MODULE 1: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

Responding to a 911 Emergency

Objective: Familiarize trainees with proper radio communication procedures when responding to 911 emergencies. By the end of this section, trainees should demonstrate the ability to communicate unit status changes clearly, professionally, and efficiently throughout an emergency response.

UNDERSTANDING THE DISPATCH PROCESS

When a 911 emergency is received, County Dispatch will activate the appropriate station tones to alert responding personnel.

Your Active911 application will display the incident information, allowing you to review the details of the call.

County Dispatch will typically provide:

  • Nature of the Call: A brief description of the reported emergency.

  • Incident Location: The address where emergency services are requested.

  • Cross Streets: Nearby intersections that may assist with locating the incident.

  • Additional Responders: Other emergency services or resources assigned to the incident.

  • Additional Information: Relevant updates or details received from the caller.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Dispatch information is preliminary and should never replace your own scene size-up and patient assessment.

Dispatchers rely on information provided by callers, who may be experiencing stress, confusion, or difficulty describing the situation accurately.

As a result, the information provided during dispatch may be incomplete, inaccurate, or subject to change.

Always approach each incident with an open mind, maintain situational awareness, and independently assess the scene upon arrival.

THE FIVE STEPS OF 911 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

STEP 1: ACKNOWLEDGING THE DISPATCH

Status: Responding

When County Dispatch activates your station tones, review the incident information and prepare to respond according to agency procedures.

Example Dispatch:

COUNTY:
"Station 318, cardiac arrest at Meadowview Rehab. Station 318, cardiac arrest at Meadowview Rehab."

Once your unit is responding, notify County Dispatch.

YOUR RESPONSE:
"County, 318-1 is responding."

County will typically acknowledge your response and may provide additional incident information.

FTO TRAINING NOTE:

Ensure the trainee understands the importance of identifying the correct unit number and communicating clearly.

STEP 2: ARRIVING AT THE INCIDENT

Status: On Scene

Upon arriving at the dispatched location, notify County Dispatch that your unit is on scene.

YOUR RESPONSE:
"County, 318-1 is on scene."

COUNTY:
"318-1, received."

County will typically acknowledge your arrival and record the associated timestamp.

FTO TRAINING NOTE:

The trainee should understand the importance of accurately reporting arrival status and maintaining communication with dispatch.

STEP 3: TRANSPORTING THE PATIENT

Status: Transporting

Once patient care has been initiated and the patient is secured for transport, notify County Dispatch when your unit begins transporting to the receiving facility.

YOUR RESPONSE:
"County, 318-1 is transporting to Chestnut Hill Hospital."

COUNTY:
"318-1, received."

County will typically acknowledge your transport status and record the associated timestamp.

FTO TRAINING NOTE:

The trainee should demonstrate the ability to communicate the correct receiving facility clearly and accurately.

STEP 4: ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL

Status: Arrived at Destination

Upon arrival at the receiving hospital, notify County Dispatch.

YOUR RESPONSE:
"County, 318-1 has arrived at Chestnut Hill Hospital."

COUNTY:
"318-1, received."

County will typically acknowledge your arrival and record the associated timestamp.

FTO TRAINING NOTE:

Ensure the trainee understands that arriving at the hospital does not automatically mean the unit is available for another assignment.

STEP 5: CLEARING THE INCIDENT

Status: Clear & Back in Coverage

After completing the patient transfer, required documentation, and necessary ambulance restocking, notify County Dispatch when your unit is available and has returned to its designated coverage area, as applicable.

YOUR RESPONSE:
"County, 318-1 is clear and back in coverage."

COUNTY:
"318-1, received."

Your unit is now available for additional assignments, subject to agency and dispatch procedures.

FTO TRAINING NOTE:

The trainee should understand the difference between arriving at the hospital, clearing the hospital, becoming available, and returning to the designated coverage area.