Ground Search and Rescue

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Radio Operations

Basics of the Radio

The purpose of any communication is to convey information.

  • In a search and rescue mission how you say it is just as important as what you say.
  • Any information transmitted on the radio during a mission should be relevant to the mission.
  • Speak slowly, in plain language without the jargon, Q-codes or 10-codes.
 
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) controls access to and use of radio frequencies throughout the United States. Similar agencies control radio transmissions in other countries. All radio frequency users must have a license to transmit on that frequency, issued by the FCC or appropriate agency. The only exception to this rule is in a "life or death" emergency, when any frequency may be used for help. "A search itself is generally not considered to be a life or death emergency and frequencies used by incident command are used under an FCC-issued license. As a non-licensed SAR person, it is OK for you to use the frequencies designated by incident command for search information only, and only during the mission" (Duggan, 2007, Protocol & Radio Etiquette).
Author: MELINDA STINSON
Last modified: 2013.07.13 6:15 AM (UMST)