Command support at incidents - PN 541 Flashcards
Define level 1 initial command support.
Level 1 initial command support will be provided at incidents by personnel riding front line appliances.
When will the IC designate a CPO (Command Pump Operator)?
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Can a pump operator carry out the role of CPO?
The IC will designate a firefighter as CPO as soon as possible. It is recognised that this may not be possible immediately on arrival. However a CPO should be nominated as soon as resources are available.
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No
The firefighter designated as a CPO should only carry out that role and not engage in any other duties such as pump operator or breathing apparatus entry control officer.
Who oversees the designation of a suitable pump for use as ICP, and what should be avoided?
The Incident Commander is responsible for overseeing this action.
This should not be the base pump, or any pump which is involved in other pumping duties.
List the duties of a command pump officer (CPO)
- Identify a suitable pump (IC to confirm). Not pumping appliance
- Message to control - ‘E431 is the Incident Command Pump at this incident, Tactical Mode……’
- Headlights and blue beacons of the ICP remain on. Others off where safe to do so
- Don the Command Support tabard stored in the ICW, place NRB’s from appliances already on the scene in ICW.
- Enter preliminary incident details on the ICW incident information board.
- Record the declared tactical mode at the incident.
- Draw a basic line drawing of the scene of the incident.
- Receive NRB’s from oncoming appliances and senior officers. Notify IC of arrivals.
- Notify oncoming officers/crews of the requirements of the IC, recording brief details on the ICW incident information board.
- Maintain radio contact with the IC and Brigade Control.
- Continue to function as the ICP for the duration of the incident or until told to close down by the CU staff, at which point the CPO will then pass the ICW to the CU.
What are the functions of the Incident Command Pump (ICP)?
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- The ICP will be the focal point at an incident, when the CU is not in attendance. This will allow police, ambulance or other agencies to identify a location to contact the IC, or for a roll call following an evacuation of Brigade personnel.
- The ICP will provide the communications link between Brigade Control and the IC. The appliance main scheme radio must be monitored, as risk critical information may need to be passed to the IC from Brigade Control.
- Appliance commanders and senior officers are to report to the ICP, hand in their nominal roll boards and gather information on the incident and crew deployment as appropriate.
What are the functions of the Incident Command Wallet (ICW)
- The ICW provides a secure arrangement for holding nominal roll boards (NRB’s) and will be used when the ICP is established. The ICW may be positioned in any suitable location close to the ICP.
- The incident information board will be used to collate preliminary details of the incident and to brief oncoming personnel.
- The ICW will facilitate a speedy and efficient transfer of nominal roll boards and information between the ICP and the CU. The CPO will be responsible for the safe transfer of this information.
- The CPO will then swap the ICW with a spare that is held on command units (CU’s) and replace back onto the pumping appliance it was taken from (ensure the surcoat is re-stowed).
What vital information can the incident command wallet (ICW) be used to hold?
- Message pads
- Decision Logs
- Special Service forms
- HFSV paperwork/requests
What is meant by Level 2 Command Support
Dedicated command support is provided by eight CUs strategically located across the Brigade.
What communication facilities does the CU have:
- Main scheme and incident ground fixed radio systems.
- Dedicated command channel on channel two provided by an onboard radio repeater. A mobile repeater is available to provide communication facilities at incidents where radio weak spots are evident.
- A leaky feeder cable for enhancing radio communications at sub surface incidents or where communications are difficult.
- Matel field telephone and cable for point to point wired communications.
- A downlink capability to view images from the MPS helicopter.
- Message conferencing facility for all users actively logged into an incident accessed via the CSS Conferencing Screen.
List the equipment (not comms) carried on CU’s
(5)
The CU carries
- A full range of operational tabards designating command and functional roles at an incident
- A BA 2nd set carry bag
- Forward information board (FIB)
- Relief Wallet
- A set of forward information board (FIB) laminated templates.
- CU team leaders are issued with digital cameras. Photographs can be downloaded onto the CU.
What are the four defined functional areas of command support provided by the CU team?
Operations Support
Providing dedicated support to the IC at incidents giving advice on the appropriate level of command support required at an incident. Provide the IC with detail of the functionality and capability of the CU and crew.
Communications Support
Monitoring main scheme and fireground radios, drafting and sending messages authorised by the IC. Utilising the functionality of the CU to enhance incident communications.
Logistics Support
Provide the focal/rendezvous point for booking-in appliances, senior officers and other agencies attending operational incidents. Assisting in preparation and implementation of relief plans, and providing information on projected resource requirements.
Planning Support and Information Management
Utilise fully the functionality of the CU to record and display information to support the IC. Provide an enhanced pictorial representation of the incident detailing resources and operational strategies i.e. location and designation of sectors.
How are command staff are identified?
Command staff are identified by a red and white chequered tabard with the words ‘COMMAND SUPPORT’ and are only to be utilised for command support duties.
What will the CU be mobilised to:
The CU will attend incidents that are declared 3/4 pump fires and above (not 3 pump grass fires or special services ) in addition to other predetermined attendances (PDA’s) including:
- Multiple calls to fires in premises;
- Persons reported fires;
- Confirmed Hazardous Materials incidents;
- Forward mobilising procedure;
- Major incidents;
- Mass decontamination;
- Fire Survival Guidance (FSG) calls
When would an additional CU be mobilised?
At incidents of six pumps and above an additional CU will be mobilised to assist with the command support functions at the incident.
Can IC’s return the initial CU?
Incident commanders do not have the discretion to return the initial CU ordered to an incident prior to a stop message being sent. Upon arrival at an incident the CU team leader will liaise with the IC and if following an assessment by the IC it is decided that command support can be fully provided at the incident by the CPO, the CU can be released from the incident.
