How manny fire service/brigades in OZ use any type of code like MFS???
Most, but they are not retarded like those used by SAMFS
What are the code systems like interstate?
Ah ha, well its an intersting mix really:
From what I can gather, it seems that codes used in the manner that SAMFS use them are on the way out. I believe MFB are almost totally plain english, although it gets more coded the furhter up the Eastern Seaboard we go:
NSWFB use a handful:
Code 1 - Mobile
Code 2 - Call off/Stop
Code 3 - Arrived
Code 4 - Available to run, heading to [Location]
Code 5 - Back in Station
Code 6 - Turning out to RFS Area
Code 7 - Unavailable + Reason
Plus a coloured priority system. The only other code passed is a 700 code for AFA activation.
I've been told RFS use something similar, but I can't find the RFS Field Guide I used to have :S
QFRS Almost take the cake from SAMFS with their codes, but not quite!
Code 1: Arrived at scene - nothing in evidence, investigating further. Optional: the address of the incident
Code 2: Arrived at scene - incident in evidence, provide brief descriptor on arrival cg. Location and comments to confirm nature of the incident
Examples for standard incident types:
* Grass Fire / size / action / resources required / time
* Structure Fire / action / resources required
* Vehicle Fire / what is involved / action / resources required
* MVA / number of vehicles / action / resources required
Other incident types:
* Hazmat: Code 2 / type / size / action / resources required
* Rescue: Code 2 / type / action / resources required
Code 4: Leaving an incident, brief description, available for turnout, returning to station.
Note: An appliance leaving the incident with another appliance remaining on scene is also to use this code to indicate that it isreturning to station and is available for turnout. (The remainingappliance will still be investigating the incident).
Code 5: Returned to Home Station.
Note: If returning to standby station "Returned to standby station 31
Code 6: Incident (refers to any type of incident) is a malicious false alarm. Area has been checked, no signs of fire or reported incident, notify police (if required), returning to station, available for turnout.
Code 7: Returning to station. Unit is NOT available for turnout.(Give reason for unavailability).
Code 8: Arrived at incident, checking with QFRS Officer-in-Charge.
Code 9: A casualty has been located. If there is more than one casualty add a number. If there are any deceased persons add letter C. Unless advised by the "C", all casualties are presumed alive, however, if necessary the letter A (alive) may be added to ensure understanding.
Note: If Police and/or Ambulance have not arrived at the incident, Firecom will advise Police and Ambulance Operations of the number and type of casualties.
Code 11: Justifiable False Alarm. Returning to Station. Available for turnout. This includes all justifiable calls.
Code 12: Avoidable false alarms. Returning to Station. Available for turnout. (Charging for these incidents needs to be incorporated.)
Code 20: High-rise procedure in use. Note: Only to be used by mobile units, message should include why it is being initiated.
For example:
* Investigation;
* Life rescue; or
* Fire fighting purposes, and what action is being taken
Code 30: Mobile unit identified is to proceed (or is proceeding) to the incident at normal road speed, without lights or siren.
Code 40: Mobile unit to whom this message is directed is not required at the incident. The mobile unit is then changed to "Left Incident" (Ll) status on FireCAD, is removed from the incident at Firecom, and assumed to be available for turnout.
Code 99: A major or critical incident is occurring. It indicates first attending crews may be initially overwhelmed by immediate operational requirements such as life rescue or evacuation, or where the dynamics, size or complexity of the incident are of an unusual scale.
The code indicates that significant resources will be required to investigate the situation (i.e. CBR incident, building collapse, commercial plane crash, major high-rise fire)
PHEW! Thats a mouthful....
All the different systems make sense to a point, yet I still haven't got my head around SAMFS's love of codes and the fact that it has been expanded to include passing of AIRS codes in stop messages.
