Precis Study Flashcards
Definition: Water Hammer
The term used to describe the destructive forces, evident in pounding noises and vibrations, which develop in a piping system when a column of non-compressible liquid flowing through a pipe line at a given pressure and velocity is stopped abruptly.
Definition: Forcible Entry
The act of gaining access to a structure through means other than an open window or door using applied techniques and available tools which aid in reducing unnecessary damage to the occupancy or compromising structural integrity.
Definition: Salvage
Consists of those methods and operating procedures allied to firefighting which aid in reducing forcible entry, fire, water, and smoke damage during and after fires.
Definition: Overhaul
The search for and extinguishment of hidden or remaining fires; placing the building, its contents and the fire area in a safe condition; possibly determining the origin/cause of the fire and recognizing and preserving and evidence of arson.
Deputy Chief of The Office of Emergency Management and his Portfolio (5 things)
Rob Squire (8 employees)
1) Emergency Management Planning
2) Emergency management training and public awareness
3) Emergency operations center
4) Emergency support response team
5) Corporate business continuity planning
Core Functions (7)
1) Fire suppression
2) First response to emergency medical events
3) MVC responses
4) Specialized rescue response
5) HAZMAT response
6) Fire investigations
7) Fire prevention programs (education and inspection)
Initial Report (5 things)
1) Unit identification
2) Size-up; include a description of the building, occupancy and emergency scene
3) Summary of fire/emergency conditions
4) Initial plan of attack
5) Identify who is assuming Fire Command, and where fire command is located (A,B,C,D)
Size Up (Visual Factors)
1) Type of Building - construction, occupancy, obvious outside hazards
2) Location, volume, velocity, density, and color of the smoke coming from the structure
3) weather
Size Up (Reconnaissance Factors)
1) Crews inside the structure will relay fire, smoke, and heat conditions to command
2) Information that is gathered by crews from occupants exiting the structure, bystanders, and other non-departmental services involved in the event
Size Up (Pre-fire Assessment Factors)
Pre-fire planning information gathered from pre-fire inspections will afford information such as;
1) Life hazards
2) Number and location of occupants
3) Access to the structure
4) Floor plans
5) The nature of the interior and the exterior exposures
Foam Operations (4 Types)
1) Separation - Foam creates a barrier between the fuel and the fire
2) Cooling - Lowers the temperature of the fuel and adjacent surfaces
3) Suppression - Prevents the release of flammable vapors, reduces ignition
4) Penetrates the product to get at the hot embers
Hazmat Defensive Actions (8)
1) Absorption
2) Confinement
3) Dilution
4) Remote valve shutoff
5) Vapor Dispersion
6) Vapor Suppression
7) Adsorption
8) Burning Off
ICS Primary Objective
The primary objective of the ICS is the management of assigned resources for the effective and efficient control of any emergency situation regardless of the size or complexity
Common Fire Hazards (8)
1) heating and Cooking equipment
2) Smoking and matches
3) Housekeeping
4) electrical power and equipment
5) Fumigation and insecticides
6) Air conditioning and ventilation systems
7) Cleaning agents, compounds, and equipment
8) Storage incompatibility
Special Fire Hazards (8)
1) Painting
2) Welding
3) Chemicals
4) Acids
5) Flammable Liquids
6) Explosives
7) Gas
8) Dust
Target Fire Hazards (8)
1) Lumber yards
2) Public assembly buildings
3) Area shopping centers
4) Row housing
5) Flammable liquid bulk storage
6) Fur Storage
7) Hospitals
8) Schools
What Should You Do If You Find Yourself In A Clandestine Lab? (7 things)
1) Don’t touch anything
2) Don’t handle anything
3) Don’t move anything
4) Don’t disconnect anything
5) Don’t operate anything
6) Retreat along the same entrance path
7) Don’t break/upset any vessel that contains chemicals
Types Of Fire Alarms (3)
1) Conventional Supervised System
2) Multiplex or Fully Addressable System
3) Proprietary or Central Station System
Types of Alarm Signaling System (7)
1) Central Station
2) Local alarm system
3) private alarm system
4) Proprietary
5) Other agency dispatch centers
6) Direct lines
7) Direct individual fire station phone lines
Road Transport Container Types (8)
1) Atmospheric pressure cargo tank truck
2) Low pressure cargo tank truck
3) High pressure gas cargo tank truck
4) Corrosive tank truck
5) Cryogenic liquid tank truck
6) Cryogenic gas/tube road trailer
7) Dry bulk container
8) Mixed cargo
Six Steps to Manage a Hazmat Incident (H.A.Z.M.A.T.)
H - Hazard identification A - Action plan Z - Zoning M - Manage the scene A - Assistance T - Termination
Hazmat Action Plan Levels (3)
Level 1 - Can be handled by the first response personal (pump - <25L)
Level 2 - Special technical assistance (pump and haz 1 -
25-75L)
Level 3 - Potential for major disasters (2 pumps, resuce, ladder, and haz 1 - >75L)
To Establish Scene Control at a Hazmat Incident (5 things)
1) Isolate the site
2) Remove people from the isolation area
3) Deny entry to unauthorized individuals
4) Evacuate or protect-in-place as required
5) Establish scene control zones
4 Levels of Hazmat PPE Clothing
Level A - Highest available degree of respiratory/skin/eye protection (SCBA/vapor suit)
Level B - Highest level of respiratory protection with a less degree of skin protection (SCBA/slpash suit)
level C - Equal level of skin protection as level B, lesser degree of respiratory protection (APR/splash suit)
Level D - PPE in the form of hard hats/steel toed safety boots/safety glasses (bunker gear)
Definitions: Impact, Static, and Repeated Loads
Impact loads are sudden, one-time, short-term bursts of pressure that can produce very high stresses, especially when applied laterally.
Static loads are gradual or constant pressures applied over long term.
Repeated loads are pressures applied intermittently over a period of time.
Hose Line Selection Factors (10)
1) Fire load
2) Type of construction
3) Type of material/fuel involved
4) Volume of water required to extinguish the fire
5) Hose reach required
6) Number of firefighters available
7) How quickly and how often you need to move the hose line
8) Tactical requirements
9) How quickly you can deploy the required hose lines
10) Potential fire spread
Definition: Thermal Imaging
The detection of infrared radiation and the translation of the detected energy into a view-able image.
Flammable Liquid Rate Of Burning Influenced By… (4 things)
1) Vapor Pressure
2) Flash Point
3) Boiling Point
4) Evaporation Rate
Hazmat Fire and Explosion Prevention (5 things)
1) Exclusion of ignition sources
2) Exclusion of air
3) Storage of liquids in closed containers or systems
4) Ventilation to prevent the accumulation of vapor within the flammable range
5) Use of inert gas atmospheres instead of air
Flammable Liquid Fire Extinguishment (4 Ways)
1) Shutting off the fuel supply
2) Excluding air by various means
3) Cooling the liquid to stop evaporation
4) A combination of these methods
Safety-Relief Devices (3)
1) Safety or pressure-relief valves
2) Rupture Discs
3) Fusible Plugs
Roles of the Big Gate (10)
1) Safely dismount the apparatus wearing all PPE carrying a radio
2) Remove the hydrant gate from the rear of the apparatus
3) Wrap 125mm hose around the hydrant
4) Stand on the hose and signal small gate when ready
5) When apparatus is stopped, or when safe to do so, remove steamer cap from hydrant
6) Inspect the barrel of the hydrant and connect gate
7) Ensure that the drain valve on the hydrant gate is in the open position
8) Radio or signal driver or sector officer that you are ready to turn on the hydrant
9) Open hydrant when ordered by driver or sector officer, close drain valve
10) Gather tools, remove kinks in the hose and report to your officer for reassignment
Roles of the Small Gate (11)
1) Safely dismount the apparatus wearing all PPE carrying a radio
2) If riding on a new smeal pumper ensure the coffin doors are electronically open
3) Retrieve hydrate kit from the driver rear compartment of apparatus
4) Place hydrant kit near the hydrant in a practical location for the big gate
5) Help big gate with the supply line and wait for ready signal
6) Return to your position on the apparatus and relay the ready signal to the driver and officer
7) At the scene, safely dismount the unit and un-couple the supply line at the nearest joint
8) Attach the supply line to the appropriate apparatus at the scene. *Utilize the pony length when it is advantages to do so
9) If located at the intake connection, open the intake drain valve
10) Communicate to the driver of the apparatus that the line is ready
11) Report to your officer for reassignment
Daily SCBA Inspection and Checks (12 steps)
1) Inspect cylinder and harness, including air cylinder retention collar for visible damage
2) Check air cylinder pressure
3) Inspect the high pressure hose for signs of wear or damage
4) Inspect high pressure hose coupling for tightness and teflon seal for damage or looseness
5) Fully open air cylinder valve
6) Check that the PASS alarm warns after approximately 20 seconds of non-movement
7) Check the chest mount console gauge. A pressure difference of 300-400 psi or more between the cylinder gauge and the console gauge requires addressing. Identify which of the two components is the cause of the issue, tag it as out of service, inform your officer, and have the service/salvage truck pick it up for repair at the air room
8) Close air valve
9) Check the alarming system function: bleed air from regulator, vibralert will activate at approximately 1200psi chest gauge pressure
10) Deactivate PASS
11) Inspect harness including hold down clip, for wear, damage, and cleanliness
12) Extend and straighten all straps
What Does Each extinguisher Class Put Out?
Class A - wood, cloth, paper, rubber, plastics
Class B - greases, oil, solvents, flammable and combustible liquids
Class C - fires involved in electrical equipment
Class D - combustible metals (magnesium, sodium, lithium, potassium, titanium, zirconium)
Class K - commercial cooking units involving vegetable or animal oils and fats
Variables of a Flashover (5)
1) Compartment size
2) Insulation qualities
3) Ceiling height
4) Ventilation
5) Combustible contents
Definition: Flashpoint
The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the liquids surface
Definition: Smoke Explosion
It is the ignition of a premixed pocket of fire gases and oxygen that may occur when an ignition source is introduced
Disciplinary Actions (Captain - Chief)
Captain - counseling, extra station duties, suspension of privileges, verbal reprimand, and written reprimand
District Chief - counseling, extra station duties, suspension of privileges, verbal reprimand, written reprimand, an suspension with pay
Platoon Chief - suspension of privileges, verbal reprimand, written reprimand, and suspension with pay
Deputy Chief - verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspension with pay, suspension without pay, demotion, and dismissal
Fire Chief - written reprimand, suspension with pay, suspension without pay, demotion, and dismissal
Water/Ice Rescue Suits (3)
1) Mustang Ice Commander Suit (immersion)
2) Kokatat GFER (dry)
3) Mustang Sentinel (dry)
RIC Responsibilities Pre-Mayday (4)
1) Set up RIC tarp
2) Size up structure for potential issues
3) Determine potential egress points
4) Monitor radio for location of crews
P.A.C.C.A.N.
P - Pass alarm - shut of alarm
A - Assess for breathing - look, listen, feel for breathing. Check for “blow by”. If no “blow by” turn on bypass valve to check for air flow. Check SCBA air level on bottle.
C - Communicate - Inform command: a downed or disoriented firefighter found. If necessary, call a MAYDAY
C - Conditions - Where are you located. What conditions are you dealing with (injuries, collapse, multiple victims, etc)
A - Actions - What is your plan of action
N - Needs - Additional RIC, additional or specific tools, hose lines, etc
Products of Combustion (7)
1) Thermal energy
2) Smoke
3) Carbon Monoxide
4) Hydrogen Cyanide
5) Carbon Dioxide
6) Irritants
7) Flame
4 Ways Gases Are Stored
1) Compressed
2) Liquefied
3) Cryogenic
4) Dissolved
Definition: Combustion
A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or a flame
Deputy Chief of Fire Rescue Operations and his Portfolio (6 things)
Robert “Scott” MacDonald (1116 employees)
1) Fire suppression event response
2) Medical event response
3) Rescue event response
4) Hazardous material event response
5) Regional mutual aid event response
6) Specialty operations
Deputy Chief of Training and Logistics and his Portfolio (5 things)
Bradley Hoekstra (41 employees)
1) Training and e-learning
2) Fire rescue facilities
3) Fire rescue fleet and apparatus equipment
4) Logistical planning
5) Health and wellness program
Deputy Chief of Public Safety and his Portfolio (6 things)
Russell Croome (64 employees)
1) Quality management plan
2) Fire prevention and public education
3) Fire inspection
4) Fire investigation
5) EFRS/EPS partnered arson investigation
6) Fire protection engineering
Deputy Chief of Technical Services and his Portfolio ( 6 things)
Bryan Singleton (56 employees)
1) Call evaluation, dispatch, and communication
2) Data and analytics
3) Public safety technology
4) Mapping services
5) Environmental management (replaced with application support and hardware)
6) Fire accreditation
3 Types of Utility Rope on the Trucks
1) Walk-up apartment drop bag, 20m long, 10mm wide
2) Guideline (lifeline) coils, 30m long, 6mm wide
3) Heavy utility rope, 45m long, 16mm wide
Visual Rope Inspection (5)
1) Look for discoloration
2) Rope is uniform diameter
3) Excessive fraying
4) Excessive dirt or grit on the rope
5) Exposed core fibers
Physical Rope Inspection (4)
1) Note stiffening of fibers within rope
2) Feel for inconsistency in the rope diameter
3) Feel for soft areas or bulges by running the rope through a short radius bend
4) Feel for dirt or grit within the kern
Stabilization Tools (11)
1) Chocks
2) Step blocks
3) Cribbing
4) Paratech pneumatic struts, extensions, and bases
5) Ratchet straps
6) Tie down keys
7) Winches
8) Chains
9) Load binder
10) Anchor slings
11) Shackles
Things to Know for a Tank Fire (5 things)
1) Don’t extinguish relief valve fire
2) Always approach from the sides, not the ends
3) Impingement must be minimized
4) Use unmanned master streams
5) Enact evacuation up to 1200m on large cylinders in case of a BLEVE
Things to Know When Flame is Impinging on a Tank (5 things)
1) Cool tank from the top to the bottom - vapor area
2) Large tanks fail within 10-20 minutes
3) Use master stream appliances
4) Non-survivable area of 500ft
5) Water must not be turning to steam, it must reach the container
After Termination of a Hazmat Incident (4 things)
1) Decontamination
2) Rehabilitation
3) Post incident analysis
4) Medical screening
9 Classes of Dangerous Goods (Every Good Fire Fighter Only Takes Real Cash Money)
1) Explosives - 6 divisions
2) Gases - 3 divisions
3) Flammable Liquids - 1 division
4) Flammable Solids - 3 divisions
5) Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides - 2 divisions
6) Toxic and Infections Substances - 2 divisions
7) Radioactive Material - 1 division
8) Corrosive - 1 division
9) Miscellaneous Hazardous Material - 1 division
(1 division also known as 0)
Inter-modal Container Types (3)
1) Low pressure inter-modal tank container
2) Pressure inter-modal container
3) Cryogenic inter-modal container
Rail Transport Container Types (6)
1) Low pressure liquid rail car
2) High pressure rail car
3) High pressure tube-rail car
4) Dry bulk hopper car
5) Box car
6) Cryogenic rail car
Facility Tanks (3)
1) Low pressure facility tanks
2) Cryogenic tanks
3) High and low pressure spherical tanks
Low Pressure Facility Tanks (5)
1) Cone roof tank
2) Floating roof tank
3) Internal floating roof tank
4) Lifter-roof tank
5) Horizontal or low pressure storage tank
CAD Interfaces (6)
1) Radio interface
2) Dispatch interface
3) Clock interface
4) I-mobile interface
5) I-tracker interface
6) I-net-viewer interface
Communication Equipment (6)
1) Radios
2) Pagers
3) Printers
4) Fax machines
5) Voice amplifiers
6) MPS computers
Methods of Detection for Sprinklers (5)
1) Fixed temperature
2) Rate of rise
3) Smoke
4) Flame or flash
5) Vapor
Types of Salvage Equipment (5)
1) Property conservation
2) Door/window/roof repair
3) Mop up and/or clean up
4) Odor suppressor
5) Automatic sprinkler tools
The Fire Weather Index Rating System (6)
1) Fine fuel moisture code
2) Duff moisture code
3) Drought code
4) Initial spread index
5) Build up index
6) Fire weather index
Class “A” Fire Foam Percentages
- 1% - deep-seated fires in furniture, smouldering ground fires, or heavy duff layers where penetration is required
- 1-0.5% - wildland/grass fires
- 5% - structural firefighting with attached fog nozzles, wildland surface fires using foam nozzles
- 0% - protecting structural exposures (walls and roofs), forming barriers during wildland firefighting operations.
Definition: Fire
A rapid oxidation process, which is a chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities
Definition: Self Heating
A form of oxidation, is a chemical reaction that increases the temperature of a material without the addition of external heat
Definition: Spontaneous Ignition
Initiation of combustion of a material by an internal chemical or biological reaction that has produced sufficient heat to ignite the material
Definition: Piloted Ignition
The moment when a mixture of fuel and oxygen encounters an external heat source with sufficient heat or thermal energy to start the combustion reaction
Definition: Auto Ignition
The initiation of combustion by heating but without a spark or flame to ignite the fuel gases or vapor
Definition: Auto Ignition Temperature
The lowest temperature of which a combustible material will ignite without an external source of ignition
Definition: Fire Point
The temperature at which sufficient vapors are being generated to sustain the combustion reaction
Unity of Command (3)
1) The principle that a person can report to only one officer
2) Directly, each subordinate reports to their designated officer
3) Indirectly, everyone reports to the fire chief through the chain of command
Span of Control (2)
1) The number of personal one individual can effectively manage
2) A rule of thumb in the fire service is that an officer can directly supervise 3-7 firefighters, or functional units, effectively
Division of Labor (4)
The dividing of large operations into smaller, manageable tasks. These small tasks are then assigned to specific groups.
1) Safety and accountability of personal
2) To prevent duplication of effort
3) To define specific and clear-cut assignments
4) To assign responsibility for the tasks outlined
SCBA Pressures
Full - 4500 psi Change bottle - 3600 psi Low air alarm - 1200 psi High pressure reducer - 85-110 psi Regulator pressure - 0.8-1.5 psi
Rope Bags on Rescue and TR
Rescue - 1 red main and 1 blue belay (60m long, 13mm wide)
TR - 2 red main, 2 blue belay, 2 haul bags (60m long, 13mm wide), and 2 rope bags (100m long, 13mm wide)
Advantages of Ventilation (6)
1) Rescue operations
2) Fire attack
3) Property damage
4) Thermal layering
5) Backdraft/flashover
6) Fire spread
Advantages of the ICS System (5)
1) Flexible for any size emergency
2) Systematic approach lessens confusion
3) Allows for informed decisions
4) Deployment of resources are easier
5) Provides accountability for all resources
Building Size-Up (5)
1) What kind of construction
2) How old is the building
3) What is the possible fuel load
4) Take a mental picture of the outside of the building
5) Keep track of where you are in the building
Definition: Latent Heat of Vaporization
The amount of heat absorbed by any substance where it is converted from a liquid to a vapor
Definition: Specific Heat
The ratio between the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a specified quantity of material and the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of an identical quantity of water by the same number of degrees.
water is 1:1
Types of ICS Emergency (9)
1) Medical responses
2) Alarms ringing
3) MVC
4) Structural and non-structural fires
5) Hazmat responses
6) Technical rescues
7) High-rise fires
8) Aircraft accidents
9) Wildland fires
Rules for Rope Usage (9)
1) Do not step on the rope
2) Protect the rope at abrasion points
3) Do not overload a rope
4) Never tow a vehicle with a life safety rope
5) Do not over bend a rope
6) Do not leave knots tied in a stored rope (unless left loose)
7) Store ropes using appropriate methods
8) Protect a rope from falling objects
9) Protect the rope from sources of high heat
5 Pieces of Information for Propane (LEL, UEL, Boiling point, specific gravity, expansion)
2.4% LEL
9.5% UEL
Boils at -42C
1.5 specific gravity
expands at a ratio of 270:1
Definition: Discipline
Discipline refers to an organizations responsibility to provide the direction needed to satisfy the goals and objectives of the organization. This direction may come in the form of rules, regulations, or polices, to define the limits or boundaries for expected performance. The rules of the organization must be clearly written and presented.
Breaking Strength of the Prusik Minding Pulley
36kN
Breaking Strength of the Steel Triangular Screw Link
44.03kN
Breaking Strength of the Steel Lite Locking
44.7kN
Breaking Strength of the Large Steel D Locking
50kN
Breaking Strength of the Aluminum “P” Rated
27kN
Breaking Strength of the Twin Prusik Minding Pulley
45kN
Breaking Strength of the Mini Prusik Minding Pulley
17kN
Breaking Strength of Rigging Plates
44.4kN
Breaking Strength of Swivels
35.58kN
Occupancy Hazards (2)
1) People cause hazardous acts
2) Things cause hazardous conditions
Types of Flat Roof (7)
1) Wooden deck roof
2) Metal deck roof
3) Concrete roof
4) Inverted roof
5) Rain roof
6) Pour gypsum roof
7) Mansard roof (false)
Gas Cylinder Color Coding (6)
Green/silver - oxygen Blue - Nitrous Oxide Orange - cyclopropane Brown - helium Red - ethylene Grey - carbon dioxide
Sprinkler Head Components (5)
1) Arms
2) Levers
3) Valve cap
4) Deflector
5) Release mechanism
Water Distribution System Pipe Sizes (3)
1) Primary lines >400mm
2) Feeders 300-400mm
3) Distribution 200-300mm
Can see as high as 1500mm
Important Cribbing Points (3)
1) Overlap ends of cribbing
2) Ensure points of contact are in-line with each other all the way down the stack
3) Limit the box crib stack to 3 times the width of the stack
Types of Door Locks (4)
1) Mortise
2) Bored (cylindrical)
3) Rim
4) Padlock
Types of Windows (6)
1) Awning
2) Factory projected
3) Slider
4) Jalousie
5) Hinged/casement
6) Single hung
Rank 1 Wildland Fire
Smouldering ground or creeping fires, easily controlled with hand tools
Rank 2 Wildland Fire
Low vigor surface fire, easily controlled with hand tools
Rank 3 Wildland Fire
Moderately vigorous surface fire, not easily controlled with hand tools. Head of fire requires water delivery system
Rank 4 Wildland Fire
Highly vigorous surface fire, threat to crew safety. Candling is probable
Rank 5 Wildland Fire
Extremely vigorous fire or active crown fire. Likelihood of crew entrapment
Rank 6 Wildland Fire
Blow-up or conflagration, extreme fire behavior. Evacuation of crews necessary
Definition: Wildland Interface
Any area where structures are located adjacent to, or among combustible wildland fuels
Standard Operating Procedures (wording)
SOP’s are the LAWS of the department and these directives must be adhered to: They use words like “MUST” and “WILL” and may, if not followed, result in possible legal implications for a member.
5 Examples of SOP’s
1) Dress
2) Conduct
3) Station duties
4) Training procedures
5) Fire response
Tests of a Safe Rescue System (3)
1) White board analysis
2) Critical points examination
3) Whistle test
Sizing up the Fire (3)
1) Are flames visible
2) What are the smoke conditions
3) What are the conditions inside
Are these conditions changing
Forcible Entry Size-Up (4)
1) Type of construction
2) Available access to the doors, windows, or walls
3) Available tools
4) Time
Core Values (4)
1) Service
2) Safety
3) Relationships
4) Teamwork
Organization Principles (4)
1) Disciple
2) Unity of command
3) Span of control
4) Division of labor
Incident Command Accountability Worksheet (7)
always order pepperoni pizza at the firehall
1) Accountability
2) Outline of emergency site plan
3) Plan of attack
4) Progress
5) Available resources
6) Transfer of command
7) Final report
Ten Command Functions
ARIIDPCRRT
1) Assume an effective command position and confirm operations
2) Rapidly size-up the situation
3) Initiate, maintain, and control the communication process
4) Identify the overall strategy and develop an attack plan and assign crews
5) Develop an effective fire ground organization
6) Provide continuing command within the framework of department SOP’s
7) Coordinate the transfer of command as required
8) Review, evaluate, and reuse attack plan as required
9) Request and assign additional crews as required
10) Terminate operations/command and return crews to service
Standard Operation Guidelines (wording)
SOG’s are guidelines developed for the safe and efficient mitigation of a myriad of events. SOG’s may be deviated from and are flexible provided you can justify your actions, they use words like “SHALL” and “MAY”
3 Types of Fire Ground Strategy
1) Offensive interior attack
2) Defensive exterior attack
3) Hold-in-place
3 Designations for Assigned Resources
1) Single Resource - Personal, vehicle, and/or equipment
2) Task Force - Combination of single resources within the span of control amassed for a task
3) Strike Team - A combination of a number of units that are of the same type and purpose
Webbing Length, Color, Breaking Strength and Type
Green - 1.5m Yellow - 3.5m Blue - 4.5m Red - 6.0m Orange - 6.0m
17.5kN breaking strength
25mm tubular webbing
Characteristics of a Good Tie (6)
1) Easy to tie
2) Easy to untie
3) Easily inspected
4) Secure once tied
5) Will not slip under load
6) Will have the minimum strength loss on the rope (30%)
UN ID Colored Backgrounds (7)
Red - Flammable Orange - Explosive White - Toxic or infectious Green - Compressed, but non-flammable, non-toxic Blue - Reactive Black - Corrosive Yellow - Oxidizer
Thermal Imaging Applications (10)
1) Size-up
2) Search and rescue
3) Fire attack
4) Ventilation
5) Overhaul
6) Hazmat events
7) Wildland operations
8) Training
9) Exterior woodland search
10) Water rescue events
Airbag Initials (5)
SIR - supplemental inflatable restraint SRS - supplemental restraint system SIPS - side impact protection system HPS - head protection system IC - impact curtain
Core Value Service
We fulfill our mission to serve the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Core Value Safety
We make public safety and firefighter safety our number one priority through ongoing training , development, and innovation
Core Value Relationships
We build and maintain public trust through integrity, dedication, professionalism, and accountability
Core Value Teamwork
We work together as a team. We can only achieve our mission and our other core values by working closely with our internal and external partners
EFRS Vision
To make Edmonton a safer, more liveable city by providing the best fire rescue services in North America
EFRS Mission Statement
We are committed to protecting life, property, and the environment
Enviso CPR
C - Continual Environmental Improvement
P - Pollution Prevention
R - Regulatory Compliance
Location of Heat Sensor Labels on Ladders (2)
1) Below the second rung from the tip
2) Immediately below the center rung of the section
Wildland Hose Length and Diameter (3)
Spec 187 - 38mm wide, 7.5 and 15m lengths, non-weeping
Staflo - 38mm wide, 30m length, weeping
Econoflow - 15mm wide, 15m length
When do Investigators Attend a Fire (3)
1) Property damage
2) Injury
3) Death due to fire
Types of Fire Hazard (6)
1) Occupancy hazard
2) Common fire hazard
3) Personal hazard
4) Special hazard
5) Target hazard
6) Exposure hazard
Generating and Applying Foam (3)
1) Proportioning
2) Foam generation
3) Distribution
Hazmat Foam %
1% - Shallow hydrocarbon spill
3% - Severe hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires
6% - Hazmat vapor suppression
4 Methods of Foam Proportioning
1) Eduction
2) Injection
3) Batch-mixing
4) Premixing
Definition: Hazardous Materials
Any material or substance, which even in normal use, poses a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment
Hazard Identification (4)
1) Location and occupancy type
2) Placards, labels, and marking
3) Container shapes
4) Your senses
Facility and Transport Markings (3)
Signs - found at fixed sites
Labels - 10x10cm and are required on containers up to 450L
Placards - Diamond shaped 25x25cm and used in transportation of more than 450L
NFPA 704 Diamond
Health - Left - Blue
Flammability - Top - Red
Reactivity - Right - Yellow
Special Info - Bottom - White
Scale of 0-4, 4 being the highest risk
Contamination Through a Chemical Protective Suit (3)
1) Permeation
2) Penetration
3) Degradation
4 Types of Natural Gas Emergencies
1) Gas escaping outside
2) Gas burning from an outside piping system
3) Gas escaping inside
4) Structural fires involving a gas system
Warning Signs for a BLEVE (6)
1) Pressure relief device is working
2) Pitch or sound gets louder
3) Pinging, popping, or snapping sounds are heard
4) Visible steam from tank upon cooling
5) Discoloration of shell at impingement
6) A bulge or bubble indicates serious localized heating of vapor area
4 Types of Fixed Temperature Detecting Devices
1) Fusible device
2) Frangible bulb
3) Continuous line detector
4) Bimetallic detector
Types of Alarm Initiation Devices (9)
1) Manual pull station
2) Fixed temperature heat detectors
3) Rate-of-rise heat detectors
4) Smoke detectors
5) Photoelectric smoke detectors
6) Ionization smoke detectors
7) Combination detectors
8) Flame detectors
9) Water flow switches
Disadvantages of Using Water (6)
1) Water has high surface tension, with reduces the rate of heat absorption
2) Water reacts with certain materials
3) Water conducts electricity
4) Steam from water can cause serious injuries
5) Water has low viscosity, which means it will not adhere well to vertical surfaces
6) Water has low opacity and low reflectivity, therefore does not prevent the passage of radiant heat well
Water Capacity on EFRS Units (6)
Pumps - 1817L Ladders - 1134L Tankers - 4500L Super Tankers - 13500L ATP - 1442L Mule trailer - 250L
Deluge Gun Pressure and Flow Rate
700kPa nozzle pressure on E-one units
500kPa nozzle pressure on new units
2650 Lpm flow rate
65mm Quick Attack Monitor Pressure and Flow Rate
700kPa nozzle pressure
3 flow rates - 950Lpm, 1400Lpm, 1900Lpm
Fire Streams are Influenced by… (4)
1) Operating pressures
2) Nozzle design
3) Nozzle adjustment
4) Condition of the nozzle orifice
Solid Stream Advantages (4)
1) Greater visibility
2) Better reach and better penetration than other types of streams
3) Reduced nozzle pressure per liter make for easier handling
4) Normal thermal layering is less likely to be disturbed during an interior structural attack, thus increasing your personal safety level
Extrication Equipment Types (5)
1) Striking tools
2) Prying tools
3) Cutting tools
4) Pushing/pulling tools
5) Supporting tools
Container Release Types (7)
1) Cloud
2) Hemispheric
3) Cone
4) Plume
5) Stream
6) Pool
7) Irregular
Contents of the Red High Rise Kit (12)
1 - 15m length of 44mm hose 1 - 3m length of 65mm hose with pre-connected gated wye 1 - Rope drop bag 10 - Rubber door stops 3 - door wedges 2 - sprinkler wedges 2 - sprinkler dowels 1 - hose key 1 - pipe wrench 1 - uni-driver 1 - recessed sprinkler wedge 1 - door markers
Common Control Valves (4)
1) Outside screw and yoke valve (OS & Y)
2) Post indicator valve (PIV)
3) Wall post indicator valve (WPIV)
4) Post indicator valve assembly (PIVA)
Characteristics of Water (5)
1) Inexpensive
2) Universal abundance
3) Ability to absorb heat
4) Can be conveyed long distances
5) Easily stored
Alternative Water Supplies (4)
1) Rivers
2) Ponds
3) Pools/cisterns
4) Portable tanks
EFRS Hose Diameters and Lengths
Econoflow - 15mm wide, 15m length
Booster reel - 25mm wide, 45m length
Staflo - 38mm wide, 30m length
Spec 187 - 38mm wide, 7.5 and 15m length
Small hi-combat attack hose - 44mm wide, 15m length
Large hi-combat attack hose - 65mm wide, 3 and 15m length
Hi-volume - 125mm wide, 7.5 and 15m length
Hard suction - 150mm wide, 3 and 4 and 5m length
Definition:Black Fire
Smoke that is high-volume, turbulent velocity, ultra-dense, and black. Black fire is a sure sign of impending auto ignition and flashover. Temperatures of more then 1000`F. Treat black fire just as actual flames
Solid Stream Disadvantages (4)
1) Cannot be used for foam applications
2) Do not allow for different patterns
3) Less heat absorption than fog streams
4) Never use solid stream or wand applicators on electrical equipment because they are conductive
Thermal Imaging Camera Sensitivity Modes (3)
High sense mode - up to 65C
Mid sense mode - 65C - 240C
Low sense mode - 240C and above
Radio Signal Report Readability Scale
Signal strength then readability 5x5 1 - Bad (unreadable) 2 - Poor (readable now and then) 3 - Fair (readable but with difficulty) 4 - Good (readable) 5 - Excellent (perfectly readable)
Definition: Flammable Liquid
A liquid with a flashpoint below 37.8`C
L.A.C.E.S.
L - Look out A - Anchor points C - Communication E - Escape routes S - Safety zones
I.D.E.A.S.
I - Integrity D - Direction of force E - Equalization and no extension A - Angles S - System of anchors
Extinguisher Classification, Colors, and Symbols
A - green - triangle B - red - square C- blue - circle D - yellow - star K - no color or symbol
Reasons to Call a MAYDAY (10)
1) If you feel you’re in a compromised position
2) If you find a downed firefighter or a member of your crew goes down
3) If you or your crew are caught in a flashover, backdraft, or explosion
4) You become tangled/pinned and self rescue hasn’t worked in 60 seconds
5) If you or your crew has fallen through the roof or floor
6) If your primary exit is blocked and you cannot reach a secondary exit in 60 seconds
7) Your or your crews low air alarm goes off and you can’t exit in 30 seconds
8) You become lost or separated from your crew and are unable to find an exit
9) You become disoriented and unable to find an exit in 60 seconds
10) Entrapment with low air alarm activating
Factors that Affect Fire Development (7)
1) Fuel type
2) Availability and location of additional fuels
3) Compartment volume and ceiling height
4) Ventilation/oxygen supply
5) Thermal properties of the compartment
6) Ambient conditions
7) Fuel load
Purposes of Overhaul (8)
1) Locate and extinguish hidden fires
2) Prevent secondary fires (rekindle)
3) Prevent unnecessary damage
4) Help find the cause of the fire
5) Preserve evidence
6) Prevent recurrence
7) Make the structure safe
8) Provide for good public relations
Extinguishers in Each Unit
Pump - back-pack pump, dry chemical, CO2
Tanker - back-pack pump, dry chemical, CO2
ATM - back-pack pump, dry chemical, CO2
Rescue - dry chemical, CO2, metal X
Ladder - dry chemical, CO2
What is the Class, Rating, Discharge Time, and Discharge Distance of the Extinguishers Used by EFRS?
Back-pack pump, class A, 4A rating, 60-180 second discharge time, 3-9m discharge distance Dry chemical, class ABC, 20A60BC rating, 10-25 second discharge time, 2-4.5m discharge distance CO2, class BC, 10BC rating, 10-30 second discharge time, 1-2.5m discharge distance Metal X, class D, no rating, 10-25 second discharge time, 2-4.5m discharge distance
R.E.A.C.T.
R - Rescue E - Ensure the door is closed A - Activate alarm C - Call 911 T - Try to extinguish
When Must Primary Eye Protection be Worn (5)
1) Station operations
2) All fire ground operations
3) Medical operations
4) Rescue and vehicle extrication operations
5) Inspection in industrial occupancy
Signs of Imminent Collapse (5)
1) Cracks in exterior walls
2) Bulges in exterior walls
3) Sounds of structural movement - creaking, groaning, snapping, etc
4) Smoke or water leaking through the walls of any floor or where firefighters walk
5) Interior or exterior bearing walls or columns leaning, twisting, or flexing
2 Types of Water Supply to a Hydrant
1) Dead end hydrant
2) Circulating loop hydrant
Basic Elements in a Water Shuttle Operation (3)
1) Dump site
2) Fill site
3) Shuttle
Thermal Imaging Camera Application Limitations (3)
Glass - Infrared energy will not penetrate glass, however heated glass will show up lighter in color
Water - Infrared energy will not penetrate water, however some penetration may occur in a fog or mist
Steam - Infrared energy may or may not penetrate steam depending on its density
Scanning Techniques for the Thermal Imaging Camera
1) Start at the ceiling and sweep to the side
2) Move directly downward until you have reached the halfway point of the room
3) Sweep back towards the side you started on maintaining elevation
4) Move directly downward again until you reach the floor area
5) Sweep back again towards the opposite side of the room
Safety Priority at Emergency Scene (3)
1) Rescue personal safety
2) Scene safety
3) Patient safety
Motor Vehicle Collision Hot Zone
Location where the extrication is taking place and the hazards exist
Motor Vehicle Collision Warm Zone
Is where hydraulic pumps, essential tools, and parts removed from the vehicle(s) are placed. This zone is also where a charged hand line should be positioned for use
Motor Vehicle Collision Cold Zone
Is the area where all other operations are established, including fire command, tool staging, personal staging, and apparatus placement
Sides of a Vehicle (8)
1) Drivers side
2) Passengers side
3) Front
4) Rear
5) Roof
6) Under carriage
7) Inside
8) Outside
Types of Vehicle Collisions (5)
1) Head-on collision
2) Side impact collision (T-bone)
3) Read-end collision
4) Roll over
5) Rotational
3 Methods of Requesting Fire Rescue Services
1) Telephone 911
2) Radio
3) Walk-in
Evacuation Protocol (How does command announce evacuation)
3 Seconds solid horn blast
3 seconds quiet
Repeat 5 times
A.F.F.F.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
A.R. Foam
Alcohol Resistant Foam
F.F.F.P.
Film Forming Fluoro Protein
Pump Discharge Pressure Equation
PDP = NP + TPL
NP - Nozzle pressure
TPL - Total pressure loss
Total Pressure Loss Equation
TPL = APL + FL +/- EP
APL - Appliance loss (70kPa per appliance)
FL - Friction loss
EP - Elevation pressure (10kPa per meter or 35kPa per floor)
EP = (35kPa)x(number of floors -1)
Metal X Extinguishes what 4 Metals
1) Sodium
2) Potassium
3) Sodium/Potassium alloys
4) Magnesium
Types of Wildland Fires (3)
1) Aerial/crown fire
2) Surface fire
3) Ground fire
Fire Helmet Colors
Black with yellow illumination - firefighter
Black with yellow/red illumination - firefighter qualified
Black with red illumination - officer
white - chief
4 Pieces of SCBA Bottle Information
1) Grey Carbon Fiber Cylinder, 8.2kg
2) Hydrostatic testing every 5 years, 15 year lifespan
3) 4500psi = 60 minutes of air
4) 3600psi = replacement to a full cylinder
2 Purposes of the Purge Valve
1) Clearing face piece if it become fogged
2) Regulator malfunction
The Purpose of the Marking System During Searches (3)
1) To clearly identify rooms that have been searched
2) To keep track of where crews are if they go missing
3) To let a relief crew know how far the previous crew got if they were unable to finish their task
Search Order of a Multi-Story Building (5)
1) Fire floor
2) Floor above the fire floor
3) Floor below the fire floor
4) Topmost floor/roof
5) Remaining floors working down
When do you Have Par
When you can touch, see (line of sight), or hear your crew members then you are considered to have PAR
When do you Call Par (3)
1) When entering a building
2) When exiting a building
3) Whenever command asks for it
Class A Extinguisher Ratings
Rating scale of 1A-40A
To receive a 1A rating, a wood cribbing made up of 50 pieces of 5x5x50cm boards must be extinguished
2A is double a 1A
Class B Extinguisher Ratings
Rating scale of 1B-160B
Value of 1B represents 0.09sq meters (1sq foot) of fuel of appreciable depth (6mm or greater) extinguished by the agent.
2B is double 1B
P.A.S.S.
P - Pull the pin
A - Aim the nozzle
S - Squeeze the trigger
S - Sweep the nozzle side to side
Types of Ladders (5)
1) Roof (4.3m and 5m)
2) Folding/collapsible/attic (3m attic)
3) Combination
4) Extension (7.3m and 10.6m)
5) Mechanical (ladder truck, 30m)
Roof also known as straight ladder
Intended use of a Ladder (4)
1) Ventilation
2) Hose stream
3) Entry/egress/rescue
4) Roof access
Ladders on a Pump (3)
1) 3m attic ladder
2) 4.3m roof ladder
3) 7.3m extension ladder
Ladders on a Tanker (3)
1) 3m attic ladder
2) 4.3m roof ladder
3) 7.3m extension ladder
Ladders on a Ladder Truck (6)
1) 3m attic ladder
2) 4.3m fresno ladder
3) 4.3 roof ladder
4) 5m roof ladder
5) 7.3m extension ladder
6) 10.6m extension ladder
(also has the 30m mechanical ladder)
Ladders on a Rescue (1)
Combination folding ladder
Things to Look at When Reading Smoke (4)
1) Volume
2) Velocity
3) Density
4) Color
Types of Tactical Ventilation (2)
1) Vertical
2) Horizontal
Types of Property Damage (2)
Primary damage - occurs as a result of the fire itself
Secondary damage - occurs as a result of fire fighting efforts such as forcible entry, applying water, ventilation, search and rescue, and searching for hidden fires
4 Goals of Salvage Operations
Reduce property loss or damage from:
1) Forcible entry
2) Water
3) Fire
4) Smoke
Fire Triangle
1) Fuel
2) Heat
3) Oxygen
Fire Tetrahedron
1) Fuel
2) Heat
3) Oxygen
4) Self-sustaining chemical reaction
3 Modes of Heat Transfer
1) Conduction
2) Convection
3) Radiation
S.S.S.F.
Static System Safety Factor
Edmonton uses 10:1
NFPA uses 15:1
Types of Electrical Energy (4)
1) Resistance heating
2) Overcurrent or overload
3) Arcing
4) Sparking
Types of Mechanical Energy (3)
1) Friction
2) Friction sparks
3) Adiabatic compression - the generation of heat when a gas is compressed
Stages of Fire Development (4)
1) Incipient
2) Growth
3) Fully developed
4) Decay
Rapid Fire Development (3)
1) Flashover
2) Backdraft
3) Smoke explosion
Tools are Powered by… (5)
1) Hand
2) Electric
3) Pneumatic
4) Hydraulic
5) Gasoline
When Should Tools be Maintained (2)
1) Periodically
2) After each use
Types of Doors (4)
1) Swinging (inward and outward)
2) Sliding
3) Revolving
4) Overhead
Parts of a Wildland Fire (9)
1) Head
2) Fingers
3) Rear
4) Flanks
5) Perimeter
6) Islands
7) The green
8) The black
9) Spot fires
Factors in Wildland Fire Behavior (3)
1) Fuel type
2) Weather
3) Topography
Wildland Weather Factors (4)
1) Wind
2) Temperature
3) Relative humidity
4) Precipitation
3 R’s of Wildland Firefighting
1) Retreat
2) Regroup
3) Re-assess
“P” Rated Carabiner Breaking Strength
27kN
“G” Rated Carabiner Breaking Strength
40kN
Anchor Classification (3)
1) Natural
2) Structural
3) Pseudo-anchor
Components of Bunker Gear (3)
1) Outer shell
2) Moisture barrier
3) Thermal layer
Types of Primary Eye Protection (3)
1) Safety glasses
2) Safety goggles
3) SCBA face piece
SCBA Limitation (3)
1) Air supply
2) Equipment
3) The wearer
Respiratory Hazards (4)
1) O2 deficiency
2) Smoke
3) Toxins
4) High temperature
Fire Command Priority (4)
1) Safety
2) Rescue
3) Fire control
4) Salvage
Victim Rescue Order (3)
1) Most severely threatened
2) Largest number that have gathered in groups
3) The remainder
Ways to Protect High-rise Occupants During A Fire (2)
1) Evacuation (partial or full)
2) Protect in place
Types of Exposures (2)
1) Internal
2) External
Types of Roof Ventilation Openings (3)
1) Kerf cut - slot cuts to determine direction of fire spread
2) Inspection cut - small triangular cut
3) Louvered cut - large rectangular opening
Order of Horizontal Ventilation Opening
1) Leeward side first
2) Windward side second
2 Means of Ventilation
1) Natural ventilation
2) Mechanical ventilation - hydraulic is a type of mechanical
Different way to Detect Fire Extension (4)
1) Sight
2) Sound
3) Touch
4) Electronic sensors
4 Causes of Fire
1) Natural
2) Accidental
3) Arson
4) Unknown
Dangers of Breaching a Wall (2)
1) Electrical wiring, plumbing, and gas lines are concealed in walls
2) Structural integrity - load bearing walls in a structure already weakened by the fire must be approached cautiously
Methods of Fire Attack (2)
1) Direct Attack
2) Indirect Attack
What 2 Actions Compose Mop-up in Wildland Fires
1) Burning off the excess fuel that is not burnt
2) Removing the fuel so it cannot burn
Only Reasons to Force an Elevator Rescue (3)
1) Passengers are in serious need of medical treatment
2) Passengers are in uncontrollable hysteria
3) Fire is threatening the elevator car
Types of Energy (7)
1) Chemical
2) Thermal
3) Mechanical
4) Electrical
5) Light
6) Nuclear
7) Sound
Components of a Dry Chemical Extinguisher (4)
1) Pressure vessel
2) Valve
3) Pressurizing gas
4) Extinguishing agent
District Stations
District 1 - Station 1 District 2 - Station 9 District 3 - Station 24 District 4 - Station 4 District 5 - Station 25
Types of Harassment (5)
1) Sexual
2) Verbal
3) Physical
4) Visual
5) Emotional
Fire Ground Organization Levels (3)
1) Strategic levels - these are command functions
2) Tactical levels - these are sector functions
3) Task levels - these are the tasks of the firefighter within a sector
4 Charities Supported By EFRS
1) Burn Treatment Society
2) Muscular Dystrophy
3) Pipes and Drums
4) Firefighter Memorial
Fire Chief
Ken Block
Fire Ground Chain of Command
Fire Chief Deputy Chief of Operations Platoon Chief District Chief Senior Captain Captain Senior Firefighter Qualified Firefighter Qualified Firefighter Probationary Firefighter
Fire Event Benchmarks (4)
1) Primary search complete
2) Fire under control
3) Secondary search complete
4) Fire out
4 Fire Command Priorites
1) Safety - safety of all on scene emergency responders
2) Rescue - the rescue, evacuation, or protection of people in danger
3) Fire control - the control of the fire
4) Salvage - the protection of material from the fire or fire control efforts
Types of Command (2)
1) Command (from a command post)
2) Mobile (fast attack) command
Mobile Command Mode Remains Until… (3)
1) Incident is stabilized
2) The crew is forced to withdraw due to hazardous conditions
3) Incident command is trasnfered
R.E.V.A.S.
R - rescue E - evacuation/exposures V - ventilation A - attack the fire S - Salvage operations
Types of Rope Construction (4)
1) Laid
2) Braided
3) Braid on braid (double braid)
4) Kernmantle
Rope Breaking Strength
6mm wide - 9.7kN 8mm wide - 14.0kN 9mm wide - 16.0kN 11.1mm wide - 27.0 kN 13mm wide - 46.0kN
Signs of Organic Hose Damage (2)
1) Mildew
2) Mold
Infrared Radiation can be… (4)
1) Emitted
2) Absorbed
3) Emitted again
4) Reflected
Types of Foam (2)
1) Niagara AB
2) Cold fire
Hazmat Operations Level Responsibilities (3)
1) To recognize certain types of containers and storage vessels
2) To identify the material inside
3) To give this information to the IC or the Hazmat team
Entry Points for Hazmat (4)
1) Inhalation
2) Ingestion
3) Absorption (contact)
4) Injection
B.L.E.V.E.
B - boiling L - liquid E - expanding V - vapor E - explosion
4 Functions of a Sprinkler System
1) Detect a fires presence
2) Alarm or transmit a signal to agencies indicating an alarm is activated
3) Control the growth of the fire
4) Extinguish the fire completely
When Water is Converted to Steam (4)
1) Expands 1700 times
2) Allows water to readily absorb more heat
3) Displaces hot gases, smoke, and other products of combustion
4) Smothers fire by the exclusion of oxygen
Advantages of Using Water (4)
1) Water has a high heat absorbing capacity
2) Water needs a large amount of heat to reach its vaporization point
3) The greater the surface area exposed, the more rapidly heat is absorbed
4) Water converted to steam occupies 1700 times its original volume thereby excluding oxygen
Definition: Primary Search
A rapid but thorough search to determine the location of victims, performed either before or during fire suppression operations
Definition: Secondary Search
Slow, thorough search to ensure that no occupants were missed during the primary search, conducted after the fire is under control
Definition: Flashover
A very rapid transition from local burning of the contents within a compartment to the widespread burning of all exposed fuels within that compartment
Definition: Ventilation
Ventilation, as applied to firefighting, is the
planned and systematic, release and removal
of heated air, smoke, and toxic gases from a
confined area and the controlled replacement
of these products of combustion with a supply
of cooler, fresh air.
Wildland Fire Size-up While En-route (4)
1) Smoke
2) Weather conditions
3) Try to assess your best access route
4) Consider your water supply
When is the PASS Alarm Activated (3)
1) Downed firefighter who has not moved for more then 30 seconds (automatically activated)
2) Firefighter who is lost and cannot find their way out (manually activated)
3) Emergency SCBA malfunction and firefighter requires assistance (manually activated)
How to be Efficient at Forcible Entry (3)
1) Choosing the appropriate tools
2) Applying the proper techniques to structural components
3) Safety for all concered
3 Types of Cut-Off Saw Blade
1) D’AX saw blade
2) Desert diamond blade
3) Abrasive/zip disk blade
3 Parts of a Rope
1) Working end - the end used to form a tie
2) Standing part - the part of the rope used for descent or ascent
3) Running end - the unused rope left in the bad
3 Methods to Gain Information on Size-up
1) Visual factors
2) Reconnaissance factors
3) Pre-fire assessment factors (pre-incident planning)
Definition: Life Safety Rope
Any rope utilized for life support or for rescue rigging
keys to Effective Thermal Imaging Camera Operations (3)
1) Orientation
2) Interpretation
3) Communication
The Golden Hour (10)
1) Notification
2) Dispatch
3) Response
4) Scene stabilization
5) Vehicle stabilization
6) Patient extrication
7) Patient packaging
8) Patient transport
9) Stabilization in the Er
10) Surgical intervention
Platinum Ten
This is being able to remove the patient from the vehicle / entanglement and be en-route to a Trauma Center within 10 minutes of our arrival on scene
Components of EFRS Communications (3)
1) Telephone system
2) Computer-aided dispatch system
3) Radio network
Definition: High Rise Structure
A building (residential or commercial) having 5 floors or more above ground
Definition: Center Core Construction
A concrete continuum design that contains the stairwells, elevator shafts, utility and HVAC systems. Usually in the center, but can be found in the front, rear, or side of a structure
Definition: Center Hall Construction
Has offices or apartments that are found on either side of a center hall. Stairwells are found at the end of the hallways but elevators and utilities are centrally located within the building
Types of Stairway Design (4)
1) Straight stairs
2) Circular stairs
3) Scissor run stairs
4) Return run stairs
Purpose of Standpipe
To shorten the length of supply and fire attack hose lines.
A standpipe is the riser portion of the system piping that delivers the water supply for the hose connections and sprinklers on combined systems vertically from floor to floor.
3 Classes of Standpipe
Class 1) provides 65mm hose line connections
Class 2) provides 38mm hose cabinets that may be used by either occupants or firefighters
Class 3) provides both class 1 and class 2 connections
High Rise Sectors (10)
1) Lobby control
2) Recon sector
3) Fire attack
4) Search and rescue
5) ventilation
6) RIC
7) Evacuation
8) Interior staging
9) REHAB
10) Salvage and overhaul
3 Types of High Rise Evacuation
1) Shelter in place
2) Limited or partial evacuation
3) Full evacuation
Definition: Walk Up Apartment
An apartment or condo style building that is under 5 stories in height and may not have an elevator
Green High Rise Kit Contents (2)
1) 2 lengths of 44mm hose, 15M long
2) Akron nozzle
21KG
Standpipe Pressure
Initial pressure of 1000kpa
35kpa per floor above the fifth
2100kpa max for standpipes
1050kpa max for sprinklers
Types of Sprinkler Systems (6)
1) Wet-pipe
2) Dry-pipe
3) Pre-action
4) Deluge
5) Residential
6) Special extinguishing system
Common Reasons for Sprinkler Water Flow (4)
1) Freezing
2) Fire
3) Accidental damage
4) Vandalism
Sprinkler Head Release Mechanisms (4)
1) Fusible link
2) Frangible bulb
3) Chemical pellets
4) Quick response
Sprinkler Orientation (3)
1) Pendant
2) Upright
3) Sidewall
Sprinkler Plugging Tools (5)
1) Recessed sprinkler wedge
2) Sprinkler wedges, rubberized one side
3) Red rubber sprinkler wedge
4) 1” wooden dowel
5) 3” wooden dowel
Types of Standpipe Systems (3)
1) Automatic - both wet and dry
2) Semiautomatic - dry
3) Manual - both wet and dry
Single Stage Alarm and Two Stage Alarm
Single Stage - audible signal throughout the building when an indicating device has been activated
Two Stage - An alert signal is transmitted to predetermined areas of the building only. 5 minutes is given to correct or acknowledge the alarm before the entire building goes into alarm
Fire Service Phase 1 (Fire Recall)
Activated by smoke sensors in elevator lobby, machine room, or hoistway. Or by key switch in main lobby
Elevator will travel to main floor and open doors and remain there
3 key positions: off - normal operations
on - car to main floor with doors open, visual and audible signal in car
reset - clear signal in car and return to normal operation
Fire Service Phase 2
Only works if phase 1 is active
Only operable from within the car
3 key positions: off - normal operations
on - firefighter control
hold - will stay open on floor with doors open
Rules of Thumb and Elevator Safety (10)
1) only firefighter/emergency designated elevators
2) Check shaft for smoke/water, don’t use if found
3) Know location of stairwells
4) Wear all PPE
5) Have all tools
6) Only fire/rescue personal and don’t overcrowd
7) Member must remain in lobby for control
8) Test open/close. Move to second floor
9) Stop 2 floors below fire/alarm floor
10) If elevator fails to stop, activate e-stop and exit immediately
5 Types of Construction
Type 1 - Fire resistive construction Type 2 - Noncombustible or limited combustible construction Type 3 - Ordinary construction Type 4 - Heavy timber construction Type 5 - Wood frame construction
Types of Type 5 Construction Frames (2)
Balloon Frame - studs that may run 2 or more stories high, ribbon board nailed to studs at the floor line. Requires built in fire stops
Platform Frame - Joists are laid across on the main platform, and then the sub-flooring is laid on the joists. Walls are erected on the platform
Types of Building Material (11)
1) Wood
2) Engineered wood material
3) Masonry
4) Steel
5) Cast iron
6) Metals
7) Concrete
8) Gypsum
9) Plastor on lath
10) Glass
11) Plastic
Factors that Affect Woods Ignition (5)
1) Density of the wood
2) Size and form of wood
3) Moisture content
4) Rate of preheating
5) Ignition source
Types of Loads (4)
Fuel Load - the amount of potential fuel available for a fire to burn
Structural Load - forces that work against a structures ability to remain standing
Dead Load - the weight of the building and any attached fixtures (self-weight)
Live Load - and load on a structure other than the dead load. The building contents, occupants, and the weight of snow/rain on the roof
Compression, Tensile, and Shear Loads
Compression - squeeze and shorten a member
Tensile - pull apart or lengthen a member
Shear - cause the planes of the members to slide past on another
Axial, Eccentric, and Torsional Loads
Axial - direct pressure on the center of a structural member
Eccentric - direct pressure not on the center of a structural member
Torsional - twisting pressure at an angle not on the center of a structural member
Definition: Party Wall
A load bearing wall that sits on the property line between two building and is shared by both
Definition: Fire Wall
Extends from the foundation through the roof of the building to a height sufficient to keep fire from jumping the wall. Fire resistant
Must meet fire resistance rating of at least 4 hours
Definition: Fire Partition Wall
An interior, non-load bearing wall that extends from the floor to the underside of the next ceiling/floor assembly
Restricts fire spread, but not a fire barrier
made of non-combustible, limited combustible, or protected combustible material
Definition: Partition Wall
Interior, no-load wall to subdivide large areas
Not a fire barrier or fire partition
Definition: Parapet Wall
the portion of a fire or party wall that extends above the roof of the building to prevent fire spread across the roofs surface
457mm or 18 inchs
Definition: Shear Wall
Designed to withstand the force of high winds or wind shear
Types of Roofs (3)
1) Flat
2) Pitched
3) Curved or Arched
Collapse Patterns (5)
1) Lean-to
2) Vee-shaped
3) A-frame
4) Pancake
5) Cantilever
Sources of Water (4)
1) Municipal water distribution system
2) Rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks
3) Wells, pools, cisterns
4) Fire department vehicles with water storage tanks, portable tanks
Pressures Within a Water Distribution System (4)
Static - pressure of the water when it is not moving
Normal Operating Pressure - pressures within water distribution systems during normal consumption demands
Residual - total available pressure not used to overcome friction or gravity when water is flowing through the system
Flow - forward velocity pressure at an discharge opening
Hydrant Color Codes
Blue/Black/Silver - >5700 LPM
Green - 3800-5800 LPM
Yellow/Orange - 1900-3800 LPM
Red - <1900 LPM
Hydrant Service Ring Colors
Orange - out of service
Blue - hydrant in use (with permission)
White - fire department use only
Green - under construction (no water)
When Not to Use the Closest Hydrant (4)
1) The closer hydrant has significantly lower flow then one further away
2) The closer hydrant may be damaged or out of service
3) The hydrant is too close to the building and exposes firefighters and equipment to the effects of the fire
4) The hydrant is on the other side of the street
Hose Function (5)
1) Link water supply to pump
2) Link pumps to fire attack nozzles
3) Link pumps to master streams
4) Link pumps during relay operations
5) Link pumper to sprinklers and standpipes
Hoses on Pump
38mm wildland, seasonal 44mm attack 65mm attack 125mm supply 150mm supply
Hoses on Ladder
44mm attack
65mm attack
125mm attack
Hoses on Tanker
25mm booster 38mm wildland, seasonal 44mm attack 65mm attack 125mm supply 150mm supply
Hoses on Super Tanker
25mm booster 38mm wildland, seasonal 44mm attack 65mm attack 125mm supply 150mm supply
hoses on ATP
25mm booster
38mm wildland, seasonal
65mm attack
Types of Hose Damage (4)
1) Mechanical
2) Thermal
3) Organic
4) Chemical
Definition: Vapor Pressure
Indicates how easily a substance will evaporate or go into air
Definition: Vapor Density
The density of gases in relation to air
Air = 1
Definition: Smoke Velocity (Pressure)
The faster the speed of the smoke the great the pressure and the greater the size of the fire
Definition: Smoke Density
Most Important factor.
Smoke is generally denser closer to the seat of the fire
Definition: Smoke Color
Grey - Wood and paper products
Black - Hydrocarbons, plastics
Brown/copper - Nitrogen oxides
White - Steam
Definition: Exothermic Reaction
Chemical reaction that releases thermal energy or heat
Definition: Endothermic Reaction
Chemical reaction that absorbs thermal energy or heat
Definition: Bight
A section of the rope doubled on itself without crossing itself
Definition: Loop
The rope crosses itself to from a circle
Definition: Round Turn
The rope is wrapped two or more times on itself
Definition: Knots
A rope intertwined within itself to form a predetermined configuration
Definition: Bends
A tie that is used to join two pieces of rope, or webbing, together
Definition: Hitches
A configuration of rope that needs an object within to retain its integrity
Definition: Standpipe System
An arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections and allied equipment installed in a building or structure
Definition: Rescue Incident
Involve the removal and treatment of victims from situations involving natural elements, structural collapse, elevation differences, or any other situation not considered to be an extrication incident
Definition: Extrication Incident
Involve the removal and treatment of victims who are trapped by some type of man-made machinery or equipment
Hydrant Kit Contents (6)
2 - Storz wrenches 1 - combination wrench 1 - butterfly key 1 - rubber mallet 1 - adjustable hydrant wrench 1 - roll of banner guard
Definition: Pyrolysis
The chemical decomposition of a solid material by heating
Definition: Vaporization
A physical process that changes a liquid into a gaseous state
Definition: Conduction
The transfer of heat through or between solids that are in direct contact
Definition: Convection
The transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a fluid (liquid or gas)
Definition: Radiation
The transmission of energy as an electromagnetic wave, such as light waves, radio waves, or x-rays without an intervening medium
Definition: Specific Gravity
The ratio of the mass of a given volume of a liquid compared with the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature
<1 floats, >1 sinks
Indicators of Proper Fire Stream Applications (4)
1) Darkening down
2) White smoke/steam
3) Decreased visibility
4) Rapid temperature flucuations
Infrared Emitters (3)
1) Passive
2) Active
3) Direct
TIC Scanning Priorities (4)
1) Scan the ceiling for temperature variations
2) Scan the center of the room for exits or openings
3) Scan the floor for hazards and victims
4) Scan behind you as you progress to ensure nothing is missed
5-10-20 Rule
5” from side airbags
10” from driver airbags
20” from passenger airbags
Air Pressure For VX
Paratech struts - 50psi
Airbags (holmatro airbags) - 116psi
Types of Two-Way Radio Stations (3)
1) Base Station
2) Mobile
3) Portable
T-Codes (6)
T01 - training, available to respond
T02 - training, not available to respond
T03 - Equipment maintenance and testing
T04 - Fire inspections
T05 - Community event, available to respond
T06 - Community event, not available to respond
Radio Talk Groups (8)
1) Fire
2) EMS
3) Hospital
4) Mutual
5) National
6) Simplex
7) E Backup 2
8) F Backup 2
Fire Working (Tactical) Channels (16)
1) Fire dispatch 1
2) Fire dispatch 2
3) Fire info
4-16) Working channel 1-13
Foam Application Techniques (3)
1) Roll-on method
2) Bank-down method
3) Rain-down method
5 Sections of the ERG
White - general info Yellow - ID number index Blue - alphabetical material index Orange - action guides Green - initial isolation and protective action distances
C.B.R.N.E.
Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive
Sprinkler Water Supply
The minimum water supply has to be able to deliver the required volume of water to the highest sprinkler head in a building at a residual pressure of 100kpa
4 Factors That Influence Salvage
1) Conditions at the time
2) Type and value of the building contents
3) Available personal
4) Priorities of life first and property second
Precursors for a Potential Flashover (4)
1) Free burning
2) High temperatures
3) Heavy dark smoke
4) Roll over
Types of Forcible Entry Tools (4)
1) Cutting
2) Prying and spreading
3) Striking and battering
4) Pushing and pulling
Types of Wildland-Urban Interfaces (3)
1) Large cities containing forests or glassland areas
2) Low-density housing communities or subdivisions located next to or in the forest
3) Small to medium sized communities surrounded by forests
Problems with Removing Evidence (4)
1) Physical damage to the evidence
2) Loss of continuity in the fire scene
3) Damage to the investigation
4) Firefighters get tied up in court proceeding
Ladder Operational Hazards (7)
1) Overhead electrical lines
2) Uneven surfaces
3) Ice
4) Traffic areas
5) Structurally unsound walls
6) Fire
7) Fire ground changes
L.U.N.A.R.
Location Unit Name Assignment Resources needed
Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (10)
1) Fire helmet
2) Flash hood
3) Protective coat (bunker coat)
4) Protective trousers (bunker pants)
5) Firefighter gloves
6) Firefighter boots
7) Eye protection
8) Hearing protection
9) SCBA complete with PASS alarm
10) Face piece
SCBA Components (4)
1) Cylinder
2) Harness
3) Face Piece
4) PASS system
Factors that will affect Fog Streams Reach (5)
1) Velocity
2) Gravity
3) Pattern
4) Air friction
5) Wind
Definition: Breakover
A stream is effective until it reaches the point where it loses forward velocity, it is the point at which the stream falls into showers if spray
Factors that will Affect Solid Streams Reach (4)
1) Velocity
2) Gravity
3) Air friction
4) Wind
Angle of Maximum Stream Reach
30 - 34
Angle of Maximum Stream Vertical Reach
75`
Causes of a Defective Stream (5)
1) Insufficient pressure
2) Too much pressure
3) Defective tip
4) Air in the line
5) Twists/kinks in the hose near pipe
Styles of High Rises (2)
1) Center Core
2) Center Hall
New Deputy City Manager
Gord Cebryk
5 Gold Bars
Fire Chief
4 Gold Bars
Deputy Chief
3 Gold Bars
Platoon chief Chief of special operations Fire marshall Chief of training Chief of logistics and services Chief of investigations Chief of dispatch
2 Gold Bars
District Chief
Assistant fire marshall
Chief of services
2 Silver Bars
Captain fire rescue Captain fire investigations Training officer Captain fire prevention Dispatch captain
Rescue Halls
1, 3, 4, 9, 11, 14, 20
Ladder Halls
2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 16, 23, 24, 27
Tanker Halls
8, 17, 18, 26, 28, 29
Stations in District 1
1, 2, 5, 21, 22
Stations in District 2
6, 9, 11, 15, 16, 26
Stations in District 3
3, 13, 20, 24, 27, 28
Stations in District 4
4, 8, 12, 19, 23, 29
Stations in District 5
7, 10, 14, 17, 18, 25, 30
ATP Stations
7, 23, 24, 27
Command Vehicle
29 (was at 19)
Service and Salvage Units
22 and 27
ATV Mule and Trailer
17, 26
Fire Investigation Station
2
Hazmat Response Station
10
Technical Rescue Station
3
Stations with Boats
6, 11
Swift Water Stations
1, 2, 6, 7, 11, 12, 18, 22, 24
Water Rescue Stations (not swift)
9, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Phonetic Alphabit
alpha, bravo, charlie, delta, echo, foxtrot, golf, hotel, india, juliett, kilo, lima, mike, november, oscar, papa, quebec, romeo, sierra, tango, uniform, victor, whiskey, x-ray, yankee, zulu
Contaminated PPE Tag Colors
Red - body fluids
Yellow - chemical contamination
Green - general soiling
Station Wear Temperature Exposure
260`C for 5 minutes
Webbing Lengths
Green - 1.5M Yellow - 2.5M Blues - 4.5M Red - 6M Orange - 6M
CO Flammable Range and Ignition Temperature
12.5%-74%
610`C
How Far Can A Firefighter Travel In One Second
0.75M per second
Meaning, a firefighter can travel 1.5M into a room before reaching the point of no return in the event of a flashover. A flashover can occur in about 0.5-2 seconds
Variables Of A Flashover (5)
1) Compartment size
2) Insulation qualities
3) Ceiling height
4) Ventilation
5) Combustible contents (added in class)
Smoke Explosion (4 Points of Interest)
1) Smoke color is not an indicator
2) Can also involve cold smoke which gives a false sense of safety for rescue personal
3) It involves a contained layer of flammable smoke already existing within the limit of flammability
4) All that is required is an ignition source
Wired Glass and Fire-Rated Glass Fire Rating
45 or 90 minutes
Disadvantages of Negative Pressure Ventilation (11)
1) Equipment block access and egress to the structure
2) Firefighters enter the structure to initiate NPV
3) Equipment gets exposed to contaminants
4) Not effective in high ceiling structures
5) Produces additional noise within the structure
6) Must be used with electric fans only
7) Less adaptable to situation
8) Ineffective in multiple level situations
9) Less effective then PPV
10) Requires special equipment
11) Depends on a power source
Advantages of Positive Pressure Ventilation (10)
1) Can be established without entering contaminated environments
2) Air currents are kept to a minimum
3) Equipment does not block doorways
4) Internal combustion equipment operates more efficiently
5) Equipment cleaning and maintenance is reduced
6) Noise levels are reduced within the fire building
7) It is effective in all types of occupancies
8) Heat and smoke can be directed away from paths of egress
9) It can be controlled
10) It is more effective then NPV or HV
Disadvantages of Positive Pressure Ventilation (4)
1) Must be coordinated with other sectors
2) Introduces large volumes of air into a structure that if misdirected will intensify and spread the fire
3) Requires special equipment
4) Depends on a power source
