When is a Mayday declared and how is it communicated?

• A. When a firefighter completes a rescue.
• B. When a unit reports 'Code 3'.
• C. During routine status update.
• D. When a firefighter is in immediate danger or has become trapped; communicated via radio with 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday' and location.

Answer: (D)

A Mayday is an emergency distress call used when a firefighter is in immediate danger or has become trapped. It must be spoken over the radio as “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” and it should include the caller’s location (and often unit) so responders know where to direct urgently needed help. This triggers emergency procedures: incident command activates the rapid intervention team, notifies additional resources, and prioritizes locating and rescuing the distressed firefighter while maintaining radio discipline and relaying any available details such as air status and movements. The other options describe routine actions or non-emergency signals, which do not trigger the urgent rescue protocol.