When first adapting to the realities of communicating via push-to-talk two-way radios, it can seem a little intimidating to get into the conversation. Learning these golden rules of radio communication can help your transition go much more smoothly.
- Preparation. Before going out with a radio make sure the battery is charged, powered on, and in working order. Also, check to be sure the volume is sufficiently high that you can hear calls.
- Patience. Don’t interrupt when others are talking. Wait until their conversation is complete before breaking in. Doing this ensures that no messages are lost by the interruption and actually allows you to get your message through faster than a needless interruption and the chaos that causes. Unless it’s an emergency. Then follow emergency protocols.
- Emergency protocols. When emergencies arise, break the conversation by first announcing you have an urgent emergency message. Pause two seconds, unless you receive a reply instructing otherwise, then deliver your emergency message. Be sure, though, before you break the conversation, that your message constitutes a genuine emergency.
- Brevity. Use short, concise sentences. Rely on your message quickly with as much precision as possible.
- Specificity. Be specific when communicating via radio. This avoids confusion and reduces the risks of miscommunication.
- Security. Avoid broadcasting confidential, sensitive, or privileged information via radio communication. Unless you have the appropriate safeguards and secured technology to do so.
- Pause. Pause two seconds after pressing the PTT button, so the first part of your communication isn’t cut short.
- Preservation. Two-way radios have a limited battery life. Excessive communication runs down batteries faster. Think before you speak in order to conserve your batteries.
- Check. Conduct radio checks throughout the day to make sure your radio battery has sufficient charge and that there are no problems. Your radio if your lifeline in the field, but only if it works when you need it.
- Manners. As with many things in life, there are etiquettes and protocols involved in speaking via push-to-talk two-way radios. The faster you learn the simple rules of etiquette the more effectively you will be able to communicate via radio.
Here at Peak PTT, we understand that getting started with push-to-talk two-way radios may be the one thing that holds many companies back from improving efficiency, safety, and productivity by adopting this way of life for their organizations. We can help you choose the right tools, services, and equipment so you have the privacy, security, and instant access to communication you require to get started on the right foot. Give us a call today at 855-600-6161.