M.A.B.A.S. Division 20 Operational Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 17

SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION VEHICLE

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DATE IMPLEMENTED: DECEMBER 1, 1996 REVISED:

PURPOSE: To provide the Incident Commander with on scene communications, a visible command post and an isolated work area for use during a MABAS incident.

INTRODUCTION

During an emergency incident, the Incident Commander (Command) is often times confronted with an array of tactical and strategical decisions. The purpose of a communication vehicle/command post is to isolate command from unnecessary distractions, while continuing to provide a command post which is highly visible to all companies on the scene.

BACKGROUND

The ability to communicate between Command, sector officers and Division 20 Main Dispatch (NORCOMM) is essential to the safe and successful conclusion of an emergency incident. Understandably, during the first few minutes, command will manage most communications through the use of a portable radio. While this is the most readily available method, it is not necessarily the most efficient.

The limitations of a portable radio are especially prevalent during;

a. large scale incidents when sector officers may not be in close proximity to

the command post.

b. incidents where interior sector officers are in a basement or in a building

where electronic technology causes radio interference.

c. incidents that continue for a long period of time.

THE COMMUNICATION VEHICLE

Whenever a MABAS incident has been requested to the 2nd alarm level, NORCOMM will dispatch a communications vehicle (command van) to the scene. The purpose of this vehicle will be to provide a highly visible command post with uninterrupted mobile radio communications.

The designated command Van is Melrose Park ESDA unit 730. This vehicle is currently equipped with several mobile radios, a cellular telephone, tactical board and several work stations. The Incident commander, when operating through 730, can be isolated form many of the chaotic distractions commonly present on the scene of an emergency incident.

M.A.B.A.S. Division 20 Operational Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 18

SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION VEHICLE

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730 will automatically be dispatched to the scene on all 2nd alarm MABAS incidents, (Box alarm on target hazard box cards) excluding EMS, unless otherwise directed. Upon arrival on the scene, the crew chief from 730 will report to the command to determine the most appropriate location to establish the command post.

When utilized properly, the command van provides Command an additional tool for managing an emergency incident. The assignment of a Plans Officer in the command van will further the efficiency of this tool. (See Plans Officer.)