Tulsa Fire Deptartment 10 Code

[GlacierClipper]

Doe the Tulsa Fire Department still use 10 Codes? I was looking through a few old records today and found a copy of Tulsa Fire Dept 10 Code list.
The list is from the mid 1990's.

A 10 Code list for OK DOT was also found.

 

[mfolta1]

Ive been covering the news now for 10 years and 3 months and i have never heard them use a 10 code to this date. I have one time heard them do a radio test and heard them answer to dispatches question of how are you receiving and they gave a 10 code, thats all i have heard of.

 

[GlacierClipper]

Thank You for the information!

 

[KD5WLX]

Incident Command System

Because of rather spectacular screw-ups where multiple departments were operating mutual aid at big fires and did the wrong things because their codes didn't match the "home" department's codes, the NFPA established the ICS. It came out of the military, went to the fire service, then back to the military, then (when FEMA got ahold of it) was mandated as a national standard.

Because of that, you should not ever hear a fire dept. use any codes at all. One of the very first recommendations was to say everything in plain English to avoid misunderstandings.

You'll still hear some "old-timers" or vol. depts. that use a few, and some departments have some "code words" for things they don't want over the air. And of course they still use abbreviations for some things (MVA, etc.)

I've been listening to TFD for 9 years now and never heard a 10-code.

BTW, PD and EMS are supposed to use ICS as well - but they pretty much ignore FEMA.

If you're interested, FEMA has free online courses (basically just a downloadable book) on ICS. ICS is what you're hearing with all the "1st unit on scene - investigating - passing command" and "Engine xx 2nd on - establishing 31st Street command", etc. It's all explained in the ICS courses. Very straight forward and clear, and it makes sure everyone always knows who's in charge and who's responsible for what.

 

[GlacierClipper]

I have been taking Emergency Management Courses since the late 1970's. Alot of them from the Army, Federal FEMA, Alabama, Tennessee, Minnesota, Washington (State) and Georgia EMA's.

I agree the 10 Codes can mess up a emergency situation if the departments don't know the codes. I learned that form being a dispatcher for the Army at Fort Sill while in service in the mid 80's.