Control measure
Manage congestion of digital network communications on the incident ground
Control measure knowledge
During major incidents, the ability to communicate intraoperably and interoperably is essential and because of the nature of major incidents the channels used to communicate can become many and complex. All of the three emergency services have trained operational communications advisers who are able to assist in managing the digital network communications. In most cases this is done by providing incident commanders with advice and, if necessary, producing a communications plan which takes into account the needs of the incident as well as the capacity of the local digital network base site for radio and mobile communications. The network monitoring centre (NMC) can also assist in managing capacity and will provide appropriate advice and information throughout the duration of a major incident.
To reduce the potential impact of loss or congestion of the digital radio network during multi agency incidents, incident commanders and control rooms should consider an early request for a multi-agency talk group via police control.
Strategic actions
Fire and rescue services should:
Have 24/7 access to an operational communications adviser
Ensure operational staff and fire control staff are fully aware of the limitations of the secure digital network and correct training is in place
Have procedures and arrangements to inform the NMC and to mobilise an operational communications adviser when a major incident is declared
Tactical actions
All personnel should:
Follow standard communication protocols and keep radio and mobile communication to a minimum
At the scene of an incident, tactical incident commanders should:
Obtain advice from an operational communications adviser to avoid radio and mobile communications becoming congested at an incident
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
| Control measure element | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
Manage congestion of radio communications on the incident ground |
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Practical application
| Control measure element | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
Manage congestion of radio communications on the incident ground |
|