Members in Distress Ch 1 and Ch 2 FAST UNIT

Question 1

When a fire progresses past the incipient stage, the fire area must be considered an IDLH
atmosphere. Every member entering the IDLH atmosphere must be equipped with
personal protective equipment and a self-contained breathing apparatus. No member
shall enter, leave or operate in an IDLH atmosphere unless the member teams-up

Answer 1

With at
least one other member and remains within visual OR voice contact with that member
Sec 1.2

Question 2

No member
shall enter, leave or operate in an IDLH atmosphere unless the member teams-up with at
least one other member AND remains within visual or voice contact with that member

Are Ht’s an acceptable practice to replace voice contact with another member while in an IDLH atmosphere ?

Answer 2

NO!!
Handie-talkies or other electronic
communication devices are not acceptable to replace visual or voice contact
Sec 1.2

Question 3

No member
shall enter, leave or operate in an IDLH atmosphere unless the member teams-up with at
least one other member AND remains within visual or voice contact with that member
Does Both members need to be HT equipped ?

Answer 3

No!!
At least one
of the members of the team within the IDLH must have a handie-talkie and must be able
to contact a handie-talkie-equipped member of the Safety Team outside of the IDLH
atmosphere.
Sec 1.2

Question 4

two members operating as a team in an IDLH atmosphere must know what about each other ?

Answer 4

Each member of the search team shall know the company identity and assigned position
of the other members of the search team
Sec 1.2

Question 5

What does 2 in 2 out mean ?

Answer 5

At least two members must team up prior to entering an IDLH (Two-In) and there must
be at least two other members outside the IDLH (Two-Out), who are designated as a
Safety Team.
Sec 1.3

Question 6

If a known life hazard is discovered and immediate action could prevent the loss of life,
appropriate action (rescue activity) may be taken by an individual member. This applies
only for a known life hazard, not for standard search and rescue activity. A known life
hazard is defined as follows:

Answer 6

 A victim can be seen by the rescuer.
 A victim can be heard by the rescuer.
 A member has information from a credible source or a person at the scene indicating
the location of the life hazard.
Sec 1.4

Question 7

If a known life hazard is discovered and immediate action could prevent the loss of life,
appropriate action (rescue activity) may be taken by an individual member. Who must be notified ? Who will foward a report and to Whom does it go ?

Answer 7

If such action is taken, the Incident Commander must be immediately notified and
appropriate adjustments made
Sec 1.4
the Incident Commander shall forward a
report detailing the full particulars to the Chief of Operations

Question 8

A Safety Team must be available at all times. The FAST Unit will serve as the Safety
Team. Prior to the arrival of the Fast Unit, the following guidelines should be followed
to establish the Safety Team:
Who is the safety team normally made up of ?

Answer 8

The Safety Team shall normally be made up of the Backup and Control
firefighters of the SECOND arriving ENGINE.
Sec 2.1.1

Question 9

One 4 Firefighter Engine on Scene:

Based on the officer’s size up the following options can be considered:

Answer 9

1) The OFFICER and one firefighter enter the IDLH for search without line
advancement while two firefighters compose the Safety Team.
2) Take a defensive position based on conditions encountered.
Sec 2.1.1

Question 10

One 5 Firefighter Engine on Scene:

The Safety Team is composed of the

Answer 10

Control and Door

Sec 2.1.1

Question 11

 One Ladder on Scene:

1) 5 FF Ladder-The Safety Team is composed of
2) 4 FF Ladder- The Safety Team is composed of

Answer 11

1. LCC and OV
2. LCC and outside firefighter designated by officer
   Sec 2.1.1

Question 12

One Engine and One Ladder on Scene:

1) 5 FF Ladder-The Safety Team is composed of
2) 4 FF Ladder- The Safety Team is composed of

Answer 12

1. Control and LCC
2. Control and LCC
   Sec 2.1.1

Question 13

When an “understaffed” Engine or Ladder Company (unit staffed with LESS THAN 4
firefighters) is the only unit on the scene, the company shall do what ?

Answer 13

the company shall take a defensive
position
Sec 2.1.1

Question 14

When an “understaffed” Engine or Ladder Company is the only unit on the scene, the company shall take a defensive
position. However, if a known life hazard is discovered and immediate action
could prevent the loss of life, Can appropriate action (rescue activity) may be taken by
an individual member ??

Answer 14

YES!!
This applies only for a known life hazard, not for standard
search and rescue activity
Sec 2.1.1

Question 15

Examples of Defensive Positions, including but not limited to:

Answer 15

 Checking the serviceability of a hydrant
 Hooking up to a hydrant
 Charging the pumps
 Stretching a hoseline to outside the IDLH atmosphere
 Providing medical treatment to victims
 Positioning and raising a Tower/ Aerial/ Portable Ladder
 Conducting a size-up of the scene
 Transmitting the appropriate radio signals
Sec 2.1.1

Question 16

At any given incident The arrival of what engine must be announced over the HT’s ?

Answer 16

The arrival of the 2nd Engine must be announced over the handie talkie.
Sec 2.2

Question 17

Designated members of the Safety Team are to engage in their primary duties while
assuming the duties of the Safety Team. Once firefighters enter the IDLH, both member
of the Safety Team must account for firefighters inside the IDLH without performing
other duties
Agree or Disagree

Answer 17

Disagree!!
One member of the Safety Team
Sec 2.3

Question 18

Who shall announce the FAST units arrival over the HT’s ? What then happens to the Safety Teams ?

Answer 18

The Incident Commander shall announce the FAST unit’s arrival over the handietalkie
at the scene. On receipt of this announcement, the members performing the duties
of the Safety Team shall return to their original assignments
Sec 3.2

Question 19

When members are teamed up, they must contact __________ BEFORE entering
an IDLH atmosphere and advise such officer of their status at frequent intervals,
especially when attempting tasks not normally associated with their assignments

Answer 19

their company officer

Sec 4.1

Question 20

In unusual situations where members assigned to team up are unable to do so, the
______________ shall be notified prior to entry into the IDLH atmosphere and the
Incident Commander shall make necessary adjustments in the teaming up of members

Answer 20

IC

Sec 4.2

Question 21

In addition to normally assigned ladder company tools, the FAST Unit shall report to the
ICP with the following equipment: PSST

As part of the size-up, determine what other tools/equipment may be needed for the
various rescue possibilities such as: RSELF

Answer 21

 FAST Pak.
 Search Rope.
 Stokes Basket with long backboard.
 2:1 Rope.
Sec 8 MID Add 2 FAST UNIT
 Rebar cutter.
 Life Saving Rope/Life Belt
 Saws
 Elevator keys for buildings with elevators.
 Flotation devices for operations on or near bodies of water.
Sec 8.1 MID Ch 2 FAST UNIT

Question 22

2.1 The dispatcher shall:
 Allocate a ladder company, which shall be designated as the FAST Unit upon
transmission of signals ?
Will also notify who ?

Answer 22

10-60, 10-66, 10-75, 10-76, 10-77 and 10-80 codes 1, 2, 3 and 4
IC and unit designated as FAST
Sec 2.1 MID Ch 2

Question 23

In some situations, a ladder company staffed with four firefighters may be assigned as a
FAST unit. When reporting to the ICP, the ladder company officer must do what ?
Can the FAST UNIT still be deployed if understaffed ?

Answer 23

Inform the IC
that they are not fully staffed.
YES!!
The IC should take the staffing level of the FAST unit into
consideration upon deployment, and ensure adequate resources are assigned to assist if
necessary.
Sec 2.2 MID Ch 2

Question 24

When the FAST unit reports to the ICP, where do they stand and who reports to the battalion vehicle ?

Answer 24

Within
verbal contact, at a position from which they can be readily deployed.
(EFAS) trained member of the FAST Unit shall report
to a Battalion vehicle on scene to monitor the EFAS and the FAST Radio.
Sec 3.1 MID Ch 2

Question 25

Bonus Question!!

Who is the FAST unit assigned to at a fire in a High Rise ?

Answer 25

The FAST unit shall be assigned to the Fire Sector Supervisor/Branch Director
High Rise Sec 5.3.1 B 8

Question 26

When FAST unit arrives on scene what shall the officer do when it comes to the ICP ? 1-3

Answer 26

1. The officer of the FAST Unit shall announce their arrival on the scene over the HT & report to the ICP
2. shall verify that the IC is aware of the unit’s presence and designation as FAST. REMIND if necessary if put to work other than FAST duties
3. The FAST officer should bring an up to date copy of the response ticket to the ICP which
   would include any CIDS information that is available
   Sec 4.1 MID Ch 2

Question 27

Must a member be EFAS’d trained to monitor the EFAS ?

Answer 27

NO!!
Whether EFAS trained or not, the FAST Unit member assigned to monitor
EFAS and/or the FAST Radio shall remain in the Battalion vehicle, even if
the FAST Unit is given an assignment, until relieved
Sec 5.1 MID Ch 2

Question 28

The FAST Unit is responsible to know what additional equipment they are required to
bring to the ICP, in addition to their regularly assigned tools.
The following assignments MUST be given out at roll call: 1-2

Answer 28

 A member assigned the FAST Pak. Member is responsible to manage the air supply
of the distressed member, if needed.
 An EFAS trained member assigned to monitor EFAS and the FAST Radio.
Sec 5.1 MID Ch 2

Question 29

The 13-point size-up mentioned
below must be evaluated continually, along with anticipation of possible problems by the
FAST Unit.
What are the 13 points

Answer 29

COAL WAS WEALTH
Construction
Occupancy
Area Access
Life
Weather
Auxillary Appliances
Street Conditions
Water supply
Exposures
Apparatus
Location
Time
Health
Sec 6 MID Ch 2

Question 30

Who has been issued an Emergency Removal Kit ?

Answer 30

Each
Battalion has been issued an Emergency Removal Training Kit
Sec 9.2 MID Ch 2

Question 31

The FAST Unit will be split into 2 teams. What are they ?

Answer 31

 Search team – make entry to locate, package and remove the member if possible.
 Removal/Resource team – will stage at the entrance and be available to assist. This
assistance could be to relieve, augment or supply additional equipment to the search
team.
Sec 7.3 MID Ch 2

Question 32

If the FAST Unit uses a 2 sided approach, which team will make access via the exterior ?

Answer 32

Removal Team !
Use of a two sided approach where the search team makes access via the interior and
the removal team makes access via the exterior of the building.
Sec 7.3 MID Ch 2

Question 33

Operational considerations for the FAST Unit

Answer 33

 Search team – make entry to locate, package and remove the member if possible.
 Removal/Resource team – will stage at the entrance and be available to assist.
 Use of a two sided approach where the search team makes access via the interior and
the removal team makes access via the exterior of the building.
 Attempting a rescue from the outside of the fire building.
 Use of a life saving rope rescue.
Sec 7.3 MID Ch 2

Question 34

At a large or complex building is the use of a 2 sided approach good practice ?

Answer 34

NO!!
The FAST Unit shall remain intact and not split up when dealing with large commercial
or complex buildings
Sec 7.4 MID Ch 2

Question 35

When FAST Unit is deployed at an operation for a member in distress, How can the FAST unit determine the location of the member ?

Answer 35

 Determine the location of the member based on alarm assignment, order of arrival
and riding position.
 Use information received from Incident Commander, operating unit or distressed
member, to help determine their location.
Sec 7.5 MID CH 2

Question 36

When the FAST Unit arrives at the location of the distressed member, the transmitting
member of the FAST Unit shall ?? 1-8

Answer 36

1. Depress the EAB on their HT
2. After the EA activation, provide the IC or FAST Group Supervisor with the information required ….LIAR
3. After all required info the transmitting member resets their HT
4. Assess Fire, Air, Immediate medical care, Removal (FAIR).
5. Provide additional air supply as needed.
6. Confirm positive identification
7. If possible, depress the EAB of the member in distress. Notify the IC prior to EAB activation of the distressed member.
   If unable to activate the distressed member’s EAB, key the mic on the distressed member’s HT
8. The distressed member’s Emergency Alert shall remain activated until determined it is no longer required.
9. Package the member for removal.
   Sec 7.6 MID Ch 2

Question 37

When a FAST unit arrives at location of a distressed member, The Unit will ASSES What ?
FAIR

Answer 37

Fire, Air, Immediate medical care, Removal

Sec 7.5 MID Ch 2

Question 38

When the FAST Unit arrives at the location of the distressed member, the transmitting
member of the FAST Unit shall: After activating their own EAB the member transmitting will
Give what information to the IC pertaining to the downed member ?

Answer 38

Missing, Trapped or Lost member Located
LIAR
Location
Identity of member
Any imminent conditions
Resources needed
Comm 9 Sec 9.4.1 D