METHANE
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METHANE & Radio Communications
METHANE is a critical, succinct message structure for passing key information up/down your chain of command and across agencies. Deliver it clearly, in plain English, and update it whenever the situation changes.
METHANE: Structure & Guidance
- M – Major incident (Declared / Standby):
- Standby if a significant event likely has casualties but none confirmed yet.
- Declared when casualties are evident (e.g., “hanging out of doors/windows”).
- E – Exact location (of the incident): Give the incident’s location (not your own). Use What3Words, GPS, OS grid, or a clear description if needed.
- T – Type of incident: 5–6 words max (e.g., “Explosion – industrial unit”, “Multi-vehicle RTC”).
- H – Hazards present/suspected: List present first, then suspected (e.g., “Glass, smoke, debris; risk of further explosion”).
- A – Access & egress: State routes in/out. If unknown, say so (e.g., “Access via John Street; egress not yet known”).
- N – Number, type, severity of casualties:
- First report: give a number (estimate is fine if labelled as such).
- Subsequent updates: include P1/P2/P3 counts and notable case mix (e.g., “predominantly paediatric”).
- Word choice matters: “Estimated figures 50” (a guess) vs “Figures 50” (counted).
- E – Emergency services present & required:
- Report which services are on scene (affects safety/cordons).
- Request what you need (own assets first: e.g., HART, Helimed, DCAs with quantities; then utilities/specialist police/rail etc.).
Sending METHANE Effectively
- Break long transmissions into two or three parts; pause to confirm (“Roger so far”). If asked to repeat, slow down.
- Use precise locations; in rural areas give clear directions if coordinates aren’t available.
- Update the message whenever the situation changes.
Clinical Handover (MIST)
For patient handover between clinicians: Mechanism, Injuries (found/suspected), Signs, Treatment given. Keep it brief.
Voice Procedure: Clarity, Accuracy, Brevity
- Clarity (RSVP): Rhythm steady; Speed slow (dictation pace); Volume normal (avoid over-modulation); Pitch slightly higher can aid intelligibility.
- Accuracy aids:
- Phonetic alphabet (NATO) for ambiguous words/names/chemicals. Introduce with “I spell…”.
- Numbers as “figures” and digit by digit: “figures 3 0”, “figures 5 0 0”.
- Long messages: Pre-warn: “Long message, over” → wait for “Go ahead long message”.
- Standard terms: Over (response required), Out (no response), Roger (received/understood), Acknowledge (confirm receipt/understanding).
- Request repeats: Use “Say again” (all/before/after/between keywords).
- Corrections: Say “Wrong”, return to last correct phrase, restate (e.g., “Estimated casualties figures 5—wrong—figures 3 0”).
- Discipline: Avoid swearing/humour/pleasantries on command nets; keep transmissions short.
Interoperability Reminders
- Share safety-critical information sideways (e.g., police declaring scene safe) as well as up/down your own chain.
- Use plain English over acronyms where possible; ensure shared understanding across services.
- If using hand signals, they must be standardised and trained across the organisation—otherwise avoid.
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