Emergency Call Button Activation

Section 2 - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

PURPOSE:

To set forth a standard for implementing procedures for activating the emergency call button (ECB) on mobile and portable radios.

PROCEDURE:

The emergency call button on mobile and portable radios is designed to be used for only the most serious or exigent of situations. Activation of the ECB locks out all other radio traffic and provides immediate access to radio operators until the activation is canceled.

ECB activations are separate from “May Day” events. These should be handled as otherwise outlined (see SOG 210.04).

It shall be the responsibility of Fire Administration to provide the OCFRD communications center with current identification information all radios in service within the Maitland Fire Department. That information will apply to all mobile radios and portables, both those assigned to individuals or by position.

Activation

• Maitland Fire Rescue Department personnel may activate an ECB to communicate an emergency message over the air whenever a voice message cannot be transmitted. Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
  • Inability to speak due to injury;
  • Personnel are in imminent danger and cannot otherwise communicate that; or
  • Anytime the volume of radio traffic impedes voice communications for matters meeting the criteria of items 1 and 2 above.
• Anytime an ECB is activated, the activation is transmitted to the communications center for which the radio is selected. The activation will demonstrate the ID of the unit activating the ECB. When using OCFRD tacs 1-15, activation of the ECB will be acknowledged by OCFRD personnel. (also see OCFRD order # GO 07-90) When activated on MFD fire channels, activation will be acknowledged by Maitland Police Department’s communications center at Apopka dispatch on the Maitland Police (MPD 1) frequency.
• When activated, the receiving communications center operator will call for confirmation of activation.
  • If not in danger or if unintentionally activated, the unit activating the call button will indicate by identifying themselves and confirming the accidental nature of the activation.
  • If in danger and capable, the crew will confirm the nature of the activation, give a situational report, give location and what type of assistance is needed.
  • Situations other than those reflected above, including a ‘no response’ condition, will be understood to mean the activating units are in danger and in need of additional fire service and/or law enforcement assistance.