Codes

[benjaminfs733]

I am sorry I have not had time to research this question. What is the most current word on police/fire/EMS using codes? It seems that Home Land Security has changed its mind several times. If someone could let me know the most current word and give me a link to that information it would be greatly appricated. Thanks for the help, sorry if this has been hashed out before.

Ben

 

[ofd8001]

The most recent thing I heard was that DHS backed down on their stance that 10-codes should be eliminated. Thus, there isn't anything compelling public safety folks to eliminate 10 code use.

All that being said, public safety folks are gravitating away from this use. For a number of years, Jefferson County fire has been using plain english. Louisville EMS is gradually getting away from 10 code use as is Louisville Fire. Louisville Metro Police hasn't said much publicly on what they will or will not be doing.

 

[searchrescueff]

It really depends on where you live at right now.... as ofd8001 said, some are backing away from using 10-codes, as some are continuing to use them.

 

[benjaminfs733]

Basically, the agency that I work for is under the impression that they have to do away with all 10-CODES. Now there are some they want to get ride of but many that are necessary for Officer Safety and brevity and they don't want to get ride of them. I am looking for an offical recent answer. Last I heard is that codes can be used, but discouraged, and that when a mutual aid incident happens no one should use codes. I am just doing my own research and looking for an offical answer. Thanks for any help.

Ben

 

[avfd2922]

Kentucky Homeland Security has decided to do away with codes. Plain language is what they want even though DHS says its ok, go figure. Don't remember when the date is to start but coutny fire departments have already switched to plain language. Thinking the date is june 1, but I could be wrong.

 

[BigEd1314]

I was told by my team command (emergency manager for area 11, by a letter from KY homeland security) that homeland security has it set up this way.... in a departments own operations...10 codes are OK (ie local fire dept on a small house fire or grass fire...etc) , but in multi department calls (major fires with mutual aid required....etc) , plain language should be used so there is NO confusion. This is what the letter from the KY office of homeland security said that was sent to our team leader.

 

[benjaminfs733]

This is also what I heard but I can not find anywhere that it says offically. Thanks for the help. If any one can point me to a letter offically saying what the deal is that would be great.

Ben

 

[benjaminfs733]

Ok, so I did a little research and finally found what I was looking for. Basically it states that in multual aid incidents you must use plain language, however, in internal operations you may use coded language.

Here is a link:

http://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/firstresponders/nims.htm

Then click on:

NIMS Plain Language Update 02/10/2006

Or try this:
http://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/NR/r...1C00B4/0/PlainLanguageUpdateapproved21006.pdf

Hope this helps, I thank evey one for their comments.

ben