Highrise Definitions Flashcards
Access Control
Duty of recording all members entering and exiting a building and their locations while inside the building. This responsibility includes distribution of surveys; Fire Fighter phones; splitting key sets and distributing keys to appropriate members going up.
Branch
That organizational level having functional/geographic responsibility for major aspects of incident operations. The Branch level is organizationally situated between the Section and Division or Group in the Operations Section; and between the Section and Units in the Logistics Section. Branches are identified by the use of Roman numerals or by functional area.
Crew
organized group of Fire Fighters under the leadership of a Company Officer.
Crew Staging
An area where crews are assigned in a high-rise fire that serves as a holding area for available crews awaiting an assignment; this is usually two floors below the fire
Demobilization Unit
Functional Unit within the Planning Section. Responsible for assuring orderly; safe; efficient demobilization of resources committed to the incident.
Division
The partition of an incident into geographical areas of operation. Divisions are established when the number of resources exceeds the manageable span of control. A division is located within the ICS organization; between the IC or branch (when implemented) and the particular resources being used to accomplish tactical objectives.
EMS Group
A functional group established to meet the needs of civilian casualties. A Senior EMS Supervisor will determine the location and manage triage; treatment; and transport.
FDC/Fire Department Connection
A connection through which the Fire Department can pump water into the sprinkler/standpipe system.
Fire Attack Group
Initially; a high rise group composed of First Ladder; Second and Third engines; with the Ladder Officer in charge; which will proceed up to the reported fire floor to investigate; report conditions; and take initial actions to mitigate the incident.
Fire Floor Division
Division responsible for all operational issues on a designated floor of a high rise. Usually a Chief Officer is assigned to manage this division.
Fire Service Mode Phase 1
Mode that recalls elevator to designated recall point (doors open and may stay open) and makes the elevator available for Fire Department use.
Fire Service Mode Phase 2
Mode that allows for the in-car operation of an elevator that requires a key in car to permit control of that elevator.
Group
Established to divide the incident management structure into functional areas of operation. Groups are composed of resources assembled to perform a special function not necessarily within a single geographic area. Groups; when activated; are located between the Branch and the particular resources accomplishing tactical objectives.
Level II Staging
A formal staging area where companies report; designated by Command.
Lobby Control Unit
Is responsible for all lobby control functions
Medical Branch
Branch responsible for all on scene medical care. This will include supervision of the EMS Group (for civilian casualties) and the Rehab Group (for care of Fire Fighters in rehab). The HFD EMS District Chief will be in charge of this Branch.
PRV/Pressure Regulating Valve
Valves and standpipe systems that are designed to reduce outlet pressures that allow for reduced nozzle pressures.
RAT/Rapid Ascent Teams
Crews from the Second and Third Ladder companies who ensure that stairwells are cleared of all building occupants; all stairwell doors are unlocked and closed. The roof hatch is unlocked but closed (to enable the pressurization of the stairwell). The RAT will inform IC which stairwell has roof access for ventilation use.
Rehab Group
A functional group established to meet the needs of Fire Fighters in rehab. A Senior Supervisor will determine the location on a tenable floor near the hazard floor and manage this group; which consist of the supplies of the Rehab Truck; a BLS and an ALS unit. Rehab Group should not be on the same floor as Crew Staging.
Rescue Group
A functional group established to meet the operational needs of searching and performing rescue. This group is assigned responsibility of rescue for the entire incident.
Resource Group
A functional group established to supply the incident with equipment and tools; air recharging; and extra air bottles at or near the Crew Staging area.. The Resource Group Officer will communicate and coordinate with Lobby Control.
RIT Group
A functional group established to meet the needs of Fire Fighter rescue. This Group will consist of the original RIT Teams; Technical Rescue; and additional fire companies under the supervision of the RIT Officer as designated by the IC/Operations.
RIT/Rapid Intervention Team
Team of three; preferably four members; established at every incident in which Fire Fighters will enter a hazardous area. These teams will rescue trapped; lost; or endangered firefighters.
Stack Effect/Chimney Effect
A naturally occurring event in which cool air enters the lower levels of a building and warm air within the building rises to the upper levels. Negative Stack Effect is the reverse and is prominent in Houston.
Stairwell Support Force
Members responsible for using the stairwell to transport tools and equipment (and possibly 4-inch hose) from the lobby to the Resource Group. The Stairwell Support Officer will communicate and coordinate with Lobby Control.
Systems Control Unit
Usually established at large-scale; long-term high rise incidents by the Lobby Control unit to maintain a manageable span of control. This unit evaluates and manages all systems in a high rise building
Third-Party Pre-Fire Plan
A comprehensive supplemental building information plan that some building owners/managers have contracted to be developed for their buildings.
