F.O. Flashcards
At the fire officer I level, emphasis is placed on accomplishing the ___________ and _______ by working through subordinates to achieve desired results. (4)
department’s goals and objectives
There are 1.1 million FFs in the U.S. - approximately _____ are full-time career and ____ are volunteers. (7)
31% full time career and 69% volunteer
In 24 B.C., who created the first FD and was was it called? (7)
Augustus Caesar created the first FD call Familia Publica
Under emperor Nero (A.D. 60), the _______ was comprised of ______ free men. (7)
Corps of Vigiles was comprised of 7,000 free men
The first documented fire in North American occurred where and in what year? What was mandated after?(7)
Jamestown, Virginia in 1607
Mandated fires be “banked” or covered over, throughout the night
In 1630, ______ established the first fire regulations in North America when it banned wood chimneys and thatched roofs. (7)
Boston, MA
The first organized volunteer fire company was in _______. It was called _______ formed in _____, under the leadership of _________. (70)
Philadelphia
called Union Fire Company, 1735, by Ben Franklin
Who developed the lightning rod? (7)
Ben Franklin
_______ imported one of the first fire engines from England, which he donated to the Alexandria FD in 1765. (7)
George Washington
The ________ burned through the city for 3 days.
Great Chicago Fire
What is the deadliest fire in U.S. history? How many people lost their lives? (7)
Pestigo, Wisconsin; 2,200 died
Who designed the first fire hydrants and in what year? (8)
George Smith in NYC in 1817
What is the structure that enables a FD to determine the most efficient and effective way to fulfill its mission and to communicate this information to all members of the department? (11)
Chain of command
FD’s use a paramilitary style of leadership. Most FDs are structured on the basis of 4 management principles: (11)
- Unity of command
- Span of control
- Division of labor
- Discipline
__________ is the management concept that each FF answers to one supervisor and each supervisor answers to only one boss (11)
Unity of command
________ refers to the maximum number of personnel or activities that can be effectively controlled by one individual (overall 3-7; emergency ops 3-5) (12)
Span of Control
__________ is a way of organizing an incident by breaking down the overall strategy into smaller tasks. (12)
Division of Labor
_______ is the set of guidelines that a department establishes for FFs. It can be either ______ when it defines appropriate action, or _____ when it responds to inappropriate actions or behaviors. (12)
Discipline; positive; negative
In any FD, who functions as the staffing coordinator and gatekeeper, implementing the department’s rules, regulations and procedures to ensure proper fire company staffing? (13)
The Company Officer
What are the four functions of Management? (13)
- Planning CLOP
- Organizing
- Leading
- Control
Short-range planning = ____________
Medium-range planning = __________
Long-range planning = __________ (13)
Short Range covers developing a plan up to a year
Medium Range covers 1-3 years
Long Range covers longer than 3 years in advance
_______ do not leave any room for latitude or discretion. They are “set in stone.” (14)
Rules and Regs
________ are developed to provide definite guidelines for present and future actions. (14)
Policies
________ are written organizations directives that establish or prescribe specific operational or administrative methods to be followed routinely for the performance of designated operations or actions. (14)
SOPs
_________ suggests that a specific step-by-step procedure should be used, but it allows the officer to deviate from this procedure if the conditions warrant doing so. (14)
Standard Operating GUIDELINE (SOG)
Fire Officer II can be divided into _______, ______, and ________ activities. (16)
Administrative, Nonemergency and Emergency
FO I = _______ fire officer (5)
FO II = _______ fire officer (16)
FO I = Supervising fire officer
FO II = Managing fire officer
Departments are using the concepts of ________, _______, and ________ to fully engage FFs in the required tasks to prepare and maintain readiness for a wide range of community needs. (17)
employee empowerment, decentralized decision making, and delegation
Firefighting only accounts for ____ of the response workload. EMS accounts for a minimum of ____ of fire company responses. (17)
Firefighting = 5% EMS = >66%
What are the 3 most common reasons for fire service response? (17)
- EMS
- Activated fire protection systems
- Investigating an odor, a hazardous condition, or other service call
_______ and _______ are the primary causes of death within a burning structure. (17)
Flashover and collapse
What act established the civil service system? (24)
Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
The rank and the classified job description determine the ______, ______ or ______ emphasis of the examination. (25)
Technical, theoretical, or behavioral
Completion of a promotional examination process creates an eligibility list that lasts ______ to _____ years. (25)
2 to 6 years
_____________ are the most complex and detailed examinations conducted by a municipality. (26)
Public safety promotional examinations
What 2 documents does HR use to define the KSAs that are required for every classified position within the municipality? (26)
- A narrative job description
2. A technical class specification
A ________ summarizes the scope of the job and provides examples of the typical tasks a person holding that position would be expected to perform. (26)
Narrative job description
What HR prepared classification system is a core component of the civil service system and is used to determine the compensation level for a position? (26)
Technical class specification
_______ is a timed exercise that measures the candidates ability to organize, prioritize, delegate, and follow up on administrative tasks. (30)
In-basket exercise
What is a suggested method for handling in-basket exercises? (5 items) (30)
- Review
- Prioritize
- Identify resources/options/alternatives
- Follow up
- Make notifications
What are the 4 ways in which an “emergency incident simulation” could take? (31)
- The candidate explains what actions to take in situation described (AKA “data dump” question)
- Candidate is provided with a set of basic info and react to the unfolding situation
- Candidate participates in an interactive emergency scene simulation (complex and expensive)
- Actually don PPE, climb in officer’s seat and respond to realistic scenario (extensive prep and large group)
_________ is designed to test a candidate’s ability to perform effectively as a supervisor. Candidate provided with background info to prepare for the situation, followed by 10-20 minutes of face-to-face interaction with the role player. (31)
Interpersonal interaction exercise
What are the key points to meet in an interpersonal interaction assessment? (8 items) (32)
- Maintain control of the interview
- Tell the employee the exact behavior expected
- Give the employee a deadline to demonstrate a
consistent behavioral change - Specifically arrange for follow-up meetings
- Attempt to get the employee to buy into or take
personal responsibility for the improvement plan - Be an empathetic listener, but remain focused on the
reason for the interview - Clearly explain the consequences if the employee’s
behavior does not change or improve - Try to finish on a positive note.
What should the 4 sections of your study journal contain? (35)
- information about the promotional exam
- calender, usually in 1-month per page format
- written reference materials
- information about the announced or anticipated
components of the promotional exam
What are the 4 most important tasks wanted by chiefs, for new officers to do well? (42)
- Beginning of the shift report
- Notifications
- Decision making
- Problem solving
What are the 4 times in a FF’s career when a major change occurs in how the individual relates to the formal fire department organization? (45)
- End of probation
- Completes promotional process/works as an officer
- Completes promotional process/works as chief officer
- FF retires
From the book, “Effective Company Command,” a company officer’s duties are divided into 3 distinct roles: (46)
- Supervisor
- Commander
- Trainer
The fire officer has the responsibility of making sure the FFs under his command are _____ and _____ in their skills. (47) What are 3 specific recommendations to assist FOs in this task? (48)
confident and competent
personal training library, know the neighborhood, and use problem-solving scenarios
What 3 activities are necessary to ensure a good working relationship? (49)
- Keep your supervisor informed
- Make appropriate decisions at your level of responsibility
- Consult with your supervisor before making major disciplinary actions or policy changes
_______ as applied to FDs, means the workforce should reflect the community it serves. (51)
Diversity
_______ are employee behaviors that require an immediate corrective action by the supervisor. (53)
Actionable items
Complaints settled by a court decision represents _____ of all the harassment, hostile workplace, and discrimination complaints filed against FDs. (54)
less than 3%
FFs who want to initiate a harassment complaint have a choice of three methods of doing so, which are? (54)
- They can start with the federal govt
- They can start with the local govt
- They can start with the FD
What general guidelines should be followed for performing an initial investigation? (54) (10 items)
- Keep an open mind
- Treat the person who files the complaint with respect and compassion
- Do not blame the person filing the complaint
- Do not retaliate against the person filing the complaint
- Follow established procedures
- Interview the people involved
- Look for corroboration or contradiction
- Keep it confidential
- Write it all down
- Cooperate with government agencies
What are common reasons that local governments are found liable after a harassment or hostile workplace complaint? (54)
- Failure to investigate
2. Blaming the person bringing the complaint to you
What steps does the fire officer take to ensure that the fire station maintains a professional work environment? (55)
- Educate FFs on rules/regs that define behavior. Start with the local govt “code of conduct”
- Promote the use of “on-duty speech”
- Be the designated adult
___________ occurs whenever two people can exchange information and develop mutual understanding. (62)
Successful communication
What are the 5 parts that the communication cycle consists of? (62)
- Message
- Sender
- Medium
- Receiver
- Feedback
The ________ represents the text of the communication and in its purest form, it contains only the information to be conveyed. (62)
Message
The _______ is responsible for the receiver properly understanding the message. (63)
Sender
The _______ refers to the method used to convey the information from the sender to the receiver. (63)
Medium
____________ should contain all five components of the communication process; if one or more is missing, communication does not occur. (63)
Effective communication
___________, in a face-to-face situation, is an active process that requires good eye contact, alert body posture and frequent use of verbal engagement. (63)
Listening
What techniques could be used to help improve your listening skills? (65)
- Do not assume anything
- Do not interrupt
- Try to understand the need
- Look for the real reason the person wants your attention
- Do not react too quickly
What three areas does the fire officer need to keep the chief officer informed? (65)
- Progress towards performance goals and project objectives
- Matters that may cause controversy
- Attitudes and morale
What are the eight suggestions that are intended to improve communications dealing with administration and supervisory activities? (66)
- Do not struggle for power
- Avoid an offhand manner
- Keep emotions in check
- Remember that words have meaning
- Do not assume that the receiver understands the message
- Immediately seek feedback
- Provide an appropriate level of detail
- Watch out for conflicting orders
What are the 8 key points for emergency communications? (66)
- Be direct
- Speak clearly
- Normal tone of voice
- Radio mic 2” from mouth (IFD = 3”, 1” truck
headphones, 10-12” for voiceamp) - If using repeater, allow for a time delay after keying
the microphone before speaking - Use plain English rather than “10 codes”
- Use common terminology that is recognized by NIMS
- Try to avoid being in the proximity of other noise
sources, such as running engines
Radio messages must be _____, _____, and ____. (67)
Accurate, Brief and Clear
___________ provide information that is related to FD personnel, programs, equipment, and facilities (log book). (68)
Routine reports
A ________ is required by state worker’s compensation agencies whenever an employee is injured. (70)
Supervisor’s report
_______ are formal documents that address a soecific subject, policy, condition, or situation (73)
General orders
_________ are used to distribute short-term and nonessential information that is of interest. (73)
Announcements
The goal of a _______ is to provide enough information and make an effective persuasive argument so that the intended individual or body accepts your recommendation. (75)
Decision document
A decision document usually includes the following elements: (75)
- Statements of problem or issue
- Background
- Restrictions
- Options
- Recommendation
- Next action
Using a written report as a guide, a verbal presentation would consist of 4 parts: (75)
- Getting their attention (audience’s attention)
- Interest statement
- Details (report details)
- Action (the audience should take)
What are the steps for preparing a news release? (76)
- Formulate a plan
- Develop the concept and write the release
- Get the news release out to the media
What should be used on a news release to separate the heading from the text and the text from the ending that should include a contact name and number for further information? (76)
5-7 # signs
What is the first step in developing an IAP? (86)
Understanding the causes of FF deaths and injuries
What is the primary consideration in the design of apparatus and equipment? (86)
Safety
What 4 simple habits can a fire officer develop to improve the safety of his/her crew? (87)
- Be physically fit
- Wear seat belts
- Practice safety through training and personal example
- Maintain fire company integrity at emergencies
_______ account for the largest percentage of traumatic FF deaths. (88) What is a simple requirement that could prevent 8-12 fatalities per year? (88)
Collisions (MVCs)
Wearing seatbelts
A single unit IAP includes the following basic elements: (89)
- Specifies the incident objectives
- States the activities to be completed
- Covers a specified time frame, known as an operational period
____ and ___ are prime factors that directly cause death while operating in burning buildings, followed by _____. (89)
Asphyxia and burns, followed by trauma
What percentage of the fatal fire suppression incidents tallied in the report involved the death of a single FF? (89)
82%
What elements are included in the “two-in, two-out” rule? (89)
- A designated officer in charge
- Two FFs remain in visual/voice contact at all times while wearing SCBA
- Two properly equipped and trained FFs who must (RIC TEAM): be positioned outside the IDLH environment, account for the interior team, and remain capable of rescue of the interior team
A PAR system is required by _______ (90)
NFPA 1500
What is one exception that can override the two-in, two-out rule? (91)
Chance that a victim will be rescued alive
The NFFF summarizes situational awareness by specifying the following items that support the interior firefighting plan: (93)
- Work as a team
- Stay together
- Stay oriented
- Manage your air supply
- Get off the apparatus with tools and thermal imager for every interior operating team
- Provide a radio for every member
- Provide regular updates
- Constantly assess the risk/benefit model
If a situation creates an imminent hazard to personnel and the ISO immediately suspends or alters the activities, when should the ISO inform the IC? (93)
Immediately
The ISO must be a FD officer and at a minimum meet the requirements for ______ per NFPA _____. (93)
Fire Officer I per NFPA 1021
What are the 3 “lines of defense” for ensuring that FFs obtain appropriate rehab? (94)
- The individual FF
- The Fire Officer
- The ISO
For every FF death in the line of duty, nearly ______ FF injuries occur. (95)
1,000 injuries occur per FF LODD death
NFFF summarizes incident scene rehab with the following items that support FF rehab guidelines: (95)
- Stop before you drop
- Stay hydrated (non-caffeinated drinks)
- Monitor vital signs
EMS responses account for more than _____ of responses in many FDs. (96)
70% ( EMS is minimum of 66% on page 17)
NFPA 1581, Standard on FD Infection Control Program identifies 6 components of an infection control program. What are they? (97)
- A written policy with the goal of identifying and limiting
exposures - A written risk management plan to identify risks and
control measures - Annual training and education in infection control
- A designated infection control officer
- Access to appropriate immunizations for employees
- Instructions for handling exposure incidents
What is typically used for decon of medical equipment? (97)
1% bleach and water solution
What is the most important first step with any exposure? (97)
Wash the exposed area immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water. (waterless soap, antiseptic/alcohol wipes, or other skin cleaning agents ok until soap and running water is made available)
The ___________ is charged with ensuring that all injuries, illnesses, exposures, fatalities, or other potentially hazardous conditions and all accidents involving FD vehicles, fire apparatus, equipment, or FD facilities are thoroughly investigated. (99)
Fire Department health and safety officer
What 3 phases does an investigation usually consist of? (99)
- Identification and collection of physical evidence
- Interviews with witnesses
- Written documentation (at the end of an investigation)
As a fire officer, you have a duty to perform an initial accident investigation that is ____ and _____. (99)
Fair and unbiased
The number of FFs dying on duty declined 30% over a 30 year period. The two primary drivers of the decline are:
- Reduction in the number of FFs dying of sudden
cardiac death - Decreasing the number of structure fires
What are the 3 leading causes of FF deaths? (102)
- Heart attacks
- Traumatic injuries
- Asphyxiation and burns
What are the four levels of the U.S. Navy’s Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS)? (103)
Level 1 : Unsafe Acts
Level 2 : Preconditions of Unsafe Acts
Level 3 : Unsafe Supervision
Level $ : Organizational Influences
What two categories are included HFACS Level 1 : Unsafe Acts and are they intentional or unintentional? (103)
Errors and violations
Errors are unintentional based on decisions, skills or perceptions
Violations are intentional classified as routine or exceptional
What does HFACS Level 2 : Preconditions to Unsafe Acts analyze? (103)
Substandard conditions and practices of the individuals involved in the incident
What four categories is HFACS Level 3 : Unsafe Supervision broken down into? (103)
- Inadequate supervision
- Allowing inappropriate operations
- Failure to correct known problems
- Supervisory violations
What is the most difficult HFACS level to analyze in a near miss report? (103)
Level 4 : Organizational Influences
What does HFACS Level 4 : Organizational Influences examine during a near-miss report? (103)
- Resource management
2. Organizational climate
When safety rules are not followed, address the issue with ______, ______, and _______ discipline. (104)
Prompt, fair and impartial discipline
What 4 roles must the fire officer fulfill to provide a safe environment for the fire company and ensure that everyone goes home? (105)
- IDENTIFY unsafe and hazardous conditions
- MITIGATE or reduce as many problems as possible
- TRAIN and prepare for the remaining hazards
- MODEL safe behavior
What are the 4 principles of scientific management (Frederick Winslow Taylor)? (113)
- Replace “rule of thumb” work methods with methods based on a scientific study of the tasks
- Scientifically select, train and develop each worker
- Cooperate with the workers to ensure that scientifically methods are being followed
- Divide work nearly equally between managers and workers so that managers apply scientific management principles to planning the work and the workers actually perform the tasks.
How much faster did 4 person crews finish tasks than 2 person crews? vs 3 person crews? (114)
4 vs 2 = 7 minutes faster (nearly 30% faster)
4 vs 3 = 5.1 minutes faster (nearly 25% faster)
What type of manager believes that people do not like to work, so consequently that need to be closely watched and controlled? (115)
Theory X manager
What does a Theory Y managers believe about peoples work ethic? (115)
People like to work and that they need to be encourage, rather than controlled
In what 3 situations does the fire officer must temporarily behave as a Theory X manager? (115)
- When operating at a fire or other high-risk activity
- When fire officer must take control of a workplace conflict
- When a fire officer is near the end of a series of negative disciplinary measures
Abraham Moslow is most often associated with the concepts of a ________, _______, and ________. (115)
Hierarchy of needs, self actualization, peak performances
What are the 5 levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? (115)
- Physiological Needs (FF needs rehab?)
- Safety, Security and Order (employment)
- Social needs and affection (group acceptance)
- Esteem and status (promotions)
- Self-actualization (peak experience)
What are five suggestions that a new fire officer can use to build trust? (117)
- Know the fire officer job, both administrative and tactical
- Be consistent
- Walk you talk
- Support your FFs
- Make FFs feel strong
Blake and Mouton’s Managerial Grid describes 5 behavior models based on a person’s position in this grid. What are the 5 behavior models? (117)
- Indifferent:Evade and Elude
- Controlling: Direct and Dominate
- Accommodating: Yield and Comply
- Status Quo: Balance and Compromise
- Sound: Contribute and Commit
What behavior model in Blake and Mouton’s Managerial grid has the lowest level of concern for both results and people? (117)
Indifferent: Evade and Elude
What behavior model in Blake and Mouton’s Managerial grid has a high concern for results, but a low concern for others? (117)
Controlling: Direct and Dominate
What behavior model in Blake and Mouton’s Managerial grid has a low concern for results and a high concern for other people? (117)
Accommodating : Yield and Comply
The _______ and ________ styles are diametrically opposed in their perspectives. (117)
Controlling and Accommodating
What style represents a narrow view that underestimates people, results, and the power of change? (117)
Status Quo : Balance and Compromise
What behavioral model is preferred for a candidate who seeks to become a successful fire officer? (117)
Sound : Contribute and Commit
____________ is the process of having the right number of people in the right place at the right time who can accomplish a task efficiently and effectively. (118)
Human Resources Planning
________ is the process of attracting, selecting, and maintaining an adequate supply of labor. What level is this usually accomplished at? (118)
Staffing
usually accomplished at the organizational level
What is human resources development? (120)
all activities to train and educate the employees
What formal document outlines the basic reason for the organization’s existence and states how it sees itself? (120)
Mission Statement
What are the 7 steps in effective delegation? (120)
- Define your desired results
- Select the appropriate FF
- Determine the level of delegation
- Clarify expectations and set parameters
- Give authority to match the level of responsibility
- Provide feedback information
- Arrange feedback during the process
Determining the level of delegation (step 3) relates to the amount of decision-making authority provided to the FF. The company officer has 5 options at his/her disposal which include: (120)
- Take action immediately-no need to report back
- Take action and report back when done (ex: task assignment in ICS)
- Recommend action that company officer must approve
- Provide 2 or more recommended actions from which the company officer will choose
- Provide information about the pros and cons of different recommendations
One of the best tools to improve efficiency is _____. (121)
Delegation
Evaluation of a FF’s ________ is a primary function of the fire company officer. (121)
FF’s performance
What are the four borders of Managing Human Resources? (122)
Federal laws, Union contract, City regulations, and Departmental policies
An effective leader uses ______ and _____ to overcome resistance. (128)
Persuasiveness and Motivation
What is 5-step approach to making a decision? (129)
- Clear your mind
- List options
- Weigh the outcomes
- Make a choice
- Evaluate decision
The three major leadership styles are traditionally identified as ______, ______, and _______. (129)
Autocratic, Democratic , Laissez-Faire
The Autocratic style is an ________ approach that is required in what 2 situations? (129)
Iron Hand Approach
- When involved in high risk emergency scene
- When a F.O. needs to take immediate corrective supervisory activity
The Democratic style is a _______ approach and when should this style be used by an officer? (129)
Consultative Approach
Should be used when planning a project or developing the daily work plan of the company
The Laissez-Faire style is a _______ style of leadership. When is it effective? (129)
Free-Rein style
Effective when working with experienced FFs and when handling routine duties that pose little personal hazard.
What are the types of power described by French and Raven in their 1959 book “Studies of Social Power”? (130)
- Legitimate power (right to request/obligation)
- Reward power (complies to obtain rewards)
- Expert power (belief of special knowledge)
- Referent power (admiration of/identification with)
- Coercive power (complies to avoid punishment)
Gary Yukl updated the French and Raven taxonomy to define 2 types of power: _____ and _____. (130)
- Personal power (expert, referent)
2. Positional power (legitimate, coercive, reward)
Examples of positional power are legitimate power, reward power and coercive power. What two additional position-based power descriptions did Yukl give? (130)
- Information power (control over information)
2. Ecological power (control over environment/technology)
What style of leadership is best used to size up a complicated situation and develop and IAP? What style does the officer assume once the operation is active? (130)
Democratic style of leadership for IAP
Autocratic role once operation active
Who is the fire officer’s primary responsibility to? (132)
The team of FFs under his direct supervision
What are the two choices the fire officer has in assigning tasks? (132)
- Preassigning them
2. Assigning them as needed on the scene
What are two examples that require immediate autocratic action? (132)
Orders to evacuate a building and a FF Mayday
A mayday requires a complex response from the company operations within a hot zone or burning structure. What are 2 obligations by the fire officer inside the structure? (133)
- Maintain radio discipline
2. Maintain company or group integrity
An officer who gives the impression of confusion, indecision, or uncertainty fails the first test of ______. (133)
Leadership
Close compliance with the ______ SOPs is an important component of effective fire ground command. (134)
Communications
What are two general rules for nonemergency activities? (134)
- Do not compromise the ability of the fire company to respond to emergencies in district
- Do not jeopardize the public’s trust in the FD
What is often the strongest force that influences members’ performance and commitment to the organization? (135)
Effective Leadership
What are the 4 phases of volunteer participation? (135)
- Large loss of applicants during initial FF training
- Small loss during the probationary period
- Moderate to high loss of FFs between 3rd and 6th years of membership
- Recommitment between the 15th and 18th years of membership (core of the volunteer FD)
The fire officer must be able to apply methods to inspire subordinates to achieve their maximum potential. What 5 overriding principles apply? (135)
- Recognize individual differences
- Use goals
- Ensure goals are perceived as attainable
- Individualize rewards
- Check for system equality
What is the best known motivational theory? (135)
Reinforcement theory
When must reinforcement happen following an action to increase the probability that the desired behavior will recur? What types of reinforcers exist? (135)
Happen Immediately
1. Positive reinforcement (reward for good behavior)
2. Negative reinforcement (remove undesirable
consequence)
3. Extinction (ignoring bad behavior)
4. Punishment (punishing bad behavior)
Positive and negative reinforcement ______ the likelihood of good behavior, extinction and punishment _________ the likelihood of bad behavior (136)
Increase good behavior (+, -)
Decrease bad behavior (extinction, punishment)
The Motivation-hygiene theory breaks the motivational process into what two parts? (136)
- Hygiene Factors : external (pay)
2. Motivation Factors : internal (recognition, achievement, responsibility and advancement)
What does the goal setting theory rely on for motivation? What is the key to the motivation? (136)
Relies on natural competitiveness of people
Key to motivation is for the officer to set specific goals that will increase performance.
_________ suggests that employees evaluate the outcomes they receive for their inputs and compare them with the outcomes others receive for their inputs. (136)
Equity Theory
________ is based on the premise that people act in a manner that they believe will lead to an outcome they value. (136)
Expectancy Theory
What are the 3 considerations that the fire officer must address to motivate an individual based on the Expectancy theory? (136)
- Employee’s belief that his effort will achieve the goal
- Employee’s belief that meeting goal = reward
- Employee’s desire for the reward or reward’s value to employee
_______ is a method of directing, instructing, and training a person or group of people with the aim of achieving some goals or developing specific skills. (142)
Coaching
What is the 4 step method of skill training? What was it renamed during WWII?(143)
- Prepare
- Present
- Apply
- Evaluate
Renamed Job Instruction Training
What is the foundation of the work performed at the Fire Instructor I level? (143)
The four step method of skill training (Prepare, Present, Apply, Evaluate)
What are three indicators that training is needed? (143)
- Near miss
- Fire ground problem
- Observed performance deficiency
What are the 4 levels of the Conscious Competence Learning Matrix? (146)
Level 1 : Unconscious Competence (don’t know/don’t do)
Level 2 : Conscious Incompetence (know/can’t do well)
Level 3 : Conscious Competence (know/still think about when doing it)
Level 4 : Unconscious Competence (know/do without thinking)
What qualities make for an effective mentor? (146)
- A desire to help
- Current knowledge
- Effective coaching, facilitating, and networking skills
Active learning research recommends spending no more than ____ minutes present a formal lecture or video presentation; the student loses focus after ____ to ___ minutes of passive learning. (147)
no more than 10 minutes
15 to 20 minutes of passive learning
What four levels can psychomotor skill levels be classified? (147)
- Initial (know main streets and street grids/numbering)
- Plateau (drive to more than 85% of streets)(competent)
- Latency (remember area w/no response for months)
- Mastery (anywhere in district/2-3 alternate routes to each)
What four topics are mandated by federal regulations to be covered as part of an emergency service training program? (147)
- Bloodborne Pathogens (4hrs)
- HAZMAT awareness and operations
- SCBA fit testing
- NIMS
Emergency scene awareness training should include the expected behavior in what 3 areas? (148)
- Responding to alarms
- On-scene activity
- Emergency procedures
Per NFPA 1403, during live fire training exercises, each attack and backup line should be capable of flowing a minimum of _____. The water supply resources should be capable of delivering ______ of the minimum needed water supply at the training site from 2 separate sources. (150)
attack/backup = 95 gallons per minute
water supply = 150% water needed from 2 sources
Per NFPA 1403, during live fire training exercises, what is the maximum size of a functional crew? (150)
max functional crew = 5 trainees
In NFPA 1403, what activities are absolutely prohibited during live fire training? (151)
- No “live” victims used
- Flammable/combustible liquids cannot be used as fuel
- Conduct ONLY ONE evolution in acquired structure
What are the 5 steps for developing a training plan? (151)
- Assess needs
- Establish objectives
- Develop the training program
- Deliver the training
- Evaluate the impact
What four criteria does a good lesson plan satisfy? (152)
- Organizes the lesson
- Identifies key points
- Can be reused
- Allows others to teach the program
What 3 types of academic accreditation are available? (153)
- Programs meet specific profession/vocation
- Educational/training programs meed federal requirements for tuition reimbursement
- Education institutions that meet voluntary accrediting requirements to issue degrees and academic transcripts to other educational institutions
The supervising candidate needs ______ years of experience in agency operations and _____ hours of experience as an acting unit officer handling emergency responses and nonemergency activities. (155)
3-5 years of experience
200 hours as acting unit officer
The managing fire officer candidate needs _____ years of experience as a qualified supervising fire officer. (156)
2-4 years of experience
_______ is a moral, mental, and physical state in which all ranks respond to the will of the leader. (166)
Discipline
________ discipline is based on encouraging and reinforcing appropriate behavior and desirable performance. (166)
Positive discipline
_______ discipline is based on punishing inappropriate behavior or unacceptable performance. (166)
Negative discipline
________ is one of the most effective strategies within the realm of positive discipline. (168)
Empowerment
Skills have been shown to deteriorate if not used within ____ days of training. (169)
90 days
What is the first level of negative discipline, considered “informal” by many organizations? (169)
Oral reprimand, warning, or admonishment
What level of officer issues formal evaluations and discipline per NFPA 1021? (171)
Fire Officer II
What four steps are need for annual evaluations? (171)
- Supervisor fills out standardized evaluation form
- Subordinate is allowed to review and comment
- Face-to-face feedback interview to discuss evaluation
- At end of feedback, establish goals for next period
What type of log is used by the fire officer to maintain a list of the FF’s activities by date, along with a brief description of performance observations? (171)
Performance Log
A T-account is a more sophisticated documentation system with ______ on the left side and ____ on the right side. (171)
Assets on left; Liabilities on right
Leniency/Severity is where officers tend to rate all their FFs either higher or lower than their actual work performance. Which one reduces conflict? (173)
Leniency
An evaluation error that occurs when the evaluator’s perspective skews the evaluation such that the classified job knowledge, skills and abilities are not appropriately evaluated. (183)
Personal Bias
An evaluation error in which the FF is evaluated only on incidents that occurred in the last few weeks, rather than on all of the events that occurred throughout the evaluation period. (173)
Recency
When a officer rates a FF in the middle of the range for all dimensions of work performance. (173)
Central Tendency
An evaluation error where the FF is evaluated on the basis of the fire officer’s personal ideas instead of the classified job standards. (173)
Frame of Reference
The fire officer may concentrate on only one aspect of the FF’s performance, good or bad, and apply that perception across the board. (174)
Halo and Horn Effect
An evaluation error that can occur when the fire officer compares the performance of one subordinate with the performance of another subordinate instead of against the classified job standards. (174)
Contrast Effect
Is negative discipline or positive discipline a stronger force? (174)
Negative discipline
A fire officer is often required to with his supervisor before issuing formal negative discipline such as : ______, _____, ______, or _______. (174)
Informal oral or Written reprimand
Formal written reprimand
Suspension
Termination
A ________ represents an official negative supervisory action at the lowest level of the progressive discipline process. (174)
Formal Written Reprimand
What starts the formal paper trail of a progressive disciplinary process? ______ are the next step, but have many different forms.(175)
Written Reprimand
Suspensions are the next step
Suspensions usually run from ___ to ____ days. (175)
1 to 30 days
In general, who is the only person that can terminate an employee? (176)
The Top municipal official, such as the mayor, county executive, city manager or civil service commission
A predisciplinary hearing can be conducted by a ______, by the ______ or another ranking officer, or by a ______ officer. (177)
Disciplinary board, fire chief, hearing officer
What 3 primary components define the range, scope, and tasks of a fire officer’s supervisory activities? (184)
- The local labor contract
- The municipality’s personnel regulations
- The FD’s rules, regs and policies
What type of written agreement is used often in jurisdictions where government employees do not have formal collective bargaining rights? (184)
An MOU (memorandum of understanding)
Shop steward is a union member who is appointed or elected to be the first line of what? (184)
First line of labor representation at the workplace
What were the 3 principal objectives of the IAFF at the time of establishment? (185)
- Obtain pay raises
- Establish the two-platoon or 12-hr workday schedule
- Ensure that appointments and promotions were based on individual merit, not political affiliation
__________ has improved the quality of protective clothing, the safety of firefighting equipment, the content of training programs, and advanced techniques of emergency incident operations. (185)
Labor advocacy
What are 4 key recommendations to form the foundation of any strong supervisor/employee relationship? (185)
- Schedule regular 1-on-1 meetings w/each member
- Schedule regular meetings with the whole company
- If disagreement arises, work together to develop solutions
- If personal and professional relationship “rocky” from the beginning, set areas to succeed together. (set goals and deadlines)
The formal line between labor and management is often established at a higher level, such as ________ fire officer. (186)
Administrative
As a supervisor, a fire officer is generally the first point of contact between the ______ and the _______. (186)
workers and the FD organization
At what step of the grievance process does the union rep usually become formally involved? (189)
Either the first or second step
How many calendar days does a supervisor have to reach a decision and provide a written reply to the grievant? What is meant if supervisor fails to respond within the alotted time? (189)
10 CALENDAR days;
failure to respond = supervisor DENIED the grievance
(each step = 10 days; 1 = verbal, 2 = written to supervisor, 3 = second level officer, 4 = chief, mediator after 4 if still unresolved)
What 4 major pieces of federal legislation established the groundwork for the rules and regulations of the present collective bargaining agreement? (190)
- Norris-LaGuardia Act of 1932
- Wagner-Connery Act of 1935
- Taft-Hartley Labor Act of 1947
- Landrum-Griffin Act of 1959
What act specified that an employee could not be forced into a contract by an employer as part of obtaining and keeping a job? This act also said that “yellow dog contracts” were not enforceable in any court in the U.S.(191)
Norris-LaGuardia Act of 1932
________ was passed to mitigate the revolutionary labor climate and avert further economic disruption. (191)
Wagner-Connery Act of 1935
The Wagner-Connery Act of 1935 defined 5 types of unfair labor practices and declared them illegal. What are they? (191)
- Interfering with employees in a union
- Stopping a union from forming and collecting money
- Not hiring union members
- Firing union members
- Refusing to bargain with the union
________ was designed to reduce the power of unions. (191)
Taft-Hartley Labor Act of 1947
______ established a bill of rights for members of labor organizations. (191)
Landrum-Griffin Act of 1959
Strikes by employees are illegal in all but ____ states; ____ of local governments have forbidden employee strikes. (192)
illegal in all but 10 states; 40% of local governments
The first paid FD in the U.S. was established where and in what year? (192)
Established in 1853 in Cincinnati, Ohio
Who is affected by strikes in the private sector? public sector? (193)
Private sector = consumer
Public sector = safety and welfare of general public
What act had the primary purpose to establish minimum standards for wages and to spell out administrative procedures covering work time and compensation, including OT entitlement. (194)
FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)
______: process includes a means of analysis, decision, education, implementation, revision and review. (196)
Relations by objectives (RBO)
What is the greatest challenge to the fire service? (196)
Response to terrorism
Next to ______, the FD is the most decentralized and community-based function of local government. (204)
Next to Schools
What is the fundamental goal of a public safety program? (209)
Prevent injury, death or loss due to fire or other types of injuries
What 4 objectives can a public safety program have? (209)
- Educate target audience to change a behavior
- Instruct how to perform certain tasks; stop/drop/roll
- Inform large groups about fire safety issues
- Distribute info on timely subjects to target audiences
An educational presentation is successful when? (209)
Successful when it CAUSES an OBSERVABLE CHANGE OF BEHAVIOR
The history of fire prevention week has its roots in the _______. Its observed the Sunday-thru-Saturday period in which _______ falls. (209)
Roots in the great Chicago fire; period in which October 8 falls
CERT training courses = 9-2.5 hr sessions taking place one evening per week. The training covers what 9 topics? (211)
- Disaster Preparedness
- Fire safety and utility control
- Disaster medical operations, part 1
- Disaster medical operations, part 2
- Light search-and-rescue operations
- CERT organization
- Disaster psychology
- Terrorism and CERT
- Course review and disaster simulation
What 5 step planning process can help local FDs create and develop public education programs? (212)
- Identify the problem
- Select the method
- Design the problem
- Implement the program
- Evaluate the program
What are the ABCDs of course preparation? (212)
A = Identify the AUDIENCE B = Explain the desired BEHAVIOR the student should demonstrate after the training C = Under which CONDITIONS will the student perform the task? D = Which DEGREE of proficiency is expected?
At what point does implementation (of a public safety program) begin? (212)
Occurs when the program is delivered to the audience
What two types of evaluation can be undertaken regarding a public safety program? (212)
- Immediate feedback (from students)
2. Long-term feedback (effectiveness of program to desired effect)
What 3 steps are recommended by NFPA when working with the media? (214)
- Build a strong foundation (business arrangement)
- Use a proactive outreach
- Use measured responsiveness
A press release should be date and typed on department stationary, with the PIO contact information at the _____. It should be brief, ideally only ____ in length. (215)
PIO contact information at the top (pg 76 ending includes name and contact number)
1-2 pages in length
What are the guidelines for a fire officer conducting an interview with the media? (215)
- Be prepared
- Stay in control
- Look and act the part
- It is not over until it is over
What are the 10 tips on using social media provided by NFPA leadership? (217)
- Plan a strategy
- Commit
- Be authentic
- Be current
- Be social
- Maintain quality
- Tailor content to each venue
- Be interesting and entertaining
- Consider timing
- Track results
The types of problems that a fire officer could be expected to encounter can be classified into 4 broad categories: ____, ____, ____, and ____ (225)
- In-house issues
- Internal Departmental issues
- External issues
- High-profile incidents
What 5 steps are included in the systematic approach that is recommended to ensure high-quality decision making? (225)
- Define the problem
- Generate alternative solutions
- Select a solution
- Implement the solution
- Evaluate the results
What 8 steps assist the fire officer when brainstorming alternative solutions? (225)
- Using flip chart/whiteboard, write out the problem
- Give group time limit (15-25 minutes; groups 4-16)
- F.O. function as the scribe
- Tell everyone to contribute alternative solutions
- Brainstorming time up, group select best 5 ideas
- list 5 criteria for judging best solution to solve problem
- Everyone rate top 5 as 0-5 (5 = meets all criteria)
- Add up scores. Highest score = best solution
A fire officer may face 4 different types of internal conflict situations. A FF might come to an officer with a complaint about: ____, ____, ____, or ____. (230)
- A co-worker
- The work environment
- FD policy or procedure
- The fire officer’s own behavior, decisions or actions
The official response to a problem begins when? (230)
When a officer becomes aware that a problem exists
What are the 4 components of the Conflict Resolution Model? (230)
- Listen and take notes
- Active listening
- Paraphrase and Receive Feedback
- Do not Explain or Excuse
Paraphrasing the issue and receiving feedback from the complaint accomplishes what two goals? (230)
- The F.O. finished the phases with a good understanding of the issue from the complainant’s perspective
- The complainant feels that the officer really listened
What 3 objectives does a complete investigative report have? (232)
- The report must first identify and clearly explain the issue
- The report should then provide a complete, impartial, and factual presentation of the background info and relevant facts
- The conclusion should be a recommended action plan, which is based on and supported by the information
Once the investigation is completed, the F.O. presents the findings and recommended action to a supervisor at a higher level. There are 4 possible responses: (232)
- Take no further action
- Recommend the action requested by the complainant
- Suggest an alternative solution
- Refer the issue to the office or person who can provide a remedy
Michael Taigman’s conflict resolution model consists of what 4 steps? (233)
- Drain the emotional bubble
- Understand the complainant’s viewpoint
- Help the complainant feel understood
- Identify the complainant’s expectation for resolution
Who is in the best position to recommend new departmental policies? (234)
The fire officer since he is in direct contact with FFs and citizens
When should new policies be discussed? (235)
At the beginning of each work shift
What three types of citizen complaints could a fire officer be faced with? (235)
- The conduct or behavior of a FF (or group of FFs)
- The fire company’s performance or service delivery
- FD policy
From what two different perspectives can a F.O. look at buildings? (242)
- The FD prepares to handle an emergency in the building by developing a pre-incident plan
- Members of the FD perform a fire and life safety inspection to ensure that the building meets the appropriate fire prevention code requirements
Fire officers play multiple roles in relation to properties within their communities, including handling these critical tasks: (242)
- Identifying and correcting fire safety hazards through safety checks and code enforcement
- Developing and maintain pre-incident plans
- Promoting fire safety through public education
What 6 steps should be used when preparing a pre-incident plan? (244)
- Identify physical elements and site considerations
- Identify occupant considerations
- Identify fire protection systems and water supply
- Identify special hazards
- Identify emergency operation considerations
- Identify special or unusual characteristics of common occupancy
What is the difference between plot plans and floor plans? (244)
Plot plans = exterior (access, doors, utilities)
Floor plans = interior views of the building
________ refers to the total quantity of all combustible products found within a room or space. This also affects the number of required fire companies need for incident stabilization. (244)
Fuel load (fuel loading)
Fire develops in what four phases? (244)
- Incipient
- Free burning
- Flashover
- Smoldering/decay
At what point should the facility provide the FD with an on-site liaison? (244)
As soon as command is established
_______ mean that local jurisdiction do not have the option of adopting more restrictive regulations (248)
Mini/max codes
In what two ways can a model code (developed by organization like NFPA) be adopted by a local jurisdiction? (248)
- Adoption by reference - specific edition
2. Adoption by transcription - entire text of model code
What are the first 2 main reasons that a fire company should perform inspections? (249)
- Clarifying means of access and egress
2. Status of built-in fire protection systems (Inspection is best method of ensuring work as intended)
What type of automatic sprinkler system is designed to reduce the risk of water damage due to accidental sprinkler discharge or a broken pipe? (250)
Preaction System
What are the 3 classes of standpipes based on their expected use? (250)
Class I = 2.5” outlets (use by FD)
Class II = 1.5” coupling with hose in cabinet (Occupant)
Class III = 1.5” and 2.5” connections (1.5” by occupant until FD arrives)
Who should confirm that the fire pump has passed the annual performance test? (250)
Fire Officer
What are the four types of special extinguishing systems that may be used in various structures? (250)
- Carbon dioxide (displace O2, heavier than air)
- Dry or wet chemical (wet for cooking equipment)
- Halon/clean agent (250% more efficient than CO2)
- Foam (low expansion = flammable/combust liquids)
What 2 ways could a dry or wet chemical system be activated? (250)
Fusible link that melts on flame contact or pull station
Noncombustible Type IIA resist fire for? Type IIB? (252)
IIA = 1 hour IIB = not expected to resist the effects of fire
What construction type building at the most common structures? (252)
Type V : Wood frame
An educational occupancy is used for educational purposes through the _______. (255)
12th Grade
A healthcare occupancy for care of how many people? Detention and correctional occupancy for how many people? (255)
both are 4 or more persons
A residential occupancy has 5 subcategories that include: (255)
- 1-2 family dwelling (no more than 2 units with cooking/bathrooms)
- Lodging or rooming houses (16 or fewer people on transient or permanent basis)
- Hotels (more than 16 persons and mostly transient)
- Dormitories (group sleeping accomidations more than 16 persons not members of same family)
- Apartment buildings (3 or more units with cooking/bathrooms)
In what systematic fashion should an inspection occur? (259)
- Circle the area as you park to get general overview
- Meet property owner/manager to let them know you arrived and will begin the inspection
- Begin inspection on exterior and work through interior, lowest level to the top
- Conduct exit interview with the contact person
- Write a formal report of the inspection
What includes measures taken to limit or control the consequences, extent, or severity of an incident that cannot be reasonably prevented? (264)
Mitigation
The emergency/disaster management and business continuity plan is published in what 6 parts? (265)
- Strategic plan
- Emergency operations/response plan
- Prevention plan
- Mitigation plan
- Recovery plan
- Continuity plan
What part of the emergency/disaster management and business continuity plan established interim and long-term actions to reduce the impact of hazards that cannot be eliminated? (265)
Mitigation plan
The __________ provides the short- and long-term priorities for restoration of functions, services, resources, facilities and programs (265)
Recovery plan
What 6 steps does the budget cycle consist of? (272)
- ID of needs and required resources
- Prep of budget request
- Local govt and public review of requested budget
- Adoption of approved budget
- Administration of approved budget
- Close-out of budget year
_______ are both advocates and gatekeepers in developing the local budget. (273)
Elected officials
What type of tax can be used only to build or maintain roads? (274)
Fuel tax
What are the top 3 local tax revenue sources representing about half of the total revenues collected by local governments? (274)
- General sales and gross receipt taxes
- Property taxes
- Individual income taxes
Budget reductions drastically affect FD operations. What 5 difficult choices need to be made (in increasing order in difficulty)? (275)
- Defer scheduled expenditures (apparatus replacement)
- Regionalize or consolidate services
- Privatize/contract out elements of the service provided
- Reduce the workforce
- Reduce the size of the department
The petty cash _______ should always have the authorized amount on hand in the form of either cash or receipts. (277)
Petty cash CUSTODIAN
Whats are purchase orders and requisitions? Which has more stringent requirements? How do they differ from each other? (279)
P.O. = method ensuring budget account has funds
Requisition = occurs for large purchases (more stringent)
Differ in that the exact amount of the purchase is not known in a requisition, but is in a P.O.
How do RFPs and bid processes differ? (279)
RFPs = exact specs wanted and select best meeting the needs specified
Bid Process = specs stated, awarded to lowest bidder
Proposals (RFPs) are typically assessed based on ______ as well as _____. (279)
performance as well as price
What 4 step method did the U.S. Fire Administration provide to develop a competitive grant proposal? (280)
- Conduct a community and FD needs assessment
- Compare community needs to the priorities of the grant program
- Decide what to apply for
- Complete the application
When seeking grant funding, what is the first step? (280)
determine whether a grant program exists that covers your problem area
What must a grant application describe? What must it demonstrate?(280)
- how the dept’s needs fit the priorities of the grant program
- the Dept’s financial need and explain why it needs outside assistance
FD expenditures are generally divided into what 3 general areas? (281)
- Personnel costs (FF salaries)
- Operating costs (fuel for vehicles)
- Capital Expenditures (construction of new stations)
More than ______ of a career FD’s budget is likely to be allocated to salaries and benefits. (281)
more than 90%
When a budget needs to be trimmed, what expenditures are usually the first area to be considered as a target for cost-cutting efforts? (281)
Operating expenditures
In most cases, the replacement of a pumper, aerial, or specialized suppression rig will be a _______. (281)
Capital item
_________ comprise purchases of durable items that cost more than a predetermined amount and will last for more than one budget year. (282)
Capital expenditures
When discussing or responding to a budget proposal, remember to focus on the annual expenses in addition to the initial purchase cost. The annual cost falls into what 2 areas? (282)
- Continuity (spare device/initial training)
2. Personnel (largest expense for career FDs)
What is a certificate of debt issued by the government or corporation? It guarantees payment of original investment plus interest by a specified future date. How long should the repayment period be? (282)
Bonds
repayment period at least equal to anticipated life span of the facility
In what 3 ways is “vehicle service life” determined? (284)
- years of service
- miles accumulated
- specific vehicle cost
What are the 5 components of NIMS? (294)
- Preparedness
- Communications and Information management
- Resource management
- Command and management
- Ongoing management and maintenance
What should always be the purpose of a postincident review process? (294)
To serve as an educational or training tool (not place blame)
What is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of procedures? (296)
determine whether following them actually produced the anticipated results
What is the last step in conducting an incident review? (296)
write a summary of the incident for departmental records
What position in the ICS is the ONLY position that is always filled? (296)
Incident commander
What a first arriving fire officer does in the first _______ of the incident dictates how the scene will run for the next hour. (296)
5 minutes
What is the recommended span of control for one supervisor during emergency operations? (297)
3-5 individuals to 1 supervisor
What are the 3 levels of command included in the ICS? (297)
Strategical level, Tactical level and Task level
At what level of the ICS is the overall direction and goals set at? Who always functions at this level? (297)
set at Strategic level
IC always functions at Strategic level
________ defines the actions that are necessary to achieve the strategic goals. Who would manage a group of resources to accomplish this? (297)
Tactical-level objectives; Tactical-level supervisor manages a group to achieve the objectives
What are the tactical-level components called in medium- to large-scale incidents? (297)
divisions, groups or units (each could include several companies)
Tactical assignments are usually defined by a _______ or a ______ responsibility. (297)
defined by a geographical area or a functional responsibility
In what level of assignments is the physical work accomplished? (297)
Task level assignments
The IC is responsible for the completion of what 3 strategic priorities? (297)
- Life safety
- Incident stabilization
- Property conservation
Other than life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation, what other 3 aspects of operations is the IC also responsible for? (297)
- Building command structure matching organizational needs of the incident
- Translating strategic priorities into tactical objectives
- Assigning the resources required to perform tactical assignments
Who is expected to assume command of the incident? (298)
First fire officer OR FD member to arrive at the scene
What are the 3 options that the first-arriving company level officer has when arriving at the incident and assuming command? (298)
- Investigation
- Fast attack
- Command mode
When does the fast attack mode end? (298)
- situation stabilized
- situation not stabilize, withdraw and establish ICP
- command transferred to another officer
During the command mode, the initial IC remains outside and the rest of the company members should do one of the following: _____, _____, or _____. (298)
- Initiate suppression or emergency action
- work under another company officer
- stay with IC to perform staff functions assisting command
What are the 9 functions of command? (299)
- Determining strategy
- Selecting incident tactics
- Setting the action plan
- Developing the ICS organization
- Managing resources
- Coordinating resource activities
- Providing for scene safety
- Releasing information about the incident
- Coordinating with outside agencies
What 3 command functions must be completed as part of the first-arriving officer’s size up and initial actions? (300)
- Determining strategy
- Selecting incident tactics
- Setting the action plan
Once the initial actions are under way, what are the next 4 functions the IC works on? (300)
- Developing the ICS organization
- Managing resources
- Coordinating resource activities
- Providing for scene safety
What are the last 2 functions the IC works on once the incident action plan is fully operating? (300)
- Releasing information about the incident
9. Coordinating with outside agencies
What is the ONLY reason that command should be transferred? (300)
to improve the quality of the command organization
What 4 steps should the transfer of command follow? (300)
- officer assuming command, face-to-face/radio with IC
- initial IC briefs new IC
- command transferred ONLY WHEN new IC briefed
- command transfer told to dispatch/fire ground units
What level officer may be assigned as a division or group supervisor? (300)
company-level officer
Divisions are _______ and Groups are _______. (306)
Divisions are geographical and Groups are functional
Managing and supervising fire officers may be assigned to _____, ____, _____ and _____ assignments within the IMS. (302)
section, branch, division and group assignments
What 3 officers are ALWAYS part of the command staff? (302)
- Safety officer (safety on scene)
- Liaison officer (p.o.c. for outside agencies)
- Information officer (PIO, incident info to news)
Where should the location of the liaison area be located? the media briefing location? (302)
liaison area = adjacent to, but not inside the ICP
media briefing location = separate from the ICP
What are the 4 major functional components of the ICS model in which everything that occurs at the emergency incident can be divided amongst? (302)
- Operations “FLOP”
- Planning
- Logistics
- Finance/administration
What are the people that are in charge of the four major sections of the ICS (FLOP) known as? Who are they always in direct contact with? (302)
ICS General Staff
always in direct contact with the IC
What section of ICS is responsible for the management of all actions that directly related to controlling the incident? (303)
Operations section (produces most visible results)
What section of ICS is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information relevant to the incident? (303)
Planning section (responsible for developing/updating IAP)
What 5 units may the planning section be delegated into? (303)
- resources unit
- situation unit
- documentation unit
- demobilization unit
- technical specialists
What outlines the strategic objectives and states how emergency operations will be conducted? (303)
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
What section of ICS is responsible for providing supplies, services, facilities, and materials during the incident? (303)
Logistics section (ensures resources available/functional)
What section of ICS is responsible for the administrative, accounting and financial aspects of an incident? (304)
Finance/administration section (handles legal issues also)
What are the 4 subunits that the finance/administration section may incorporate to handle its duties efficiently? (304)
- time unit
- procurement unit
- compensation and claims unit
- cost unit
The exterior sides of a building are designated as sides A (______), B (______), C(______), and D(______). (304)
Alpha, BAKER, Charlie, Delta
What is differences between divisions, groups and units? (306)
- divisions are geographical
- groups are functional
- units can be geographical or functional
Between divisions, groups and units, which are the most often used during routine FD emergency operations? (306)
Divisions
T/F: Sometimes groups are established with both functional AND geographical designations.
True
What is the smallest organizational element within the IMS? (307)
Unit
Who assigns division, group, or unit supervisors? (307)
Incident commander
Divisions ______ report to groups and groups _____ report to divisions. (307)
Divisions DO NOT report to groups and groups DO NOT report to divisions. (they coordinate efforts)
A ________ is a supervisory level established in either the operations or logistics functions to provide the appropriate span of control. (307)
branch
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 staging? (308)
Level 1 = predetermined to scene, others on street
Level 2 = designated standby location away from scene
What does a task force include? Who does it operate under? Where are communications from units directed to? (308)
- 2 to 5 single resources assembled for a specific task
- operates under and communications directed to TASK FORCE LEADER
A ________ consists of 5 units of the SAME TYPE with an assigned leader. In most cases, the team operates under a command officer known as ______. (308)
Strike team = 5 of same type
Strike team leader = command officer
How much water and energy bars are carried by companies who plan for a 2-day excursion in wildland areas? What about in the summer? (309)
5 gallons of water and 6 energy bars per FF
summer = 10 gallons of water per FF
What are the 11 rules of engagement for structural firefighting? (318)
- Size up area of tactical operation
- Determine occupant survival profile
- Don’t risk life for lives/property not saveable
- Extend limited risk to protect savable property
- Extend vigilant/measured risks to protect/rescue lives
- Go in together, stay together, come out together
- Maintain continuous awareness of your air/situation/location/fire conditions
- Constantly monitor fireground communications for critical radio reports
- You are required to report unsafe practices/conditions that could harm you (stop, evaluate, and decide)
- You are required to abandon position/retreat before deteriorating conditions harm you
- Declare a mayday as soon as you THINK you are in danger
What is the difference between and opened structure and an enclosed structure? Which of these structures do 3/4 of disoriented FF deaths occur? (319)
opened = enough windows/doors for prompt ventilation/evacuation enclosed = NOT enough windows/doors for prompt ventilation/evacuation (most FFs deaths occur in)
During what rule of engagement for structural firefighting should the 360 walk around occur? (320)
Rule 1 : size up your tactical area of operation
What should be achieved before proceeding with the primary and secondary search efforts? (320)
Fire control
Who must recognize that they cannot always save a life while doing a risk/benefit analysis? (321)
Company officer and IC
Who should be vigilant and measured–restrained, calculated, and deliberate–when applying strategy and tactics during a search and rescue event? (323)
All Members
Savable lives is used to describe occupants who may potentially survive both the _____ and the _____. (323)
survive both the fire conditions and the rescue event
At what point should a mayday be declared if a FF becomes separated and cannot get reconnected with his or her partner? (324)
If reconnection is not accomplished after three radio attempts or reconnection does not take place within 1 minute. (FF reconnected before RIC arrives, cancel mayday)
What 4 items should you maintain continuous situational awareness of? (326)
- air supply
- situation
- location
- fire conditions
What are 6 major benchmarks for checking you air supply? (326)
- Before entry
- After going up or down stairs
- Before entering and searching a room
- After exiting a room
- After going down a hallway or aisle
- Before and after doing a labor-demanding task
What is the SCBA low-pressure alarm called? It moved from _____ to _____ of SCBA capacity in the 2013 edition of NFPA 1981. (326)
- end-of-service time indicator (EOSTI)
- moved from 25% to 33% of SCBA capacity
Using the tolerance of 0 to +5%, the low-air alarm will activate when the air supply reaches what capacity? (326)
33%-38% of SCBA capacity
The national near-miss reporting system lists _______ as the most commonly reported cause of a life-threatening near-miss event. (326)
situational awareness
Situational awareness is the relationship between what? (326)
relationship between what one perceives is happening and what is really happening
What percentage of errors on the fireground, determined by Chief LeSage, happen when individuals fail to intervene in known or observed unsafe situations? (328)
74% of errors
During what rule of engagement for structural firefighting does it apply the principles of crew resource management by encouraging all FFs to apply situational awareness and be responsible for their own safety and that of other FFs? Who are the hazards reported to?(328)
Rule 9 : Requirement to report unsafe practices/conditions that can harm you. Stop, evaluate and decide.
Hazards reported immediately to command OR your supervisor
What percentage of FFs would declare a mayday if faced with “zero-visibility, no contact with hoseline or lifeline, do not know the direction out?” What if they could not find an exit in 60 seconds? (330)
82% if faced with “zerovisibility/no contact/don’t know direction out”
58% if no exit found in 60 seconds
What should a FF do once the mayday is declared? (330)
manually activate the PASS device
Structural firefighting is a practice built upon _____ and ______. (340)
experience and experiments
What does fuel limited mean (older fires)? (340)
without intervention, fire will consume all of the fuel
Modern fires are ______, resulting in a different time-temperature curve. (340)
ventilation limited
What are four factors that distinguish modern dwellings from legacy dwellings(build before 1980)? (341)
- Larger homes
- Open house geometries
- Increased fuel loads
- New construction materials
_______ is the volume between an inlet and an exhaust that allows the movement of hear and smoke from a higher-pressure area within the fire area toward lower-pressure areas via doors, windows and openings. (342)
Flow path
What is the only way to go from a ventilation-limited to a fuel-limited fire? (342)
application of water BEFORE vertical ventilation
What is meant by “softening the target?” (342)
applying 30-90 seconds of water into the compartment dramatically reducing fire development and improving conditions.
What size ventilation hole is needed to localize fire growth or reduce temperatures in ventilation-limited structure fires? (342)
You cannot make a big enough ventilation hole
What is an important factor in limiting heat release and temperatures in the house? (342)
limiting flow paths until fire suppression water is ready
The officers’s personal and physical involvement in fire suppression activities should never override what? (343)
his/her supervisory duties
Who serves as the eyes and ears for the IC? (343)
Each company officer
______ provide a framework to allow activities to be efficiently completed through the efforts of everyone involved in the event. (344)
SOPs
When does “size-up” begin and end? (344)
- begins long before arrival (specific size-up=dispatch)
- continues until the incident is stabilized
What is the end result of a good size-up?(345)
IAP
The IC must consciously differentiate among what is _____, what is ______, and what is ______ in processing size-up information. (345)
what is known
what is assumed
what is anticipated
What is one of the most significant factors in size-up? (345)
Visualization
What does vigorous dark smoke mean? In dark smoke, what is more concentrated (carbon or oxygen)? What should be done to a compartment belching dark, billowing smoke prior to introducing additional air? (345)
high heat release (flashover conditions present)
dark smoke = more carbon particles in the smoke
soften the target prior to introducing additional air
What type of size up should increase the officer’s caution and awareness of conditions inside the structure? (345)
no smoke showing
Why is fuel load an important factor during size-up? (345)
to determine method of attack class A combustibles = direct attack with water class B combustibles = use of foams
What is the 5 step process for analyzing emergency situations presented in the book “Fundamentals of Fire Tactics” by Chief Layman? (345)
- Facts
- Probabilities
- Situation
- Decision
- Plan of Operation (develop actual plan)
Analyzing the “situation” during emergency operations involves what 3 considerations? (345)
- units on scene/en route = sufficient to handle incident
- specific capabilities/limitations of resources in relation to problem
- capabilities/limitations of the personnel, based on training and experience
Analyzing the “decision” during emergency operations involves what 4 questions? (345)
- enough resources on scene/en route for mitigation?
- sufficient resources/conditions allow interior attack?
- most effective assignment of on-scene resources?
- most effective assignment of responding resources?
The ongoing size-up requires a constant flow of feedback information to the IC. What items does the IC need to know? (347)
- an assignment is completed
- assignment cannot be completed
- additional resources needed
- resources can be released
- conditions have changed
- additional problems have been identified
- emergency conditions exist
What determines the appropriate strategy for an incident? What are the strategies? (347)
Risk-benefit analysis
Offensive, Defensive, Transitional
What strategy drives most FD training, operations and organizational structures? What must be present to take the risk? (347)
Offensive
lives or valuable property present
What strategy is used when the risks outweigh the benefits? (347)
Defensive
What are the 2 major components to the IAP? (348)
- determination of appropriate strategy for mitigation
2. development of tactics to execute the strategy
______ are general, whereas _____ are specific and measurable. (348)
strategies are general
tactics are specific and measureable
What are the 3 basic priorities for an IAP? (348)
life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation
RECEO VS is an acronym that covers the critical factors in developing a strategy. First 5 in priority order, final 2 can be used at any point to support the first 5. What does the acronym stand for? (349)
Rescue Exposures Confinement Extinguishment Overhaul Ventilation Salvage
What is the best method to protect occupants from harm? (349)
Extinguish the fire quickly
The hot zone is under the direct supervision of who? (350)
unit, branch or group leader
What are 3 situations in which a fire crew would have to disrobe at the incident scene? (350_
- exposure to asbestos building components
- drug laboratories
- chemical/biological weapons
An initial rapid intervention crew consists of _______. (350)
2 members from the initial attack crew
A RIC by comparison, consists of ______ and is sometimes identified as a RIT. (350)
RIC = 4 members
What always becomes the highest priority at the incident scene? (352)
report of a missing FF
What should the fire officer indicate when making assignments for hoselines, unless they are predetermined by departmental SOPs? (353)
line size as well as placement
The resources assigned to an incident vary greatly and are influenced by what? (353)
history, tradition and budgets
What method is most commonly used by a fire officer to activate the local emergency plan is to ______. (354)
notify the dispatch center
Who is normally responsible for maintaining and coordinating the plan, as well as facilitating the response to emergency situations? (354)
emergency management office
What should the fire officer consult for determining evacuation distances, based on the product, quantity, and environmental conditions? (354)
ERG, local hazmat team, CHEMTREC
In what dwellings do more civilian deaths occur than in any other type of occupancy in the U.S.?
one or two-family dwellings
What sprinkler system provides a greater protection to occupants by may increase difficulty for FFs? What does this system not protect? (354)
- NFPA compliant 13R automatic sprinkler system
- The 13R system does not protect the attic area/void spaces
What does a zero-clearance chimney consist of? (356)
inside steel flue and outside flue, separated by 1” of air
Due to the complexity of a high-rise fire, the IC often expands the ICS to include what sections? (356)
planning, operations, and logistics
Built in sprinkler systems fail in about ___ in ___ fires. (356)
fail in about 1 in 14 fires
What may be the last operations section position that a fire officer might be called on to fill at a high-rise incident? (356)
Staging area supervisor
What 2 branches is the logistics section divided into? Who are the branches headed by? What are they responsible for?(356)
service(svc branch DIRECTOR)-communications/rehab
support(spt branch DIRECTOR)-supplies/personnel/equip
The support branch director is usually located at a _____. The ICP may be co-located, but only 1 per incident.(356)
base (area where primary logistics functions coordinated and administered)
What is the first priority for the support branch at a high-rise fire? (356)
Spare SCBA cylinders
Who does the lobby control officer report to? (356)
Logistics section chief (IC if not established)
Who does the stairwell support unit leader report to? (356)
support branch director OR logistics section chief
The stairwell support group usually positions firefighters on every ______. (356)
every third floor
What are the recommended practices for residential high-rise buildings? (356)
- comply with organizations SOPs
- consider bringing the big attack line first
- beware of weather conditions
- assemble an adequate crew
Who is responsible for conducting the investigation as well as completing the NFIRS documents or a local equivalent report? (364)
the IC (sometimes delegated to another F.O., typically first arriving F.O)
What is the first goal of the fire officer delegated investigating fire cause is to determine what?(364)
whether a formal fire investigation is needed
In situations where no formal investigation occurs and a fire investigator does not respond to the scene to determine the cause and origin, the ______ is responsible for determining and reporting the fire cause. (364)
IC
When should a fire investigator be called? (365)
death or serious burn injury occurs
Fire follows the same growth pattern as the smoke and heat which is? (365)
Rising toward the ceiling, spreading out, banking down
When does the smoldering phase of the fire occur? (366)
may occur before or after flashover
What is required for any search once cause and origin have both been determined? (367)
search warrant or consent
______ search warrants are needed for reentry that is not a continuation of a valid search and the purpose is to determine the cause of the fire. (367)
Administrative search warrants
A _______ search warrant is needed when reentry is not a continuation of a valid search and the purpose is to gain evidence for prosecution. (367)
Criminal search warrant
What 3 types of evidences must the fire officer consider? (367)
- Demonstrative evidence (tangible items)
- Documentary evidence (written form/photos)
- Testimonial evidence (witnesses speaking under oath)
To prove that a crime of arson occurred, what must the fire investigator rule out? (367)
all potential accidental and natural causes of the fire
What is the fire investigator’s ultimate goal? (367)
identify point of origin and cause of the fire
Who is responsible for protecting the fire scene evidence both from the public and from excessive overhaul and salvage? (368)
fire officer
Who is the first step in the chain of evidence that is vital to successful prosecution of arson cases.?(368)
fire officer
What is the proper methodology for a fire or explosion investigation? (368)
FIRST, determine and establish origin
NEXT, investigate the cause: circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought the ignition source, fuel and oxidant together
What location does a fire investigator usually start his investigation? (368)
starts in area with least damage and follows patterns back to area of greatest fire damage
Determining the point of origin requires the analysis of information from what 4 sources? (369)
- Physical marks (fire patterns left by fire)
- Observations reported (witnesses)
- Analysis of the physics and chemistry
- Notice the location where electrical arcing
The V-shaped or U-shaped pattern is also known as a _______ pattern because it allows tracing back to origin. (369)
movement pattern
What pattern indicates how much heat (energy) was transferred to the surrounding areas and objects? (369)
intensity pattern
The intensity is indicated by the response of various materials to the fire’s rate of _____ and _____. What is produced indicating the area closest to the point where the greatest amount of heat was produced? (369)
- rate of heat release and heat flux
- Line of demarcation produced
What is the blackened remains of a carbon-based material after is has been burned? (369)
char (deeper the char=longer burned=closer to origin)
“Cause” determination can be approached by what 3 step process? (369)
- determine the source of ignition
- determine the fuel that was first ignited
- determine the circumstances or human actions that allowed the ignition source and the fuel to come together
After all investigative possibilities have been exhausted, if 2 or more potential causes remain, the cause of the fire is considered __________. (370)
undetermined
A competent ignition source has what 3 components? (370)
- Generation
- Transmission
- Heating
The _____ first ignited refers to the nature of the material itself. The form of the material tells us _____ (370)
type of material=nature of material itself
form of material=how that material is used
Where are cause and origin interviews usually conducted? (372)
conducted at the fire scene
Who should conduct interrogations? (372)
only trained fire or police investigator
What percentage of vehicle fires were caused by mechanical failure or malfunction? (372)
47%
What should be determined when asking the driver/owner at a vehicle fire? (373)
- when last driven and how far
- what total vehicle mileage is
- operating abnormalities
- when last service took place
- when vehicle was last fueled
- how the vehicle was equipped
- which personal items were in the vehicle
Wildland fires tend to spread vertically through ______ from lower vegetation to taller vegetation and horizontally through _______. (373)
vertically through convection
horizontally through radiation
When a tree burns and falls, the remaining trunk is usually burned at an angle, creating a point. The point generally appears on what side of the trunk? (373)
side of the stump OPPOSITE the direction of FIRE APPROACH
What are the 3 leading causes of residential fires? (most frequent to least) (374)
- Unattended cooking
- Smoking materials
- Heating
What is the chemical decomposition resulting in a gradual lowering of the ignition temperature of the woof until autoignition occurs? (374)
Pyrolysis
What happens if a building’s electrical system is involved with a lightning strike? (374)
surge usually fuses or melts the main fuses/circuit breakers
What 5 general categories may indicate conditions of factors that indicate that the incident involved an intentional fire? (375)
- Disabled built-in fire protection
- Delayed notification or difficulty in getting to the fire
- Accelerants and trailers
- Multiple points of origin
- Tampered or altered equipment
National statistics indicate that ___ in every ___ fires iso of incendiary origin. (377)
1 in every 4 (highest rate of youth involvement when compared to all crimes logged in FBI index of most serious felonies)
What are the 6 basic motives for arson? (377)
- Profit (insurance; extortion/eliminate competition)
- Crime concealment (destroy records)
- Excitement (thrills, attention, recognition)
- Spite/Revenge (intense emotions)
- Extremism (abortion clinics, religious)
- Vandalism (damage for its own sake)
An __________ has scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge that can be relied on to interpret the facts. They are allowed to give an opinion based on the facts or data on the case. (379)
expert witness
After searches are completed and the fire is declared under control, the fire officer must consider _____. (379)
Evidence preservation
What 5 steps should every FD take to create a safety culture? (387)
- Provide honest sharing of safety information without the fear of reprisal from superiors
- Adopt a nonpunitive policy toward errors.
- Take action to reduce errors in the system. Walk the talk.
- Train FFs in error avoidance and detection
- Train fire officers in evaluating situations, reinforcing error avoidance, and managing the safety process
What are Dupont’s “dirty dozen” which is a comprehensive list of reasons and ways that humans make mistakes? (387)
- Lack of communication
- Complacency
- Lack of knowledge
- Distraction
- Lack of teamwork
- Fatigue
- Lack of resources
- Pressure
- Lack of assertiveness
- Stress
- Lack of awareness
- Norms
Dr. James Reason cites what 2 reasons why holes appear in the layer of defense? (387)
- Active failures (unsafe acts)
2. Latent conditions (“resident pathogens”)
Crew Resource Management (CRM) is an error management model that incorporates what 3 activities? (388)
avoidance, entrapment, and mitigating consequences
The fire service CRM model covers what 6 areas? (388)
- Communication Skills
- Teamwork
- Task allocation
- Critical decision making
- Situational awareness
- Debriefing
What 3 components comprise the triangle of leadership? (389)
- trust and respect
- effective leadership
- leadership skills
What 3 competencies is respect based on? (389)
- Personal (internal strengths, capabilities, character)
- Technical (perform tasks requiring knowledge/skills)
- Social (interact effectively with others)
What are the 5 steps in which an assertive statement runs? (389)
- Use an opening/attention getter
- State your concern
- State the problem as you see it
- State a solution
- Obtain agreement or buy-in
The focal point of CRM in conflict resolution is to focus on what? (391)
WHAT is right, NOT WHO is right
What 4 critical areas of self assessment need to be considered to show their ability to function as part of a team? (391)
- Physical condition (good = more aware/alert/oriented)
- Mental condition (full attention)
- Attitude (follow orders)
- Understanding human behavior (how behavior relates to others and team as a whole)
What is the first step in the CRM task allocation phase? (391)
knowing one’s own limits and the capacity of the team
Fire officers fall into what 3 categories when is comes to multitasking ability? (391)
- Reluctant to admit overwhelmed and believe better when more hectic
- overwhelmed before full complexity of event recognized
- LEADERS effectively assess incident, calls for additional resource early and manages to stay ahead of the incident and balance the span of control
___________ describes how commanders can recognize a plausible plan of action. (392)
Recognition-primed decision making (RPD)
___________ describes how commanders make decisions in their natural environment. (392)
Naturalistic decision making
What are the 6 steps that should be followed to maintain emergency scene situational awareness? (393)
- Fight the fire
- Assess problems in the time available (take extra 30-60 seconds to absorb/process info)
- Gather information from all sources
- Choose the best option
- Monitor results and alter the plan as necessary
- Beware of situational awareness loss factors
What are some situational awareness loss factors? (393)
ambiguity (event/order w/more than 1 meaning)
distraction (external or internal)
fixation (tunnel vision)
overload (more things than 1 can process)
complacency (inattentiveness breads carelessness)
improper procedure (Immediate action required)
unresolved discrepancy (don’t ignore conflicts)
nobody fighting the fire (stay big picture)
What are the 5 “disconnects” described with implementing NFFF Life Safety initiatives? (395)
- “culture change” viewed by some as threat
- bad (unsafe) behaviors/attitudes allowed to leach into membership as part of “tradition”
- safety and mission within organizational cultures are imbalanced
- voices (and actions) of safety leadership are either subconsciously muffled or consciously subdued
- lessons from behavioral safety science not embraced by fire service leaders, much less operations
The fire officer who wants to recommend changes to existing policies or create a new policy should start with the results of a ___________. (395)
Post-incident debriefing
High reliability organizations that have embraced CRM have seen reductions of 70%-89% in their rates of ______, ______ and ______. (395)
incidents, accidents, and injuries
Implementing the error management model provides specific practices in what 6 areas? (395)
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Task allocation
- Critical decision making
- Situational awareness
- Debriefing
