This "Radio Reports: A Review"written by Greg Jakubowski is a really informative piece on continuing communications during fireground operations. For something seemingly simple, communications can be a hassle and difficult at times. While communications need to be brief so that they do not the channel is not jammed, but also informative enough that the message is clearly conveyed. Obviously, a good initial report is vital because it establishes the setting for all involved and crews en route can have a better idea of what they will be arriving to, and plan accordingly. Progress reports allow for all responders on scene to know what is going on. An interesting benefit that Jakubowski states is that giving a report forces the person giving the report to have a thorough understanding of the situation-they have to to understand it if they are going to explain it to someone else. Another interesting concept he gives is the "CAN method" for giving ongoing reports-Conditions, Actions, Needs. I think that this is a good theory to follow; it covers several important factors of the incident and whatever operations are occurring at that time. However, it is important to remember that this is a template/guideline. We need to be able to improvise and adapt during operations-there may be times where the situation does not allow a "CAN" report. But communication is vital so that the Incident Commander is aware of what is going on during operations and what tactical decisions he may have to make next.
Another important consideration for communication obstacles and overcoming them are the "frictions," "constant obstacles instead of progress," often a term used by military leaders for strategy and tactics, as explained in Billy Schmidt's article. One of the most important considerations for overcoming these frictions are making sure clear and concise communications are executed. Clear communications are required from everyone on the scene. Firefighting is not an operation that can be completed by only an individual's actions; it is essentially a team sport. Work together, communication together, execute operations together. Keep the situation in perspective. You should be familiar and comfortable with your company's procedures and guidelines for radio communication. As well, Schmidt suggests using Chief Mark Emery's 4-C Communications as follows:
Connect: Ensure that you are talking to the right person.
Convey: Communicate a clear, concise and easy-to-understand message.
Clarify: Repeat the message to establish that the message received is the message that was conveyed.
Confirm:Confirm that the message clarified is the message that was conveyed.
Communication isn't a physical or necessarily strategic skill, but it does have a role in tactics and strategy. Without it, tactics and strategy cannot be deployed. Miscommunication can also alter the way operations are deployed. Many responders would rather get then job done and not talk on the air. However, planning communication and implementing communication successfully is vital to the operations. Lack of communication can also have an effect, or leave others without answers to the situation.
In the first minutes of the Boston Marathon, their communication system was so overwhelmed by people calling 911 and responders trying to deliver reports or call for additional resources. However, communications were quickly reestablished. Pre-incident planning for the Boston Marathon had communication plans in place for an emergency and were apart of the incident action plan. This displays preparedness to adapt. It provides a foundation on what to do. One important aspect of their communications plan was establishing a dedicated fireground channel and command channel. It was a great example of deploying the ICS system efficiently and integrating into the response and operations. This was a mass casualty incident with fatalities involved; however, because communications was working well and directions were precise, that saved lives and prevented more fatalities. Additionally, technicians staffing the communication station near the finish line were able to ensure the system's functionality quickly. For more information on how communications were used as part of strategy and tactics in operations, read this article.
Communications during the Boston Marathon bombings saved lives. Unfortunately, in Arizona, communication inefficiencies may have had a role in the line of duty deaths of 19 wildland firefighters. This article comments on the reaction to the serious-action report following the LODD of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots. Several experts believed that the report did not "break any new ground" or give any information that firefighters can learn from for the future in operations. Many expected that the report would have findings that other firefighters could learn from, as many LODD reports do accomplish. Unfortunately, we often learn after its too late. But this report seemed to ignore some of those moments. However, it was noted that equipping firefighters with GPS technology to better know their location and recognized that there was a 33 minute gap in communication, which is really shocking to me. I know nothing about wildland firefighting operations. However, I know how important it is to know what is going on with your crew. We will never know what communication during that time period could have changed. If anything, we would know their operations and tactics during that time. I have not gotten to read the entire Yarnell report (It is linked at the end of the article linked above), but that 33 minute gap is pretty concerning to me. As well, I think the aftermath of the report is interesting as well-some do not feel that everything that should be communicated clearly, is being communicated clearly. If we don't learn from the past or our mistakes, we may just repeat those mistakes. That is not acceptable. Communication is key in learning and can help you in the future, especially in establishing situational awareness. It also makes you, the first responder, establish your understanding of the situation.
Keep it brief, keep it concise. Think before you speak (especially on the air!).
Stay safe
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