Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching Flashcards
7 cards from real PSD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Radio Operations & Incident Dispatching flashcards as text
When a field unit requests a radio channel change during an active incident, what should the dispatcher do first?
Answer: Confirm the unit's current assignment and ensure coverage before switching
The dispatcher must verify that the unit's current assignment will remain covered and that the new channel is appropriate before authorizing the switch.
In radio communications, what does the term 'simplex' operation mean?
Answer: Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency, one at a time
Simplex operation uses a single frequency for both transmitting and receiving, requiring users to take turns speaking.
A dispatcher receives simultaneous emergency transmissions from two different units. What is the correct protocol?
Answer: Respond to the unit with higher call priority first and ask the other to stand by
The dispatcher should address the highest-priority transmission first, then promptly acknowledge the second unit.
What is the primary purpose of a radio dead zone in dispatch operations?
Answer: An area where radio communications are unreliable or nonexistent due to terrain or interference
Dead zones are geographic areas where radio signals cannot reliably reach due to topography, buildings, or interference.
During a major incident, a dispatcher is told to implement 'radio silence' except for emergency traffic. Which transmission would be appropriate to make?
Answer: A notification that a field officer is injured and needs immediate assistance
Radio silence orders allow only true emergency transmissions; an officer injury requiring assistance qualifies as emergency traffic.
What is meant by 'talk-around' mode on a radio system?
Answer: Direct unit-to-unit communication bypassing the repeater
Talk-around (or direct mode) allows units to communicate directly without going through the repeater, useful when the repeater is down.
When dispatching to a multi-agency incident, which radio practice helps prevent confusion among responding units?
Answer: Assigning a dedicated interoperability channel and using plain language
Assigning a shared interoperability channel and communicating in plain language ensures all agencies can understand radio traffic.