In APCO 10-codes, 10-18 means "Urgent — Use lights and siren."
This code is used by law enforcement and emergency personnel to indicate that an urgent situation is occurring that requires immediate response while utilizing emergency lights and sirens. It signifies that the responding units should proceed to the scene with increased urgency to ensure a timely response.
For example, during a radio communication, it might be used as follows:
- Officer: "I'm responding to a 10-18 request."
- Dispatch: "Copy that, proceed with lights and siren."
Using 10-18 allows for the efficient coordination of resources in situations where time is critical, ensuring that responders can navigate through traffic and reach the scene as quickly as possible.