Mayday policy

Mayday policy

  1. PURPOSE

    1. This policy is designed to prepare all personnel for any sudden life-threatening occurrence that may injure, trap, disorient or distress emergency response personnel during an incident. This policy will also standardize the language to be used during such incidents, and the circumstances that warrant issuing a “MAYDAY”. This policy applies to all members operating on an incident or event.


  1. POLICY

    1. The term "MAYDAY" must only be used as indicated. It is intended for use in situations where immediate communication is necessary to protect life or prevent injury.

    2. Whenever the term "MAYDAY" is transmitted, all radio communications are to cease except those between the member initiating the “MAYDAY” and the Incident Commander.

    3. The "MAYDAY" radio message is to be used to indicate that a life-threatening situation has developed such as:

      1. Becoming trapped or entangled.

      2. Cut off by fire.

      3. Cut off by collapse.

      4. Falling through a floor or roof.

      5. Being pinned.

      6. SCBA failure in a hazardous environment.

      7. Air supply is less than required to exit IDLH atmosphere.

      8. Becoming lost or disoriented, or losing a member of your crew.

      9. Or any other life threatening condition not listed in the above-specified conditions.


  1. PROCEDURE

    1. Initiating a MAYDAY:

      1. The member will initiate a “MAYDAY” by either depressing their EAB, waiting for the radio microphone to automatically open up (10 seconds) and announcing “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” and awaiting a reply or by directly announcing "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" and awaiting a reply.

        1. If the member does not receive an answer within 10 seconds the member should try one more time. 

        2. If they still don’t receive a reply they should: 

          1. Turn their radio off, then back on and verify that the radio works and verify the channel setting and initiate a “MAYDAY” by depressing the EAB button or PTT button on their portable radio. Then announce "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" and await an reply.

        3. If the member does not receive an answer within 10 seconds they will take the following actions:

          1. Rotate the channel selection knob to the appropriate dispatch channel (COUNTY FIRE or CITY FIRE).

          2. Attempt to initiate your MAYDAY using the same sequence as above.

      2. If the member does not have a radio or his/her radio does not appear to be working, the member will activate their PASS device and continue to analyze/troubleshoot their situation.

    2. Acknowledging the MAYDAY and Requesting a UCAAN Report

      1. After COMMAND or PSJC hears a MAYDAY they will acknowledge the MAYDAY by:

        1. Restricting the channel to MAYDAY radio traffic only.

        2. For COMMAND:

          1. Restrict the channel to MAYDAY radio traffic only. 

          2. Request a UCAAN Report by specifically asking the MAYDAY firefighter for their Unit/Crew Name, their current Conditions, Actions they have taken, their Air status and their Needs.

        3. For PSJC:

          1. Determine who is calling the MAYDAY.

          2. Determine the MAYDAY location.

          3. Briefly determine their situation. 

          4. Attempt to contact the Incident Commander by radio at least three times and notify him/her of the MAYDAY.

          5. Broadcast an ALL CALL tone and state: “Attention all personnel Joint Communications has received a MAYDAY from a person at the <Name of Incident>

          6. If you cannot contact the Incident Commander, request a UCAAN Report by specifically asking the MAYDAY firefighter for their Unit/Crew Name, their current Conditions, Actions they have taken/their Air status and their Needs.

          7. Continue to attempt to contact any unit at the incident scene and send a law enforcement officer to the scene to notify the Incident Commander that a MAYDAY has been called at their incident scene.

    3. Incident Commander Actions

      1. After receiving the UCAAN Report, the IC may direct some fireground crews to change their operating frequency to a different tactical radio channel. Factors that influence this decision include:

        1. Whether or not the crew is in the immediate vicinity and will be used in the rescue attempt.

        2. Whether the crew is in an IDLH environment.

        3. Whether the IC has enough Command Support personnel to manage the MAYDAY and ongoing operational activities on the new tactical channel.

        4. If some fireground crews are ordered to move to a different tactical frequency, the must check-in with the IC once they move to that frequency.

      2. As soon as possible after receiving a MAYDAY, the IC or their Command Aide will notify PSJC that a “MAYDAY” has been declared and request any specific resources that he/she needs. PSJC will then:

        1. Activate “All Call” tones to notify all personnel that a MAYDAY has been initiated.

        2. Dispatch a MAYDAY Assignment:

          1. This includes an engine, tanker, rescue squad and at least one additional ambulance.

      3. The Incident Commander will assign the “On Deck Crew/Rapid Intervention Crew” and any additional on-scene resources that may be needed to initiate a rescue. This crew will operate on the same frequency as the member initiating the “MAYDAY”.

      4. The IC will add an additional Command Aide(s) to assist with the incident management.

      5. The IC will consider a PAR check of all fireground crews/personnel.

      6. The IC will notify all fireground personnel and PSJC after the “MAYDAY” has ended.