. Radio Operations: Emergencies in the Field
Radio Operations Personnel operating at an incident may be subject to various emergency situations that require communications support.
• EVACUATION - Incident Commander orders an emergency evacuation of personnel out of a building
• MAYDAY - Personnel declare an emergency using the term "MAYDAY" or other verbal communication requesting assistance.
• EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION - Emergency Alert should only be used for life threatening situations. It is activated by pressing the Emergency Button on the radio. Radio Operations: Emergencies in the Field
Radio Operations
• Each of these emergency incidents will require an immediate response from Dispatch, along with on-scene operational procedures not defined in this training session.
• Definitions may be found in Department Standard Operating Guidelines or SOGs.
• Each agency must develop its own fire ground procedures for these incidents. The procedures in this training session are communications related only. Radio Operations
Radio Operations
MAYDAY: • In the event of a firefighter trapped, incapacitated or lost at the scene of an operation, the firefighter will transmit the word MAYDAY over the radio.
• All units shall cease transmitting so that command may establish the nature and location and coordinate rescue
• If a MAYDAY or other emergency declaration is received by Dispatch for personnel at an incident, the Dispatcher will follow the Emergency Alert protocol
• If a MAYDAY or other emergency declaration is received by Dispatch from Incident Command, the dispatcher will declare an emergency and priority traffic. Radio Operations
Radio Operations
EMERGENCY EVACUATION: • In the event the Incident Commander orders an Emergency Evacuation, the Dispatcher will immediately sound the alert tone and broadcast the following announcement on the radio:
"EMERGENCY PRIORITY, ALL PERSONNEL EVACUATE (STATE THE ALARM LOCATION)."
• The Incident Commander shall be responsible to cause notification of the evacuation order on applicable TAC and Direct channels.
• This will include accountability for all other operating resources on scene such as but not limited to; Utility Crews, Police, Transportation, Private Ambulance Services. MOTOROLA APX RADIOS
Radio Rensselaer County Motorola Radios Operations
APX 4500 MOBILE AND CONTROL STATION
H Zone 1 FIRE DISPATCH Scan Nuis APX 4000 PORTABLE RADIO APX 4000: EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION
Radio Operations Emergency Button
The Emergency Button on the Portable Radio:
Used in situations that demand immediate communications and you are NOT able to talk on the radio normally
Think “LIFE AND DEATH” Zone Batt Nuis APX 4000: EMERGENCY ACTIVATION BUTTON
Radio Operations
PORTABLE RADIO - Top
Emergency Button APX 4500: EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION
Radio Operations Emergency Button
H The Emergency Button Zone 1 FIRE DISPATCH Emergency on a Scan Nuis Mobile Radio APX 4000: EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION
Radio Declaring an Emergency – Trunked Operation Operations • Instantaneous Transmit • “HOT MIC”: When activated, your microphone will automatically open for 10 Seconds. LCD screen will feature Emergency operation indicators in orange • Emergency Button must be depressed to activate an emergency • Identify yourself and state your emergency H Zone 1 • You will be immediately heard at the Dispatch Center FIRE DISPATCH Emergency Scan Nuis APX 4000: EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION
Radio Declaring an Emergency – Ground Channel Operations • Instantaneous Transmit • Emergency Alert will be broadcast to all radios within range, and selected on the same channel • “HOT MIC”: When activated, your microphone will automatically open for 10 Seconds. LCD screen will feature Emergency operation indicators in orange • Emergency Button must be depressed to activate an emergency Zone Batt Nuis • Identify yourself and state your emergency • You will NOT be heard at the Dispatch Center APX 4000: EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION
Radio Clearing the Emergency Operations • Once you have transmitted your emergency you need to clear your radio from the Emergency Mode • First, speak with dispatch to verify that Emergency can be cleared • Then do either of the following: • Press and hold the Emergency button for at least 3 seconds
H • turn the radio off and back on again Zone 1 FIRE DISPATCH Emergency Scan Nuis EMERGENCY RADIO ALERT ACTIVATION EMS INCIDENT
Radio Operations EMS INCIDENT EMERGENCY RADIO ACTIVATION For Units that have arrived at an EMS Incident (FD and EMS) • One or more activations will not be immediately acknowledged by Dispatcher • Dispatcher will listen to hot mic voice transmissions to determine situation • Law Enforcement response will be initiated or upgraded based on information • Personnel are encouraged to provide information in an appropriate manner that does not further aggravate situation • Personnel able to communicate with EMS Dispatch should provide situational information Radio Operations: Emergency Alert
Radio Operations
•Incident Commanders are reminded that communications for interior fire ground operations and/or Hazardous Environments must be conducted on a Ground/Direct Channel. Radio Operations: Emergency Alert
Trunked LMR (Land Mobile Radio) is addressed by NFPA Radio Operations Standard 1802 for Two-Way, Portable RF Voice Communications Devices for Use by Emergency Services Personnel in the Hazard Zone and APCO 25 (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) Project 25 is the Standard for Public Safety Trunked Radio Systems. The Rensselaer County Motorola Digital Radio System is designed to these standards. In order for a radio to work, it must be able to communicate with the closest radio transmission site. Ground or Direct channels do not need site access and must be used when operating interior or hazardous environments. APX 4000: Audio Alerts
Radio Talk Permit Tone Operations
REMEMBER! This is a Repeater-type system If you talk before you hear the Talk Permit Tone, some of what you said will be lost If you hear a tone when pressing the PTT, one of several things may be happening:
• No Signal Zone Batt Nuis • All Channels are Busy • Your Radio is Damaged • Your Radio Battery is Depleted APX 4000: Audio Alerts
Radio Operations System Busy
If you receive a System Busy • Release the PTT Switch • Wait for the Talk Permit Tone • Push the PTT and transmit your message
Notes on System Busy • Delay is often very short (a few seconds) • Remember to release the PTT and wait for the Talk Permit Tone • By repeatedly pushing the PTT, you are repeatedly placed “in line” for transmitting -- which makes your wait longer! RADIO OPERATIONS: SYSTEM TROUBLE and REDUNDANCY
Radio Operations • All aspects of the Radio System have integral redundancy • Radio System functions are monitored electronically at all times. • Technicians can access system to effect immediate remedial action • System is able to detect and isolate issues to minimize operational difficulties • VHF Paging System is isolated from 800 System function • System Trouble Modes • SITE TRUNKING • FAILSOFT RADIO OPERATIONS: SYSTEM TROUBLE and REDUNDANCY
Radio Operations
SITE TRUNKING • Loss of connectivity BETWEEN Grafton Prime Site and Emergency Communications Center • Sites will function normally • ECC will switch to Control Station Operations
• Some loss of special functions and monitoring Zone Batt Nuis • No Field User action needed RADIO OPERATIONS: SYSTEM TROUBLE and REDUNDANCY
AILSOFT ODE Radio F M Operations • Failure of Trunking System • Radio automatically goes to Failsoft • Radio will beep every 10 seconds and display “FAILSOFT” on screen • Many channels will be put onto one frequency, so you may hear departments you normally would not hear. Radio will
operate as a standard repeated radio off closest tower only FAILSOFT Zone Batt Nuis • Radio will not be able to communicate with Dispatch Center • EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ONLY! Resources are limited, so restrict transmissions • GROUND CHANNELS OPERATE NORMALLY APX 4000: Scanning
Radio Operations
APX 4000 and APX 4500 can Scan Channels FIRE/EMS DISPATCH and ALERT are in the Scan List, along with your assigned TAC channel (Battalion/EMS-specific) 2 additional channels may be added at the Agency’s discretion
Ground Channels CANNOT BE scanned Zone Batt Nuis APX 4000 AND APX 4500
Radio Operations Out of Range Tone • If your radio is receiving the Out-of-Range Tone, your radio is NOT seen by the system • You cannot Talk or Receive messages on trunked channels • System Channels and the Emergency Button will not work when you are Out-of-Range • Your operations may need to utilize Ground Channels for communication H Zone 1 FIRE DISPATCH Out of Range Scan Nuis APX 4000 PORTABLE RADIO
Radio Operations
APX 4500 portable Programmable Button Functions • Zone Select
Zone Batt Nuis • Batt • Nuisance Delete APX 4000: Radio Display and Soft Keys
Radio Operations
Radio - Top
• 16-Position Channel Selector 16-Position Channel • Antenna Selector Antenna • On/Off Volume Control Knob On/Off Volume • Top Light Bar Control Knob Emergency Button
• LED Indicator Top Light Bar • Emergency Button LED Indicator APX 4000 PORTABLE RADIO
Radio Operations
Radio - Sides
• Scan On/Off Button Scan On/Off Button • Push-to-Talk (PTT) Button Accessory • Back Light On/Off Connector Push-to-Talk (PTT) • Keypad Lock/Unlock Button
• Accessory Connector Back Light On/Off
Keypad Lock /Unlock APX 4500 MOBILE RADIO
Radio Operations
Power LCD Display Up and Down Button Buttons
Emergency Button
Zone 1 FIRE DISPATCH
Scan Nuis VOLUME CONTROL
ZONE SELECT SCAN ON/OFF Home NUISANCE DELETE Button Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Radio Operations
Fleet Map and Channel Definitions: • The fleet map is designed with a framework to function within 3 Primary Zones of 16 channels each and 3 Zones are provided for Interoperability Purposes.
• The Full Fleet Map is provided on- line at the Bureau Web Page Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Fleet Map and Channel Definitions: Radio Operations ZONES INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TALK GROUPS NOT THE NUMBER OF FREQUENCIES
Zone 1 o the primary zone and used for normal day-to-day Operations. o Fire Dispatch will be used by all Fire Battalions o Tactical, or “TAC” channels are identified by Fire Battalions o EMS Dispatch will be used by all EMS agencies o TAC 10 will be used by EMS Agencies for field communications o ALERT will operate as a receive only channel . It is not accessible on portables radios and is not to be transmitted on with a mobile radio. ALERT is in the scan list. Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Fleet Map and Channel Definitions: Radio Operations
Zone 2 o used for overflow operations when Zone 1 channels are busy o Is utilized if radio traffic/incident conditions warrant and may be assigned at the request of the Incident Commander or the discretion of the Communications Center Supervisory/Management Staff Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Fleet Map and Channel Definitions: Radio Operations
Zone 3 o used for Special Operations and Training o May be utilized if radio traffic and/or Incident conditions warrant and may be assigned at the request of the Incident Commander or the discretion of the Communications Center Supervisory Management Staff o DISPATCH 2 may be established with a dedicated dispatcher should conditions warrant at the discretion of Bureau Management o Zone 3 WILL be used for training when no Special Operations are assigned to the Zone Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Fleet Map and Channel Definitions Radio Operations National Interoperability Channels Zone 4 o contains the 800 MHz National Interoperability Channels, direct and repeated. These are channels referred to as Federal Interoperability channels and are required to be operational in all P25 systems. o CALL channels (CALL 90, CALL 90D) are established as a communications path to the local 911 Center. o TAC channels are established for on-scene incident use. o The "D" designator indicates direct or non-repeated. Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Fleet Map and Channel Definitions: Radio Operations • Zone 5 – Future Interoperability
• Zone 6 700 INTEROPERABILITY o contains the 700 MHz National Interoperability Channels. o Rensselaer County monitors 7CALL50 from a single site and it is not repeated. The NYS OIEC Plan assigns 7TAC channels to each county. o Rensselaer County does not repeat any of the 7TAC channels. o Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington County 7TAC channels are included in this zone. Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Radio Operations
COUNTYWIDE CHANNEL
• The COUNTYWIDE channel is monitored/scanned in all radios and at Dispatch. • It provides full interoperability. • It is also used for legacy KBS SentraLok decoding.
• Inter-County Dispatch Center to Dispatch Center Communications. Special communications paths are now available for non-800 counties adjoining Rensselaer County (Bennington, VT; Berkshire, MA; Columbia, Washington).
This is limited to Dispatch Center communications and is temporarily done on Countywide. Radio Operations: Fleet Map and Channel Definitions
Radio HELICOPTER LAND ZONE COMMUNICATIONS Operations • Helicopter Ambulance Landing Zone channels are used for communications between aircraft and field units. Aircraft do not have 800MHz capability. • The Incident Commander may connect directly to VTAC 14 , 155.715, 46.22 if radio resources are available • May use the 800 MHz System resources with a System Patch to VTAC14.
* VTAC14 VHF 159.47250 (National Interoperability Channel) * NYFIRE 22 Low Band 46.220 (Fire Mobile) * NYMED 715 VHF 155.715 (EMS Statewide) * 800 MHz Talk Group patch to VTAC14 using ZONE 1 TAC 8 The use of the 800 MHz resources for communications to aircraft is limited by the effective range of transmitter coverage from the various tower sites. Radio Operations: Town of East Greenbush Communications
Radio Operations
Town of East Greenbush Communications: • The Town of East Greenbush operates a secondary PSAP dispatch center for all Town emergency services, including Best-Luther, Clinton Heights, East Greenbush Fire Departments and the W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad.
• The County VHF Paging System is accessed by East Greenbush Communications for alerting. East Greenbush Communications dispatches will be simulcast on the 800 System Alert channel.
• The East Greenbush Communications Center Dispatcher will be referred to as East Greenbush Radio Operations: Town of East Greenbush Communications
Radio Operations
QUESTIONS ? For System Questions
Radio Operations
Contact
Paul Glasser H Zone 1 Deputy Director FIRE DISPATCH Scan Nuis
(518) 266 - 3320