Fire Communications

---

PSTC, utilizing the talent and experience of veteran fire communications dispatchers, has developed this class to address the ever-changing role of the fire service dispatcher. Dispatchers new to fire communications will find a variety of great knowledge in this workshop. Experienced veterans of the fire board or for the many dispatchers working in combined communications centers will find this class a great chance to enhance their knowledge and skills. We have taken the most popular modules of our Fire Communications Course and combined them here in this informative one-day workshop. 

We'll sift through the jargon so dispatchers will know what resources are being requested, and what those resources provide to an incident. A review of fire service resources will include air tanker, water tender, quints, air/light units and more! "2 In - 2 Out" is explained along with other fire service terms.

Topics include: 

• Fire Communications Procedures and Tactics
• What are the "best" questions to ask in a fire emergency?   
• How can dispatchers save time and provide useful information to Incident Commanders?  
• How do we balance a quick response with our best customer service skills?  
• Responder safety and equipment knowledge
• Learn what the firefighters are doing with the information that you provide them with
• Hazardous Materials: More and more Hazardous Materials are handled each day in your jurisdiction, and dispatchers need to be aware of both chemicals contained in structures and transported on our roadways, air, rail, and pipelines. We will provide a list of questions to determine what Hazardous Materials may be involved in an incident, and what information dispatchers may be able to provide to fire-ground commanders.
• Communications role in personnel accountability reports, lost firefighters, and operational retreat
• Incident Command System (ICS): A review of ICS with emphasis on the role of the Fire Service Dispatcher.
• Mutual Aid covers requesting additional resources for a large-scale incident, terminology, providing location and directions, managing outside resources and "turf" problems. 

There are new policies and procedures dispatchers need to know when '2 in - 2 Out' is implemented and this overview allows dispatchers to know what to do if the Incident Commander makes a call for a 'RIC' Team during an incident. Also, new requirements by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require a Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) be positioned at a fire scene to effect an immediate rescue of trapped firefighters or citizens.  

A hands-on exercise will provide students with a scenario to practice ICS policies and procedures on a simulated incident.