This page explains the basics of emergency communications guidelines.

The following basic guidelines are a starting point towards being a good emergency communicator:

• Listen before transmitting.
• Use standard ITU phonetics.
• Use 24-hour time format.
• Accuracy is the first priority, rather than speed.
• Be clear and concise by not using unnecessary words.
• Talk across the FACE of the microphone.
• Transmit messages exactly.
• Always transmit FACTS rather than hearsay.
• Stay alert -- take breaks when needed.
• Always know your location.
• Avoid using Q-signals or 10-codes in voice transmissions.
• Speak slowly and clearly, with little emotion in your voice.
• Use tactical call signs whenever possible.
• No wisecracks or jokes on an emergency net.
• Never transmit the names of deceased individuals over a voice channel.
• Read every message before transmitting it. If you have questions about what is being communicated, get clarificaton from the originating party. A good message will never require the recipient to ask for additional information.

Controlled Net Participation Guidelines

On a controlled net, such as an emergency net, be sure to adhere to the following guidelines:

• LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. Remain silent unless you are called on or have information for the net.
• Check in using your call sign. Use your call suffix or your assigned tactical call to get the attention of Net Control.
• The Net Control station is "in charge" of all transmissions. Permission of the Net Control station is required to make any contact. Ask Net Control before contacting any station directly.
• Use the term "BREAK" to interrupt an existing conversation only if you have emergency traffic that must be passed immediately. Otherwise, just say your call sign and the net control station will recognize you as soon as possible.
• Plan your message and keep it brief. Organize your thoughts or write down your message before transmitting. Give only the FACTS; do not "editorialize."
• Always acknowledge calls or instructions.
• Use clear vocabulary and standard ITU phonetics. Do not use Q-signals.
• Receive permission before leaving the net. Make sure you check out with Net Control.

Proword Dictionary for Emergency Communication

To facilitate efficient communications, the following procedural words, or "pro-words", were developed for use in emergencies, and by other communicators, such as air traffic controllers.

• AFFIRMATIVE means "Yes" or "I agree" or "Permission granted."
• BREAK means you have emergency traffic that must be passed immediately.
• CHECK BREAK means you are pausing to verify that the receiving station has copied your message. An appropriate response from the receiving station would be "COPY."
• CLEAR or OUT means your transmission is completed and no answer is required or expected.
• CLOSE means you are shutting down your station and can no longer be contacted.
• COPY THAT or ROGER means you have received the transmission satisfactorily.
• CORRECT means you acknowledge what was transmitted as correct.
• CORRECTION means an error has been made and the transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted.
• DECIMAL indicates a decimal point.
• DISREGARD means an error has been made in the transmission that is in progress and you are to completely ignore this transmission.
• FIGURES means that the following words are to be copied as numbers.
• I SPELL means you will spell the following word(s) phonetically.
• NEGATIVE means "No" or "I disagree" or "Permission denied."
• OUT or CLEAR means your transmission is completed and no answer is required or expected.
• OVER means you are finished with your transmission and the other station is expected to reply.
• ROGER or COPY THAT means you have received the transmission satisfactorily.
• SAY AGAIN means you want the last message to be repeated. You may include a modifier to have part of a message repeated, as in the following examples:
  • "Say again ALL AFTER __________"
  • "Say again ALL BEFORE _________"
  • "Say again WORD AFTER _________"
  • "Say again WORD BEFORE ________"
• STANDBY or WAIT means you are not yet ready to copy. You may include a time modifier, such as "Standby one."
• THIS IS means the transmission is from the station whose call sign follows.
• WAIT or STANDBY means you are not yet ready to copy. You may include a time modifier, such as "Standby one."