Emergency Elevator Procedures

Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander (IC) in establishing communication during a high-rise emergency?

To obtain and disseminate standard message sets for announcements. (correct)

To manage civilian traffic flow in the lobby.

To monitor HVAC systems and fire pumps.

To provide instructions for elevator operations.

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the pumper captain during high-rise operations?

Collaborating with the building engineer.

Controlling HVAC systems. (correct)

Verifying operation of fire pumps.

Directing water supply to hoses on upper floors.

Which task is essential for the truck company during high-rise fire operations?

Search all elevator cars for occupants. (correct)

Ensure all personnel are documented in the accountability system.

Track the locations of civilians in the building.

Operate the elevators in fire service mode.

What is required for a firefighter operating an additional elevator car during an emergency?

Portable radio, SCBA, forced entry tool, and an extra air bottle. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to place all elevators into fire service mode during an emergency?

To prevent civilian occupants from accessing fire floors. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an important step in managing civilian traffic during a high-rise fire emergency?

Controlling the flow of civilians in the lobby. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of securing a list of persons requiring special assistance in a high-rise building?

To facilitate the evacuation and support those in need. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of maintaining the fire/communication command panel?

Ensuring frequent updates are provided to the IC. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial action regarding elevators when responding to a highrise fire?

Ascend only to the level two floors below the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

During a fire attack operation, if occupants are found in the fire attack stairwell above the fire floor, what must be done?

Advise the Fire Attack Group to wait until all occupants are removed. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if additional resources are needed during the top-down stairwell search?

Notify Operations immediately regarding the resource requirement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Evacuation Group upon assignment in a highrise fire scenario?

Report to the Incident Commander and standby for further instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Fire Attack Group during a highrise fire situation?

Conduct an assessment of the entire building before engaging. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure regarding the fire attack stairwell during a highrise operation?

Initiate a top-down search of the stairwell while controlling the fire. Signup and view all the answers

When should the evacuation of occupants be conducted in relation to fire operations?

Before any firefighting operations begin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander regarding evacuation procedures?

Delegate responsibilities and ensure effective communication. Signup and view all the answers

What should the first arriving Battalion Chief do upon arrival at an incident scene?

Establish the command post in an appropriate location. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for personnel using the elevator during a fire response?

All personnel must be equipped with SCBA and all PPE. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding elevator operations when responding to a fire?

Elevators must be switched to manual control when not equipped with emergency recall. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of personnel allowed in an elevator during an emergency operation?

Six personnel plus equipment unless using a freight elevator. Signup and view all the answers

How many floors below the fire floor should personnel exit the elevator?

Two floors below the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment must the operator of an elevator be equipped with during a fire incident?

Forcible entry tool, SCBA, portable radio, and one extra air bottle. Signup and view all the answers

What will the Fire Attack Group do if the fire is on the fifth floor or lower?

Still recall the elevators but utilize stairwells for access. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured before fire personnel can use an elevator at the incident scene?

Elevator is equipped with fire service mode. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first task the Operations Chief must complete upon reporting to the command post?

Confer with the Incident Commander and gather vital information Signup and view all the answers

At which location should operations be established during a highrise fire response?

Two floors below the fire floor Signup and view all the answers

What must the Operations Chief include in the status report obtained from the Fire Attack Group?

Verification of the fire floor and summary of actions taken Signup and view all the answers

What coordination is essential between Truck companies and the Rapid Ascent Team during a highrise fire?

Conducting ventilation safety assessments Signup and view all the answers

When might the Operations Chief need to inform the Incident Commander about attacking a fire from a new front?

If progress of the fire attack becomes stagnant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a priority task for the Operations Chief during a highrise incident?

Assessing the need for a support and rehab area Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Fire Attack Group during highrise fire operations?

Performing face-to-face status updates for Incident Command Signup and view all the answers

How should elevator operations be handled during emergencies in a highrise?

Avoid using elevators and rely solely on stairwells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the members of the Lobby Control Branch upon assignment?

Establishing and maintaining Lobby Control. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the conditions in the evacuation stairwell require it?

Notify the Incident Commander and prepare for civilian rescue if needed. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can the stairwell door to the fire floor be opened?

When a civilian and/or firefighter rescue is necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be taken first when the evacuation stairwell conditions are checked?

Remove building occupants to a safe area if required. Signup and view all the answers

What must each member of the Lobby Control Branch bring upon assignment?

An extra air bottle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method of ascending to the level below the fire floor in an emergency?

Ascending via the appropriate elevator only to two floors below the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

When forced entry and ventilation is initiated, who must be notified of this action?

The Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key tasks of the Incident Commander during an evacuation process?

Coordinating all operations, including Lobby Control and rescue efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elevator Usage Procedures

Elevators are to transport personnel to two floors below the fire floor before returning to the lobby.
Fire personnel may only use elevators equipped with fire service mode.
If elevators lack emergency recall, switch to manual control and avoid automatic operation.
Personnel must wear SCBA and PPE while in the elevator.
Limit elevator occupancy to six members plus equipment, unless using a freight elevator.
Personnel are to exit the elevator two floors below the fire floor, designated as Operations.
Elevator operators must carry forcible entry tools, SCBA, portable radios, and extra air bottles.
All companies must arrive with a complete set of tools and equipment.
For fires on the fifth floor or lower, elevators will be recalled, and stairwells must be used for access.

First Arriving Battalion Chief Responsibilities

Assume Command and establish a command post (CP) at a strategic location for the duration of the incident.
Manage Lobby Control and place tools conveniently for operational efficiency.
Track resources and personnel accountability using established systems.
Ensure fire/communication command panel is staffed.
Coordinate with the building engineer for HVAC control and fire pump verification.
Identify individuals needing special assistance, including their locations and points of refuge.
Retrieve additional floor plans and secure elevator cars in fire service mode.
Ensure all elevators are accounted for and direct operations for additional elevator cars if necessary.

General Operational Guidelines

Control civilian traffic flow in the main lobby and utilize stairwell fire telephones for communication.
Ascend elevators only two floors below the fire floor unless alternate elevators service upper floors.
Perform a top-down search of the fire attack stairwell; notify Operations if additional resources are needed.
Safely escort building occupants from the fire attack stairwell to secure locations.
Advise when occupancy is found above the fire floor and delay fire attack until all persons are evacuated.
Initiate forcible entry and ventilation based on instructions from the Incident Commander (IC).

Evacuation Group Responsibilities

Report to the Incident Commander and be ready to assist with evacuation in the stairwell.
Use elevators only to transport to two floors below the fire floor unless specific elevators serve upper floors.
Conduct top-down searches of the evacuation stairwell and check conditions for safe evacuations.
Avoid opening the stairwell door to the fire floor unless necessary for rescues; inform the IC if this occurs.
Initiate forcible entry and ventilation as directed by the IC.

Lobby Control Branch Responsibilities

Establish and maintain Lobby Control upon assignment and bring necessary tools and an extra air bottle.
Confer with the Incident Commander to align operational objectives.
Remaining highrise response companies will wait in Level 1 Staging until assigned tasks by the IC.

Operations Chief Role

Report to the command post and gather vital information before establishing Operations two floors below the fire floor.
Engage with the Fire Attack Group for a status report covering fire floor verification, stairwell identification, actions taken, and issues needing attention.
Provide the IC with detailed progress reports regarding evacuation and potential secondary fire attacks.
Coordinate personnel relief and assess needs for support and rehabilitation.
Manage search and rescue operations and inform the IC when ventilation can safely commence, often a joint effort with Truck companies and the Rapid Ascent Team.
Initiate salvage operations as part of overall incident management.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential procedures for using elevators during a fire emergency. It emphasizes the guidelines that personnel must follow, including when elevators can and cannot be used. Understanding these protocols is crucial for safety in emergencies.