Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: <Deb8562@aol.com>
> Hello all,
> What type of verbal radio communications do you all use? As far as codes
or lingo to keep it clear, brief and to the point? We are having some
problems in practice/training with folks taking to long to get their point
accross, or running over each other on the air, in their eagerness to report
back what is going on.

The basic instructions we provide to new SAR personnel regarding radio
include:

- Key the mic for a heartbeat prior to speaking or your first words will be
cut off
- Identify the person you want to talk to, then yourself ... release the
talk button and wait for a response before continuing.
- Plan what you will say BEFORE using the radio, speak clearly and be
concise. (plain language)
- Do not speak / transmit longer than 10 seconds. If the information will
require a longer transmission, say "Break" and release the talk button.
Someone else may have a critical transmission. Wait 10 seconds, then key the
mic, say "Continuing" and transmit for another 10 seconds. Break.
- If another person is transmitting, do not interrupt during their "Break"
unless the information you want to transmit is critical and time sensitive.

When you remind people to use the Break / Continuing process they tend to
want to get all the information out with fewer delays ... and become more
concise in their transmission.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare Co, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R,
Hasty Team, ICP