Volume 2 Flashcards
What is our mission and number one priority is to deliver the best customer service possible?
Treat all customers with respect, kindness, patience and consideration.
Deal with the customer’s situation as an urgent event, from the time we know about it until it is over.
Identify and act on opportunities for added value.
Provide exceptional customer service, whenever possible. Create and sustain a positive public image
Company Officers and Command Officers are responsible for the following
- Provide a work environment in which exceptional customer service and added value are the result of a
refined system where members are empowered to operate between the lines to provide caring service with
both quality and value. - Basic organizational behavior must be customer oriented.
- Invest in human resources by keeping customer service a part of an ongoing development process.
- Take responsibility for themselves and their subordinates and expand authority in others.
- Sustain and enhance regional commitment and consistency in the execution of professional services and
customer satisfaction.
Command Procedures are designed to:
• Fix the responsibility for Command on a certain individual through a standard identification
system, depending on the arrival sequence of members, companies, and Command officers.
• Ensure that a strong, direct, and visible Command will be established from the onset of the
incident.
• Establish an effective incident organization defining the activities and responsibilities assigned
to the Incident Commander (IC) and the other individuals operating within the Incident
Command System.
• Provide a system to process information to support incident management, planning, and
decision-making.
• Provide a system for the orderly transfer of Command to subsequent arriving officers.
• Ensure a seamless transition from a Type 5/4 incident to a Type 3/2/1 (NIMS).
Roles and Responsibilities within the Incident Command System:
Company Officers (Captains)
- Occupy the position of IC when appropriate.
- Occupy the position of Sector Officer when appropriate.
- Manage task level activities and supervise firefighters.
The Tactical
Objectives (listed in order of priority) are:
A. Remove endangered occupants and treat the injured.
B. Stabilize the incident and provide for life safety.
C. Conserve property.
D. Provide for the safety, accountability, and welfare of personnel. This priority is ongoing throughout
the incident.
The Functions of Command include:
- Assume and announce Command and establish an effective initial command position
(Command Post). - Rapidly evaluate the situation (size up).
- Initiate, maintain, and control effective incident communications.
- Provide and manage a steady, adequate, and timely stream of appropriate resources.
- Identify the incident strategy, develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP), and assign companies and
personnel consistent with plans and standard operating procedures. - Develop an effective incident organization using Sectors/Divisions/Groups to decentralize and
delegate geographic and functional responsibility. - Review, and revise (as needed) the strategy to keep the IAP current.
- Provide for the continuity, transfer, and termination of Command.
What are your command options when you’re on scene?
Investigative
Fast Attack
Stationary command
What is the Transfer of Command process?
A. The first fire department member arriving on the scene will automatically assume Command.
This will normally be a Company Officer, but could be any fire department member up to and
including the Fire Chief.
B. The first arriving Company Officer will assume Command after the Transfer of Command
procedures have been completed (assuming an equal or higher ranking officer has not already
assumed Command). IC #1 is usually a Company Officer.
C. The first arriving Command Officer should assume Command of the incident following Transfer
of Command procedures and becomes IC #2.
D. Subsequent arriving Command Officers should report their location to the IC, and wait for an
assignment. The first arriving Shift Commander ( preferably from the appropriate city that the
incident is located in if available) will assume the roll of Senior Advisor and assist the IC. The
second arriving Shift Commander sets up the Command Van (CV) and manages the movement
of Command to the CV. The Senior Advisor, IC and Support Officer become the Command
Team (Incident Advisory Team). The Command Team may assign additional staff such as a
Safety Officer (relieves the Support Officer’s ISO responsibility) and a Staging Officer.
E. Assumption of Command is discretionary for Assistant Chiefs and the Fire Chief.
Within the chain of Command, the actual transfer of Command will be regulated by the following
procedure:
A. The officer assuming Command (IC #2) will communicate with the person being relieved (IC #1)
by radio or face-to-face. Face-to-face is the preferred method to transfer Command.
B. The person being relieved will brief the officer assuming Command indicating at least the
following:
1. General situation status:
a. Incident conditions (fire location and extent, Hazmat spill or release, number of
patients, etc.)
b. Incident Management Plan.
c. Completion of the Tactical Objectives.
d. Safety considerations.
2. Deployment and assignments of operating companies and personnel.
3. Appraisals of need for additional resources.
C. When an incident becomes so large that an Incident Management Team (IMT) is requested,
Command will not transfer to the IMT (Type I/III) unless a formal written Delegation of Authority has
been signed by both the JHA and the IMT.
Command Team (Incident Advisory Team) is comprised of who?
The Command Team consists of the Incident
Commander (IC), Support Officer, and Senior Advisor
Who are the first and second members of the command team?
The IC and the Support Officer are the first and second members of the Command Team
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Support Officer?
- Define, evaluate, and recommend changes to the incident action plan.
- Provide direction relating to tactical priorities and specific critical fireground factors.
- Become the Incident Safety Officer
- Evaluate the need for additional resources.
- Assign logistics responsibilities.
- Assist with the tactical worksheet for control and accountability.
- Evaluate the fireground organization and span of control.
- Other duties as necessary.
Who is the third member of the Command Team?
Senior Advisor
What are the Role and Responsibilities of the Senior Advisor?
• Review and evaluate the incident action plan, and initiate any needed changes.
• Provide on-going review of the overall incident (THE BIG PICTURE).
• Review the organizational structure, initiate change or expansion to meet incident needs.
• Initiate Section and Branch functions as required.
• Provide a liaison with other city agencies and officials, outside agencies, property owners and/or
tenants.
• Forecast and react to the effect this incident will have on surrounding neighborhoods, Public
Officials, and city staffing.
• Prepare to transition to long-term operations by establishing operational periods and advising
the Assistant Chief of Operations as to the need for an All Hazards Incident Management Team
(AHIMT), state or federal assistance.
• Provide a transitional briefing to the incoming IMT if one has been assigned to the incident.
What is done on the strategic level of an incident?
Strategic – This organizational level is designed around the IC and Command Team, operating in the
Command Mode, and working out of a stationary command post. The strategic level involves the
activities necessary for overall operational control, considering critical fireground factors and risk
management plan to determine the strategy and develop an IAP, establishing objectives, managing the
strategy, setting priorities, allocating resources, and thinking ahead. Strategic Level responsibilities
include:
• Determining the appropriate strategy: OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE
• Establishing a strategic plan for the incident.
• Setting priorities.
• Obtaining and allocating resources.
• Predicting outcomes and planning.
• Assigning specific objectives to tactical level units.
What is done on the tactical level of an incident?
Tactical - The first management “subdivision” of incident scene organization is accomplished by
assigning Sector (Division or Group) responsibilities. Sector officers are responsible for the tactical
deployment of assigned resources, evaluation, and communication with the IC. They are assigned by
the IC and supervise directly at the site of the assigned activity in order to meet the operational
objectives given to them by the IC.
What is done on the task level of an incident?
Task – The level of the organization where the work is performed by assigned companies and other
resources. The Strategic and Tactical levels are in place to support the task level. Task level activities
are routinely supervised by Company Officers. The accumulated achievements of Task Level activities
accomplish Tactical Objectives.
When should the IC should assign a Battalion Chief and FIT to a sector?
Whenever there are three or
more companies operating in a sector.
What is the maximum number of Sectors that an IC can effectively manage?
The
span of control is usually five sectors and should never exceed seven sectors.
When the number of Sectors exceeds the span of control that the Incident Commander can effectively
manage, the Incident Organization should be divided into what?
Branches
Utilizing Sectors provides the following advantages:
• Reduces the IC’s span of control – divides the incident scene into more manageable units.
• Creates more effective incident scene communications – permits the IC to exchange
information with a limited number of individuals (Sector Officers) who directly supervise teams of
firefighters. This reduces overall radio traffic by allowing firefighters and sector officers to
communicate face to face instead of by radio.
• Provides a standard and logical system to divide large geographical incidents into
effectively sized units – allows the IC to concentrate on strategy from one standard command
post location.
• Provides an array major support functions – these are to be selected and assigned
according to the particular needs of each situation. The execution and details of these specific
operations becomes the responsibility of the sector officer, not command.
• Improves firefighter safety – allows each sector officer to maintain more direct control of the
position and function of the companies assigned to their sectors at all times. Sector officers
concentrate on their assigned areas and are in a position to move personnel based on incident
conditions and the IC’s decisions.
Command Should Assign Sectors Based on the Following Factors:
• When the number of assigned and operating companies threatens to overload the IC’s ability to
command. Direct tactical-level control should be delegated (earlier than later) to sector officers
before the IC’s ability to manage is exceeded.
• When the IC forecasts that the situation will become a major operation, soon exceeding his/her
span of control.
• When companies are involved in complex operations (Large interior or geographic area,
hazardous materials, technical rescues, etc.)
• When companies are operating from tactical positions which Command has little or no direct
control over (i.e. out of sight).
• When the situation presents specials hazards and close control is required over operating
companies (i.e., unstable structural conditions, hazardous materials, heavy fire load, marginal
offensive situations, etc.).
• Name the sector according to its function or geographical location.
When establishing a Sector, the IC will assign each Sector Officer:
A. Tactical Objectives.
B. A radio designation (Roof Sector, East Sector, etc.)
C. The identity of resources assigned to the Sector.
When a command officer is assigned Sector responsibilities, what does his FIT become?
Sector safety officer
The following types of incidents are
examples where Branch Officers should be utilized:
• A Haz mat incident that requires a major evacuation.
• A large-scale incident spread over a wide geographic area.
• An incident with mass casualties and a significant hazard (for example: fire, Haz mat, plane
crash, floods, etc.)
• Campaign high-rise fires
• Any incident where the number of Sectors exceed the span of control that can be effectively
managed by the incident commander.
The Fire Department’s involvement and needs at the incident scene
can be divided into four sections. They are:
LOGISTICS SECTION
PLANNING SECTION
OPERATIONS SECTION
ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
The Logistics Section roles and responsibilities:
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Provide rehab.
• Manage staging
• Provide and manage any needed supplies or equipment.
• Forecast and obtain future resource needs (coordinate with the Planning Section).
• Provide any needed communications equipment.
• Provide fuel and needed repairs for equipment.
• Obtain specialized equipment or expertise per Command.
• Provide food and associated supplies.
• Secure any needed fixed or portable facilities.
• Provide any other logistical needs as requested by Command.
• Collect and provide information for an After Action Review.
• Supervise assigned personnel
The Planning Section is responsible for:
Roles and Responsibilities
• Evaluate current strategy and plan with the Incident Commander.
• Refine and recommend any needed changes to plan.
• Evaluate Incident Organization and span of control.
• Forecast possible outcome(s).
• Evaluate future resource requirements.
• Utilize technical assistance as needed.
• Evaluate tactical priorities, specific critical factors, and safety.
• Gather, update, improve, and manage information with a standard systematic approach.
• Facilitate an After Action Review and After Action Report.
• Liaison with any needed outside agencies for planning needs.
The Operations Section is responsible for:
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Coordinate activities with the Incident Commander.
• Implement the Incident Management Plan.
• Assign units to Sectors/Branches based on Tactical Objectives and priorities.
• Build an effective organizational structure through the use of Branches and Sectors.
• Provide Branches and Sectors Tactical Objectives.
• Manage Operation Section activities.
• Personnel Accountability.
• Provide for life safety.
• Determine needs and request additional resources.
• Consult with and inform other sections and the Incident Command Staff as needed.
• Collect and provide information for an After Action Review.
The Administration Section is responsible for:
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Procurement of services and/or supplies from sources within and outside the Fire Department or
City as requested by Command (coordinates with Logistics).
• Documenting all financial costs of the incident.
• Documenting for possible cost recovery for services and/or supplies.
• Analyzing and managing legal risk for incidents such as, hazardous materials clean up.
• Serves as the Incident Commander’s liaison with: City officials, Litigators (and other lawyer
types). Regulatory agencies (EPA, OSHA, DOT, FBI, etc.).
• Monitors and coordinates emergency service delivery to the rest of the community during major
incidents to ensure adequate coverage.
“In Transit” is the time it takes for a company to reach their assignment area after receiving an
order. It often varies due to:
- Distance between staging and the incident
- Size of the incident perimeter
- Amount of equipment the company needs to assemble
“On Deck” is defined as;
a forward staging position located just outside the immediate hazard
zone, safely distanced from the entrance of a tactical position/Sector. On Deck crews will be
supervised either by the Sector Officer or Company Officer and they will remain On Deck until
assigned by the IC or Sector Officer.
The most likely assignments for On Deck companies are:
- Reinforce a position within an assigned sector
- Crew relief within an assigned sector
- Any other tactical position assigned by the IC
- Rapid intervention crew
REINFORCE
RELIEVE
RIC
ANYTHING ELSE COMMAND WANTS
On
deck crews must also size up the area that they are assigned to, this size up should include:
- Locating the structures entrance/exit points in their assigned area
- Interior and exterior conditions
- Unit ID of crews operating inside the structure
- Approximate location of interior crews
- Identify which crews are operating each hose line
When an on deck crew is used as a relief crew, the Company Officer should do a face to face and
transfer information with the officer exiting the structure. The information transferred should include:
- Interior conditions
- Routing instructions to the work area
- Interior obstructions
- Additional tools/resources required
- Sector objectives
Recycling is defined as:
a timely and efficient means of air replacement and re-hydration of
companies while maintaining their sector assignment. If conditions permit, a companies work cycle
could be up to 2 to 3 air cylinders.
Definition of a Mayday Situation:
Any situation where a firefighter is unable to safely exit the hazard zone or an event that cannot be resolved by
that individual within 30 seconds
A Mayday is initiated by any member communicating:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” via portable radio
Additionally, the NFPA 1500 Standard defines mayday readiness as the ability to
“don,
doff and manipulate the SCBA in zero visibility while wearing firefighting gloves.”
In order to establish effective Mayday readiness, it is necessary to recognize that Mayday readiness has 2
components.
These components are Prevention and Response.
Company Officer responsibility for Mayday preventions include:
Integrating a daily SCBA check into the crew routine
Practicing crew communication in the hazard zone
Rover integration into crew
o Individual rovers are responsible to ask if not explicitly discussed at the beginning of a shift
Maintaining knowledge of portable radios and practicing their use
Ensuring Company Officer responsibilities and expectations are clear to the entire crew
Practicing and maintaining crew integrity/accountability
Instilling the standard that firefighters should always stay on a hoseline
Once the Mayday situation is recognized and reported, each firefighter should remember BOA:
B.O.A. = Breath, Organize and Act
GRAB LIVES stands for:
G = Check Air Gauge R = Radio for Assistance A = Activate PASS Device B = Control Breathing, Conserve Air L = Stay Low I = Illuminate, Turn Flashlight On V = Make Loud Noises (Volume) E = Find An Exit S = Shield Your Airway (last ditch effort)
In the event of a Mayday situation, who will take responsibility of the resolution of the Mayday
situation?
The sector officer
Who has the ultimate responsibility for actively and continually providing for the
prevention and response to a Mayday situation
The incident command team.
Does the Incident and Mayday always remain on the same tactical channel?
Yes. (as long as the mayday wasn’t done on a different channel)
What is The tactical benchmark for the end point of a Mayday?
Mayday resolved
The critical points that have to be
confirmed prior to giving the benchmark of “Mayday resolved” is:
The individual(s) that are experiencing the Mayday situation are removed from the hazard zone
All members involved in the rescue are accounted for and are out of the hazard zone
All members working in all other sectors are accounted for
The Incident Commander can give a PAR for the entire hazard zone
Upon initiation of a Mayday, the tactical radio operator shall:
o Transmit the emergency traffic tone
o Voice on the tactical channel: “We have a Mayday on the scene, all units hold your traffic”
o Repeats the Mayday message using the standard radio order model
o Allows for the Incident Commander to speak to the Mayday initiator
All members, at all levels of the incident involving a Mayday should remember B.O.A.
Breathe, Organize and Act!
all members are expected to operate under the following Risk Management System.
- We Will risk our lives a lot, in a calculated manner, to save SAVABLE lives.
- We Will risk our lives a Little, in a calculated manner, to save SAVABLE property.
- We Will Not risk our lives at all for lives or property that are already Lost.
“Actions in a calculated manner” require the following:
- Incident Command established
- Proper personal protective equipment
- Accountability system established
- Safety procedures in place
- Continuous risk assessment by all members
The hot zone will be defined as:
any area
that requires the use of an SCBA.
Company Officer / Task level responsibilities of accountability include:
Company Officer / Task - address the task level of accountability and must know where
each firefighter is located, and what each firefighter is doing.
• Company officers shall maintain a current PASSPORT of personnel responding on the
apparatus at all times.
• Company officers shall maintain a current MCT roster of personnel responding on the
apparatus at all times.
• Company officers must ensure that all crewmembers have proper helmet company ID and
nametags on scba face piece and helmet.
• Company officers must obtain PARs for their crews, which is a confirmation that all
members assigned to his/her crew are accounted for and have an adequate exit air supply.
• Company officers must keep crew intact and maintain an awareness of the crews exit air
supply.
• Company officer must ensure that passport is delivered to their accountability location prior
to entering the hot zone and retrieved upon exiting the hot zone.
Engineer responsibilities of accountability:
• Engineer – accountability officer who tracks crews and crewmembers who take
handlines from his/her apparatus.
• Collects passports from crews prior to entering the hot zone
• Places passport/pouch on discharge gate when hoseline is charged.
• Places hoseline ID tags on each hoseline.
FF responsibilities of accountability:
- Firefighter – must have proper company ID on his/her helmet.
- Ensure that nametag is placed on passport and roster is updated.
- Stay with his/her crew at all times.
- Maintain a constant awareness of his/her exit air supply.
Accountability responsibilities of all members include:
• All members – immediately update the company passport as they arrive for duty.
• Ensure that helmet IDs are accurate.
• Ensure that nametags are on scba face piece and helmet.
• All crews work for command or sectors/division/groups no free lancing.
• Crews arriving on the scene should remain intact. A minimum crew size will be considered
two or more members.
• Each member must have a radio.
• All crews entering the hot zone must have a supervisor.
• All crews will go in together, stay together, and come out together.
• Reduced visibility and increased risk will require close supervision by the company officer.
• The entire crew will exit if a scba, radio, or any equipment that could compromise safety fails
while in the hot zone.
Accountability
equipment for each piece of apparatus and shift consists of:
a passport with a pouch, small
company id tag, helmet ID stickers, and hose ID tag. Passports are bright yellow tags, which
measure approximately 3 by 4 inches that are marked with company identification and shift.
When entering the hot zone with a partial crew, such as
when an engineer remains at the engine to pump lines, the Company officer must:
remove the
nametags of those members not entering the hot zone. The nametags of these members may be
returned to the member, placed on the Company officer’s helmet Velcro strip or placed in his/her
coat pocket.
Implementation of the passport system will occur at any incident:
that requires the use of an SCBA.
The use of the accountability system will commence as the first unit arrives on the scene.
What do ladder companies do with their passports?
Ladder crews will leave their passport on the apparatus dash when going to the roof to perform
ventilation. When going to the interior of the structure, each ladder crew will deliver their passport to
the engine closest to their point of entry.
Who is responsible for retrieving the passport once the company has exited the hot zone?
Upon exit, the Company Officer must
retrieve their passport. Both the Company Officer and Accountability Officer will be responsible to
see the passports are retrieved. Crews exiting at a different location other than the original point of
entry must immediately notify their original Sector Officer Division/Group Supervisor and/or
Accountability Officer of their changed status. The passport must be retrieved.
Each back up kit is kept in a blue nylon bag that contains the following equipment:
• One passport pouch
• One blank passport – to mark crew member IDs with grease pencil
• One blank passport with Velcro – to attach crew member nametags from underside of
helmet
• One grease pencil
If a sector officer takes over accountability from the pump engineer, where do the passports and tags go?
The Battalion Chief and FIT would collect the passports/pouches from the initial engine
accountability locations. The small company ID tag is removed from the back of the passport pouch
and replaces the passport/pouch on the discharge gate at the pump panel. Accountability is now
established and tracked closer to the building. IE, Mayday situation.
What are some PASSPORT RULES?
• Passports will be delivered to the assigned accountability location prior to entering the hot
zone.
• Passports will be maintained at the point of entry to the hot zone.
• Passports never enter the hot zone.
• Passports will be retrieved by crews upon exiting the hot zone.
• Passport accountability location is the engine where crew deployed hoseline.
A personnel accountability report will be required for the following situations:
- Any report of a missing or trapped fire fighter
- Any change from offensive to defensive
- Any sudden hazardous event at the incident - flash over, back draft, collapse, May Day, etc.
- As companies report an all clear.
- As companies report under control.
- At every 30 minutes of elapsed time.
- Any time Command feels it is necessary.
How do passports and the accountability system work in high-rise fires?
All crews
reporting to the building will deliver their passports to the building lobby. The hoseline ID tag will be
taken by each crew to mark their hose line in the stairwell at the standpipe. Lobby
Sector/Division/Group will utilize the passports to track all crews and crewmembers in the building.
Crews will leave their passports with fire personnel in the fire control room if Lobby/Sector
Officer/Division/Group has not been established. The lobby sector/division/group will be responsible
for collecting the passports of the initial companies as soon as possible.
The 2 in / 2 out procedure should be used when
when the initial arriving Company Officer is operating in the fast attack
mode as the Incident Commander on an interior attack with another crew member. The plug person assumes the
primary 2 in / 2 out position and the engineer assumes the secondary 2 in / 2 out position.
What are the Standard Exceptions to the 2 in / 2 out Requirement at Structure Fires?
- When there is a reported or suspected life hazard where immediate action could prevent the loss of life.
- When the fire is in an incipient stage as defined above.
When does the 2 in / 2 out rule apply on fires?
The 2 in / 2 out procedure will be established anytime firefighters are on air inside a structure and no other units
have arrived onscene. In the event the initial company arrives onscene of a fire in the incipient stages the 2 in / 2
out procedure is not required. OSHA further defines an incipient stage fire in 29 CFR 1910.155(c)(26) as a “fire
which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire
extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing
apparatus.”
What is the incident safety system?
The incident safety function begins with the first arriving unit, typically the company officer/IC
as part of the initial size up and continues until the incident is terminated.
For incidents such as a still assignment or car fire, and one or two company response to an EMS call, who maintains the role of IC and ISO?
The company officer
Companies assigned to On-Deck must prepare themselves to function as rescue crews by performing the following tasks/actions:
- Monitor tactical radio channel;
- Retrieve RIC Bag and confirm contents;
- Confirm TIC is in a ready state;
- Determine which line each interior company is on—(hose tags);
- Coordinate the opening of doors and windows;
- Illuminate entrance/exits;
- Develop and discuss a possible search and rescue plan.
On-Deck Company Actions for Rescue include:
- Confirm May-Day information;
- Determine resource and equipment needs based upon May-Day report;
- Determine last known location of firefighter/crew in trouble;
- Communicate plan with crew;
- Implement Plan;
- Utilize information and technology (radio reports, TIC, flashlights, etc.);
- Monitor air supply;
- Provide C.A.N. report to Command.
What are the 3 safety intervention approaches?
First Approach- life threatening conditions:
Any LIFE THREATENING conditions will be corrected immediately and directly. Where time permits,
Command must be notified. Corrective action will be initiated by Command immediately.
Second approach- non life threatening conditions:
The second approach is for non-life threatening situations and involves a more “one on one” correction
of safety problems with individual firefighters, company officers, and/or sector officers (i.e. require
SCBA, correct ladder position) and often does not affect incident strategy. This approach is the most
frequent type of interaction.
Third approach- on going incident planning:
The third approach occurs in the on-going incident planning process. Upon the implementation of the
Safety Sector/Section, Command must provide the Safety Sector/Section an overview of the incident
action plan and specific details of the safety plan
The Resource Sector is a part of our Incident Command System and may be assigned under what section officer?
Logistics section officer
What is the Lobby sector officer responsible for?
- Identified all entrance/exit points
- Control all access points when alternate entrances are present
- Identify suitable entrance/exit point or location
- Maintain full accountability
- Record names, times and assignment of personnel
- Collect all accountability tags
- For High-rise buildings, normally Lobby Sector is the ground floor lobby area
- Special Ops Incident: Define perimeter with HAZARD ZONE tape
* Limit entry to authorized personnel with appropriate PPE*
Where is lobby sector located in a high-rise incident?
Usually the ground floor
In the case of a technical operation, e.g., hazardous materials incident, trench rescue, or confined space, the
perimeter shall be defined by:
Hazard Zone tape with an entrance and exit point id’d
What does lobby sector have to record?
The Lobby Sector will record the names, times, and assignments of all personnel entering and exiting the
controlled area. Accountability tags will be collected from all personnel entering and should be retrieved on
departure.
How should lobby sector be established in a high-rise incident?
When beginning operations at these incidents, at least one firefighter from the initial
arriving companies should be left to establish a Lobby Sector. A company should be assigned to establish Lobby
Sector as quickly as possible and additional resources may be needed in major situations.
A plan for evacuation should address the following factors:
- A Command structure
- Determine the need for evacuation versus in-place sheltering
- Early notification of the Police Department
- Identification of an area to be evacuated, perimeters, etc.
- Required resources
- Evacuation time frame
- Identification of shelter sites and preparation of these sites
- Duration of the evacuation
- Re-entry of those evacuated
- Information about the hazard and evacuation presented to evacuees (multi-lingual)
- Follow-up with evacuees upon re-entry
- Security of the area evacuated
Who defines the area of evacuation?
The area of initial evacuation should be identified by the Incident Commander. The Planning Section will re-evaluate the evacuation area and recommend any necessary adjustments. The evacuation boundaries should follow streets and established roadways. A map should be utilized and distributed to all officers and agencies involved. Maps need to be provided to the Evacuation Branch and the Police Department.
When can in place sheltering be utilized?
- The hazardous material has been identified as having a low or moderate level of health risk
- The material has been released from its container and is now dissipating
- Leaks can be controlled rapidly and before evacuation can be completed
- Exposure to the product is expected to be short-term and of low health risk
- The public can be adequately protected by staying indoors
What are the 3 levels of evacuation?
- SITE EVACUATION
Site evacuation involves a small number of citizens. This typically includes workers at the site and people from adjacent occupancies or areas. - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL EVACUATION
The Intermediate Level involves larger numbers of citizens and/or affects a larger area. This level affects off-site homes and businesses and normally affects fewer than 100 people. People may remain out of the area for two to four hours or more. - LARGE-SCALE EVACUATION
A large or concentrated release of a hazardous substance may cause a large scale evacuation. Thousands of citizens could be evacuated. Rapid initiation of the evacuation process may be required. Evacuees may be out of their homes and businesses for many hours if not days.
Who is responsible for planning an evacuation, and who manages the evacuation itself?
The Planning Section is responsible for all planning associated with the evacuation. The evacuation plan is communicated to the Incident Commander for approval or modification. The actual evacuation process would normally be managed in the Operations Section as an Evacuation Branch or Sector.
If you need to make an evacuation branch, should a separate radio channel be used?
A separate radio frequency should be used for the Evacuation Branch. This should be assigned as early in the incident as possible.
In what order do you evacuate people?
- those at greatest risk
2. Greatest concentrated areas
When doing door to door evacuations, what should you do?
When making door-to-door evacuations: 1. Be in uniform 2. Wear your helmet Face-to-face notification should include the following instructions: 1. There is an emergency 2. You are in danger 3. Leave immediately 4. Go to shelter (location) 5. Take ( ) route out of area 6. Do you need transportation? 7. Consider multi-lingual needs
In other situations, where immediate and rapid evacuation makes door-to-door notification impossible, use the following notification method:
- Use three (3) five-second blasts of the siren while on the “YELP” setting
- Follow with the standard evacuation instruction over PA system (see instructions above)
- Use maximum volume on PA system
- Proceed slowly to maximize notification
- Initiate notification at the beginning of each block and each 50 yards after that
If citizens are refusing to leave when an evacuation is in progress, what should you do?
Write the address down (or if radio traffic permits, radio the address to the Evacuation Branch). A few methods of persuasion include:
- Be in uniform
- Wear your helmet
- Wear SCBA and facepiece (air hose may not need to be connected) when advising the citizen to leave
- Ask for next of kin and a phone number
- Write the next of kin information down
- Refusals should be noted and reported to the Branch Officer by radio
What additional sector may need to be established within evacuation sector to help get people out of the evacuation zone?
TRANSPORTATION BRANCH/SECTOR
- Obtain buses (start with a minimum of two) and other vehicles that can be used for transportation
- Stage all transportation resources
- Put one firefighter (or police officer) on each vehicle equipped with a fire or police department radio
- Coordinate the Evacuation Sector (or Evacuation Branch) pick-up points or addresses of those citizens needing transportation
Who determines the level of critique for an incident?
The Assistant Chief of Operations, or
designee, will determine the level at which the incident will be critiqued
What are the 5 levels of critique?
Individual -Conducted within the individual company by the company officer. May include other
companies. Usually self initiated by the company officer. No documentation of the critique
required.
Company level- Level–Post-incident critique conducted on site, prior to departing the scene. Initiated
by Command or battalion chief. Informal and brief.
Battalion level-Initiated and organized by the battalion chief. Scheduled assembly of the
necessary companies as soon as possible after the incident. Structured critique format.
Operations level-Level–Conducted within the battalion by the battalion chief or Shift Commander.
This may be a first alarm or multiple-alarm incident, or other significant incident whose site
operations were uncomplicated, and generally did not involve a large response of fire
department resource or outside agencies
Department level-Utilized for critiquing large-scale or complex incidents that involved a large
response of fire department resources and several outside agencies or incidents that were
unusual or tactically significant occurrences
How many days do you have to submit needed information for a critique?
10 calendar days
When should you summon additional resources?
An actual or potential fire situation exists and the life hazard exceeds the rescue EMS capabilities of initial alarm companies.
The number, location and condition of actual victims exceeds the rescue/removal/treatment capabilities of companies.
An actual or potential fire situation exists and the property protection demand (both internal and external) exceeds the fire control capabilities of initial alarm companies.
Fire conditions become more severe or the situation deteriorates significantly.
All companies have been committed and the fire is not controlled.
What departments have the ability to put brush fighting helicopters in service?
Phoenix can put 2 bambi bucket in service, and Mesa can put 1 in service
How much water can a bambi bucket hold
67-96 gallons
How much water can a buoy wall tank hold?
3,000 or 4,000 gal
Where can helicopters carrying water NOT fly?
Helicopters with full buckets are prohibited from flying over occupied structures or traffic.
Roadways must be closed or structures evacuated if no other flight path can be used.
How is a buoy wall tank set up?
Set up in a large flat area, free of overhead obstructions.
Place one or two salvage covers underneath for protection.
Tanks fill from the bottom
How far away do apparatus need to be from helos dipping into tanks?
150’
What is the average fuel running time for a helo?
1.5-2 hours
How do you approach a helo?
From 45 degrees from the front and make sure you make eye contact with pilot.
What are special use helo operations?
- External load (slingloads, longlines, water bucket, etc.)
- Hover sites (low-level hovering)
- Helicopter rappelling (insertions and extraction’s)
- Flights conducted below 500 feet above ground level (AGL)
- Helicopter operations around a fire perimeter
- Single skid landings
- Any takeoff or landing requiring special pilot technique due to terrain, obstacles, or surface
condition.
How big does a helo LZ need to be?
100’ x 100’ with 60 x 60 touch down area in the center
What safety person must be put into place once a helo has landed, whether it’s running or not.
Tail guard, 50-100’ from the tail rotor.
How far away are PTs to be staged from a helo?
150’
All fire personnel and crew members will wear the following PPE when operating in or on the helicopter:
The assigned personnel shall
have a portable radio, eye protection, ear protection, high-visibility safety vests. All personnel assigned
to the landing zone operation shall be on the designated landing zone radio frequency. Engine
companies are more suitable for this assignment.
How far should the LZ be from other activities?
100 yards
What is the order for the best surface for an LZ?
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Grass
- Compacted dirt (lightly moistened to control dust)
- Dry, loose dirt/sand (heavily moistened to control dust)
Engine Company Functions:
- Search, rescue, and treatment
- Stretch hoselines
- Operate nozzles
- Pump hoselines
- Loss control
Ladder Company/Tender Functions:
- Search, rescue, and treatment
- Ventilate
- Forcible entry
- Raise ladders
- Provide access/check fire extension
- Utility control
- Provide lighting
- Operate ladder pipes (aerials and platforms only)
- Perform overhaul
- Extrication
- Loss control
Rescue Company Functions:
- Transportation of sick and injured to hospitals
- Search, rescue, and treatment–Rescue companies should communicate commitment and location to Command and maintain a retrievable status for victim treatment and transportation
- General firefighting duties as assigned by Command
In the absence (or delay) of Ladder company response, who should Command should assign ladder functions?
Engines
What is the basic “checklist” of the items that are involved in size-up, decision-making, initiating action, review and revision on the fireground?
Fireground factors
Are all the fireground factors are not critical in any one tactical situation?
NO
What are the 3 basic information factors command uses along with the fireground factors?
Visual factors
Reconnaissance factors
Pre plan factors
What are the 7 fireground factors?
Building
Arrangement
Resources
Fire
Occupancy
Other factors/conditions
Life hazards
What are your tactical priorities?
Rescue
Fire Control
Property Conservation
What are your tactical priorities benchmarks?
#1 - Rescue - primary search (all clear) #2 - Fire Control - under control #3 - Property Conservation - loss stopped
What is the umbrella of service made up of?
fire fighter safety, customer service, and Loss Control.
The fireground strategy can change with conditions or because certain benchmark (i.e., ALL CLEAR) are obtained.
The fireground strategy is also based on:
- The building (type of construction, condition, age, etc)
- Structural integrity of the building (contents vs. structural involvement)
- The fire load (what type of fuel is burning and what’s left to burn)
- The fire and/or smoke conditions (extent, location, etc.)
- The rescue profile (savable occupants/survivability profile)
By controlling the fireground strategy, who is
providing overall incident scene safety?
The IC
Who is responsible for determining the appropriate fireground strategy?
The Incident Commander
What is an offensive fire attack centered around?
Rescue
The following are
guidelines for offensive fire attacks:
- Address 2 in / 2 out decision prior to entry.
- Initial attack efforts must be directed toward supporting a primary search – the first attack line must go
between the victims and the fire to protect avenues of rescue and escape. - Determine fire conditions and extent before starting fire operations (as far as possible).
- Offensive fires should be fought from the INTERIOR-UNBURNED SIDE (interior capability is the principal
offensive strategy factor). - Avoid exterior application of water during offensive operation, this is usually the very worst application
point. - Avoid fire attack from the burning side of the building.
What must command consider the most critical direction and avenues of fire extension, plus its speed, particularly as
they affect:
· Rescue activities
· Level of risk to firefighters
· Confinement efforts
· Exposure protection
Fires cannot be considered under control until what has been addressed?
seven sides (or sectors) of the fire: front, rear, both sides, top, bottom, and interior.
What are the basic variables relating to attack operations?
· Location/position of attack
· Size of attack
· Support functions
What is THE ONLY REASON TO OPERATE IN MARGINAL SITUATIONS?
Rescue
Command should abandon marginal attacks when:
- A primary all clear is obtained and the situation is still marginal.
- The roof is unsafe or untenable. Especially working fires in large unsupported or lightweight trussed
attic spaces. - Interior forces encounter heavy heat and cannot locate the fire or cannot make any progress on the
fire. - Heavy smoke is being forced from the building under pressure and is increasing.
It is imperative that Command assign a Roof Sector when?
As early as possible
What needs to happen when the strategy changes from offensive to defensive?
Emergency traffic
All personnel withdraw
Stay a safe distance from the structure
PARs will be obtained
What are the priorities in defensive operations?
personnel safety; the second is exposure protection; the third is knocking down the fire
What is the standard guideline for master stream GPM on defensive fires?
750 GPM
When the exposure is severe and water is limited, what is the most effective tactic?
most effective tactic is to put water on the exposure and,
if need be, from the interior of the exposure.
What does fire under control mean?
It means the forward progress of the fire has been stopped, and the remaining fire can be put out with units onscene. A PAR must be given from all sectors and crews
If defensive operations are conducted from the onset of the incident, Command will notify Alarm that, what?
there will
not be a primary search completed for the affected structure(s).
The Incident Commander shall direct a primary search in what areas?
all involved and exposed occupancies which can be entered.
The Incident Commander must consider the following factors in developing a basic rescue size-up:
- Number, location and condition of victims
- Affect the fire has on the victims
- Capability of the control forces to enter the building, remove/protect victims and control fire
Command must make the basic rescue decision:
- Do we remove the victims from the fire? OR
* Do we remove the fire from the victims?
Rescue efforts should be extended in the following order:
- Most severely threatened
- The largest number (groups)
- The remainder of the fire area
- The exposed areas
What is the critical factor in the primary search process?
Time
What is the critical factor in a secondary search?
Thoroughness; rather than time
What mode is the FG operation in until a primary search is completed?
Rescue
When primary search companies encounter and remove victims, Command must assign other companies to, what?
continue to cover the interior positions vacated by those companies.
When might it be necessary to operate in a manner that writes off the structure?
in order to buy rescue time.
What is the most urgent reason for calling additional alarms?
for the purpose of covering life safety
Command must define Offensive/Defensive Strategy based upon the Risk Management System. In addition,
Command will consider the following when Fire Control is the principle objective:
- Fire extent
- Structural conditions
- Entry capability
- Ventilation profile
- Rescue profile of occupants
- Resources profile
Personnel must use caution when placed in the following positions:
- Above the fire (floors/roof)
- Where fire can move in behind them
- Where sector cannot control position/retreat
- When involved with opposing fire streams
- Combining interior and exterior attack
- With limited access–one way in/out
- Operating under involved roof structures
- In areas containing hazardous materials
- Below ground fires (basements, etc.)
- In areas where a backdraft potential exists
- Above/below ground rescue
When operating in a defensive strategy, where should operating positions be?
as far from the involved area as
possible while still remaining effective.
Due to the inherent hazards of the fire or incident scene, efforts must be made by Command to limit the
number of personnel on the fireground to:
those assigned to a necessary function.
When laddering a roof, the ladder selected shall be one which will extend how far above the roof line?
2-3 feet
If possible, when laddering buildings under fire conditions, place ladders near:
building corners or fire
walls as these areas are generally more stable in the event of structural failure.
What is the hot zone defined as?
The Hot Zone will be defined as any area that requires an SCBA, charged hoseline, special protective
clothing, or in which Fire fighting Personnel are at risk of becoming lost, trapped, or injured by the
environment or structure.
What is the warm zone defined as?
The Warm Zone will be defined as just outside of the Hot Zone where the fire fighters start their
operations on the fireground. This zone is where the fire fighter is not at risk of becoming lost, trapped,
or injured by the environment or structure.
What goes on in the hot zone?
- Entering a structure reported to be on fire
- Operating in close proximity to the structure during exterior operations
- Confined Space
- Trench Rescues
- Operating close to crane operations or close to swift water operations
- Building collapse
- Operating close to helicopter operations
- Extrication
What goes on in the warm zone?
- Forward fire apparatus working the incident (i.e.; engines, ladders)
- Laying lines
- HMRT and TRT developing strategies & tactics
- Utility trucks
- Special equipment needs
- Accountability Officer
- FIRE Investigations
What is the cold zone defined as?
The Cold Zone will be defined as outside of the Warm Zone where no one is at risk because of the
incident.
What goes on in the cold zone?
- Command
- Level I & Level II staging
- Support and Staff personnel
- Canteen
- Rehab
- Media
- P.D. Liaison
- INTERVIEWING THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY
ALL PERSONNEL ENTERING THE HOT ZONE SHALL:
• WEAR FULL TURNOUTS
• HAVE CREW INTACT
• BE ASSIGNED TO A SECTOR
ALL OTHERS STAY OUTSIDE.
What is a major reason for FG sectorization?
The safety of FF personnel
Who has the responsibility to recognize situations involving a high risk to personnel and to initiate
appropriate safety measures?
Command
Command shall establish a Safety Sector at incidents involving:
an inordinate danger to personnel.
A 100’ length of steel will expand how much when heated to 100 degrees?
9”
In the typical fire involved building, what is the most likely candidate for failure?
The roof, however failure of the
roof may very likely trigger a collapse of one or more wall sections.
Signs of building collapse may include:
- Cracks in exterior walls.
- Bulges in exterior walls.
- Sounds of structural movement–creaking, groaning, snapping, etc.
- Smoke or water leaking through walls.
- Flexible movement of any floor or roof where fire fighters walk.
- Interior or exterior bearing walls or columns–leaning, twisting or flexing.
- Sagging or otherwise distorted rooflines.
- Time of fire involvement.
The following construction features or conditions have been known to fail prematurely or to contribute
to early structural failure when affected by fire.
• Parapet walls.
• Large open (unsupported) areas–supermarkets, warehouses, etc.
• Large signs or marquees–which may pull away from weakened walls.
• Cantilevered canopies–which usually depend on the roof for support and may collapse as the
roof fails.
• Ornamental or secondary front or sidewalls–which may pull away and collapse.
• Buildings with light weight truss, bar joist, or bow string truss, roofs.
• Buildings supported by unprotected metal–beams, columns, etc.
After how many minutes of interior operations and heavy fire conditions, should command consider a change in strategy?
10-15 min
If a working fire is suspected in a high-rise building, what rules should be adhered to as far as stairs and elevators go?
Utilize the stairs
If you are going to use the elevators during a high-rise fire, what precautions have to be taken?
A. The elevator shaft must be checked to insure that heat/fire have not damaged the hoist mechanism,
etc. This can be done by checking the space between the door frame and the elevator car and
shining a light up the shaft. If smoke or fire are visible in the shaft, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.
B. Before using an elevator, the nearest enclosed stairway should be identified. Should the elevator
stop at a floor with heavy SMOKE or intense heat, fire fighters can then head directly for the stairs
without losing time searching for them.
C. You must verify that the floor you are going to is uninvolved.
What are the steps for using an elevator during a high-rise fire?
• Engage the Emergency Operations.
• Take elevator to the floor two floors below the suspected fire floor.
• Be prepared to close the elevator door immediately, usually by removing your finger from the
door control button, if fire or smoke are visible on the floor.
Elevators without the Emergency Operations shall not be used if a working fire is indicated.
What is the perimeter that should be enforced during a HR fire?
200’
What does using a TIC do for you?
may enhance the visibility in a visibly diminished atmosphere, thus increasing fire fighter safety and survival, as well as improving the survival potential of our customers.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus shall be used by all personnel operating:
• in a contaminated atmosphere
• in an atmosphere which may suddenly become contaminated
• in an atmosphere which is oxygen deficient
• in an atmosphere which is suspected of being contaminated or oxygen deficient
This includes all personnel operating:
• in an active fire area.
• directly above an active fire area.
• in a potential explosion or fire area, including gas leaks and fuel spills.
What is the max distance a crew is to go into a structure?
150’
What is the first 75% of your SCBA bottle for?
Working and exiting air
What is the last 25% of your SCBA air for?
Emergency reserve only to be used during an emergency encountered while exiting the structure.
Who is responsible for managing their air supply on the fire ground?
Each individual
An air emergency is defined as:
“anytime the breathing apparatus being used cannot
deliver air to the user as designed; whether by mechanical failure or if the individual has
consumed the air supply beyond the designed work cycle, or an individual becomes lost
or trapped within an IDHL environment regardless of air supply”.
If a member’s remaining air supply in the SCBA cylinder reaches the 18%
to 15% range and they cannot exit within 5 minutes, what needs to be done?
A may-day needs to be called
Roof sector companies must enter the roof from an established safe area, and have what in place to exit?
must have a secondary means to escape the roof, or to a safe refuge on an unexposed and structurally sound roof surface.
The initial Roof Sector Officer must report to Command the following conditions:
a. Roof design and construction (flat, peaked, bowstring, etc.)
b. Structural conditions
c. Fire conditions or effects of fire on roof
d. Locations of fire walls
e. Locations of heavy objects that are affected by fire conditions
f. Ventilation plan
The objectives for Roof Sector operations include:
a. Determining a safe working surface.
b. Complete adequate size ventilation hole(s) and achieve effective ventilation.
c. Coordinate roof ventilation with interior crews.
d. Coordinate roof fire control operations as directed by Command.
e. Maintain roof-top monitoring of roof structure and fire conditions.
f. Communicate with Interior Sector
g. Provide progress reports to Command.
What amount of the roof surface should be ventilated as a rule of thumb?
10%
If more than one hole is needed to be cut on a roof, what is working against you?
Time and changing fire conditions
For high-rise operations, the Resource Sector is normally established how many floors below the on-deck floor or any other safe, uncontaminated environment below the fire?
5
Who is responsible for the accountability of crews assigned to Rehab Sector?
The rehab sector officer
A Rehab Team concept will be used wherever possible to establish and manage the Rehab Sector. This team
shall consist of:
- Rehab Truck
- Utility Truck
- Rescue
- ALS Company
- Designated Sector Officer
- C959, as needed
- Health Center officer, as needed
When will a rehab truck be dispatched?
A Rehab truck will be dispatched on all First Alarm and greater incidents, or when heat stress advisory is in
effect
Rehab sector will have only one entry point and be divided into what 4 functions?
Assessment Hydration and replenishment Medical treatment and xport Documentation Reassignment
What must your vital signs be below in order to be reassigned to the FG?
Heart rate below 100, not irregular
BP below 160/100
Respirations 12-20
Pulse Ox above 92%
We lose most often because of a lack of _____, not a lack of _____.
Support, water
What are the two reasons you vent a building?
- To prevent mushrooming
* To gain (and maintain) entry
If ladder crews cannot get on the roof to ventilate because of fire conditions/roof profile, what should Command should consider?
A marginal situation
For bowstring/arched roofs the policy is:
- When fire is in the attic/truss space, and it is safe to do so, quickly search the building and implement a defensive strategy.
- When crews are unable to locate the fire, and it is safe to do so, quickly search the building and implement a defensive strategy.
- When fire involves a room and contents with no evidence of extension to the attic/truss space—implement a quick, aggressive, offensive strategy.
What is an attack team made up of? What “positions” do these trucks fill?
2 engines and 1 ladder.
Elevated stream, forward pumper, key pumper.
What is a high-rise defined as?
6 elevator stops or greater or 75 feet in height or greater.
High rise plans: Will PFD ever use elevators as a means of rescue in smoke or fire
conditions?
NO
What are the two kinds of stairwells you need to secure during a high-rise incident?
· Evacuation stairwell = stairwell dedicated to the removal of
occupants from the building
· Fire attack stairwell = stairwell dedicated to the fire attack
operations ideally with roof access with no evacuation traffic to
impede the fire attack operations
What should the first arriving engine company do on a high-rise fire?
Spot apparatus as close to interior access as possible
Proceed directly to the building lobby and gain access to the Fire Control
Room or building alarm panel if a dedicated control room does not exist
Establish Building Systems Sector with 1 member from the initial Engine
Company
Crew should initiate a lobby level size up
What should the first arriving ladder company do on a high-rise fire?
Spot in position to utilize aerial device for rescue or defensive firefight if
necessary
Proceed directly to the building lobby
Captain should proceed to the Fire Control Room or alarm panel and
meet with first arriving Engine Company Captain
Crew should begin elevator assessment for possible use
What should the second arriving engine company do on a high-rise fire?
Company should establish water connection to building standpipe system
Engineer should remain with the pumper
Captain should proceed to the Fire Control Room or alarm panel to meet
with first arriving Engine Company and Ladder Company Captains
What should all first and second alarm companies do on a high-rise fire?
After a declaration of a “working fire”, once on scene, all 1st and 2nd Alarm
companies should proceed directly to the building and report to Lobby
Sector
Purpose of this is to decrease transit time once assignment is made
Lobby Sector will be operating on the Staging radio channel as per the
standard Phoenix Fire Department staging procedures (See Lobby
Sector, Phoenix Fire Department High-rise Firefighting Manual)
