Crew Resource Management in Incident Operations

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Questions and Answers

What is the importance of tracking elapsed incident time?

To determine the need for additional resources

To evaluate the impact of fire on structural components

To establish work cycles

All of the above (correct)

What is the interval for providing incident duration reminders (IDRs)?

Every 10 minutes after dispatch (correct)

Every 5 minutes after dispatch

Only when the Incident Commander requests it

At the discretion of the ECC

When can the IDR cycle be stopped?

When all units are staged

After at least one announcement

At the discretion of the ECC

Only by the Incident Commander (correct)

What is the purpose of staging units?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How often must the ECC provide IDRs?

At 10-minute intervals Signup and view all the answers

What type of staging involves units taking assigned positions?

Tactical Staging Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the IDR is delayed?

The ECC provides the actual elapsed time post-dispatch Signup and view all the answers

Who can cause the IDR cycle to be stopped?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Crew Resource Management in incident operations?

Team member attitudes and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of an offensive strategy in incident response?

To correct the identified problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not using Crew Resource Management in incident operations?

Injury or death Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the operational posture in incident response?

It determines the general operational approach to the incident Signup and view all the answers

How many strategies can be in use at any one time in an incident?

One Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of incident operations?

To save lives and reduce property loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of building containment around a leak in a defensive strategy?

To contain the problem Signup and view all the answers

What is required for any change of strategy in incident response?

Deliberate and defendable thought Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of MCFRS operations?

To support people, mission, and organization values Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining clear objectives in incident response?

To direct operations towards a specific goal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration in conducting MCFRS operations?

Exposure to lowest achievable risk Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in MCFRS?

To support decision-making and communication Signup and view all the answers

When can personnel deviate from standard operating procedures (SOPs)?

When necessary, with deliberate and communicated actions Signup and view all the answers

What is situational awareness in incident response?

The ability to identify and respond to critical elements of information Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of accountability in incident response?

Tracking and reporting incident response actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of incident management in MCFRS?

To carry out basic functions common to all incidents Signup and view all the answers

Who can act as Incident Commander if another unit officer is not on the scene of an incident?

An EMS Unit Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of announcing Command by a unit officer?

To improve incident operations Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an EMS Unit Officer establishes Command?

The Primary Unit Officer must assume Command Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Tactical Command?

To engage in direct action with the crew Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of Tactical Command?

Short-term Signup and view all the answers

What is required for every complex event?

Announcing the unit identifier of the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What are the two methods of managing incident command recognized by MCFRS?

Tactical Command and Stationary Command Signup and view all the answers

When can the Incident Commander pass or establish a new Command?

If the incident cannot be resolved quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having the second arriving CCO develop additional situational awareness?

To bring additional information back to the command post Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of command operations in terms of the Incident Command Team?

To form an ICT with the first two CCOs and operate from a BCP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander in incident outcome?

To create a vision for a successful incident outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of effective command?

Ensuring that all basic incident management functions are accomplished Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having representation of both career and volunteer CCOs in the incident command post?

To bring different perspectives and expertise to the incident command Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having a second CCO in the command post?

To reduce the chance of missing critical communications Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the Incident Commander?

To create and communicate a vision for a successful incident outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of incident command scalability?

Expanding capabilities as necessary to ensure a reasonable span of control Signup and view all the answers

What is a basic incident management function?

Situational Awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of incident command?

Ensuring life safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the second Certified Chief Officer in a command post?

Enhancing the situational awareness and cognitive bandwidth of the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of clear objectives in incident response?

To provide a framework for action Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of continuity of command in incident response?

There is only one Incident Commander at any given time Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a stationary vehicle-based command post?

To enhance the Incident Commander's situational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between incident objectives?

There is one primary objective and multiple supporting objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of concise and easy-to-understand communication of incident objectives?

It ensures that responders are aware of the Incident Commander's intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a Field Observer in an incident response?

To gather information about the incident scene for situational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is a common designation for a Field Observer?

Alpha Observer Signup and view all the answers

Who can assign a Field Observer to an incident?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

When can a Field Observer be assigned?

Temporarily before completing the command team Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of a Field Observer?

To gather information about the incident scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a Field Observer and the Incident Commander?

The Field Observer provides situational awareness to the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having a Field Observer in an incident response?

Enhanced situational awareness for the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of a Field Observer's responsibilities?

Until the incident is resolved or scaled back Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Operational Doctrine Statement (ODS) in MCFRS?

To provide a framework for action and leadership Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary moral demand on MCFRS personnel?

To demonstrate integrity, empathy, and compassion Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of advocacy in the role of MCFRS personnel?

It is a critical component of their role as public servants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of the Operational Environment on MCFRS personnel?

It places moral, mental, and physical demands on personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the Operational Doctrine Statement in MCFRS?

To provide a framework for action and leadership Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of personnel's role as public servants?

To demonstrate integrity, empathy, and compassion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge in the Operational Environment?

Dealing with uncertainty Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of leaders in the Operational Environment?

To have a duty to lead Signup and view all the answers

During structural firefighting operations, what must be considered as part of the initial size-up?

Presence of hazards, construction type, and location of occupants Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Initial On-scene Status Report (IOSR)?

To confirm the address and provide an initial assessment of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Situation Update Report (SUR)?

The incident action plan, point of entry, and number of personnel making entry Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for providing the Initial On-scene Status Report (IOSR)?

The first arriving unit officer on the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of considering the construction type of the structure during size-up?

To identify potential hazards and risks Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the initial size-up of a structure fire?

The location of occupants, construction type, and building occupancy type Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the presence of hazards during size-up?

To identify potential risks and take necessary precautions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the Initial On-scene Status Report (IOSR) and the Situation Update Report (SUR)?

The IOSR and SUR are separate reports with different purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of achieving situational awareness during an incident?

A comprehensive understanding of the incident situation Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component of maintaining situational awareness during an incident?

On-going assessments and adjustments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of situational awareness in incident response?

To identify critical elements of information Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of situational awareness in incident response?

A continuous process of identifying, processing, and comprehending critical information Signup and view all the answers

How does situational awareness impact incident decision-making?

It informs all aspects of incident decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between situational awareness and operational decisions?

Operational decisions are the by-products of situational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of situational awareness in structural firefighting operations?

To identify the locations of occupants Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Initial On-scene Status Report (IOSR)?

The arrival side of the building, the number of stories, and the type of occupancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Situation Update Report (SUR)?

To update the incident commander on the status of the occupants Signup and view all the answers

Why is situational awareness critical in structural firefighting operations?

To assess the incident scene and make informed decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of situational awareness in structural firefighting operations?

Considering the construction type of the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of the Primary Unit Officer providing an Initial On-scene Status Report (IOSR)?

It provides an initial assessment of the incident scene Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the situational awareness process?

Considering the construction type of the structure and the status of the occupants Signup and view all the answers

Why is timely completion of the situational awareness process critical?

To assess the incident scene and make informed decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of effective teamwork in incident response?

Demonstrating a clear understanding of incident objectives and priorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the first arriving unit officer in incident response?

To set the tone for the incident operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for supporting the initial arriving decision makers?

Because they have made an assessment of the situation and are likely most suited to determine the initial course of action Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of on-scene initiative in incident response?

To take action in the absence of orders or in the presence of unforeseen opportunities or threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of situational awareness in incident response?

It is necessary for developing and communicating situational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for giving personnel sufficient latitude to act quickly and decisively in incident response?

To enable them to take action in the absence of orders or in the presence of unforeseen opportunities or threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of not supporting the initial arriving decision makers?

The incident response will be ineffective Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of ongoing assessments in incident response?

To discover when the initial response actions are not correct Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for having a second Certified Chief Officer in a command post?

To enhance the situational awareness and cognitive bandwidth for the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of incident command scalability?

A flexible and adaptable response to an incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of incident command?

To achieve clearly defined and attainable objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of concise and easy-to-understand communication of incident objectives?

It provides a clear direction for the incident response Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between incident objectives?

There can be only one primary objective at a time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for an EMS Unit Officer to act as Incident Commander?

When no other unit officer is on the scene of an incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a stationary vehicle-based command post?

To support complex incident operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of announcing the unit identifier of the Incident Commander and the 'name' of the Command?

To identify the location of the incident for every complex event Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having the second arriving CCO develop additional situational awareness?

To provide an additional perspective on the incident scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of continuity of command in incident response?

There is always only one Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Tactical Command?

To engage in direct action with the crew Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Incident Commander in incident outcome?

To create and communicate a vision for a successful incident outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander in incident outcome?

To set and achieve incident objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of command operations in terms of the Incident Command Team?

To form an Incident Command Team with the first two CCOs Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of Tactical Command?

Short-term Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having a second CCO in the command post?

To reduce the chance of missing critical communications Signup and view all the answers

What are the two methods of managing incident command recognized by MCFRS?

Tactical Command and Stationary Command Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander in incident response?

To create and communicate a vision for a successful incident outcome Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Incident Commander cannot resolve the incident in short order and no CCO is on the scene?

The Incident Commander must pass the Command Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of incident command?

To ensure effective command Signup and view all the answers

Who can announce via radio that they have Command for an incident?

Any unit officer Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of effective command?

Ensuring effective command Signup and view all the answers

What is required for every complex event?

A Primary Unit Officer to announce the unit identifier of the Incident Commander and the 'name' of the Command Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having representation of both career and volunteer CCOs in the incident command post?

To ensure diversity of thought and experience Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Operations Benefits and Risks

Benefits of incident operations include lives saved, significant injury reduction or avoidance, and reduction of property loss.
Risks of incident operations may include injury or death.

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

CRM is a system that focuses on how team member attitudes and behaviors impact safety.
It considers the team as the standard operating unit rather than the individual.
CRM encourages leadership and teamwork skills while preserving the chain of command.

Incident Strategies

There are two incident strategies: offensive and defensive.
An offensive strategy involves actively attempting to correct the identified problem.
A defensive strategy involves containing the problem rather than attempting to correct it.
The choice of strategy is independent of location and may change over the course of an incident.

Operational Doctrine Statement

The Incident Commander must track elapsed incident time, which is valuable for establishing work cycles, determining the need for additional resources, and evaluating the impact of fire on structural components.
The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) provides incident duration reminders (IDRs) at regular intervals throughout an incident, starting 10 minutes after dispatch and at intervals not greater than 10 minutes as measured from the time of dispatch.

Incident Command

Only the Incident Commander can cause the IDR cycle to be stopped, and only after at least one announcement.
When the IDR is delayed, the ECC provides the actual elapsed time post-dispatch.

Resource Staging

There are three types of staging: tactical staging, remote staging, and unknown.
Tactical staging involves units taking assigned positions, laying supply lines, providing required size-up reports, and remaining prepared to engage and complete assigned duties.
Remote staging involves MCFRS operations relying on well-trained, decisive, and compassionate service providers.

Incident Response Policy

When arriving at a complex incident, a command officer must be alerted.
Any unit officer can announce they have Command via radio if it will improve incident operations.
An EMS Unit Officer can act as Incident Commander only if no other unit officer is on the scene.

Incident Command

MCFRS recognizes two methods of managing incident command: Tactical Command and Stationary Command.
Tactical Command is used when the Primary Unit Officer is engaging in direct action with their crew.
Tactical Command is used for initial incident investigation and initial engagement in emergency operations.
Tactical Command is designed for short duration and must be passed or transitioned to Stationary Command if the incident cannot be resolved quickly.

Incident Command Principles

There is only one Incident Commander at a time, ensuring continuity of command.
Operations must be directed towards clearly defined and attainable objectives.
All fire/rescue events require action driven by incident objectives.
Life safety objectives always take priority.
Objectives must be identified and communicated in concise, easy-to-understand terms.

Effective Incident Command

Incident command for complex incidents is more effective with at least two Certified Chief Officers (CCO) operating inside a stationary vehicle-based command post.
The second CCO's role enhances situational awareness and cognitive bandwidth for the Incident Commander.
Comprehensive situational awareness is difficult for the first arriving CCO to develop, but the second CCO can provide additional situational awareness.

Incident Command Team

The intent of command operations is to form an Incident Command Team (ICT) with the first two CCOs operating from a Battalion Command Platform (BCP).
The ICT should have representation from both career and volunteer CCOs.

Policy

There must be an Incident Commander for every incident.
The Incident Commander must use all available training, education, and tools to create and communicate a vision for a successful incident outcome.
The Incident Commander must ensure effective command, which includes situational awareness, incident objectives, and basic incident management functions.

Incident Command

Groups are composed of resources assembled to perform a specific function and are not confined by geographic area.
The Group Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the completion of all objectives assigned to their group and maintaining accountability of all assigned resources.
Divisions are used to divide an incident into geographical areas of operation and are generally identified by alphabetic characters for horizontal applications and typically by floor numbers when used in buildings.
The Division Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the completion of all assigned objectives in their area of operations and maintaining accountability of all assigned resources.

Field Observer

A Field Observer is assigned by Command to gather information about the incident scene for the purpose of enhancing situational awareness.
The Incident Commander may use a CCO as a Field Observer temporarily before completing the command team if the additional situational awareness is necessary.
When a Field Observer is assigned, they should be designated by their location, e.g., Charlie Observer, Alpha Observer, or Outside Observer.

Operational Doctrine Statement (ODS)

The ODS sets the tone for operational behavior and describes the fundamental high-level notions on which all other operational matters are based.
It is the authoritative statement of the MCFRS philosophical approach to emergency incident response.
The ODS applies to all incident operations, including those that do not fit neatly into categories.

Demands of the Operational Environment

The fire/rescue operational environment places demands on personnel, including moral, mental, and physical demands.
Moral demands include the need to act as a gateway to other agencies and services, and to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
All personnel have a duty to demonstrate integrity, empathy, and compassion, especially when the situation is challenging.

Structural Firefighting Operations

Structural firefighting operations must begin with the development of situational awareness, including a 360-degree size up.
The size up must consider various factors, including:
- Location and status of the occupants
- Construction type of the structure
- Building occupancy type
- Status of exterior exposures
- Location of the fire
- Likely flowpaths
- Paths of entry and egress
- Paths of fire extension
- Impact of the weather, especially the wind
- Presence of hazards such as inground pools, arcing power lines, security bars, etc.

Initial On-scene Status Report (IOSR) and Situation Update Report (SUR)

The first arriving Primary Unit Officer in both the front and the rear of the structure must provide an IOSR for that side.
The IOSR includes:
- Address confirmation (only for first arriving unit)
- The arrival side of the building
- The number of stories
- The type of occupancy
- Conditions evident
- Any other pertinent information
The first Primary Unit Officer on the scene must provide a SUR, which includes:
- The command choice
- The status of the occupants
- The 2-Out
- The incident action plan
- The point of entry (or area of operation)
- The number of personnel making entry
- Additional resources if needed

Incident Command

The Incident Commander must control the pace of events while balancing communication with unit officers and civilians.
The Incident Commander must get reports from assigned units and be prepared to provide them.

Operational Anchors

Operational decisions and actions are the result of ongoing assessments.
Assessments consider scene security, chief complaint severity, and structural stability.
New hazards often emerge as others are resolved, requiring continuous assessments and adjustments.

Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend critical incident information.
It involves knowing what is happening around you and is a continuous process.

Accountability

Accountability means personnel are responsible for knowing their subordinates' and supervisors' locations.
Accountability also means personnel are responsible for their actions.

Effective Teamwork

Effective teamwork involves developing and communicating situational awareness.
It also involves understanding incident objectives and priorities, providing assistance, monitoring for errors, and using available information resources.

On-Scene Initiative

Initiative is taking action in the absence of orders or in response to unforeseen opportunities or threats.
Personnel must be given latitude to act quickly and decisively within their authority to accomplish critical tasks.

Structural Firefighting Operations

Operations begin with the development of situational awareness (360-degree size-up).
Size-up considerations include:
- Occupant location and status
- Structure type and occupancy
- Exterior exposure status
- Fire location and likely flowpaths
- Paths of entry and egress
- Weather impact (especially wind)
- Hazards such as inground pools or arcing power lines

Initial On-Scene Status Report (IOSR)

The first arriving Primary Unit Officer provides an IOSR for their side of the structure.
IOSR includes:
- Address confirmation
- Arrival side of the building
- Number of stories
- Type of occupancy
- Conditions evident
- Other pertinent information

Situation Update Report (SUR)

The first Primary Unit Officer on the scene provides a SUR.
SUR includes:
- Command choice
- Occupant status
- 2-Out status
- Incident action plan
- Point of entry or area of operation
- Number of personnel making entry
- Additional resources needed

Incident Response Policy

When arriving at a complex incident, a command officer must be alerted.
Any unit officer can announce they have Command via radio if it will improve incident operations.
An EMS Unit Officer can act as Incident Commander only if no other unit officer is on the scene.

Incident Command

MCFRS recognizes two methods of managing incident command: Tactical Command and Stationary Command.
Tactical Command is used when the Primary Unit Officer is engaging in direct action with their crew.
Tactical Command is used for initial incident investigation and initial engagement in emergency operations.
Tactical Command is designed for short duration and must be passed or transitioned to Stationary Command if the incident cannot be resolved quickly.

Incident Command Principles

There is only one Incident Commander at a time, ensuring continuity of command.
Operations must be directed towards clearly defined and attainable objectives.
All fire/rescue events require action driven by incident objectives.
Life safety objectives always take priority.
Objectives must be identified and communicated in concise, easy-to-understand terms.

Effective Incident Command

Incident command for complex incidents is more effective with at least two Certified Chief Officers (CCO) operating inside a stationary vehicle-based command post.
The second CCO's role enhances situational awareness and cognitive bandwidth for the Incident Commander.
Comprehensive situational awareness is difficult for the first arriving CCO to develop, but the second CCO can provide additional situational awareness.

Incident Command Team

The intent of command operations is to form an Incident Command Team (ICT) with the first two CCOs operating from a Battalion Command Platform (BCP).
The ICT should have representation from both career and volunteer CCOs.

Policy

There must be an Incident Commander for every incident.
The Incident Commander must use all available training, education, and tools to create and communicate a vision for a successful incident outcome.
The Incident Commander must ensure effective command, which includes situational awareness, incident objectives, and basic incident management functions.

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Description

This quiz assesses knowledge of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in incident operations, focusing on team behavior, safety, and risk management.