Reliable communications on the fireground are critical to the operational effectiveness and safety of all firefighters. “Inadequate Communications” is even listed as one of the “NIOSH 5” (the top 5 causal factors in LODD reports). Yet, most departments aren’t intentional when it comes to improving communications. The reason they aren’t is because most don’t know where to start. We all know we need to improve our communications, and we know we need to be more concise in our transmissions, but how do we go about doing that? Dependable communications start way before your shift starts. They begin with the fostering of relationships. This class will address all aspects of fireground communications--knowing the capabilities and limitations of your department's radio system, understanding each person's role in achieving reliable fireground communications, getting dispatch involved in your training, skills that can immediately improve communications, and a plan for developing and implementing a communications model for your department.