Ch. 16 - Fighting Fires In Nursing Homes Flashcards
Far and away, what is the biggest problem with fires in nursing homes?
Life safety.
What are the four construction types prevalent in nursing homes?
- One and two story wing-style.
- Converted structures.
- Low-rise.
- High-rise.
In wing style nursing homes, the wings are attached to a central hub called what?
A commons area.
What is the main difference between fires in wing style nursing homes and new low-rise and high-rise nursing homes?
Fire along a given wing must be stopped before it reaches the hub of the building, but smoke can easily permeate and contaminate the entire structure. New low and high-rise nursing homes are very effective in retarding the passage of smoke and fire.
Why can a small fire in a trash chute be a problem?
The chute is shared by all floors and even if the fire is confined to the dumpster in the basement, smoke may spread throughout the building until responding crews can douse the flames.
What can be said about conversion nursing homes?
They can pose the most challenges and there will likely be fewer than thirty residents.
What can be said about high-rise nursing home fires?
Although feared by many fires, high-rises provide a good, safe platform from which to wage the battle, but they can produce large quantities of fire and get very hot as a result of compatmentalization. The behavioral component of the residents (mental, nonambulatory, respiratory problems, etc.) is one that you will never quite be able to predict, and will play a huge role in the final outcome.
Given the life hazard, what is the IC’s primary concern?
Manpower.
What are the four principal task at a nursing home fire?
- Put out the fire.
- Ventilate.
- Search.
- Remove the resident.
What is the fifteen minute rule?
If you can’t bring a victim out of an IDLN environment in fifteen minutes, you may as well start body recovery shortly after.
What is the rule of thumb on rescue in nursing homes?
One rescue group per victim per every two to five minutes.
As an average what is the rule of thumb on manpower neede for rescue at a nursing home fire?
If you can’t bring 26 members to the “dance”, then plan B may be in order. Defend in place. Take everything you have, put out the fire, then vent.
What will be the best means of egress?
Except for fires in the vicinity of the main entrance, usually the front door. Fires in low and high-rise buildings are usually fought using stairways and standpipes.
Why do we open up buildings (ventilate)?
- Reduce the effect of contamination on civilians.
- Reduce smoke damage.
- To make our job easier by increasing visibility.
What is the most effective way to get rid of smoke?
Open the roof.
A less favorable option is positive pressure.
Your last best choice will be an open door at the end of the hall.
