Beyond the Flames

Technology is always changing, and the fire service is affected by these changes each day. Whether it be improved means of communication, safer equipment on the fireground or better training methods, technology is having a positive impact on the industry. However, there are some products from outside the industry that can have just as big an impact.
One popular item in today’s world is the use of applications to monitor emergency radio communications. Average citizens have long used portable scanners to monitor the communications of services in the community, but this number was limited due to the cost of the equipment and range of the device.
However, with the use of apps and online sources, people from around the world can listen to the happenings on Cape May County’s emergency channels.
This technology can be a great way to connect your community residents to you—what better way to show them how you’re using their tax dollars than to allow them to hear you answering emergency calls and protecting the community?
Many departments across the country, including some rights here in our area, have begun hosting simulcast channels on websites such as Broadcastify.com so that users can listen to the communications of their departments from the ease of their computer or mobile device.
But with this tool also comes complications. Maybe complications that aren’t so new to the industry, but ones that may have been neglected.
Which leads me to offer a few thoughts regarding radio communications in general. Emergency radio channels are often readily available for public listening, being licensed and monitored under the Federal Communications Commission.
Some of these channels are made private through the use of encryption technology and “trunking” systems, which scatter communications on various channels. But many departments, especially those in the fire service, can’t afford to encrypt channels or don’t see the need to.
Therefore, you should assume that everything you say on the radio is heard by anyone who might be listening, emergency responder or not. Acting professional on the radio should be commonplace, but extra care is needed in the modern era of communication.
In other words, if you don’t want a certain group of people to hear something you’re saying over the radio, your best bet would be to not say it at all and use a different means of communication to convey your message.
Situations where it may be necessary to use a different means of communication include special assignments such as searches, bomb-threat standbys, and evacuations, the transmission of personal information and names, and similar types of communication. Obviously, when vital information is being transmitted, this may be best transmitted via telephone or person-to-person conversations rather than public airways.
The same can go for those on the other side of the incident microphones as well: dispatchers. Dispatchers are an important link in the system, and are able to provide valuable information.
But this information may also not be best broadcast over the air where someone may hear. Asking an incident commander or chief officer to contact you via landline isn’t a bad thing if it’s going to ensure confidential information isn’t being released over the air.
As emergency responders, we need to realize that people aren’t always listening to emergency radio traffic for well-intended purposes.
Massachusetts law enforcement officials noted that over 2.3 million people were listening to their radio communications during the Boston Marathon bombing manhunt in April 2013, and the department took the fact that their positions could be compromised if the suspects had been listening in.
Technology will always evolve, and the emergency service must adapt to continue to safely and effectively complete our tasks at hand. Stay safe.
Knoll, 21, of Eldora, can be contacted by email at beyondtheflamescmc@gmail.com. He is a student at Rowan University.