For any life safety message, calling 911 or otherwise directly reaching out to a first responder should be attempted first. Relaying the message to another radio operator who still has phone service to 911 will likely get a faster response. Use of the RFA for life/safety messages is a last resort. However, once you have reached out directly to 911, you can then send an RFA and indicate on the form whether or not the call made it to the 911 operator.
When you relay a life/safety message, via a Request for Assistance* (RFA) it may need to be relayed through more than one other station. You will want to be sure to indicate on your log that the message reached its destination. This confirmation may come back later, with its own message number coming from the intended destination. When the confirmation number comes back, highlight the original RFA message line and write in the EOC/ACS message number you received back on your 309. When reviewing your voice logs this will make it easier to see that the RFA was handled.
A Request for Information (RFI) is only used to request follow up information about a previously send RFA. It may seem that it takes a long time to receive a response to an RFI. If no response is received within a reasonable amount of time to an urgent request, then (based on the circumstances) consider transmitting another RFI form to follow up.
If your location is unsafe, you may need to shut down. Note the time and take your logs with you. When you are safe, indicate on the log the time that you shut down your station and evacuated.
Do not use the ACS-Requests for Information form for any other purpose than to follow up on a specific RFA.
Note: Requests for Assistance forms are not the focus of this Comex. Experienced operators may choose to submit an RFA if they wish, after checking in and providing SitReps.