Mayday question
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Mayday vs. Urgent Radio Guidelines
Mike Terpak explains why these two types of transmissions must have a clear definition and association and a clear and easily recognizable set of parameters.
www.firehouse.com
Excellent summary by Chief Terpak from Jersey City. Not sure if the FDNY has their own policies.
If a member is caught in either of those conditions, it should be transmitted as a mayday. If they are simply broadcasting those conditions, it should be an urgent transmission.
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I tried to get to that but it became a 404. Thank you though!Mayday vs. Urgent Radio Guidelines
Mike Terpak explains why these two types of transmissions must have a clear definition and association and a clear and easily recognizable set of parameters.
Excellent summary by Chief Terpak from Jersey City. Not sure if the FDNY has their own policies.
If a member is caught in either of those conditions, it should be transmitted as a mayday. If they are simply broadcasting those conditions, it should be an urgent transmission.
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The Mayday transmission is an indication that a life threatening situation has developed. This term is used **only** in the following situations:
An URGENT transmission is used to indicate that a member has suffered a serious injury that is not immediately life threatening, or to inform members of a serious change in conditions. The term urgent may be used in the following situations.
In FDNY, most likely a flashover or back draft would be an urgent message. I know I would certainly not use a Mayday for a flashover or backdraft unless of course firefighters are trapped, then that becomes a totally different animal.
- 1. Imminent collapse feared
- 2. Structural collapse has Occurred
- 3. A firefighter is Unconscious or suffers a life threatening injury
- 4. An officer becomes aware that a member under his/her supervision is Missing. (If the missing member is an officer, any team member can transmit this message.)
- 5. Member becomes trapped or Lost
- (Memory jogger: “I owe u my life” I- Imminent collapse O-occurred collapse U-unconscious or life threatening injury M-missing member L-lost or trapped member.)
An URGENT transmission is used to indicate that a member has suffered a serious injury that is not immediately life threatening, or to inform members of a serious change in conditions. The term urgent may be used in the following situations.
- 1. When a member suffers from an Injury that is not immediately life threatening but which requires medical attention and hospital care.
- 2. Loss of Water, which would endanger members.
- 3. An Interior attack is to be discontinued and an exterior attack instituted.
- 4. Discovery of a structural problem indicating the danger/Fear of collapse.
- 5. Fire is discovered entering an exposure to a degree that any delay may considerably enlarge the fire problem.
In FDNY, most likely a flashover or back draft would be an urgent message. I know I would certainly not use a Mayday for a flashover or backdraft unless of course firefighters are trapped, then that becomes a totally different animal.
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What is said above is right on point. Add to the above TWO additional situations. AND A CATCH ALL
1. ANY LIFE TREATENING SITUATION TO A FIREFIGHTEER/S
2. ANYTIME A FIREDFIGHTER IS ABOUT TO DO ANY STYLE OF BAILOUT it is a MAYDAY!
Any URGENT Transmission the BECOMES LIFE THEATENING to a FIREIGHTER/S IS NOW IN FACT A MAYDAY!
That includes Flashovers or Back Drafts that are Life Threating to a Firefighter/s
Many Fire Departments outside of NYC have a FAST/RIT Truck Company AND R.I.C.E. =Rapid Intervention Company Engine PLUS A FAST/RIT Chief respond on working fires AS WELL as a Dedicated to Firefighters ONLY Advanced Life Support and/ Or Rescue Medic Unit.
This includes I believe Chicago, Boston San Francisco and L.A. F.D.s and more.
I have taught F.A.S.T. Tactics and Procedures and try to keep up on the latest thinking.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired
1. ANY LIFE TREATENING SITUATION TO A FIREFIGHTEER/S
2. ANYTIME A FIREDFIGHTER IS ABOUT TO DO ANY STYLE OF BAILOUT it is a MAYDAY!
Any URGENT Transmission the BECOMES LIFE THEATENING to a FIREIGHTER/S IS NOW IN FACT A MAYDAY!
That includes Flashovers or Back Drafts that are Life Threating to a Firefighter/s
Many Fire Departments outside of NYC have a FAST/RIT Truck Company AND R.I.C.E. =Rapid Intervention Company Engine PLUS A FAST/RIT Chief respond on working fires AS WELL as a Dedicated to Firefighters ONLY Advanced Life Support and/ Or Rescue Medic Unit.
This includes I believe Chicago, Boston San Francisco and L.A. F.D.s and more.
I have taught F.A.S.T. Tactics and Procedures and try to keep up on the latest thinking.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired