"All Set" Too Vague a Response?

[Utah_Viper]

Maybe it is because I am from Utah but the use of "All Set" on the radio here bugs me. I would not mind it if it had one common meaning but I have heard it used for just about everything. I have heard it mean everything is ok (code 4) or that they have cleared the call, that they no longer need additional units, and some other things as well.

If I was a dispatcher it would drive me crazy. If I ask an officer his status at a call and his response was "all set" I would not know if he is ok, or done with the call. Do I dispatch him to the next call, or is he still working it but code 4?

Way confusing too me. Anyone else have the same feeling? any better clarification?

 

[rdale]

I've never heard of "Code 4" so I think that wouldn't be a good alternative All set seems to make sense to me, and it makes sense to them, so I think it's fine...

 

[drdispatch]

"All Set"

I only know what "Code 4" is from watching "CSI".

Our guys use "all set", but they usually add a clarifier, such as: "We're all set, have back-up disregard." or: "I'm all set, dispatch, be out a few more minutes.". It has become such a part of our vernacular that I can't see it changing if we wanted it to.

Heck, we've had CAD for 12 years & MDC's for 4, & we still have guys that say: "Punch me a starter...". The probies are even doing it, because they hear the old-timers doing it. Old habits die a lot harder when they're passed down from generation to generation.

And don't EVEN get me started about firefighters...... :roll:

 

[BoxAlarm187]

And don't EVEN get me started about firefighters...... :roll:

OK, I'll bite...what about them?

 

[drdispatch]

OK, I'll bite...what about them?

The best way to sum it up is to quote the sign in the fire station kitchen in the movie "Backdraft": "The Chicago Fire Department -- 100 years of tradition, unimpeded by progress.".

Couldn't have said it better myself.