Command Officer Operations Flashcards
A management tool which enables fire and rescue officers to manage efforts to mitigate any incident, whether routine or of a major disaster proportion
Incident Command System (ICS)
ICS shall be implemented with the arrival of
The first fire department officer
The ICS System provides for the following types of operations
- Single jurisdiction & Single agency
- Single jurisdiction & Multi-agency
- Multi-jurisdiction & Single agency
- Multi-jurisdiction & Multi-agency
The ICS is compromised of the following five (5) functional areas which are required to manage the resources at every incident
- Incident Commander
- Operations section
- Planning Section
- Logistics Section
- Finance / Administration Section
- Information & Intelligence Function (May be established)
The ICS is compromised of how many functional areas
5
The individual responsible for the overall management of all incident operations
Incident Commander
Responsible for all tactical operations at the incident
Operations Section
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
Responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials for the incident
Logistics Section
Responsible for all costs and financial actions of the incident to include Time Unit, Procurement Unit, Compensation/Claims Unit, and the Cost Unit
Finance/Administration Section
The analysis and sharing of information and intelligence are important elements of ICS
Information & Intelligence Function
Traditionally information and intelligence functions are located in
The Planning Section
The key to effective and efficient incident management
Span of Control
Within the ICS, the span of control of any individual with incident management supervisory responsibility should
Range from three (3) to seven (7) subordinates
The leadership position for Incident Command
Incident Commander (IC)
The leadership position for Command Staff
Officer
The leadership position for Section
Section Chief
The leadership position for Branch
Branch Director
The leadership position for Division & Groups
Supervisors
The leadership position for Unit
Unit Leader
There are how many levels of scene organization
3
Level of scene organization where IC and Command Staff operate, and are responsible for command functions
Strategic
Level of scene organization where Branch, Division, or Group Directors & Supervisors manage the tactical activities for their assigned area or function
Tactical
Level of scene organization where strategic and tactical objectives are accomplished ie. where the work is actually done
Task
When there is more than one agency with incident jurisdiction, or when incidents cross political jurisdictions
Unified Command (UC)
The major components of the ICS
- Command
- Operations
- Planning
- Logistics
- Finance/Administration
Ensures that incident goals are established, strategies are selected, planning activities are accomplished, and available resources are effectively used and tracked
IC
Must be assertive, decisive, objective, calm, and a quick thinker
IC
The ideal span of control
5 is ideal or 3-7
Command staff positions are
- Safety Officer
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
- Liaison Officer
Level organizationally between the Branch level and the IC
Section level
Consists of the IC’s Command Staff (Liaison, Safety, PIO) and the General Staff (Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration)
Incident Management Team (IMT)
The organizational level having functional or geographical responsibility
Branch Level
Level organizationally between Section and Division or Group in the Operations Section & between Sections and Units in the Logistics Section
Branch Level
When the number of divisions exceeds the recommended span-of-control for the Operations Section
A multi-branch structure should be put in place (examples fire suppression, technical rescue, EMS)
Organizational level having total responsibility for operations within a defined geographical area
Divisions
Established to divide the incident into functional areas of operations
Groups
Composed of resources assembled to perform a special function not necessarily within a single geographic division
Groups (ex. Vent Group operation on floors 7-10 of highrise)
Comprised of a set number of the same type single resources
Strike Team (ex. 5 engine companies)
May be assembled on-scene by the IC, or it may be a predetermined complement of resources that can be requested and dispatched by the communication center
Strike Team
A combination of resources
Task Force
Made up of several different companies
Task Force
An individual unit that retains its own unit identification
Single Resource (ex. E429)
Incident Command procedures shall be initiated and initial fireground communications (on-scene report, command statement, etc.) made when
When 3 or more companies are actively engaged in operational tasks
Calls that do not require formal implementation and announcement of the ICS
Routine medical calls
Who shall advise communications that the ICS is implemented by initiating fireground communication such as an on-scene report, command statement, etc
First arriving officer
What must be communicated in initial fireground communication
Physical location of the Command Post (CP)
Objective of transferring command
Is to strengthen the management function and provide increased support for operational resources
The formal transfer of command should take place by radio if
The chief officer cannot conduct a face-to-face with the initial IC
Once the chief officer confirms the location of all units operating the chief officer should
Confirm the transfer of command
Transfer of command is complete when
It is confirmed and announced
A standard system for assembling apparatus and personnel before assignment at an incident or when they are released from rehab
Staging
Units assigned to staging should be positioned to reach the incident within how long after receiving an assignment
Within 3 minutes
Who shall designate the staging area
The IC or Operations Chief
Who shall compile a log of available apparatus and personnel located in staging
Staging Manager
In the absence of a Staging Manager who shall assume the role of Staging Manager
1st engine company officer to arrive at Staging
Who should serve as Staging Managers
Engine company officers or crew members
Staging Manager should be on what channel
Command channel
Staging Manager should monitor what channel
Tactical channel
Units in staging will remain on what channel until deployed to operational areas at which time they will switch to the assigned tactical channel
Command channel
Who determines if additional resources are needed and will make the request to communications
Operations officer
The location at which the apparatus is parked and is typically implemented only on large scale, campaign-style incidents
Base
In the ICS structure Base reports to
Logistics
What is an integral part of the command process
Personnel accountability
The team must maintain contact with each other at all times by
Sight, voice, and/or touch
Is responsible for providing an organized response to the rehabilitation needs of the personnel operating on an incident
Medical Unit Leader
What unit mark on the scene verbally indicating position and function
First-alarm units
Key radio communication must take a priority are
On-scene report, water supply, & situation report
Incident strategy will fall into one of two general modes
Offensive or defensive
Used in situations requiring immediate action and commitment of resources to the fire building. This may include interior or exterior operations
Offensive mode
When operating in an offensive mode or strategy, officers must make a decision on their command position that they will be
Investigating or attacking
The officer will in most cases establish command which may not be set to one geographic area due to the unit’s actions
Investigation mode
If the situation calls for units to become operationally engaged then
The first officer will request the need for transfer of command
Essentially a ‘holding action’ used to keep the incident from spreading and protecting exposures until additional resources arrive
Defensive mode
Typically, command will not be transferred in this mode except on the arrival of the chief
Defensive mode
When transitioning from an interior offensive attack to an exterior defensive attack, the IC shall
Conduct a PAR check for the units that were in the IDLH
Refers to incident scene operations where the minimum number of firefighters (two) may enter an IDLH while a minimum number of firefighters (two) remain outside the IDLH area as the ‘stand-by team’
Two-in, two-out
The initial IC as defined by local jurisdiction is
The first-due officer
If the rescue squad or truck company happens to arrive first at the incident, the officer should consider what prior to establishing command
The arrival time of the first engine
The initial IC must be efficient in the use of their time as they will be operating on all three organization levels
Strategic, tactical, and task
To prevent a gap in command function, the command position cannot be transferred to
An officer who is not on the scene, including the battalion chief
Command may be transferred how often at the company officer level
one time
The three tasks to be accomplished on every incident
Life Safety, Incident Control, Property Conservation
Risk their lives in a calculated manner to save a life
Life safety (1st priority)
Place themselves in situations with moderate risk to save property
Incident Control (2nd priority)
Risk nothing to try and save lives or property already lost
Property Conservation (3rd priority)
The basic infrastructure for effective incident command as the incident progresses
- Voice on-scene/situation report
- Size-up and risk/benefit analysis
- Formal announcement of the establishment of command
- Identification of the overall strategy mode of operation
- Assessment and request of additional resources
- Effective tracking of tactical assignments, units, and personnel
- Transfer of command upon the arrival of a ranking officer
The foundation of incident management
Size-up
Strategic goals and tactical objective decisions are made
During size-up
The IC should set objectives at fires within the following areas by using RECEO-VS which stands for
Rescue
Exposures
Confinement
Extinguishment
Overhaul
Ventilation
Salvage
Gives the initial arriving company officer the opportunity to deliver detailed incident description
On-scene report
Should paint an image of the building type and benchmark the conditions upon arrival to the other incoming units
On-scene report
Should be concise, but provide sufficient information to incoming units to permit for proper apparatus placement and crew deployment
On-scene report
Information provided in the on-scene report should include
- Water supply information
- Unit identification and location
- Building height
- Occupancy type
- Detailed location of what is evident upon arrival
What is another name for building walk around
360° lap
The first-arriving officer shall conduct a thorough 360° lap of the structure prior to
Implementing interior firefighting tactics
If situations occur where the 360° is not able to be completed due to reported life hazard or size of the structure the officer shall
Transmit identifying the need to bypass the delivery of this report from Side Charlie to the responding Command Officer
The initial arriving officer will compile all of the information gathered through the pre-incident, pre-arrival, on-scene, and 360° lap to form a
Situation Report
Responsibility to notify command of any pertinent information or unsafe conditions that have not yet been reported
All officers and members
Radio reports that provide information on the evolution of an incident
Progress report
Should represent a “picture” of the activities underway and the degree of success of the operation
Progress report
Acronym CAN
Conditions
Actions
Needs
The first progress report to the respective dispatch center should be given at approximately how long into an operation
10 minutes
Subsequent progress reports should be given
After each PAR check
If the overall strategic mode has changed
The format for the first progress report should be repeated
Shall only be given on the command channel once that channel is established
All progress reports
Are given at least every 10 minutes or more frequently as necessary
Progressive reports
Common terminology is a founding principle of ICS and as such identifiers for the designation of building sides, quadrants, and exposures use the
Phonetic alphabet
The side of the building which is utilized as the building address
Side Alpha
The left side of the building when facing Side Alpha
Side Bravo
The opposite side of Side Alpha
Side Charlie
The right side of the building when facing Side Alpha
Side Delta
In those situations where the building location or configuration is unusual, the officer shall designate the sides of the building
Using a landmark (ex. parking lot, swimming pool, etc.)
To maintain clarity denote the corner by using
the intersection of the two building sides
The interior of the building shall be divided into
Quadrants
The wings of the building may be broken down into
Quadrants or sections
When referring to an exterior exposure, the exposure closest to the
Fire building side shall be used to identify the exposure
A position assigned to the Command Post and is a subordinate of the Incident Command
Deputy IC
The term identifies a structure no longer being legally utilized
Abandoned
The term identifies a viable structure having no contents or activity, empty, having no tenant and devoid of furniture or fixtures
Vacant
Signs and symptoms that help you make a correct diagnosis
Cues
Recommended equipment for personal safety equipment should include
Full PPE
SCBA
Portable radio
Hand light
Cell phone (if available)
A tactical commander has how many primary responsibilities
6
A tactical commander has six primary responsibilities
- Safety and accountability of the crews operating under their command
- Continuous size-up of the tactical assignment
- Provide close supervison, direction and coordination
- Continuous evaluation of operational effectiveness
- Monitoring overall ongoing incident progress (this may require monitoring a different radio channel)
- Update next level of supervision with regular progress reports
In order to effectively fulfill the role of tactical commander, this officer will often need to
Make a face-to-face contact with the units operating under their command and personally observe the situation
Are responsible for accounting for all units assigned to them
Tactical commanders
A critical benchmark is
The 10-minute event timer notification
Under most circumstances, the location of the command post generally shall be in a position where
The IC can see the fire building or incident scene
The command aide has primary responsibility in support of the IC in three functional areas
- Resource Status
- Situation Status
- Command Post Communications
A major responsibility of the command aide is
Proper tracking and accountability of personnel
The command aide will advise the IC as units become engaged and the remaining staged resources
Are depleted
Who requests, sets up, and communicates on the command channel
Command Aide
Unit and intermediate command positions and assignments would be tracked on the
Organizational Chart
A list of tactical and support considerations is denoted
On the left of the chart
In cases where a second alarm is transmitted, prior to the arrival of the first chief and formation of the command post, the command channel
Shall be assigned and announced to the 2nd alarm units
All greater alarm units shall monitor
Both the tactical and the command channels
The first-due engine on the 2nd alarm is still responsible for
Establishing a staging area unless the IC assigns that unit directly to a tactical assignment
A general sketch of the incident site and building(s) should be drawn and include
Unit placement
Hydrants
Standpipe connections
Supply line
Hoseline layouts
Other pertinent information
A comprehensive list of ICS vests needed for a larger scale incident or campaign can be found in NFPA
1561
What should be used to identify the command post
A green light or flags
Enhance the safety of firefighters operating on emergency incidents by providing the Incident Commander with a system to track the number of members and their areas of operation
Accountability procedures
The Personnel Accountability System is initiated
When the first unit arrives on the scene and continues until the IC determines it is no longer necessary
Accountability procedures shall be
Strictly followed
An inspection of the accountability system components shall be included in the
Daily check of all apparatus
Each member shall be issued how many nametags
6
Nametags are color-coded. Any officer who is certified to enter an IDLH environment
White/Black letters
Nametags are color-coded. EMS certified personnel who are not certified to enter an IDLH environment
Blue/White letters
Nametags are color-coded. Any member (FF,D/O, Tech, etc.) who is certified to enter an IDLH environment
Yellow/Black letters
Nametags are color-coded. Members who are not certified EMS, fire, or not certified to enter an IDLH environment (Recruits, red hats, etc.)
Red/White letters
Members shall store their nametags
Under the brims of their helmets when not in use
Shall be placed on each passport as well as each unit roster
White unit designator
The unit designator is the same size as
the nametag
Command vehicles shall also carry a supply of unit designators for
all NOVA fire and EMS vehicles
Helmet shield identifier for Engine
Red
Crew red background with white numbers
Officer white background with red numbers
Helmet shield identifier for Truck
Green
Crew green background with white numbers
Officer white background with green numbers
Helmet shield identifier for Rescue
Black
Crew black background with white numbers
Officer white background with black numbers
Helmet shield identifier for Medic/Ambulance
Blue
Crew blue background with white numbers
Officer white background with blue numbers
Helmet shield identifier for FMO, Safety, Ops, TRNG, Support staff
Yellow
non-officers yellow background with white letters
Officer white background with yellow letters
All support staff will have yellow background with white letters
Helmet shield identifier for Chief Officers
White background with gold numbers/letters
The primary passport will be constructed of Velcro what size
2 inch x 4 inch
The primary passport will have
1 removable and 1 permanently affixed unit designator tag
The nametags of members who normally will be remaining outside the hazard are, such as vehicle drivers, shall be placed
Upside-down on the passport
Companies that also carry a second passport with the unit designator will have following it a
X (x-ray)
When a company splits into two teams to work in two distinctly separate areas or function in the IDLH who is notified
Command must be notified and approve the request
The team using the X passport shall use the term
X-ray when communicating by radio
Unit rosters shall be 2-inch by 4-inch pieces of Velcro that is attached to
Either the dash or the officer’s door of every unit
Where will the drop off location for all passports of units not engaged in operations prior to the arrival of the chief officer
Command Post
The passports for the units engaged prior to the chief’s arrival will be
Collected by a unit or personnel (i.e. runner) assigned by the IC
Shall be implemented on all emergency incidents when members are operating in an IDLH, hazardous area, when using SCBA, or at the discretion of the IC
Personnel Accountability System
Shall be attached to the top of the Unit Roster and Passport underneath the unit designator
Unit officer’s nametag
Is responsible for ensuring the passports are collected from the on-scene apparatus or from the designated drop-off point
IC
When units must enter a hazardous area remote from the initial passport drop-off point, unit officers shall place their passports
On the driver’s door of the first unit at the remote entry point
The tracking of those units at a remote entry point shall become the responsibility of
The IC until a division/group is in place
Is coordinated with specific direction on the relocation of units and their equipment, operating from an area deemed untenable, to a specific area deemed safe to continue operations
A withdrawal
The IC shall conduct a PAR check for the units that were in the IDLH to
Confirm units withdrew appropriately
Immediately after the general announcement for an Emergency Evacuation the dispatch center shall activate the evacuation signal
For 15 seconds
Simultaneously, while the evacuation signal is being transmitted, all staffed apparatus operating in the immediate area shall sound the air horns continuously
For 15 seconds
Personnel shall not re-enter the structure or evacuated area until
Given the all clear signal from the command post
To ensure the safety of members, the dispatch center will announce the duration of the incident
Every 10 minutes
The even timer will be started
When the first unit arrives on the incident scene
The timer announcement shall be made on
The command channel once that channel is operational
The IC shall determine the welfare of all members operating in the IDLH environment at
The first 20-minute PAR check, and at every 20-minute interval thereafter
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 when
40 minutes into the incident & at every 40-minute thereafter
If the Incident Commander is attempting to address another situation on the incident scene, the PAR check is to be assigned to
Another resource to be completed
For a PAR check the unit officer shall report
- Their status
- The area in which they are operating
- Indicate the number of crew members operating in the IDLH
- If crew members are operating outside the IDLH this shall also be identified in the report
Who must report which units are operating under their command
Divisions & groups
The Safety Channel throughout Northern Virginia is
“O”
If any units were not accounted for during the PAR check shall be recalled and done on
The assigned tactical channel as well as on the Safety Channel “O”
If there is no success in contacting the missing unit(s)
The RIT shall immediately be deployed
During a PAR check an unaccounted member or crew shall
Not stop the PAR check from other elements of the command structure and PAR check must continue
All units operating in the command structure shall
Maintain their current positions and assignments unless otherwise directed
The IC may initiate a PAR check to check the status of members at
Any time they deem necessary
IC MUST initiate PAR check
- Report of a member or crew missing or trapped
- When a unit/crew cannot be contacted in the IDLH after 3 consecutive attempts at radio contact
- Sudden hazardous change on the incident scene
- Incident conditions deteriorate to a point that evacuation is ordered
- A change from an offensive to a defensive mode
When a withdrawal is ordered and units are directed to report to another area - When the incident is declared under control
The nametags shall be considered an issued item of
personal protective equipment
Each member’s nametags shall be inspected when
The member’s personal protective equipment is inspected
When functioning in a IDLH environment fire department members shall always operate
As a crew of two or more people
A minimum crew shall be considered
Two people and a portable radio
No one shall operate alone in the IDLH unless to perform
A life-saving measure such as VEIS
No crew shall operate without
A portable radio
Members operating as a crew shall be in contact with the crew “leader” by
Voice, touch, sight
