SOG 1-07 “MAYDAY” TRANSMISSION PROCEDURES
A. Scope:
This operational guideline shall apply to the use of the “Mayday” radio transmission on the
scene of a fire or other emergency.
B. Guidelines:
1. Personnel shall transmit a “Mayday” radio message in the following conditions:
a. Firefighter tangled, pinned, or stuck with low air activated
b. Firefighter falls through roof.
c. Firefighter pinned or Stuck and can not extricate self in 60 seconds.
d. Firefighter caught in flashover.
e .Firefighter falls through floor.
f. Firefighter zero visibility, no contact with hose line or lifeline, or does not know direction to exit.
g .Firefighter Primary exit blocked by fire or collapse, not able to reach secondary exit in 30 seconds.
h. Firefighter cannot find exit (door or window) in 60 seconds
2. Upon receipt of a “Mayday” transmission
a. Camden County Communications Center shall transmit the alert tone followed by a message (“Mayday transmitted in Haddonfield, all routine radio traffic will cease”.)
b. Radio traffic will then be limited to the Incident Commander, the personnel in peril, and the RIC Unit or other personnel involved in the rescue effort.
3.FIREGOUND EMMERGENCY MAYDAY PROCEDURES
a.Announce “Mayday” on your portable radio 3 times.
b. After acknowledgement, provide your situation/problem report to I. C utilizing the Acronym LUNAR.
i. Last known location
ii. Unit
iii. Name
iv. Assignment
v. Resources needed (Provide IC with your SCBA meter reading.)
c. Activate PASS Device on our SCBA.
d. If you are with a crew stay together.
e. Search for exit / look for light.
f. Attempt to follow hose line. (female coupling to exit)
g. Use your flashlight as beacon.
h. Attempt to make tapping noises with tool or hand light.
i. If uncomfortable with self-rescue, stay put, look and listen for rescuers.
j. If area is unsafe, retreat to area of safety.
4. Upon completion of the rescue operations and only when directed by the IC, the Camden County Communications Center will announce that routine radio traffic may continue.
C. Definitions:
1.“Mayday” Term used to signify personnel in distress.
2. Alert Tone One (3 second) radio tone given by the Communications Center to signify a message will follow.
3. RIC (Rapid Intervention Company) A group of trained, specially equipped firefighters that are immediately available to the IC, to respond to a sudden fire ground event, which has, or may endanger other firefighters.