Dispatcher from Toronto Fire here. Just curious, how are the field comm units staffed? Are they actual fire alarm dispatchers who would normally be answering the phones? I'd love to know more about how this unit operates from when they are sent to major incidents, who staffs them, etc.
Thanks in advance!
The Field Comm is staffed by a Lieutenant and two "Tactical Fire Alarm Dispatchers", who are infact actual Fire Alarm Dispatchers that I guess have been trained specifically to fulfill that role and drive the Field Comm, there is also usually a spare deputy chief assigned when available. In Addition to what Darrell Stated, it responds on All Hands Emergency's in Transit, Major Technical Rescue Responses, 10-60 No Codes, 10-66 Code 1s, or when special called.
The officer works with the Incident Commander and the Resource Unit leader at the Command post using a portable command board.
The Field Comm can be assisted by one of eight engines that are trained as a Communications Unit. In addition to all the equipment and radios the Field Comm carries, the Communications Engine carries (1) 400 mhz and (2) 800 Mhz handheld radios, enhanced post radio, and the 40-watt Motorola CDM 1550. 4 of these Engines carry two Kutta KLR-200 portable repeater systems rather than the enhanced radios. The nearest Kutta unit is assigned in Manhattan for 10-75 below grade subway and rail incidents, 10-60, 10-76, 10-77 Second Alarms, Third Alarms, 7-5 Signals in the Brooklyn Battery, Queens Mid-Town, Holland and Lincoln Tunnels. Two Kutta systems are also carreid by the Field Comm.
One Communications Unit is assigned on 10-60, 10-66, 10-75 below grade other then buildings, 10-76, 10-77 second alarms, and highrise mega buildings, third alarms, and when special called.
