Wiki Page, Radio Communications: 10 Codes, Signals and Plain Speech

Wiki Page
2014-04-05T17:47:34-06:00

10 Codes and Signals are used to represent commons phrases in voice communication. Although you do not need to know or use 10 Codes or Signals when operating the radio, you may hear others using them. The tables below list common 10 Codes and Signals.

Signals
Signal 1 | Injury accident (Ambulance is always dispatched)
Signal 2 | Non-injury accident
Signal 6 | Drowning
Signal 11 | Fire
Signal 16 | Death at...unknown cause

Plain Speech

Dispatch and other departments understand that volunteer firefighters may not know or use 10 Codes or Signals. It is acceptable to use plain speech without codes or signals when using the radio.

Dispatch is trained to address the “6Ws”: who, what, when, where, why, and weapons. If you don’t understand the message, it is okay to ask for repeats and clarification.