Transfer of Command and Thorough Communication

Thorough communication is essential in various aspects of life, specifically on the fire ground. Effective communication involves conveying your message clearly, ensuring it is understood, and actively listening to the responses and feedback from others. Here are some key principles for practicing thorough communication:

1. Clarity: Use clear and concise language to express your thoughts, ideas, and intentions. Avoid jargon, vague terms, or ambiguity. Avoid “whatcha got” pitfalls where the other firefighter doesn’t understand what you are asking.
2. Active Listening: Pay close attention to what the other person is saying. This involves not only hearing their words but also understanding their perspective, emotions, and body language if you can see them.
3. Ask Questions: Encourage two-way communication by asking questions to clarify information or to prompt further discussion. Open-ended questions can be particularly helpful.
4. Nonverbal Communication: What are you seeing on the fireground compared to what you are hearing on the radio.
5. Avoid Assumptions: Don’t assume the other person knows what you’re talking about or what you mean. Clarify any potential misunderstandings or unspoken assumptions.
6. Be Patient: Effective communication takes time. Don’t rush through the transfer of command, especially when there is a great deal of radio activity. Give the other person time to process and respond.
7. Stay Solution-Focused: In problem-solving discussions, keep the focus on finding big picture solutions rather than dwelling on one issue the other person may be focused on solving. Collaborative problem-solving often leads to more effective communication and other companies working on the scene may have your solution.
8. Adapt to Your Audience: Tailor your communication style to the needs and preferences of the person or group you’re communicating with. What works well with one person, may not work as effectively with another, especially if experience is the difference or if mutual aid companies are responding.
9. Follow Up: After important transfers or CAN reports, how are things progressing? Are we making the progress, and did we get all the information necessary with our initial radio traffic? Sometimes follow-up communication is necessary.

In Summary:

• Remember that thorough communication is a skill that can be developed over time. It requires practice, self-awareness, and a commitment to improving your ability to hear what information others are sending. Take a few minutes to reflect after the run or in the PIA to evaluate areas for communication improvement.