BCAS CERP Reference Manual 3rd Edition

BRITISH COLUMBIA AMBULANCE SERVICE

COMBINED EVENTS REFERENCE MANUAL Third Edition

British Columbia Ambulance Service – Combined Events Radio Project – 2006

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First Edition Printed February 2006 BCAS Combined Events Reference Guide © 2-P-2-G Productions Second Edition Printed December 2006 Third Edition Printed June 2007 Combined Events Reference Manual – Second Edition Copyright © 2007 – British Columbia Ambulance Service All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transcribed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Author, the British Columbia Ambulance Service, and or the British Columbia Ministry of Health. Contents in this manual are confidential and for security reasons may not be shared with the public without prior clearance.


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BRITISH COLUMBIA AMBULANCE SERVICE

COMBINED EVENTS REFERENCE MANUAL

Third Edition

“Emergencies bring agencies together, Combined Events bring responders together.”


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This manual is dedicated to the men and women who have chosen to give their all in the service of others.


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Table of Contents Section One: The Combined Events Radio Project Introduction 1 Using This Manual 1 Background 2 Combined Events Radio Channels Goals and Benefits 9 - Goals of the Combined Events Radio Channels 9 - Benefits of the Combined Events Radio Channels 9 Proper Use the Combined Events Radio Channel 10 Use of Combined Events Radio Channels During Event Responses 11 Use of Combined Events Radio Channels at Scene 11 Unacceptable Use of Combined Events Radio Channels 12 Cancellation of Other Responding Agencies 12 BCAS Dispatch Center Participation 13 Use of Spare Radios and Ambulances 14 Section Two: The BCAS Vancouver Post Radios Overview of the BCAS Vancouver Post Radios 1 The Orion Mobile Car Radio 2 The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio 3 The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Home Button 4 - How to Unlock the Radio 4 - How to Lock the Radio 4 The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Keypad 5 Icons for the Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio 5 The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Battery Release Button 6 The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio 7 The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Home Button 8 How to Unlock the Radio 8 How to Lock the Radio 8 The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Keypad 9 Icons for the MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio 9 The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Battery Release Clip 10 The Orion, Ericsson LPE-200 and MA-COM P7100 Radio Emergency Buttons 11


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The Alert Tones for the Orion, Ericsson LPE-200 and MA-COM P7100 Radios 13 Radio Operations for the Orion, Ericsson LPE-200 and MA-COM P7100 Radios 13 BCAS Vancouver Post Radio Channels 14 The BCAS Radio Channel Matrix Diagram 17 Section Three: Appendices Glossary 1 Glossary for BCAS Radios 2 BCAS Call Signs 3 BCAS Radio Communication Policy and Procedure 8 Acknowledgements 11 Credits 12 Notes 14

SECTION ONE

THE COMBINED EVENTS RADIO PROJECT

BCAS COMBINED EVENTS REFERENCE MANUAL


Section One – page 1

Introduction The Combined Events Radio Project was developed by emergency responders, for emergency responders. It provides emergency personnel the ability to communicate directly with each other prior to their arriving on scene, thus, reducing any chance of a delay or the change in the information being passed on. The British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) is honored to have been a part of this project since its inception. We were at the table when the issue of inter-agency communication when responding to events was first identified. The BCAS, along with our allied agencies in Richmond, were instrumental in championing this innovative concept, and seeing it through to its completion. This project not only supports our Vision Statement of “Being a world leader in the provision of emergency medical services”, but allows the BCAS the opportunity to be a leader among other emergency services. As the only common emergency service in every community in British Columbia, the BCAS is bringing the initiative of interoperability to the communities we serve. The implementation of direct communication between first responders has been long overdue. With all the other benefits aside, the health and safety of our first responders is paramount. If the implementation of this initiative mitigates the injury or death of a first responder, then we have been successful. Too often, first responders are placed in hazardous and unsafe circumstances due to insufficient or incorrect information. Using this expanded capability will provide effective inter-agency communication prior to first responders arriving on scene. Using This Manual This manual was produced in order to educate all BCAS staff on the benefits and proper usage of the Combined Events radio channels.

• Section One will outline the history of the Combined Events Radio Project (CERP) and how we arrived at where we are today. The manual will continue by instructing you on the proper use of the Combined Events (CE) and the Police Fire Ambulance (PFA) radio channels.

• Section Two will outline the three main radios used by the BCAS in the

Vancouver Post: the Orion, the Ericsson Portable LPE-200 and the MA-COM Portable P7100 Portable Radio. Nomenclature for these radios will be discussed, as well as instruction on their operation.




• Section Three will outline a Glossary, specific radio terminology, and call

signs used by the BCAS. At the end, you will find the BCAS’s Policy and Procedures section on communication.

Background Prior to the implementation of interoperability between first responders there were, at times, delays and changes in the information being passed back-and-forth. It would take a minimum of four people to pass on one message.

• First Responder to

• Agency’s Dispatcher to

• Other Agency’s Dispatcher to

• Other Agency’s First Responder The message would then have to be answered using the same method in reverse.

Table 1 Any number of units may arrive from any number of agencies

BCAS UNITS

POLICE UNITS

REGIONAL POLICE UNITS

FIRE UNITS

GVTAPS UNITS

CCG UNITS




Further delays would occur when the message had to be passed back and forth to multiple agencies.

• BCAS to RCMP Dispatch Center and RFR Dispatch Center

• BCAS to VPD Dispatch Center, GVTAPS and VFD Dispatch Center To complicate events even more, should an agency wish to communicate with Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) vessels they would have to take an additional step of contacting the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria. In the case of the BCAS contacting a CCG vessel:

• BCAS Crew to

• BCAS Dispatch Center to

• BCAS Provincial Dispatch Center to

• JRCC to

• CCG vessel The message would then have to be answered using the same method in reverse. This proved to be very confusing on the morning of 13 August 2002, when the commercial salmon fishing vessel Cap Rouge II was bound for the entrance of the main arm of the Fraser River, British Columbia. The vessel was approximately two miles south of Sand Heads Light, it capsized with seven persons on board. Two persons abandoned the vessel and climbed into a skiff being towed by the fishing vessel. Five persons, including two children, remained within the overturned hull and drowned. Delays and misinformation contributed to BCAS crews being sent to different staging locations. Crews were redirected to other locations multiple times as information was updated.




Table 2 Units could only communicate with their own Dispatch Center The original PFA (the predecessor of today’s CE system) radio trial project began in the City of Richmond, British Columbia, in 2003, as a result of a review which determined there was a lack of inter-agency communication. While updating all of its emergency plans for the community, the Steering Committee found that although the BCAS, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Richmond Fire Rescue (RFR) were all using the E-Comm radio Wide Area Radio (WAR) system, it was noted that the system was not being used to its full capability as none of the agencies were communicating directly with each other at the responder level. The E-Comm WAR system is an advanced digital-capable radio network, implemented to allow local emergency responders to communicate with each other and with their counterparts in other communities also on the E-Comm system. It was designed to be utilized on a day-to-day basis as well when responding to major emergencies or disasters. The interoperability component of the radio system was developed, in part, in response to communication breakdowns during the Robson Street Riot in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1994.

BCAS UNITS

POLICE UNITS


FIRE UNITS

GVTAPS UNITS

CCG UNITS

BCAS DISPATCH

RCC

POLICE DISPATCH

43 VANCOUVER

GVTAPS DISPATCH FIRE

DISPATCH




Table 3 Dispatch Centers had to take information back and forth between centers and their units The system had been used during several large incidents and pre-planned events in the E-Comm area in the past (e.g., the Symphony of Fire in Vancouver). The communities and or agencies would pre-book the desired PFA channel for the period in which they would require it. However, until the City of Richmond (COR) recognized the need for a better communication procedure, no other community had been routinely using the system to its full capabilities – a key to making sure communications are effective during any crisis. It was also noted that prior to this project, most responders didn’t know how to change radio channels, what the PFA channels were used for, or how to unlock their radios. History has demonstrated the need for interoperable communication systems. The main issue identified in many postmortems of major events is the lack of communication. The most recent examples of this are the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001 and the tragic shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado (see Photo 1).

BCAS UNITS

POLICE UNITS

REGIONALPOLICE UNITS

FIRE UNITS

GVTAPS UNITS

CCG UNITS

BCAS DISPATCH

RCC

POLICE DISPATCH

43 VANCOUVER

GVTAPS DISPATCH FIRE

DISPATCH

BCAS PROVINCIAL

DISPATCH




Photo 1- Two ambulances from the Littleton Fire Department take fire from suspects on the second floor of Columbine High School April 20, 1999. These two ambulances were sent to this location for unknown injuries. They were unaware that the School Liaison Officer (pictured on the steps just behind the units) was exchanging fire with the two suspects (smoke from the suspect’s weapons can be seen around the black windows). The 9/11 Report noted that on September 11, 2001, “The biggest challenge for FDNY was the lack of communication. Even before the collapse, the analog radios they used and distributed to the voluntary hospital units didn’t work within the solid steel structure and concrete walls of the Twin Towers. In addition, the huge volume of radio traffic rendered most communication unintelligible… In addition the 9/11 Report found that a lack of unified command and integrated communication between FDNY and NYPD stymied operational efforts. Critical information was not shared among agencies.”1 A report filled by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s stated, “One of the technical limitations that surfaced during the Columbine shootings on April 20 was the difficulty for separate agencies to communicate directly with one another…with such varying systems being used, not only were agencies prevented from communicating directly with each other, but groups with the similar functions also could not communicate via radio…”2

1 JEMS, Sept. 2006,Vol.31, No.9, - Lessons Learned From 9/11 T. McCallion and A.J. Heightman 2 Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, May 15/ 2000 – Report on the Columbine High School Shootings




The same failures existed in Canada. Ironically, just as the City of Richmond was concluding the pilot project and implementing the current procedures, a report commissioned by the Canadian Federal Government determined that, “…current deficiencies in wireless communications put the general public, as well as public safety officials, at significant risk...”3 This deficiency in communication changed with the pilot project undertaken jointly by BCAS, RCMP, RFR, Richmond’s Emergency Management Office and E-Comm. The pilot project provided an opportunity for all the responding agencies in Richmond to use inter-agency radio communication as part of routine operations. This required the development of common communication protocols and excellent partnerships established between allied agencies. A key objective was to ensure that all first responder agencies were trained in the new protocols so that they could communicate effectively between agencies, during a disaster response. Not only did this initiative join together the three separate agencies in Richmond, but the project was able to overcome political hurdles as well. It managed to link federal, provincial, and city-based emergency response agencies, all of which work separately from each other, using different procedures, terminology, and in the past, used different technology.

Table 4 Units can now talk directly to each other

3 Canadian Public Safety Radio Communications Project, January 20, 2005 – L’ABBE Consulting Services

BCAS UNITS

POLICE UNITS


FIRE UNITS

GVTAPS UNITS

CCG UNITS




This project greatly improved emergency responses, care and safety to the citizens of Richmond, and provided one of the most significant safety tools to emergency responders; direct communication with each other. First responders can now talk directly to each other at an event regardless of their location (see Table 4). During the early stages of this project, it was apparent that the pros outnumbered the cons. Allowing responders to communicate directly ensured that information was being passed on clearly and immediately. Due to the successes of the pilot project and the subsequent day to day local operational implementation, the project will soon be expanding to the Lower Mainland. Currently, there are a number of communities in the Lower Mainland that wish to move forward with this initiative. As the one common agency that responds to events in every community in the Province of British Columbia, the BCAS is playing a major role with this expansion.




Combined Events Radio Channels Goals and Benefits The basic premise of the Combined Events radio channels is very simple; responders can talk directly to each other when responding to events. Prior to the Combined Events Radio Project, each agency responder would notify his or her dispatch center in order to relay information to another agency’s dispatch center so that critical information could be relayed to allied agency’s responding to the same incident. The Combined Events channels now allow first responders to communicate directly prior to their arrival. Responders no longer have to rely on other parties to pass on critical information. Goals of the Combined Events Radio Channels

• Interoperability between first responders and allied agencies • To promote a safer working environment for emergency responders • To provide better service and care for residents as well patients • Mitigate potential life threatening situations for first responders The ultimate goal is responder safety. Safety updates are immediately relayed to responders from other responders on scene. Like all other safety tools, this system only works as well as the responders using it! Benefits of the Combined Events Radio Channels

• Increased responder safety • Quicker scene and to the patient response time

• Improved access/egress to and from scenes • Reduced emergency vehicle collisions en route therefore

– Reducing corporate, agency, and personal liability and – Reducing unit damage

• Stronger inter-agency rapport / Increased team building

• Practiced interoperability

• Decreased Emergency Medical Dispatcher workload




Proper Use of the Combined Events Radio Channels

Using the channels has been simplified. The BCAS has each community’s CE channel programmed into its radios in the Vancouver Post (see the Radio Matrix Diagram, Section Two, page 13). This is consistent in all Vancouver Post vehicles, allowing each unit to communicate on any of the CE radio channels. The only other two agencies that have this capability at this time are the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Greater Vancouver Transit Authority Police Service (GVTAPS). Other agencies, participating in the pilot project, have or will have access to the Combined Events channel specific for their community and the Bridging Channel. It must be noted, that while a community may not have all of its agencies live on the CE channel, there are always more then one agency per community that are on it. Also, as we are a cross border agency, BCAS crews are required to use all the channels.

The channels are designed to be used on all CE by all those responding. This means that anytime more than one agency, or more than one unit from any one agency, is responding to an event they can communicate directly with each other. Traditionally, combined events were only thought of as Code 3 responses. However, BCAS Paramedics respond to combined events with other agencies using Code 2 responses on a daily basis. Crews responding to calls with Paramedic Bike Squads, such as to the Vancouver International Airport or on Special Events, are combined events. Therefore, when responding on any layered call, crews can relay information directly to each other, not having to go through Dispatch.

When responding to bridges that join different communities or to the George Massey Tunnel, crews shall use the Bridging Channel (CE-BRDG) to communicate. This is a common channel that eliminates the need to identify which of the two communities CE channels will be used. The Bridging Channel is the only true Wide-Area Radio Channel on this system, much like the PFA Channels (see Section Two page 15), that every agency can access and communicate on. This channel would supplement the PFA channels in allowing agencies from several communities to communicate in the event of a region wide disaster.

Should an event escalate into a major response, command staff from the different agencies may decide to move themselves, or all the responders assigned to that event, to another CE radio channel (e.g., CE-VAN 1 to CE-VAN 2). There may also be a decision to move to another channel on a different Zone all together (e.g., +PFA1).

These channels are available to assist responders in relaying critical information about the events directly to each other. Communication must remain professional in accordance with BCAS policy and procedures and be relevant to the event.




Use of Combined Events Radio Channels During Event Response When dispatched on a combined event, crews should switch any one of their radios to the area’s CE channel (e.g., CE-RMD). Crews should announce their agency, their call sign, where they are responding to, and where they are responding from. This allows the other responding agencies to know which units are assigned to the call and where they are coming from. • Identification/Location:

State – Agency and call sign, response address, and present location

i.e. “BCAS 50 Bravo responding to the MVA at No.5 Road and Bridgeport from No.3 Road and Cambie.”

• Have only one crew member on the Combined Events channel • BCAS Dispatch must be monitored at all times (British Columbia

Ambulance Service Policy and Procedure, Volume 2, Chapter 5, 5.1.5). These channels DO NOT replace Dispatch

• Use plain language and avoid, 10 Codes, and agency based codes when

possible • Update other units with the same initial information when en-route as

they log on to the event Use of Combined Events Radio Channels at Scene • Give a Situation Report (Sit-Rep) on arrival if possible

i.e., “BCAS 50 Bravo to all units responding to No. 5 Road and Bridgeport. We have a three vehicle MVA with two trapped patients. There are Hydro wires down on Bridgeport just East of 5 Road.”

• Always use the events location as the identifier of the event when

transmitting information or monitoring for information from others • Provide any special information (e.g. access or egress issues) to those

responding




• Make appropriate requests from other units for special needs as required (e.g., traffic control or extrication) or equipment (e.g., stretchers or chair cots)

• Have only one crew member on the CE channel • If a crew has only one portable with them then they are to remain on

the BCAS Dispatch channel at all times when not in the ambulance • BCAS Dispatch must be monitored at all times (British Columbia

Ambulance Service Policy and Procedure, Volume 2, Chapter 5, 5.1.5). These channels DO NOT replace Dispatch

• Any additional resources (e.g. ambulances or supervisors) must be

requested through the BCAS Dispatch Channel Unacceptable Use of the Combined Events Radio Channels

• Information not related to event

• Inappropriate comments or language

• Agency specific codes or acronyms

Both the Combined Events and PFA talk groups are analog and therefore they are subject to being scanned. When ever it is possible, confidential information should be avoided.

Cancellation of Other Responding Agencies The current BCAS practice is that we do not cancel other responding agencies. The BCAS advises other agencies that an event is taking place in their community and that the BCAS is responding to that event. Whether they wish to cancel or not is up to them. Therefore:

• The CE Talk-Groups are not to be used to cancel other agencies; they are only to be used to advise other responders of the situation and to make requests if necessary

• It is up to the responding agency to make the decision whether to cancel or not, based on the information provided to them




• Should those agencies make the decision to cancel based on the Sit-Rep (e.g., a very minor MVA), crews must advise their Dispatcher of this at the time of cancellation so the cancellation can be Time Stamped on the Dispatch Ticket.

The same also applies to BCAS staff when they receive information from another agency. An agency may elect to notify the BCAS crew they are not required (e.g., a police incident or fire alarm). Based on the information the crew may cancel their response but only after advising their Dispatcher of the cancellation. When responding to medical or traumatic events the crew will acknowledge the information but continue on as dispatched. BCAS Dispatch Center Participation This system is designed to decrease the workload of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher’s. Although they do not routinely monitor the different CE Channels they may select them at any time. In the event a radio’s Emergency Button is activated on any channel, it will be noted throughout the Dispatch Center. During the implementation phase of the project, Dispatchers will remind the crew responding to a combined event of which CE channel is being used. This is especially important as the project expands throughout communities. In the event a crew is not capable of reaching other responding agencies to relay information on the CE channel, they are to follow their regular dispatch protocol.




Use of Spare Radios and Ambulances Crews must advise their Emergency Medical Dispatch whenever they are switching into a spare ambulance or using a spare portable radio. The Dispatcher will ask you to push your RTT Button on the Orion Radio to activate the Lid Number and thus register the ambulance radio to your unit number. For the Ericsson Portable LPE – 200 Portable Radio the Dispatcher may request you to complete a radio test to register the Lid Number to you. Spare radios must be registered to you so that your ambulance is tracked in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. More importantly, this process registers the radio’s Emergency Button (see Section Two, Page 6) to you. Updating your portable radio information with the Regional Communication Center ensures your safety. Our radio identifications are our main lifeline when on shift.

SECTION TWO

THE BCAS VANCOUVER POST RADIOS



Section Two – page 1

Overview of the BCAS Vancouver Post∗ Radios

Orion Mobile Car Radio: • Located in all Vancouver Post ambulances, staff cars, and support vehicles

• A 2-line display. First line displays the zone and the second line displays talk group position

• Status buttons used to communicate with Regional Dispatch

• Does not lock

Ericsson LPE-200 (a) and MA-COM P7100 (b) Portable Radios:

• Portable with or without attachable shoulder mic

The use of the shoulder mic is not only a safety issue, it is also BCAS policy.

• A 3-Line display. First line displays the zone, the second line displays the talk group, and the third line displays important icons (see Section Two, Page 5)

• Locks when shut off

(a) (b)

∗ The Vancouver Post does not include units assigned to the Transfer Fleet, Station 288




The Orion Mobile Car Radio 1 ON/OFF Volume - To turn radio on or off turn dial until a click is heard. A

single alert tone indicates radio is operational. To adjust volume, rotate dial. Clockwise increases volume

2 Displays the Zone you are on 3 Displays the Talk- Group (channel) you are on 4 Keypad -Used for status changes (1-ENR En Route to event, 2-STG Staging at

event, 3-ONS On Scene, 4-AOS Available On Scene, 5-AOR Available On Radio, 6- AIQ Available In Quarters, 7 and 8 are Inactive, 9-RTT Request To Talk, 0 and # are also Inactive). Status Buttons work on all Dispatch Channels. Your status will update on the Dispatch Channel you are assigned to.

5 These buttons are not in use - Inactive 6 Emergency Button - Used to declare an emergency. 7 Switch - Inactive 8 Scan Button - Inactive 9 Ramp Up/Down Switch - Used to scroll through the 5 Zones. 10 Microphone Connector 11 Talk-Group Dial - Selects 1 of the 16 Talk-Groups (channels). 12 BSY Button - Busy-On indicates the channel is busy. 13 TX Button - Transmitter Enabled-On when radio is transmitting.

1 4

13

12

2 3

10 8 69 11

5

7




The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio 1 On/Off Volume – To turn radio on or off turn dial until a click is heard.

A single alert tone indicates radio is operational. To adjust volume, rotate dial. Clockwise increases volume.

2 Channel Selector Dial – Turn the dial until desired talk-group (channel) is displayed.

3 Displays the Current Zone 4 Displays Current Talk-Group (channel) 5 Icons – Displays icons such as low battery (see Section Two, Page 9). 6 Menu Button – Used, in conjunction with the Home Button, to

lock or unlock the keypad. Unlocking the keypad, allows for the zone to be changed.

7 These buttons are not in use – Inactive 8 Ramp Up/Down Button – To change zones first unlock the

keypad and then scroll to desired zone. 9 Push to Talk Button (PTT) – Press and hold PTT button to talk. 10 Home Button - When pushed brings you back to the dispatch

channel. Also, used in conjunction with the Menu Button, to lock or unlock the keypad. Unlocking the keypad, allows for the zone to be changed.

11 Emergency Button

4

5

9

310

2

7

8 6

1

11




The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Home Button The home button is used to lock and unlock the radio or to return you to your Dispatch channel immediately without changing the dial position. To Unlock the Radio: • Push the Menu Button – M • Push the Home Button • Using the green arrow keys you can now scroll (ramp up or down) to

different channels To Lock the Radio: • Push the Menu Button – M • Push the Home Button • The radio is now locked on the selected Dispatch Channel

Home Button

Pushing the Home Button by itself brings you to the dispatch channel from whatever channel you had been on without changing the dial position.

When checking your radio’s volume, mic volume, or earpiece volume you may push this button by mistake. Always check to make sure you have not cleared yourself off a Tac or CE channel by mistake. If you want to “Beep” your radio to check the volume, use the button with the nib on it. This button is located directly below the Home Button and is inactive.




The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Keypad The LPE – 200 keypad area has six keys; the BCAS only uses the top three: • M – The Menu Button This button will lock or unlock the radio. To unlock the radio push the menu button and then the home button.

• – The Ramping Up/Down Buttons These will change your zone (channel).

Icons for the Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio The third line of the LPE-200 displays several icons indicating:

Low Battery Indicator An audible “beeping” sound will also be heard The EDACS is in the fail-soft mode The radio is transmitting or receiving a call on the working talk group Flashing indicates a call has been queued

MENU BUTTONRAMP UP

RAMP DOWN




The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Battery Release Button This button is located on the back of the radio. Before disengaging the battery make sure your radio is turned off. • Hold the button down and slide the battery pack back until it stops. • Then lift up and away until it separates from the radio.

Battery Release Button

When replacing the battery pack, align the ribs on the sides of the battery pack with the slots in the sides of the radio. Push down and slide the battery pack into place. The Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio Battery may be charged while still attached to the radio.




The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio 1 On/Off Volume - To turn radio on or off turn dial until a click is heard.

A single alert tone indicates radio is operational. To adjust volume, rotate dial. Clockwise increases volume.

2 Channel Selector Dial -Turn the dial until desired talk-group (channel) is displayed.

3 Displays the Current Zone 4 Displays Current Talk-Group (channel) 5 Icons -Displays icons such as low battery (see Section Two, Page 9). 6 Menu Button – Used, in conjunction with the Home Button, to

lock or unlock the keypad. Unlocking the keypad, allows for the zone to be changed.

7 These buttons are not in use – Inactive 8 Ramp Up/Down Button -To change zones first unlock the

keypad and then scroll to desired zone. 9 Push to Talk Button (PTT) - Press and hold PTT button to talk. 10 Home Button - When pushed brings you back to the dispatch

channel. Also, used in conjunction with the Menu Button, to lock or unlock the keypad. Unlocking the keypad, allows for the zone to be changed.

11 Emergency Button

1 2

3

4

5

6 7

8

9

10

11




The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Home Button The home button is used to Lock and unlock the radio or to return you to your Dispatch channel immediately without changing the dial position. To Unlock the Radio: • Push the Menu Button – M • Push the Home Button • Using the blue arrow keys you can now scroll (ramp up or down) to

different channels To Lock the Radio: • Push the Menu Button – M • Push the Home Button • The radio is now locked on the selected Dispatch Channel

Home Button

Pushing the Home Button by itself brings you to the dispatch channel from

whatever channel you had been on without changing the dial position. When checking your radio’s volume, mic volume, or earpiece volume you may push this button by mistake. Always check to make sure you have not cleared yourself off a Tac or CE channel by mistake. If you want to “Beep” your radio to check the volume, use the button with the nib on it. This button is located directly below the Home Button and is inactive.




The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Keypad The MA-COM P7100 keypad area has six keys; the BCAS only uses the top three: • M – The Menu Button This button will lock or unlock the radio. To unlock the radio push the menu button and then the home button.

• – The Ramping Up/Down Buttons These will change your zone (channel). MENU BUTTON

Icons for the MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio The third line of the MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio displays several icons indicating:

Low Battery Indicator An audible “beeping” sound will also be heard The EDACS is in the fail-soft mode The radio is transmitting or receiving a call on the working talk group Flashing indicates a call has been queued

RAMP UP RAMP DOWN




The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Battery Release Clip This clip is located on the back of the radio. Before disengaging the battery make sure your radio is turned off. • Push the clip up until the battery unlocks. • Then lift up and away until it separates from the radio.

Battery Release Button

When replacing the battery pack, simply place the top end of the battery against the top edge of the battery area of the radio and then push the battery against the radio until it locks. The MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio Battery must be removed from the radio for charging.




The Orion, Ericsson LPE-200, and MA-COM P7100 Radio Emergency Buttons To declare an emergency using the Orion Mobile Car Radio, press and hold the Emergency Button for 2 seconds, then release.

To declare an emergency using the Ericsson LPE-200 or the MA-COM P7100 Portable Radio mic’s press and hold for 1 second, then release.

When you hear the beep on either radio you will have 8 seconds of hot mic (hands free transmit). The hot mic recycles for 8 seconds every 50 seconds until the emergency is cleared. Dispatch and all units on the talk group will hear an alert beep and the 8 seconds of transmissions from your hot mic. The message RXEMER will flash on line 2 in every radio’s display until dispatch clears the emergency.

Both the Ericsson LPE–200 and MA-COM P7100 Portable Radios have an Emergency button located on the top of the radio. In both cases the button is red and located next to the Channel Selector Dials. In the event the radio you are using has had the mic removed you can use the Emergency Button on the radio instead. These buttons require a little bit more force to activate them and should be pressed for 2 seconds.




During the 8 seconds of Hot Mic you are to provide the following details: • Code 33 • Unit Identification- ex. “250 Alpha” • Exact location if different from ‘dispatched to’ address • Nature of the emergency • Weapons/Number of assailants (if applicable)

Other Crews not involved in the situation ARE NOT to transmit until directed by their Dispatcher to resume normal operations.

The Emergency Buttons work regardless of which channel you are on including all the Combined Event and Bridging channels.

Once an Emergency Button has been activated it CAN NOT be deactivated by anyone other than the Dispatcher. Should you press an Emergency Button by mistake notify your Dispatcher immediately. Turning off the radio does NOT clear the emergency notification and alarm in the Dispatch Center.




The Alert Tones for the Orion, Ericsson LPE 200, and MA-COM P7100 Radios Turning On the Radios: When the radios are initially turned on there is a slight delay for a self-test (noted on the message screen). When the radio is ready it will emit a “beep” tone to alert you it is ready. Call Originate: When transmitting on either radio there is again a slight delay followed by a short mid-pitched alert tone that sounds after keying the radio (Push-to-Talk button is pressed). This indicates the radio has been assigned a working channel or the radio is transmitting on a conventional channel and voice communication may begin. Carrier Control Timer: If the programmed time for continuous transmission is exceeded (30 seconds), 5 short high-pitched warning tones followed by a long low-pitched tone will be heard. The transmitter will shut down shortly after hearing the alert, interrupting communications. Release and re-key the Push-to-Talk button to continue with your communications. This will reset the carrier control timer and turn the transmitter back on. Key Press Alert: A short tone or beep sounds to indicate a key has been pressed. A short low-pitched tone indicates no action was taken because the key is not active in the current mode. Call Denied: If the radio is keyed and a low pitched tone is heard the radio is not authorized on the system or talk group selected.

Radio Operations for the Orion Radio, Ericsson LPE 200, and MA-COM P7100 Radios When Turned On: The radio begins on whatever channel or talk-group it was on last. Select the desired zone or talk-group by ramping up or down and rotating the channel dial. Once selected the radio is ready to use. Receiving a Call: When the radio receives a group call, it un-mutes on the assigned working channel and the busy (BSY) indicator comes on indicating the channel is in use. Line one in the radios screen shows “GR” followed by the logical Identification (ID) number of the unit sending the message or the associated name if the ID number is found in the individual call list.




Sending a Call: After turning on the radio, press and hold the Push-to-Talk button (PTT). The radio will display the system and group names and perform the necessary signaling required to obtain communication channel. When the working channel is assigned the TX and BSY indicators are turned on and a short beep sounds indicating communication can begin. Do not begin talking right away. Wait for two seconds then begin your communication. Not waiting may cause part of your transmission to be cut off.

Hold the microphone, or portable radio, approximately three inches (8 cm) from your mouth and speak in a normal voice. Release the PTT button when transmission is complete and wait for response. Cancelled Radios: In the event a BCAS radio has been lost or stolen, it will be deactivated so that it may not be used illegally. Once deactivated, the radio will still be able to receive transmission but it will not be able to transmit. Should you recover a radio that was listed as missing or stolen then you must contact the Dispatch Center in order to have the radio reactivated. BCAS Vancouver Post Radio Channels

• BCAS Dispatch Channels

- Van – N EHS 1-D - Van – S EHS 2-D - Van – C EHS 3-D

These are the regular radio channels that crews use to communicate with Dispatch.

• BCAS Tactical Channels EHS 1-D EHS 2-D EHS 3-D

T1 T1 T1 T2 T2 T2 T3 T3 T3

These channels are used by crews when they are assigned to a specific event which requires its own communication channel due to the volume of communications on-going (e.g., the Celebration of lights or an Emergency Landing at the Airport). The decision to use a Tac Channel will come either from the EMS Incident Commander on scene or Dispatch. Each BCAS radio Dispatch Channel




has its own Tactical channels assigned to it (e.g. Van – C EHS 3 – T1). To access them on the Orion Mobile Car Radio, simply turn the Talk-Group Dial (see diagram, Section Two, page2). To access these channels on the Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio, simply turn your Channel Selector Dial (see diagram, Section Two, Page 3) clockwise all the way to the end (Dial Position 16). This position will always be T3 followed by T2 and then T1. Switching to these channels can be done without unlocking the radio.

• BCAS PFA Channels

- XF – PFA Talk Groups - EHS XFER (XFER, PFA 1, PFA 2, PFA 3, and PFA 4) - SMPLX Talk Group - +PFA S1 (This channel is the only Simplex channel on these radios. This is used for close, radio-to-radio or line of sight communications.)

These channels allow BCAS staff to access the area wide PFA channels. The PFA radio channels are used primarily by agency commanders in a large scale event or disaster. To access these channels on the Orion Mobile Car Radio, simply use the Ramp Up/Down Switch (see diagram, Section Two, page 2) to locate the desired channel. To access these channels on the Ericsson LPE-200 Portable Radio, it must be unlocked (see Section Two, Page 4), then use the Ramp Up Down Buttons (see diagram, Section Two, Page 5) to locate the desired channel.

• The Combined Events Bridging Channel

- Van – N CE-BRDG - Van – S CE-BRDG - Van – C CE-BRDG

This single channel (accessible in each Zone), like the PFA Channels, is a common Wide Area Radio Channel. It allows all users in the Lower Mainland to communicate with each other. This channel is used when an event takes place between communities on either a bridge or in the George Massey Tunnel. In these circumstances, responders may be coming from different communities. This channel allows them to communicate about that event without wondering which communities Combined Events channel they should be using. To access this channel on either of the BCAS radios, simply turn the channel selectors once clock-wise. Neither radio requires unlocking for this.




In the event of a large scale, region wide, disaster this channel could supplement the PFA Channels and be used for communications between communities. The use of a location as the common point of reference in the communications would be paramount in this situation. Several communities use the same names for their roads and highways, therefore be specific when you are referencing a location in your community.

• Combined Events Radio Channels

- Each BCAS Dispatch Channel has all the Combined Events Radio Channels assigned to the communities on that Dispatch Channel

These channels are used by responders to communicate agency to agency and within their own agencies on every combined event. To access these channels on either of the BCAS radios, simply turn the channel selectors clock-wise and select the correct CE channel for that specific area. Neither radio requires unlocking for this unless you are required to use a CE channel from a different Dispatch Channel (e.g., 244A2 responding to a combined event in Richmond).




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16VAN-N EHS 1-DCE-BRDG CE-WVAN CE-NVAN CE-BBY CE-NW CE-POMO CE-COQ CE-POCOCE-RIDGE RIDGE RIDGE RIDGE 1D -T1 1D -T2 1D -T3VAN-S EHS 2-DCE-BRDG CE-RMD CE-DEL CE-WRCK CE-SRYN CE-SRYS CE-LANG CE-LANG CE-LANG CE-LANG CE-LANG CE-LANG 2D -T1 2D -T2 2D -T3VAN-C EHS 3-DCE-BRDG CE-VAN1 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 CE-VAN2 3D -T1 3D -T2 3D -T3XF-PFA XFER PFA 1 PFA 2 PFA 3 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4 PFA 4SMPLX PFA S1 TSABCH ITAC-1 ITAC-2 ITAC-3 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1 TEST-1

ZONES TAC PFA DISP CE CE-BRDG REPEATS TEST FUTURE

DIAL POSITION

ZON

ESThe BCAS Radio Matrix Diagram At first glance the Radio Matrix Diagram may seem confusing…it’s not when broken down. Simply remember that each Dispatch Channel has a Bridging Channel, Combined Events positions, and BCAS Tactical Channels on it for the communities it covers.

Ramping Position - indicates the zone you are on. To change zones ramp up or down.

There are 5 Zones (Ramping Position in bright yellow)

• Vancouver North (EHS 1-D) • Vancouver South (EHS 2-D) • Vancouver Central (EHS 3-D) • XF-PFA • SMPLX

Dial Position - indicates the talk-group/channel you are on.

• To change talk-groups/channels rotate the talk-group/channel dial.

There are several Talk-Groups (channels): Green - Dispatch Mustard - Combined Events Bridge Talk-Group Grey - Combined Events Talk-Groups Blue - Tactical Talk-Groups Purple - Police, Fire, Ambulance Talk-Groups Light Orange - Repeats Pink - Future Talk-Groups Light Yellow - Radio Tests

* Only one CE Channel will be used for the three communities on the North Shore. Currently it is CE-NVAN. Future reprogramming will rename this Lid Name.

SECTION THREE

APPENDICES



Section Three – page 1

Glossary

43 Vancouver: RCMP Regional Dispatch Center Break: An interruption during a transmission. The sender may pause thus “Break” the message for a moment then continue on (e.g. “We have a 70 year old female complaining of chest pain Break…PAUSE…her vital signs are, pulse 160, BP 90/40, respirations 24, and she has a GCS of 3/3/6. Our ETA is 12 minutes.”). Bridging Channel: Channel used on bridges and tunnels when agencies from more then one community are responding to the event CE: Combined Events Dial Position: Refers to your current talk-group (channel). ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival. GVTAPS: Greater Vancouver Transit Authority Police Services MVA: Motor Vehicle Accident (also referred to as MVI, Motor Vehicle Incident). PRCC: Provincial Rescue Coordination Center Roger: Acknowledged (Used by Fire Departments) RTO: Return To Office (Used by Police Departments) Queuing: The process that occurs when all talk-groups (channels) in the system are busy and calls must be addressed on a priority basis. Ramping: Refers to the 5 zones on the E-COMM system. When changing zones it can also be referred to as Ramping Up or Down.




Glossary for the BCAS Radios CC Scan: Control Channel Scan indicates the control channel is lost and the radio is searching for the control channel (usually an indication you are out of range). Denied-radio: Not authorized to operate on selected system. GR: Electronic ID of radio transmission. Indicators: TX-Transmitter Enabled, on when the radio is transmitting. Busy-On indicates the talk-group/channel is busy. Keypad: These are keys, most of which are programmed with specific function. A key light will light up when the button is pushed. In some conditions the key light may blink to indicate an action status. Lid Number: Same as the GR. This is the ID number the radio is registered with. Messages: Are displayed on either line 1, 2 or 3 depending on the radio used. Queued-call: Call has been placed in queue. Talk Around Mode: Also referred to as simplex, this allows for direct radio to radio communication. Talk-Group: Also referred to as a channel. There are 16 talk-groups for each zone on the E-COMM system including the Combined Events. Trunk System: A group of radio channels that is controlled by the radio system allowing for better air time availability. TXMER: Indicates an emergency call is being received. TXEMER-Emergency: Call has been transmitted. WA Scan: Wide Area Scan indicates the radio is searching for a new system.




BCAS Call Signs

BCAS Ambulance Identifiers:

Each Ambulance’s call sign is broken down into four parts, for example, 269A1. The first number signifies the Region the ambulance is assigned to, [2]69A1, for Region 2. The second number signifies the station the ambulance is assigned to, 2[69]A1, for South Richmond. The letter signifies the shift pattern that ambulance is working, 269[A]1, for Alpha. The last number signifies if there are more then one ambulance that works that same shift pattern at that same station, 269A[1], (e.g., 269A1[ALS] as apposed to 269A2[BLS]).

BCAS Ambulance Shift Pattern Identifiers:

A – Alpha: Twenty-four hour shift pattern. There are Two Twelve hour shifts that relieve each other.

B – Bravo: Eleven hour day shifts.

C – Charlie: Eleven hour afternoon shifts.

J – Juliet: An additional resource scheduled based on workload. Shift

hours as well as start and stop times fluctuate based on demand.

BCAS Officer Unit Identifiers: Each BCAS Officer in the Lower Mainland Region is assigned a call sign.

Delta 1 – Executive Director (Lower Mainland Region) Delta 2 – Director of Operations (Lower Mainland Region) Delta 3 – Director of Medical Programs (Lower Mainland Region)

Sierra 1 – Superintendent, District 1 (Sunshine Coast/Sea-to-Sky)

Sierra 2 – Superintendent, District 2 (YVR/South Fraser)




Sierra 3 – Superintendent, District 3 (City of Vancouver/UEL)

Sierra 4 – Superintendent, District 4 (West Vancouver/North Vancouver City/North Vancouver District/Port Moody/Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/New Westminster/Ridge Meadows)

Sierra 5 – Superintendent, District 5 (Fraser Valley/Fraser

Canyon/Bella Bella/Bella Coola)

Sierra 6 – Superintendent, Regional Programs (Special Operations [B64]/Transfer Fleet [B88]/CBRNE/

Contingency/Tactical/VIP’s/International Liaison)

Sierra 7 – Superintendent of Medical Research

Sierra 8 – Regional Safety Advisor

Sierra 9 – Platoon Superintendent. One assigned to each Platoon in the Vancouver Post. Each Superintendent has the letter designation added to the end of their call sign in the event there are more then one on shift (e.g., Sierra 9 Alpha would be the Platoon Superintendent on A Platoon).

Echo 1 – Superintendent, Provincial Emergency Measures

Echo 2 – Superintendent, Regional Emergency Measures

Sierra 20 – EMS Coordinator, 2010 Winter Games

Sierra 21– Deputy EMS Coordinator, 2010 Winter Games

BCAS Chiefs and Supervisor Identifiers: Paramedic Chiefs and Deputy Paramedic Chiefs Each Paramedic Chief has a call sign attached to him or her. The Chiefs are signified by the word “Sierra” then a number (e.g., Sierra 50). The number in their call sign is always the Station that they are assigned to.




Each Deputy Paramedic Chief/Acting Paramedic Chief has a call sign assigned to him or her. The Deputy’s or Acting’s are signified by the word “Sierra” followed by the number of the station they are assigned to then the number 2 (e.g., Sierra 50-2). District Supervisors Each Platoon in the Vancouver Post has two District Supervisors assigned to each Platoon.

Sierra 10 – West

Sierra 11 – East

Sierra 12 – Assigned as required

Special Operations The Special Operations section has a Supervisor and units assigned to it.

Sierra 64 – District Supervisor, Special Operations

Delta 64 – Site Command. Assigned as required.

Alpha 64 – Site Communications. Assigned as required.

Lima 64 – Special Operations Logistics. Assigned as required.

64 Echo – Ambulance assigned to a special event. When multiple

ambulances are assigned their call signs will be followed by numbers (e.g., 64 Echo 1, 64 Echo 2, …)

64 Gator – ATV assigned to a special event.

64 Mike – Marine Unit assigned to a special event.

64 Squad – Bike Squad assigned to a special event. When multiple

squads are assigned their call signs will be followed by numbers (e.g., 64 Squad 1, 64 Squad 2, …)




Transfer Fleet The Transfer Fleet has a District Supervisor assigned to it. All Transfer Ambulances are assigned to stations around the Lower mainland. Each unit uses the station number it is assigned to as part of its call sign.

Sierra 88 – District Supervisor, Transfer Fleet

Specialty Units Each specialty section has a call sign to it.

Yankee – CBRNE Technical Advisor. There are a total of 6 (e.g., Yankee 1).

45 Yankee – Integrated Support Unit – West 66 Yankee – Integrated Support Unit – East 06 Zulu – Medical Command Support Unit - Valley 49 Zulu – Medical Command Support Unit – Surrey 50 Zulu – Medical Command Support Unit – Richmond 56 Zulu – Medical Command Support Unit – North Shore Lima 89 – Stretcher Maintenance

250 Zulu 266 Yankee




Regional Communications Center

Delta 99 – Director of Dispatch (Lower Mainland Dispatch Center)

Sierra 98 – Superintendent of Dispatch, Support (Lower Mainland Dispatch Center)

Sierra 99 – Superintendent of Dispatch, Operations (Lower Mainland

Dispatch Center) Bravo 99(1) – Dispatch Supervisor for Team 1 Bravo 99(2) – Dispatch Supervisor for Team 2 Bravo 99(3) – Dispatch Supervisor for Team 3 Bravo 99(4) – Dispatch Supervisor for Team 4 Bravo 99(5) – Dispatch Supervisor for Team 5 Bravo 99(6) – Charge Dispatcher Bravo 98 – Dispatch Supervisor, Transfer Fleet Bravo 99(1)A – Acting or Dispatch Officer for Team 1 Bravo 99(2)A – Acting or Dispatch Officer for Team 2 Bravo 99(3)A – Acting or Dispatch Officer for Team 3 Bravo 99(4)A – Acting or Dispatch Officer for Team 4 Bravo 99(5)A – Acting or Dispatch Officer for Team 5 Hotel 1 – Telecoms Technician Tango 99 – EMD Technological Support




British Columbia Ambulance Service Policy and Procedure4

Volume 2 – OPERATIONS

Chapter 5 – Emergency Medical Dispatch

5.1.5 RADIO COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL AND CODES

Effective Date: December 1, 2006

Policy:

Emergency medical dispatchers must maintain control of radio communication between ambulances and emergency medical dispatchers. Emergency medical dispatchers and paramedics must only use BCAS authorized radio codes and ten-codes when communicating in code over the radio.

Purpose:

The use of radio codes improves service delivery by ensuring clear, secure and consistent communication between emergency medical dispatchers and paramedics.

Procedure:

A. Radio Communication Protocol

1. Emergency medical dispatchers and paramedics must:

1. Acknowledge an incoming radio transmission within 15 seconds;

2. When unable to safely respond within 15 seconds, acknowledge an incoming radio transmission at the first opportunity. Under no circumstances must a response take longer than 45 seconds;

3. Restrict radio communication to BCAS-related matters; and

4. Maintain professionalism in all radio communications.

2. Paramedics must receive permission from an emergency medical dispatcher before communicating by radio with another ambulance or mobile BCAS unit.

4 The British Columbia Ambulance Service Policy And Procedure Manual – December 1, 2006




B. Ten – Codes and Radio Codes:

1. Emergency medical dispatchers and paramedics transmitting radio messages in ten-code format must use the following ten-codes, which are described as follows:

1. "10-4" means the message was received and understood;

2. "10-6" means the ambulance crew is busy but available for a call;

3. "10-7" means the ambulance crew will be out of radio contact. The crew must state the reason why radio contact will be terminated;

4. "10-8" means the ambulance crew is in service and on the air;

5. "10-9" means the message was not received or understood, and that the message should be repeated;

6. "10-19" means the ambulance is returning to the station;

7. "10-20" means that the crew’s location is requested or is to be provided; and

8. "10-21" means the crew is requested to use a landline telephone.

2. Emergency medical dispatchers and paramedics must use the following codes when transmitting coded radio messages that are not in ten-code format:

1. "Code 1" means there is an unauthorized listener and that crews must guard transmissions. This radio code should be used when paramedic or emergency medical dispatchers suspect that a third party may overhear sensitive communications;

2. "Code 2" means a routine response and that emergency lights and sirens are not required;

3. "Code 3" means an emergency response and that emergency lights and sirens are required;

4. "Code 4" means a reference to a death;

5. "Code 5" means a reference to the police;

6. "Code 6" means a reference to the fire department;




7. "Code 9" means there is an infectious patient and caution is recommended;

8. "Code 33" means the crew is in a life-threatening situation. Upon receiving this message, all paramedics must cease radio communication except for the crew transmitting the Code 33 and emergency medical dispatchers must immediately acknowledge a Code 33 and send assistance; and

9. "Code X" means an ambulance was or is not being used. After transmitting this code, a paramedic must inform the emergency medical dispatcher why an ambulance was not used.




Acknowledgments This project would never have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the following people. They all contributed long hours to ensuring the success of this system. The Original PFA Project Team The City of Richmond British Columbia Chief Jim Hancock, Richmond Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Ron Beaman, Richmond Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Reg Smith, Richmond Fire Rescue Superintendent Ward Clapham, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Richmond Sergeant Ron Paysen, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Richmond Corporal Elizabeth Shaw, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – E-Comm Executive Director Michael C. Sanderson, British Columbia Ambulance Service Paramedic Chief Pascal Rodier, British Columbia Ambulance Service – Richmond Charge Dispatcher, Derek McClure, GIS CAD Support, British Columbia Ambulance Service – Regional Dispatch Center Paramedic James Sutherland, British Columbia Ambulance Service Mrs. Suzanne Bycraft, City of Richmond Emergency Management Office Mr. Darcy Wilson, Operations Manager – E-Comm Mr. Martin Schoenfeld, Radio System Administrator – E-Comm Ms. Margaretha Lundh, Global Medical Consulting And most importantly to all of the Emergency Personnel and staff from the RCMP, RFR, and the BCAS that took up the cause and worked through the initial trial period. Thank you.




Credits Authors Paramedic Chief Pascal Rodier S.St.J, EMA II BCAS – CERP Project Manager Charge Dispatcher Derek McClure EMD, EMA II BCAS – CERP Technical Expert Contributors Superintendent Richard Kennelly EMD, EMA II BCAS Regional Dispatch Center Paramedic James Sutherland EMA II BCAS Technical Support Editorial Staff Director Gordon McEachen B.P.H.E, B.Sc., ACP BCAS Operations Director Lower Mainland Superintendent Bruce Harford EMA II BCAS Regional Programs Deputy Chief Norm Lambert Toronto Emergency Medical Services Morris Faccin, Emergency Management Coordinator A-E.M.C.A. Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Regional Municipality of York Paramedic Ross Pambrun PCP BCAS Emergency Medical Dispatcher David Stevens EMD, PCP BCAS Regional Dispatch Center Ms. Bonnie Johnson M.E.T, Dpl. Ed, B.A Course Developer, BCAS Clinical Education Division Making IT work – Richmond




Photography Ms. Simone Ponne – The Maple Ridge News Superintendent Bruce Harford, BCAS – Lower Mainland Chief Tim Philley, BCAS - Richmond Deputy Chief Roger Mah, BCAS – Richmond Dispatch Supervisor Steven Strandt, BCAS – Regional Dispatch Center Paramedic James Sutherland, BCAS – Technical Support Paramedic Jeremy Kroeker, BCAS – Vancouver Paramedic Ivano Bicego, BCAS – YVR Paramedic Douglas Yip, BCAS – YVR Paramedic Carlisa Hampton, BCAS – Vancouver Rescue Specialist Duane Currie – Canadian Coast Guard, Sea Island Rescue Specialist Roy Klohn – Canadian Coast Guard, Sea Island Constable E. Diachok – Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Surrey Detachment Ms. Sandra Pearson – Manager, Richmond Fire Rescue Captain John Laursen – Richmond Fire Rescue Littleton Fire Rescue – Littleton Colorado




NOTES:

Emergencies Bring Agencies Together…

Combined Events Bring Responders Together!

BCAS CERP Reference Manual 3rd Edition

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Transcript of BCAS CERP Reference Manual 3rd Edition