SOG Bomb Threat Procedures Memorandum

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Questions and Answers

Who should be notified when units are dispatched to any bomb threat?

Fire Rescue Communications

Management of the occupancy

Battalion Chief and Special Operations officer (correct)

Bomb disposal experts

What is the minimum distance apparatus need to stage at from the incident location during a bomb threat?

500 feet

1000 feet (correct)

2000 feet

100 feet

Who is in charge of making the decision to search for the bomb or evacuate the building during a bomb threat?

Fire Rescue Communications

Occupants of the building

Fire Rescue personnel

Law enforcement agency (correct)

What should Fire Rescue personnel avoid getting involved in during a bomb threat?

Searching for bombs/explosives Signup and view all the answers

What should Fire Rescue personnel utilize during firefighting operations in case of an explosion and/or fire during a bomb threat?

Protective cover Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if some victims are hesitant to fully undress?

Allow them to keep their undergarments on Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum equipment required for washing single/ several victims?

One 1 ¾ hose line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a salvage cover during the decontamination process?

To catch water runoff and guide victims' positioning Signup and view all the answers

How should the victims be treated during the decontamination process?

With a positive and reassuring tone Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the victims after their initial decontamination?

They should be placed in a safe zone and given a patient sheet Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if an object is suspected of being an explosive device?

Notify the bomb squad and the Incident Commander immediately Signup and view all the answers

How should personnel notify Fire-Rescue Communications if a suspected explosive device is brought into a fire station?

Use telephones Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if they encounter explosives during routine operations?

Evacuate the area and establish an operational perimeter Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for first due engines and rescues when responding to incidents involving detonated devices?

Determine if the scene is safe to enter before taking action Signup and view all the answers

What should be established by Incident Command in case of an explosion suspected to be of terrorist nature?

Unified command post uphill/upwind of the blast site Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered when additional units arrive at an incident site?

Stage in a safe zone until assignments are made Signup and view all the answers

If it has been determined that there are no surviving casualties, what action should be taken at the hot zone?

No initial entry should be made Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken in the hot zone (blast site) of an intentional explosion?

Control C-spine and bandaging Signup and view all the answers

What is the general assumption made about intentional explosions according to the considerations in the text?

They always involve a secondary device Signup and view all the answers

Per the MOU between SJCFR Special Operations and SJSO Bomb Squad, what additional personnel should respond to incidents involving the SJSO Bomb Squad?

Three Hazardous Materials Technicians in addition to the engine and rescue team Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the guidelines provided in the text for responding to suspicious or suspect packages?

To provide guidelines for personnel concerning suspicious packages Signup and view all the answers

In the context of bomb squad response, what indicates a need for chemical/biological weapons caution?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What level of operational support does the MOU provide to both SJCFR Special Operations and SJSO Bomb Squad?

Enhanced level of operational support and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for personnel from both teams as outlined in the MOU?

Regularly train together Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a need for response to a suspect package, who is responsible for determining the appropriate level of response?

Special Operations officer Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended in terms of apparatus placement for mass casualty decontamination?

Place all apparatus uphill and upwind Signup and view all the answers

What safety gear is suggested for responders during mass casualty decontamination?

Full PPE including SCBA and latex gloves Signup and view all the answers

What should be placed in front of the apparatus for mass casualty decontamination?

Salvage cover Signup and view all the answers

How should the two apparatus be placed for mass casualty decontamination?

Approximately ten to twenty feet apart, facing in the same direction at equal length Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a salvage cover during mass casualty decontamination?

To provide each victim with a landmark to shower in Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to brief victims to remove their clothing and jewelry prior to entering the shower during decontamination?

To reduce exposure risks to contaminants Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of maintaining verbal contact with victims in the shower during decontamination?

To keep them calm and assist them in advancing through the process Signup and view all the answers

What should be done once victims leave the shower during decontamination?

Provide each victim with a sheet and place them in a safe zone Signup and view all the answers

How should rescue crew place patient sheets during decontamination?

On the ground in front of the apparatus that will be used by the victims once they have showered Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to limit contact with victims until Special Operations can perform secondary decontamination?

Because secondary decontamination is more thorough and specialized Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Battalion Chief and Special Operations officer in determining the response level?

To assess the credibility and potential hazard of the suspicious package or letter Signup and view all the answers

What type of response is typically required for packages or letters that are suspicious but have no visible signs of chemical or biological substances?

A limited response with the Special Operations officer assessing the situation Signup and view all the answers

What additional factors are considered when determining the level of response for suspect packages or letters?

The potential for criminal intent or public safety threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) in handling suspicious items?

Leading the response efforts and coordinating with other agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step taken by Fire Rescue crews when decontaminating numerous victims exposed to hazardous materials?

Performing a quick gross decontamination to reduce cross-contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the guide provided in the text?

To provide guidelines for decontaminating victims exposed to nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the St. Johns County Health Department regarding suspicious items suspected of being chemical or biological in nature?

Taking custody of the item and conducting further analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Special Operations officer in evaluating suspicious packages or letters?

Determining the level of response necessary based on the potential threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the process for handling a suspicious item suspected of being chemical or biological in nature?

The item is triple-bagged, placed in an evidence can, and a chain of custody form is started Signup and view all the answers

What are the apparatus requirements mentioned in the text for responding to incidents involving hazardous materials?

Two engines and a hazardous materials response vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Notification and Responsibilities

Notify law enforcement and bomb squad units when units are dispatched to bomb threats.
The minimum distance for fire apparatus to stage from the incident location is typically 300 feet.
The Incident Commander is responsible for deciding whether to search for a bomb or evacuate the building.

Fire Rescue Personnel Guidelines

Fire Rescue personnel should avoid involvement in the bomb search operations.
Utilize appropriate firefighting techniques and equipment for explosive incidents to manage potential fires or explosions.
If victims hesitate to undress, provide guidance and reassurance to facilitate the process.

Decontamination Procedures

Minimum equipment required for decontaminating victims includes portable showers and appropriate cleansing agents.
Salvage covers are used during decontamination to protect surfaces and contain contaminants.
During decontamination, victims should be treated with respect and guided through the process to reduce anxiety.

Post-Decontamination Actions

After initial decontamination, victims should be moved to a designated area for further evaluation and treatment.
Individuals suspecting objects as explosives should alert their supervisor and follow safety protocols.
Contact Fire-Rescue Communications immediately if a suspected explosive device is brought into a fire station.

Incident Command Considerations

Establish a secure perimeter and safety protocols if an explosion is suspected to be of a terrorist nature.
Consider resource allocation and operational needs as additional units arrive at an incident scene.
If no surviving casualties are found, secure the hot zone, limiting unauthorized access.

Mass Casualty Response

For mass casualty incidents, the first due engines and rescues should be prepared for immediate action and patient management.
Apparatus should be positioned to facilitate mass casualty decontamination, maintaining safe distances for responders.
Recommended gear for responders includes protective suits and respiratory protection during mass casualty decontamination.

Communication and Contact

Ensure clear communication with victims in the shower during decontamination for reassurance and instructions.
After exiting the shower, victims should be monitored and treated based on exposure assessments.
Patient sheets should be placed to avoid cross-contamination and maintain hygienic conditions during decontamination.

Coordination with Special Operations

The Battalion Chief and Special Operations officer must determine the response level based on incident severity.
A typical response for suspicious packages with no visible signs of chemical or biological substances is a precautionary investigation.
Consider additional factors such as location, package characteristics, and context when determining response levels for suspect packages.

Handling Suspicious Items

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) is responsible for the evaluation and handling of suspicious items.
Fire Rescue crews initiate decontamination of numerous victims by setting up decontamination stations and procedures.
The guidance provided outlines how to respond to suspicious items, ensuring proper safety and security measures.

Chemical/Biological Threats

The St. Johns County Health Department is responsible for assessing hazardous materials suspected of being chemical or biological in nature.
The Special Operations officer evaluates and classifies suspicious packages or letters throughout the response process.
Follow defined protocols for handling items that may contain chemical or biological threats to ensure public safety.

Hazmat Apparatus Requirements

Specific apparatus requirements for hazardous materials incidents include specialized equipment for containment and decontamination procedures.
Establish standards for apparatus placement and operational readiness in response to hazardous material scenarios.

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Description

Learn about the procedures to follow in case of a bomb threat, including notifying the Battalion Chief, Special Operations officer, and staging apparatus at a safe distance from the incident location.