Effective communications for firefighters operating on an emergency scene is key to both our safety and effectiveness. There are many variables with communications; the method, the language, ability to hear communications, and most importantly the ability to understand and be understood.

For many years signal numbers were used, like “10-97”meant you had arrived on the scene, “10-6” meant you were busy, and “10-9” meant you needed the radio traffic repeated. There were many, many more signals used and they varied from department to department and region to region.

Going from codes to plain language is one way we changed our communications to assure more effective communications on the emergency scene. How effective is communications between you and your spouse? It is a critical part of your relationship.

Are you speaking plain language with your spouse? Next time you and your spouse talk, pay close attention to what is said, tone, volume, body language, and the ratio of listening to speaking.

QUESTIONS

Q: Are you making assumptions in your communications when you listen and speak? (Bad idea)

Q: Do you listen more than you talk?

Q: Are you wanting your spouse to read your mind?

Q: Is communications simple and clear and do both of you offer feedback to check in about what you think you heard your spouse say?

CALL TO ACTION

Use the above questions this week each time you talk with your spouse and raise your awareness about opportunities to improve communications in your relationship.

Go Fan that Fire!