DURESS

POM0016 – Radio Communication Procedure (Page 10)

Purpose
This process outlines the procedures for activating and managing the Duress function on the Government Wireless Network (GWN) radios. The Duress function is a critical safety feature designed to enable a swift and coordinated response during emergency situations.  

Duress Function Overview:
The Duress function on GWN radios provides an immediate alert to all radios and consoles within the same Talk Group (TG) when activated. This feature is vital in emergency situations where members may require assistance quickly. The Duress function can be activated by pressing the designated orange button on: 

• The GWN portable radio. 
• The Radio Speaker Microphone (if attached). 
• The Vehicle Radio Control Head. 
  

Once activated, the Duress alert sends an urgent signal to all radios and consoles within the same TG, prompting immediate action from other members and SurfCom.

Process:
Activating the Duress Function:
Duress Activation – In the event of imminent danger or feeling threatened, a member can activate the Duress function by pressing the orange button for approximately 2 seconds.
Alert Notification – Once the Duress function is activated; an alert is transmitted to all radios and consoles within the same Talk Group (TG) as the user. This alert notifies others within the TG that immediate assistance may be required. 
Alternative Action – While the Duress function is a critical tool, it is often more effective to use the Push to Talk button and announce “Urgent Urgent Urgent” to quickly alert SurfCom. This allows for more direct communication regarding the nature of the emergency. 

Managing Accidental Duress Activation:
Immediate Notification – If the Duress button is accidentally activated, the member should immediately notify SurfCom to clear the Duress alert. This helps to prevent unnecessary disruption of other communications. 
No Disciplinary Action – Members will not face disciplinary action for accidental Duress activation. However, members should be mindful that the accidental activation may cause disruption to ongoing urgent communications on the Network. 

Duress Management Process:
Responsibility of SurfCom – If the Duress function is activated on any Surf Life Saving Talk Group or an Interoperable TG initiated by SurfCom, SurfCom is responsible for managing the Duress situation due to their overall situational awareness and access to communication tools. 
Immediate Action – When Duress is activated, the follwoing actions must be taken immediately:

1. Cease all communication on the Talk Group
2. SurfCom will attempt to contact the member who activated the Duress alert to identify the situation and dermine the member’s last known location
3. SurfCom will use available tools (e.g. GPS, radio logs) to:
   - Identify the location and member involved. 
   - Assess the nature of the emergency. 
   - Coordinate necessary activities, potentially involving: 
   - Other Surf Life Saving members (Patrol Captain, Duty Officer, etc.) 
   - Public Safety Agencies (PSAs), such as Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), or Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). 
   - Other relevant entities for further support. 
   

Communication During Duress – While the Duress alert is active on the Talk Group, all members must refrain from making any calls unless: 

1. They have critical information that can assist the member in Duress (e.g., another member near the person in Duress or the Patrol Captain).
2. They are involved in a life-threatening situation themselves
   This ensures that the Talk Group remains clear for the coordination of the emergency.
   

Resolution of Duress Situation
Post-Duress Procedure – Once the Duress situation has been resolved, the following steps must be taken: 

1. SurfCom will notify the member who activated the Duress alert and instruct them to clear the Duress signal on their radio. 
2. SurfCom will clear the Duress alert from their system. 
3. SurfCom will inform other members on the TG that the Duress situation has been resolved and that normal operations can resume. 
   

Duress on Interoperable Talk Groups Initiated by SurfCom – If the Duress function is activated on an Interoperable Talk Group initiated by SurfCom (e.g., in collaboration with Public Safety Agencies), SurfCom will continue to manage the Duress situation as described above, coordinating with the relevant PSA or agency involved.