DEBRiS

Question 1

Define DEBRiS.

Answer 1

D: Decontamination of Firefighter
E: Entry and Exit of Hot zones
B: Breathing Apparatus (BA) service areas
R: Rehab/AV monitoring of Firefighters
i: Incident accountability of all personnel
S: Staging area (Firefighters/Appliances)

Question 2

Why utilise DEBRiS?

Answer 2

To bring process and structure to the warm/cold zone. The adopting of an orderly process-driven approach (DEBRiS) in the warm/cold zone will support the fireground processes already used in the hot zone.

Question 3

What are the key features of the DEBRiS model?

Answer 3

• Firefighter safety
• Accountability
• Allows for scalability

Question 4

How does the DEBRiS model allow for better accountability?

Answer 4

• More efficient return of personnel to the hot zone
• Improved firefighter sector accountability
• Integration of hot zone BA and cold zone processes
• Enhanced situational awareness for the IC
• Facilitate better management of incident resources and sectors

Better accountability in turn improves firefighter safety (location of all firefighters at the incident is known and tracked).

Question 5

What is the scalability of DEBRiS?

Answer 5

The DEBRiS model is a scalable mechanism that can be deployed for all levels of incident. The process is designed to be adaptable and to scale up as the incident ramps up and scale down as needed.

Question 6

What are the 2 steps for doffing the flash hood?

Answer 6

1. Place two hands under the inside of the hood at the back of the head.
2. Move hands slowly upwards to start removing the hood, then move hands forward over the face to finish removing the hood. Ensure the outside of the hood stays away from any skin to avoid any contact with the contaminated side.