# Improving Radio Discipline

## References For Developing Basic Communication Skills

Effective and efficient radio communication requires that all wildland firefighters have a solid foundation in basic communications. The following references pertain to basic communication skills.

### Basic Communication

                          - Mind Tools – Communication Skills - Web page has various links regarding improving communication skills

### Active Listening

                          - The Art of Active Listening - Aging I&R/A Tips, National Aging Information & Referral Support Center
                          - Mind Tools on Active Listening

### Online Courses

                          - Effective Communication (IS-242) Emergency Management Institute -  This 8-hour self-study course is designed to improve your communication skills. It addresses basic communication skills, how to communicate in an emergency, how to identify community-specific communication issues, using technology as a communication tool, effective oral communication, and how to prepare an oral presentation. 

## Articles and Publications Related to Radio Communication and Discipline

The following articles and publications pertain to radio communication and the importance of radio discipline during fire operations.
                      - A Failure to Communicate, Ken Frederick and Mike Tuominen, Public Safety Communications, August 2010
                      - Confusion in the World of Wildland Fire Radio Communications, Pam McDonald, "Let's Talk Training" newsletter, Spring 2010
                      - Current Status, Knowledge Gaps, and Research Needs Pertaining to Firefighter Radio Communications Systems, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/TriData Corporation, September 2003
                      - Effective and Efficient Communication with Aerial Resources, Gil Dustin, Air Tactical Program Manager, BLM NAO, "Let's Talk Training" newsletter, Spring 2010
                      - Firefighter Safety and Radio Communication, Curt Varone, Fire Engineering
                      - Radio Discipline and the Fireground Radio Channel, Jim McCormack, Fire Nuggets, November-December 2009
                      - Radio Silence, William L. Pessemier, Fire Chief, June 2005
                      - Special Report: Improving Firefighter Communications, Adam Thiel and Hollis Stambaugh ,  U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series, USFA-TR-099, January 1999
                      - Tune In to Radio Discipline (pamphlet), National Interagency Incident Communications Division
                      - Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service, U.S. Fire Administration/International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), October 2008

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