Engine Company Ops Flashcards

1
Q

What is a “well-hole”?

A

The space between both handrails in a stairwell and allows engine companies to achieve maximum length of the hose

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2
Q

When is it acceptable to use a “well-hole”?

A

If a firefighter’s fist does not touch either handrail

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3
Q

What is the classical decision making method?

A

A step-by-step logical sequence that the decsion-maker uses to reach the best decision. The process includes analyzing the situation, identifying the problem, developing solutions to the problem, weighing the advantages, disadvantages, and the risks and benefits of each option, and finally choosing the option that best solves the problem

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4
Q

What is the naturalistic decision making method?

A

An intuitive reaction to a problem. In this process, the decision maker recognizes sights, sounds, smells, and other sensory cues that trigger the memory of similar situations the decision maker has experienced or learned in the past. Actions are chosen quickly based on previous actions that successfully addressed those past situations. This method is also known as Recognition Primed Decision Making (RPDM)

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5
Q

What three categories does fire service training fall into?

A

Self-study training, company training, and multi-unit training

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6
Q

How often should companies attempt to conduct a walk-thru?

A

At least once a tour

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7
Q

When preplanning buildings besides SFD it is important to determine position for at least…?

A

First two engines and first truck

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8
Q

How much faster do todays fire burn than those of 20 years ago?

A

10x

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9
Q

What stage of fire do backdraft conditions typically exist?

A

Decay stage

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10
Q

Stratification?

A

Layering of smoke and gas clouds

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11
Q

Pyrolysis

A

As solid fuels are heated, combustible gases are driven from the substance–this process is known as pyrolysis

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12
Q

Four stages of fire?

A

1) incipient stage
2) growth stage
3) fully developed stage
4) decay stage

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13
Q

The growth stage is impacted by several variables which are:

A
  • Combustible content
  • O2 supply
  • Room size
  • Insulating qualities of the compartment
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14
Q

Warning signs of a backdraft include?

A
  • heavy dense smoke with no visible flame in a tightly closed occupancy
  • black smoke pushing around closed doors or window frames
  • glass stained with smoke condensation and pulsating from the pressure of the fire
  • reversal of air movement pulling smoke back into a building through a doorway
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15
Q

Heat Release Rate (HHR)

A

the amount of energy released over time

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16
Q

HHR combined with uncoordinated ventilation may equal?

A

Early flashover

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17
Q

What percentage of the window opening should be filled with a fog stream while hydraulically ventilating?

A

80%

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18
Q

How far away from the window should the nozzle be when hydraulically ventilating?

A

2’

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19
Q

What are the fire ground principles of smoke?

A
  • Smoke is potential fuel
  • Smoke density and color together are an indicator of the flammability
  • velocity and pressure are indicators of heat and flow path
  • volume is an indicator of fire intensity
  • all of the above indicators form an incident profile regarding the location, status and extent of the fire
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20
Q

What colors are normally seen in smoke?

A
  • White
  • White/grey
  • Grey
  • Grey/black or brown
  • Black or brown
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21
Q

What does white colored smoke mean?

A

Moisture or early stage incipient class A fire, this smoke is too lean to contribute to fuel load

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22
Q

What does white/grey smoke mean?

A

Indicates moisture or early stage incipient class A fire. This smoke is too lean to contribute to fuel load.

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23
Q

What does grey smoke mean?

A

Early stage incipient/free burning fire with Class A and B fuel sources. This smoke is possibly reaching the LEL level.

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24
Q

What does grey/black or brown smoke mean?

A

Fully developed fire with Class A and B fuel sources that is most likely ventilation-limited. This smoke is in the flammable range and subject to burn if heat is available.

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25
Q

What does black/brown smoke mean?

A

Fully developed or decaying stage fire that is extremely ventilation-limited. This smoke is typically too rich to burn.

26
Q

What difference does black vs brown smoke have?

A

Typically behaves the same regarding flammability but is an indicator of a different type of fuel source.

27
Q

RECEOVS?

A
R-Rescue
E-Exposure
C-Confinement
E-Extinguishment
O-Overhaul
V-Ventilation
S-Salvage
28
Q

What does a size up include?

A
  • Pre-incident (know what needs to be on a pre-plan, barriers, layouts, etc.)
  • Pre-arrival
  • On-scene report
  • 360 lap or walk around
  • situation report
  • interior size up
  • ongoing size up
29
Q

Pre-Incident Size Up

A

Pre-incident planning is paramount to successful fireground operations. Knowing preplan items will expedite fireground operations.

30
Q

Pre-Arrival Size-Up

A

Considerations such as: occupancy type, time of day, class of construction, weather conditions, and water supply access.

31
Q

On-Scene Report

A

Should paint an image of the building type and conditions upon arrival. Should be concise, but provide information such as: position of first arriving apparatus (side of building) what is evident upon arrival, occupancy type and exposure concerns.

32
Q

When is not completing a 360 allowed?

A

When physical barriers make it impractical–then it must be assigned to another unit and interior tactics shall not commence until a report from C is received, or if the officer identifies the need or immediate interior firefighting actions, a radio report shall be transmitted identifying the need to bypass the c-side size up

33
Q

Situation Report

A

First arriving officer will compile all info that was gathered through the pre-incident, pre-arrival, on-scene and 360 lap size up and relay to units either on the scene or still responding. It will dictate the actions necessary to bring together responding units and design a plan of action

34
Q

What does an Interior Size Up include?

A
  • amount of fire
  • interior building layout
  • location of victims
  • hazards encountered
  • positioning of hoselines
  • prioritization of areas of search
35
Q

Ongoing Size Up

A

IC needs to know: progression of fire extinguishment, number of victims, progress of removal, status of the building, and the need for additional resources

36
Q

What are some interior indicators of fire?

A
  • Smoke Levels
  • Movement of Smoke
  • Smoke Lift
  • Listen
37
Q

What two categories are the primary threats to safety on the fireground?

A
  • Advanced fire conditions

- Collapse Potential

38
Q

What are five questions to assist with risk assessment?

A

1) What is the life hazard?
2) What are the fire conditions?
3) What is the potential of victim survival or the victim survivability profile?
4) What is the structural stability and potential for collapse?
5) Do I have adequate resources to make a positive impact on the incident?

39
Q

Victim Survivability Profiling (VSP)

A

Core concept of VSP is that firefighters have to conduct a thorough size up of a structure fire to determine the likelihood of a victim’s potential to be rescued

40
Q

What are the factors that must be understood regarding the physiology of the human body to conduct VSP?

A
  • NFPA suggests that the upper range of temperature tenability for humans is around 212.
  • CO is the primary cause of fire-related death–at 200,000ppm human body is rendered unconscious with 4-12 seconds with death following shortly after
  • Less that 10% 02 results in death rapidly
41
Q

Does a close door significantly increase the chance of survival?

A

Yes

42
Q

What is a tactical withdrawal?

A

Coordinated and specific relocation of units and their equipment operating from an area deemed untenable to a specific area deemed safe to continue operations

43
Q

How does an emergency evacuation differ from a tactical withdrawal?

A

Has a higher degree of urgency

44
Q

When exiting the structure in a tactical withdrawal in what order do engine companies exit the structure?

A

From the top down assuring all other working crews accompany them in a controlled fashion.

45
Q

Can a blitz attack be used on a fire with known victims?

A

Yes, however their location should be known to prevent further injury from the master stream and its effects.

46
Q

How long should the stream flow on a blitz attack?

A

Only long enough to darken down the fire so interior lines can be advanced.

47
Q

What is the expansion of water to steam ratio at 212 degrees?

A

1:1700

48
Q

Direct Attack?

A

Crew advances to the fire area and uses a straight or solid stream applied directly onto the burning materials.

49
Q

Indirect Attack?

A

Crew attacks the fire from a doorway, window or other protected area not entering the fire area. A narrow to wide fog steam is directed into the fire room or area. Must not be used in areas where victims may be located or firefighters are operating.

50
Q

Combination Attack?

A

Uses both direct and indirect attack, a narrow fog uses in a T, Z, or O pattern. Must not be used in areas where victims may be located or firefighters operating.

51
Q

How far does the quick attack monitors reach at smooth bore/straight stream, medium fog and wide fog?

A

185’, 50’, and 25’

52
Q

Define setback?

A

The distance from the engine company to the entrance of the fire building

53
Q

How far are parking spaces spaced apart in the typical garden apartment and strip shopping center?

A

10’

54
Q

How far are telephone poles typically spaced on a residential street?

A

75’

55
Q

Define the mnemonic ADULTS as it pertains to 2 1/2 line selction?

A
A- Advanced fire condtions
D- Defensive operations
U- Unknown fire location
L- Large open area
T- Tons of water
S- Standpipes
56
Q

When chocking a door, what portion of the door should the chock be placed?

A

The lower portion so that if personnel have to retreat due to advancing fire conditions it can be quickly removed to control the door

57
Q

When do kinks occur?

A
  • Personnel deploy a hoseline that is too long
  • Personnel fail to deploy the hoseline correctly
  • Personnel charge the hoseline prior to flaking it properly
58
Q

What is the correct body position for hoseline advancement?

A

Head up, leading leg out position

59
Q

After the first due engine officer has completed size up and determined what actions must be taken, a command statement must be made. The officer has two options:

A

1) Hold command–only to be done when only 1-2 units are operating
2) Request to transfer command–however you still have command until someone else assumes it

60
Q

What are the three guidelines to determine tactical priorities:

A

1) Actions required to facilitate a rescue
2) Actions required to minimize fire spread
3) Actions required to extinguish the fire

61
Q

What tactics as related to fire control and the nozzle team is it the officer’s decision alone to implement?

A
  • calling for water
  • opening the nozzle
  • initial stream direction
  • direction of team advance
  • initiating line advancement
  • stopping line advancement
  • stream shut down
  • use of steam for cooling
  • use of fog for attack
  • use of fog or broken stream for venting
  • amount of water used
  • assignment of engine firefighter for venting or searching
  • relief of nozzle team
  • need for relief of the unit
  • necessity to back the hoseline out
62
Q

Decisions that may be delegated by the officer to the nozzle team include?

A
  • direction of stream
  • rate of advancement
  • opening nozzle in an emergency
  • partial shutdown of nozzle to reduce nozzle reaction and regain control
  • calling for more line
  • sweeping floors with stream