Command Manual Flashcards
Responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and
use of information about the development of the incident as well as the status of
resources.
Planning Section
There are normally three command staff positions, they are?
Safety Officer, Public Information Officer and Liaison Officer
The organizational levels having total responsibility for operations within a
defined geographic area.
Division
Organizational levels composed of resources assembled to perform a special function not necessarily within a single geographic division.
Group
When activated, the service branch director is under the supervision of whom?
Logistics Section Chief
Units assigned to staging should be positioned to reach the incident within_____minutes
of receiving an assignment.
3
Units in staging will remain on the_______channel until deployed to
operational areas:
Command channel
Unit officers shall report to their designated supervisor when assignment is completed, unable to complete an assignment, there is a safety problem, and:
Additional resources are required to complete assignment
________enacted legislation that establishes parameters for minimum staffing levels during initial firefighting operations.
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Commission
________ is the foundation of incident management:
Size-up
What does the second “E” in RECEO stand for?
Extinguishment
_________ shall be given prime consideration on every incident.
Safety and accountability of personnel
The first progress report should be given at approximately _____ minutes into an operation.
10
The interior of buildings shall be divided into quadrants, starting at the:
Left front of the building
The Command Aide has primary responsibility in support of the IC in three functional
areas: Resource Status, Situation Status, and:
Command Post Communications
A______llight or flags should be used to identify the Command Post.
Green
Within the ICS, the span of control of any individual with incident management supervisory
responsibility should range from______, with______ being ideal:
3-7, 5
A ____ is comprised of a set number of the same type of single resources.
Strike Team
The ____________ is responsible for providing an organized response to the
rehabilitation needs of the personnel operating on an incident.
Medical Unit Leader
Incident Command procedures shall be initiated and initial fireground communications made when ____ or more companies are investigating an incident or actively engaged in operational tasks.
3
The staging manager reports to the _____ chief, while Base reports to __.
Operations, Logistics
When transitioning from an interior offensive attack to an exterior defensive attack, the IC shall conduct a ________ for the units that were in the IDLH.
PAR Check
What does the “C” in RECEO stand for according to the Command Officer Operations manual?
Confinement
In cases where a second alarm has been transmitted, the ___ channel shall be assigned when the additional alarm has been transmitted.
Command
The event timer begins when ___.
The first unit arrives on the incident scene
Par checks occur every _ minutes.
20
A minimum crew shall be considered ___.
Two people and a portable radio
______ minutes into the incident, all members on the incident scene, including those operating in non-IDLH areas, will be PAR checked by the appropriate division supervisor or incident commander.
40
All progress reports should only be given on the______channel, and are given at least every ______ minutes:
Command, 10
The ________ will be constructed of Velcro 2”x4” with removable and one permanently affixed unit designator tag
Primary Passport
The dispatch center shall activate the evacuation signal for ___________.
15 seconds
When the 1st engine advises the need to transfer command and the Chief will be delayed, he will likely assign command to _____.
A later arriving engine officer
______ is a function on a fire ground, or other incident, that is assigned to provide close supervision and direction to a group of companies assigned to a particular function or area.
Tactical Command
The _____ shall be used to designate building sides/areas?
International Phonetic Alphabet
ICS defines three levels of scene organization as:
Strategic, Tactical, Task.
The Branch Level is the organizational level having:
Functional or geographical responsibility.
Incident Command Systems hierarchy is:
Incident Command, Section, Branch, Division or Group, Strike Team/Task Force/ Single Unit.
_______ is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information about the development of the incident as well as the status of resources.
Planning section
______ is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials for the incident.
Logistics sections
Traditionally, information and intelligence functions are located in the:
Planning section
When transitioning from an interior offensive attack to an exterior defensive attack, the IC shall conduct a ____________ for the units that were in the IDLH.
A PAR check
What does the first E in RECEO stand for?
Exposures
Wings of a building can be identified as Quadrants or:
Sectors
The aide to the tactical commander should carry a _____ for team safety.
Forcible entry tool
Every fire department member shall be issued ____ nametags.
6
When units must enter a hazardous area, or presumed hazardous area, remote from the initial passport drop-off point, unit officers shall place their passports on the:.
1st Engine Drivers Door
Command may be transferred only_____at the company officer level
Once
The second priority at every incident is:
Incident control
The ________ name tag shall be attached to the top of the Unit Roster and Passport, underneath the unit designator.
Unit Officer’s
The event timer will be started when:
The first unit arrives on the incident scene
A helmet identifier with white background and yellow letters identifies:
FMO, Safety, OPS, TRNG, and support staff
A helmet identifier with gold letters/numbers identifies:
Chief officers
Members shall store their name tags_______when not in use?
Under the brims of their helmets
A written______ provides a coherent means of communicating the overall incident objectives in the contexts of operational and support activities?
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
When there is more than one agency with incident jurisdiction, or when incidents cross political jurisdictions, __________ is required.
Unified Command
The level of scene organization that includes IC and Command Staff operate, and are responsible for command functions.
Strategic
The level of scene organization that includes Branch, Division, or Group directors and supervisors manage the tactical activities for their assigned area or function, (i.e., responsible for a piece of the incident.)
Tactical
The level of scene organization that includes the level where strategic and tactical objectives are accomplished, (i.e., where the work actually is done. Fire companies rescue victims, put out the fire, and protect the customer’s property.)
Task
Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration Sections are referred to as the __________.
General Staff
The _______ level is organizationally between the Branch level and the IC.
Section
Responsible for all costs and financial actions of the incident. Includes: Time Unit, Procurement Unit, Compensation/Claims Unit, and the Cost Unit:
Finance/Administration
What does ICS common terminology encompass?
Organizational functions, resource descriptions, incident facilities. Pg 3
What is the objective of transferring command?
To strengthen the management function and provide increased support for operational resources. Pg 18
What is an emergency evacuation?
An immediate evacuation from an unsafe structure
What are the primary goals of all major ICS component functions?
Save lives and protect property, reduce duplication of effort and resources, increase interjurisdictional flexibility and capabilities, provide a predictable coordinated effective and acceptable response to emergencies, provide for ongoing safety accountability and welfare of personnel. Pg 4
What roles remain command functions at all times?
Safety, liaison, and public information. Pg 5
What are the organizational elements of incident command?
Incident command, command staff, section, branch, division and groups, unit. Pg 6
What are the leadership positions called in ICS associated with the organizational elements?
Incident commander, officer, section chief, branch director, division/ group supervisors, unit leader. Pg 6
What are the levels of scene organization?
Strategic (command staff), tactical (branch, division, etc), task (operational personnel). Pg 6
What are the major components of the ICS general staff?
Command, operations, planning, logistics and finance/administration. Pg 7
What are the major responsibilities for the IC?
Establish command in incident command post, Protect life and property, develop and apply strategies and tactics, command and control of personnel and equipment resources,maintain accountability and task accomplishment, establish and maintain RIT, establish and maintain effective liaison with outside agencies. Pg 9
What is important to remember for the majority of incidents regarding ICS?
Should be built from the bottom up. Only implement the elements that are necessary to maintain span of control. Pg 9
What sections are under the IC?
Operations, planning, logistics, finance administration. Pg 12
What does the incident management team (IMT) consist of?
The ICs command staff (Liaison, Safety, PIO)
general staff (section chiefs-Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/administration). Pg 11
Which sections of ICS have branches next in the flow chart?
Operations and logistics. Pg 12
When should more branches be created?
Created to maintain the span of control, 3-7 (5 ideal). Pg 13
What are divisions and groups primary responsibility?
Achieving tactical objectives. Pg 14.
What factors should be considered when determining the need for divisions or groups?
Situation has potential for growing, multiple companies are operating in tactical positions where only one line of communication to the ic is necessary, when companies are involved in complex operations, when the situation is hazardous in close control of operating resources is needed. Pg 14
A combination of different types of resources. Pg 15
What is a task force?
When shall Incident command procedures be initiated and fireground communications be made?
When three or more companies are actively engaged in operational tasks. Pg 17
Who maintains its own unit identification in ICS?
Single resource. Pg 15
What should be considered when establishing a command post?
Must name the physical location of the command post and the name must reflect the geographical location, the name does not change at any time, there’s a clear view of the incident scene. Pg 18
How should command be transferred?
Should be face to face, but may take place via radio. Chief officer should confirm the location of all units operating especially within the idlh. Pg 18
Prior to assuming command what information should be obtained from the initial IC?
What was the situation, current situation, strategy and tactics, status of primary search, what units are committed and where, units available. Pg 19
When will the first arriving officer advise the chief of need to transfer command?
When the initial actions call for an offensive attack. Pg 19.
When is transfer of command complete?
When it is confirmed and announced. Pg 19
What is one of the first responsibilities of the IC at an emergency incident?
Identify the need for and request additional resources. Pg 19
If there is no staging manager, who shall assume the role?
The first engine officer to arrive at the staging area. Not a specialty officer due to the limited number. Pg 20
What station shall the staging manager remain on?
Command channels while also monitoring the tactical channel. Pg 20
What stations shall units in staging monitor?
Command station, and switch over the tactical when assigned. Pg 20
How should the staging manager organize units?
By function parked in an orderly fashion (i.e. engines, medics, trucks, rescues). Diagonal along one side of the street for easy egress if possible. Pg 20
Who must the staffing manager maintain communications with to determine unit availability?
Medical unit performing rehab. Pg 20
What is Base and who does Base report to?
The location where apparatus park on large scale incidents reporting to logistics. Pg 21.
What shall the unit assigned a RIT do when arriving on scene?
Announce on the tactical channel their arrival and confirm their assisgnment/location. IC should echo the RIT announcement. Pg 21
How shall personnel involved in operations in the IDLH operate?
As a team in contact at all times by sight, voice, and or touch. Each team member should have a portable radio. Pg 21
When should unit officers report to their designated supervisor?
When assignment is completed, unable to complete assignment, safety problem, additional resources required to complete assignment. Pg 22
Who is responsible for rehab?
Medical unit leader. Pg 22
How should first alarm units mark on scene?
Mark on scene verbally indicating position in function based on nova operating manuals. Pg 23
Who assigns rehabilitated crews to staging?
Rehab manager. Pg 22
Who reports to the liaison command officer?
Representatives from assisting or cooperating agencies. Pg 23
How should a unit add to a box alarm?
Make a request to the responding command officer on the incident channel with their intentions and give their location they are responding from and where they anticipate arriving in the run order. Pg 23
How should you add to other types of incidents, typically local alarms?
Advise the responding unit on the incident channel of your intentions and determine their location to see who is closer. Pg 24
What are generally the two strategic modes?
Offensive and defensive. Pg 24
What are the command positions under offensive mode?
Investigating or attacking. Pg 24
What should a command officer do while enroute if improper or unclear strategies and tactics are being communicated by the IC?
Not assume command but directly recommend key prompts or actions. Pg 25
What must happen when transitioning from an interior offensive attack to exterior defensive attack?
IC shall conduct a PAR check. Shall be completed prior to use of master streams. Pg 24
What should the company officer placed in command position do with the balance of his crew?
Assign a crew leader. May be assigned to additional hose line, or to assist officer with command post functions, or assign under the supervisor of the initial attack line. Pg 27
How many times may command be transferred at the company level?
Once pg 28
What shall the second due engine do if command has not been established when they arrive on scene?
Contact the chief to clarify the command assignment. Pg 28
What are the priorities of a risk benefit analysis?
In order: Life Safety, incident control, property conservation pg 28
What actions establish the basic infrastructure for effective incident command?
On scene/situation report, size up and risk benefit analysis, formal announcement of establishment of command, identification of overall strategy (mode of operation), Assessment and request of additional resources, effective tracking, transfer of command to ranking officer. Pg 28
What information should be provided in the on scene report?
Water supply, unit identification and location, building height, occupancy type, detailed location of what is evident upon arrival. Pg 30
When can the 360° lap be bypassed and what should be done when it happens?
When there’s a reported life hazard or a large structure that prohibits the physical lap. A radio report should be transmitted to the responding command officer. Pg 30
What are the elements of the 360° lap?
Elevation front versus rear, Basement/access, location of fire, label the floors, hazards observed, exposures, occupant status, access/egress points Pg 30
What does the initial IC use the situation report for?
To identify the initial strategy and tactical tasks. Pg 31
How often and what channel are progress reports given?
First report at 10 minutes, subsequent reports at each PAR check, at least every ten minutes, on the command channel when established. Pg 31
What is the international phonic alphabet?
Alpha, bravo, Charlie, Delta, echo, foxtrot, golf, hotel, India, Juliet, kilo, lima, Mike, November, Oscar, papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, tango, uniform, Victor, whiskey, x-ray, Yankee, Zulu. Pg 32
What shall be done if the entrance is not on side alpha?
It should be noted in the radio report which side it is on. Pg 32
How should building side be denoted if the building location or configuration is unusual?
Using landmarks i.e. parking lot, swimming pool, etc. Pg 32
How are building subfloors designated?
By the actual name i.e. basement, mezzanine, P1, P2. Pg 35
What is abandoned versus vacant?
Structures no longer being legally utilized (no utilities, in disrepair, boarded windows and doors) versus viable structure with no contents or occupants. Pg 37
When is a tactical command utilized i.e. group or division?
For close supervision near the operation for enhanced command and to reduce span of control, enhance level of safety, and provide ongoing tactical size up for specific area or task. Pg 38
What are the primary responsibilities of a tactical commander?
Safety and accountability of crews, continuous size up or tactical assignment, close supervision, direction, and coordination, continuous evaluation of operational effectiveness, monitoring progress, update that IC with regular progress reports pg 40
How should tactical command communicate with unit officers operating under them?
Face to face as much as possible. Pg 40
What information should be given to the command officer while transferring command?
What was the situation, current situation, strategy and tactics, status of the primary search, what units are committed and where they are committed, units available. Pg 43
What is the preferred location for command post?
Stationary command post located at battalion chief vehicle with a view of the structure, using mobile radios. Pg 44
The command aide has primary responsibility in support of the IC in what three functional areas?
Resource status/accountability , situation status, command post communications. Pg 45
Who requests, sets up, and communicates on the command channel?
Command aide. Pg 46
When does a higher ranking chief officer consider assuming command?
When the incident is still escalating upon arrival, high profile incidence, poor command presence, improper strategy and tactics being used, poorly managed, no accountability being maintained. Pg 47
Who is responsible for establishing staging area?
First due engine on the second alarm or the first engine to arrive at the staging area. Pg 50
How should the IC be identified on scene?
By the ICS vest. Pg 51
Where can the ICS vest complement be found?
Senior command vehicles i.e. Operations deputy chief, command units, P.O.D.’s or support vehicles. Pg 52
What is the minimum complement of ICS vests?
Incident commander, deputy incident commander, command aide, branch directors, division/group supervisor, PIO, safety officer, staging and base officer, water supply group supervisor, RIT group supervisor, EMS branch.
What should be used to identify the command post?
A green light or flags. Page 52
How many PAR nametags are you issued and where should they be stored when not in use?
Six. Under the brim of your helmet. Pg 53
What information shall be on a PAR name tag?
First initial, last name, jurisdiction, and star of life for ALS members. Pg 53
What is the construction of the primary passport?
2x4 Velcro with one removable and one permanently affixed unit designator. Pg 54
What must happen for a crew to X-ray?
Command must be notified and approve the request . Pg 55
When shall the personnel accountability system be implemented?
All emergency incidents when members are in an IDLH, hazardous area, using SCBA, or at the IC’s discretion. Pg 55
When units must enter a hazardous area remote from the initial passport drop off point, where shall they place their passports.
Officer shall place the passport on driver’s door of first unit at the remote entry point Pg 56
Relocation of units operating in an area seems to be untenable to a safe location. Such as a temporary loss of water supply. Pg 56
What is a withdrawal?
When shall PAR checks take place?
For all members operating in the IDLH at the 20 minute mark, and at every 20 minute interval thereafter. 40 minutes into the incident, all members on scene, including those not in the IDLH, will be PAR checked and this will be repeated every 40 minutes. pg 58
How should divisions and groups conduct PAR checks?
Face to face as much as possible. Pg 58
What if a member/unit is unaccounted for in a PAR check?
IC will try to make contact against through group/division. If not found, RIT is deployed. All units operating in the command structure shall maintain their position/assignment unless otherwise directed. PAR check must continue. Pg 59
When MUST a PAR check be completed?
Missing or tapped person, unit cannot be contacted in IDLH after three attempts, sudden hazardous change or deteriorating conditions, change from offensive to defensive, when withdrawal is ordered, when incident is declared under control. Pg 59
When can a member operate alone in an IDLH?
Only to perform a life-saving measure i.e. VEIS pg 60
When is the event timer started?
When the first unit arrives on scene. Pg 58
Branches will be named to reflect what?
There operational objective or geographic area of responsibility. Page 13
Branch directors are responsible for achieving _____ objective assigned by that branch?
Tactical
What are the key considerations when sizing up an incident?
What are the safety considerations?
What operating mode will typically be used on an abandoned structure?
Exterior defensive operations. Page 37
The aide to a tactical commander should carry what for team safety?
Forcible entry tool. Page 39
The process of gaining information for decision making is known as ______
Size-up. Pg 41
What are the three functional areas a command aid has primary responsibility for?
Command post Communications.
How many different colors are ICS vests?
- Pg 52
What information shall the unit officer communicate in the PAR check?
Status, area operating, number of crew in the IDLH and number outside. Pg 58
If a crew member is unaccounted foot in a par check, how will he be recalled?
On the tactical channel and safety channel. If no contact, RIT is deployed. Pg 59
What actions set the basis for effective Incident Command
On scene report, effective size-up and risk/benefit analysis, situation report, establish or request transfer of command, assess and request additional resources, effective tracking of tactical assignments/units/personnel, transition of command pg 43
Tasks required to fulfill aide functions?
Determine/track status of resources and assigned personnel, additional resources, monitor tactical channel, manage command channel communications, provide progress reports, monitor secondary tactical channels, logistical needs, brief incoming chief officers pg 45
The incident command boards allow for what?
Tracking of serources, notation of operational tasks (water supply, first hoseline, search), patients, benchmarks for maintaining awareness of air supply and PAR checks, rapid transfer of information from initial IC. PG 50
Where can a comprehensive list of ICS vests needed for a larger scale incident be found?
NFPA 1561 pg 52
What should the first progress report include?
Contact controlling comms center, confirm the address/location of incident, committment of resources, hazard, describe building/involved area, define strategic mode, status of search, extent of involvement/hazard, description of major tactical operations,
