The term “box after initial” is a radio phrase that’s used by FDNY dispatchers to announce a specific situation to responding units. When an alarm is received at a borough communications office (CO), the number of units that are required for the type of situation that’s being reported are dispatched.
Often, a typical box assignment for structural alarms, among others, is two pumpers and two trucks. Depending on the specifics that are reported by the caller and the availability of units, the dispatcher assembles the assignment and assigns the companies to respond. (If a caller reports an odor of smoke in the area, the dispatcher might assign one pumper and one truck.) While units are responding, the CO might receive a second call for that same address/area, which triggers the box-after-initial scenario.
Elevating the possibilities
In a box-after-initial scenario, the dispatcher adds companies to the response assignment, bringing it up to three pumpers, two trucks and a battalion chief (BC), or a full first alarm. Telling responding companies “box after initial” is shorthand for “We are filling out the box after it has initially been transmitted …” The responding companies, which might be as few as one or two, are being notified that more information was received and that the dispatcher is adding units to the alarm that they are responding to. This simple notification suddenly elevates the possibilities that these units are anticipating.
Responding to an “odor of smoke” call with no particulars isn’t a real exciting event, but hearing “box after initial” a minute into the response sends the level of attention, anticipation and preparation through the roof.
Empowered dispatch
Many times after a box is filled out, the first-due pumper or truck officer contacts the dispatcher to request the information that prompted the call. These company officers must make that request quickly, because filling out a box can make a dramatic difference in the tactical capability of the entire alarm assignment on arrival.
This process, which might be conducted by other departments and dispatchers around the United States, illustrates the vital role that informed and empowered dispatchers play in the delivery of services. However, many dispatchers aren’t empowered, which means that they can’t increase or augment the number of units that responds to an alarm.
FDNY dispatchers are authorized to increase the number of units for numerous reasons, including additional phone calls or important or unique information or conditions. The Bronx CO can dispatch a 2 & 2 assignment and a BC for a reported fire in a building from one phone call. One minute later, numerous phone calls can start to come in for flames, smoke and windows full of fire at that same address. If no fire company arrived yet and discovered the fire, the following transmission often is heard: “Bronx to the 1-8 battalion”
“1-8. Go ahead.”
“We are receiving numerous calls for this box. You now have four engines, three trucks, the squad and the rescue.”
These are civilian dispatchers, not firefighters, and they not only are trained professionally with lots of experience, but they are empowered. They are authorized by the fire department to adjust and augment the number of units that are assigned to any type of response or emergency. This ability isn’t restricted to fires. If a report indicates that the services, equipment or expertise of a Special Operations company is required, they can special call whatever unit best fulfills that need.
So, the next time that you talk to your dispatcher on the radio, remember that they, too, are a vital link in and component of the services that your department provides to your community.
