Sumner County Emergency Communications Updated December

“Left click” anywhere on the screen to advance to the next slide. “Right click”, then “left click” the Previous Screen command on the opening dialog box to return to the previous slide.. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

With the exception of cell phones and smartphones, there are three basic types of radios used by responders. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Mobile Radios Portable Radios Pagers

Mobile radios are fixed and generally permanently mounted in response vehicles. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December They run on 12v and are connected to the vehicle’s battery. They have an external antenna mounted on the exterior of the vehicle which is connected to the radio via coax wiring. They have a handheld microphone connected to the radio via a coiled cord.

Handheld radios, also known as “portables” or “walkie talkies” can be worn on a belt clip and carried outside of the vehicle wherever the responder goes. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December They run on portable, rechargeable batteries which must be replaced and recharged frequently. They have an antenna mounted directly to the radio. They have a microphone built-in to the radio, but may have an extension “lapel” microphone which can be attached to the radio via a coiled cord.

Unlike mobile and handheld radios which offer “two-way” communications, pagers are “one-way” radios which receive only. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December They run on portable, rechargeable batteries which must be replaced and recharged frequently. They have an antenna mounted internally inside the pager. They can monitor radio traffic, or they can be silenced until pager codes are received which activate the pager enabling it to receive voice messages.

Radios are the most vital tool a responder has. The radio keeps the responder in contact with additional resources needed at the scene and most importantly, the radio keeps the responder in contact with medical help in the event the responder is injured in the course of their duties. Because of this, radio maintenance is of the upmost priority. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Inspect mobile antennas to ensure they are intact, secure, and free of visible defects.

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Inspect exposed radio coax to ensure connections are tight, and to check for wear and tear on the outer coax skin.

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Check the electrical connection at the vehicle battery to ensure the power supply is tight and free of corrosion.

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Check the microphone cord to ensure it is securely plugged into the radio and that the insulation on the wiring is intact and free of tearing.

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Start your shift with a fully charged handheld battery. Your budget should include funds to replace handheld batteries at least every two years…preferably every year. Check the date on your battery to make sure yours is current.

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Check the rubber duck antenna on your handheld radio. Make sure it is secure and in good condition. In April of 2012, four East Cleveland, OH firefighters were forced to bail out of the second story of a vacant home after their portable radio call for water wasn’t heard by the pump operator, and flames nearly cut off their escape route. Two firefighters fell 15 feet into a side yard while the other two crawled onto a front porch roof. Fire officials said a faulty radio (pictured at right) may have contributed to the problem.

Radios should be inspected frequently to ensure they are working properly. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December When using a lapel microphone, check to ensure the coiled cord connecting it to the handheld radio is in good condition.

Check your mobile radios daily. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Make sure the radio is on. Each radio is equipped with a “power on/off” button. When the radio is first turned on, it will go through a self-check to ensure radio components are operating properly. When the radio is first turned on, the name that is programmed into the radio will appear. This may be a Department Name, Unit Number, or other designation. When the self-test is complete, the LCD screen should be illuminated and the channel name on display. Note: Power on/off switch will be in a different location based on radio make and model. Be familiar with the location of the power switch for your radio.

Check your mobile radios daily. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Check the volume to make sure it is at a level which allows you to hear radio broadcasts over engine noise, traffic noise, etc. The volume control emits a beep when the button is pressed, the volume of the beep is comparative to the volume of the radio. Note: Volume controls will be in a different location based on radio make and model. Be familiar with the location of the volume controls for your radio.

Check your mobile radios daily. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Make sure your radio is on your assigned operational channel. Use the Zone Up, Zone Down, and Channel Up and Down buttons to change channels/talk groups. Note: Zone and channel button locations will vary according to radio make and model. Channel Up Channel Down Zone UpZone Down

Check your mobile radios daily. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Press the PTT (Press To Talk) button on the microphone. Make sure the transmit light on the radio comes on. Listen for the trunking system access tone to ensure you are transmitting and can access the system. For conventional radio channels, listen for the “open air” sound after you release the PTT button to indicate the repeater is open. Note: If there is any doubt whether or not the radio is operational or transmitting, ask dispatch for a radio check.

Check your handheld radios daily. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December Start with a fully charged battery. Turn the radio on. Use the power on/off knob according to your radio make and model. Check the LCD Display to ensure the radio completes the self test, and that the LCD Display is illuminated. Check to make sure the appropriate operating channel is displayed in the LCD screen. Press the PTT Button to ensure you can access the trunking system or conventional repeater. If there is doubt that you are transmitting, ask dispatch for a radio check.

For more information on Sumner County’s Public Safety Radio System and operation of the Kenwood Mobile and Handheld radios, review the presentation, “Overview of LTR Trunking System”. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

When broadcasting over the radio, make sure the radio channel/talk group is clear before transmitting. Do not begin talking in the middle of another conversation unless it is a critical emergency! Hold the microphone directly in front of, and approximately 1” away from your mouth. Press the PTT button, and wait until you hear the trunking system access tone before broadcasting. (For conventional channels, pause one to two seconds before broadcasting. Speak clearly into the microphone in a normal voice. There is no need to talk loudly or speak softly into the microphone…use the same voice as you would in a face-to-face conversation. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

Watch background noises. Wind, sirens, passing vehicles, FM radio stations, and other noises can hamper radio communications. Be brief and to the point. Say only what is necessary to get your message communicated. The radio is not a telephone, so do not ramble. Avoid terminology and jargon that is not normally accepted and understood by others. Plain English is the best rule of thumb. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

Adhere to FCC Rules and Regulations regarding the operation of radios. While there are many, the most common include; SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December No profanity. Be brief. Use the radio for official business only; do not transmit messages of a personal nature. Do not intentionally interfere with another persons radio traffic by clicking your microphone or broadcasting music. Do not transmit false distress signals.

Watch your microphones! Both mobile radio microphones, portable radio microphones, and lapel mics can be accidentally keyed if something pushes or presses against the PTT button. This ties up the radio channel/talk group which may be needed for an emergency, and also broadcasts whatever current background noise is happening (personal conversations, FM radio stations, etc). The best practice is to hang the mobile microphone back in it’s bracket when not in use, and be aware of the position of your handheld radio and/or lapel mic. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

Keep your radio away from children. Many responders are issued handheld radios to take home and charge while off-duty. Children love to play with the “walkie-talkies”, and can cause unnecessary radio traffic and interference with emergency operations. Treat the radio as a police office would treat his duty or off-duty weapon: keep out of the reach of children. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December

The radio is a vital tool, just like a law enforcement officers weapon, the firefighters airpack, or the paramedics defibrillator. You should train with it frequently to ensure you are fully familiar with it’s operations and can use in in the event of a critical emergency. SCEC – Basic Radio Operations for Responders, Updated December