Radio Basics

Radios are the most important tool all Rangers & many volunteers use at Firefly, allowing rapid communication over large distances.

Who to go to get your radio & for radio problems

Echelon at Ranger HQ

• If you are having problems, you might need a new battery. Come to Ranger HQ.
• Note: Echelon is not the shift lead. They are just a ranger who gives out radios. If you have ANY issue OTHER than technical problems with your radio, call KHAKI on SAFETY1.
• Once you get your radio, do a quick Radio-check with Echelon to verify that your radio functions.

How to turn your radio off & on

Use the volume & on/off knob on top of the radio

• If you are having any problems with your radio, first try turning it off & on again.

How to adjust the volume on your radio

Use the volume & on/off knob on top of the radio

• If you are using a shoulder mic, be aware that sound will only come in & out of the mic.

How to Make a Call

• THINK--LISTEN--PUSH--PAUSE--TALK
  • THINK about what you need
  • LISTEN for other radio traffic
  • PUSH the PTT (Push to Talk) Button on the side of your radio or mic
  • PAUSE for 3 seconds (it takes 3 seconds for the radio to start transmitting)
  • TALK (be brief: no one else can talk when you are transmitting)
    • Hold the radio or mic about 2 inches from your mouth; antenna pointing UP to sky

• ACTION--BRIEF--CLEAR
  • “I need X at Y for Z”
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • You can make multiple transmissions -- keep each transmission brief
  • Check for understanding. Respond using language that verifies the ongoing communication.
    • IMPORTANT: Repeat back for clarity (creates a “close loop communication”)

• Say handle of who you are calling twice, followed by your handle
  • “Khaki, Khaki, this is . . . “
  • Response should be “Go for {Khaki, etc.}”
  • “I Need X at Y for Z, over.”
  • Khaki, etc: “Sending X to Y for Z
  • If you need Khaki to wait for more information, say “Hold”
  • When you are done, say “clear"

• Speak Professionally & Respect Confidentiality (please do not use names)

• KEEP THE ANTENNA POINTING UP(not parallel to ground)

How to Make an Emergency Call

• Use the SAFETY1 channel Channel# 1
• “BREAK BREAK BREAK”
• Say WHERE you are, WHAT is the emergency, and WHAT you need
  • “This is . . . ; I need {Medical, etc.} at {location}, there is {injured participant, is/in not breathing? is/is not conscious?}

Use LOGIC B for medical emergencies LOCATION--How OLD-- GENDER-- INJURY/ILLNESS (describe, don’t diagnose)-- CONSCIOUS?-- BREATHING

Understand Basic Radio Lingo

• BREAK BREAK BREAK Emergency call, keep channel clear
• Khaki Shift lead on radio
• Go For/Go Please speak
• Copy Understand
• Repeat Last caller, repeat
• Over Next speaker may begin, channel still in use
• Clear I’m done with transmissions, channel is clear
• Hold Please wait for more info
• Open Mic Someone is holding down the transmit button, stop now
• Allcom All stations, everybody with a radio

What NOT to Say on the Radio

• Do not use profanity
• Do not use participant names (respect confidentiality)
• Do not say dead or dying (instead say not breathing, not responsive)
• Do not make references to drugs or name any substances (you can say “disoriented”)

What NOT to do with your radio

• Do not hold the radio by the antenna
• Do not wear your radio in the porta-potties
• Do not hand off your radio to the next person on shift without contacting Echelon
• Do not change the channel unless you have to

When your Shift is Complete

• Return your radio to Echelon
• Tell Echelon if you had any issues with your radio

Everyone has Four Communication Responsibilities:

1. Brief others as needed.
2. Communicate hazards to others.
3. Acknowledge messages.
4. Ask if you don’t know.