SOG 1.1 First Function of Command: Dispatch

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Command Function 1?

To provide and manage a steady, adequate, and timely stream of appropriate resources. (correct)

To increase the number of responders at an incident.

To train incident commanders in strategic decision making.

To allocate funding for hazard zone management.

Who is responsible for managing all assigned resources on a strategic level during an incident?

The incident commander. (correct)

The Fire Chief.

The BCSO officer.

The unit dispatcher.

What should be used for all hazard zone transmissions?

One tactical radio frequency. (correct)

Multiple regional frequencies.

Fire Control channel only.

Personal mobile devices.

What is considered a single unit response in incident management?

A single Engine or Truck Company response to a fire that poses no significant danger. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the first alarm in North and South Regions?

A multi-unit response is sent to a commercial or residential fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of command when assigning units to the hazard zone?

To control the position and function of all resources assigned Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about establishing command during an incident?

The first officer to arrive must transmit a standard IRR to assume command Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT part of the structure used to assign units into the hazard zone?

Safety assessments conducted prior to assignment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for command to be specific about task locations and objectives in the hazard zone?

To ensure all units understand their assignments and whereabouts Signup and view all the answers

Which group has the greatest stake in the accountability system within the hazard zone?

The companies working at the task level inside the hazard zone Signup and view all the answers

What is required of Command after announcing an Elapsed Time Notification (ETN)?

Announce the incident's strategy over the assigned tactical radio frequency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the responsibilities of the dispatcher during a witnessed incident?

Evaluate the response time of nearby units Signup and view all the answers

What action must the 3rd Battalion Commander take regarding critical areas during an incident?

Maintain resource awareness for core services in the community Signup and view all the answers

What should a unit do if it witnesses an incident requiring emergency response?

Contact the dispatcher with incident details and resource requests Signup and view all the answers

What should the command do for the duration of the fire incident?

Regularly monitor the tactical channel Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the process of moving units for coverage?

Command must communicate resource needs for incident control Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would Command request Elapsed Time Notifications (ETNs)?

Whenever they feel it is necessary for operational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum time to wait before transmitting an Initial Radio Report (IRR) after the incident has been reported?

1 minute Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a 1st Alarm assignment?

2 Engine Companies, 1 Tower/Truck Company, 3 Rescue Companies Signup and view all the answers

How many Engine Companies are dispatched in a 1st Alarm East Region assignment?

3 Engine Companies Signup and view all the answers

What is dispatched upon request in case of an Automatic Aid Alarm?

A full AFR 1st Alarm Signup and view all the answers

What is the response requirement for units after dispatch?

They must acknowledge dispatch within 1 minute Signup and view all the answers

What must be transmitted via radio to all dispatched units?

Additional critical information and updates Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if dispatch does not receive an acknowledgment within 1 minute?

The original unit is marked unavailable Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the expected dispatch procedures for a working fire?

Dispatch initial units and assign a tactical channel Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken in the event that no reply is received within two minutes of dispatch?

Dispatch sends a cover assignment Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum depth into a structure based on air supply?

175 feet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility at the task level?

Freelancing within the hazard zone Signup and view all the answers

How many personnel are required as a minimum to operate in a hazard zone?

Two firefighters Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT one of the ways personnel must maintain contact with their Company Officer?

Text message Signup and view all the answers

What is required for crews before entering or exiting a hazard zone?

They must always go in and come out together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a division supervisor when three or more units are assigned to a geographical area?

They manage the companies assigned to that area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the officer in charge of a tactical level operational area?

Managing the companies assigned to that operational area. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen if a member's job assignment is to operate outside the hazard area?

They need express permission from their company officer to enter. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deployment of Resources

IRR: Stands for Initial Radio Report
ETN: Stands for Elapsed Time Notification
BCSO: Stands for Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office
NMGCO: Stands for New Mexico Gas Company
PNM: Stands for Power Company of New Mexico
Single Unit Response: Single Engine or Truck company will respond to incidents posing no significant threat
1st Alarm North and South Region: Response includes:
- 2 Engine Companies
- 1 Tower/Truck Company
- 3 Rescue Companies
- 2 Battalion Commanders
- 1 Deputy Fire Marshall
- 1 Albuquerque Ambulance unit
1st Alarm East Region: Response includes:
- 3 Engine Companies
- 2 Tender Companies
- 1 Rescue Company
- 2 Battalion Commanders
- 1 Deputy Fire Marshall
- 1 Albuquerque Ambulance unit
2nd Alarm: Response includes:
- Remaining Engine Company
- Remaining Rescue Company in the region
Automatic Aid Alarm: Consists of a full AFR 1st Alarm
Mutual Aid Request: Specific request made by command based on the needs of the incident
Dispatched Acknowledgement: All units responding to an incident shall acknowledge dispatch by radio or by MDT if equipped and switch to the assigned tactical channel, failure to acknowledge within one minute will require dispatch to request acknowledgement through all channels and via MDT if equipped
Additional Incident Information: The dispatcher will relay any additional critical information gained from subsequent callers as soon as possible. Critical information and/or updates must be transmitted via radio on the assigned tactical frequency to all dispatched units.
Expected Dispatch (Fire Control) Procedures for Working Fire:
- Dispatch all first alarm units.
- Give primary dispatch information to include assigning a tactical channel.
- Once all units are enroute, secondary dispatch information will be given.
- Dispatch BCSO for traffic and crowd control.
- Dispatch NMGCO and PNM.
- Document progress reports, assignments, emergency traffic, and elapsed time notifications in CAD notes.
- Be prepared to dispatch additional resources as requested.
- Monitor tactical channel for the duration of the fire, or until command states otherwise.
Elapsed Time Notifications (ETN):
- ETN's are requested by command.
- The dispatcher will announce over the tactical frequency an ETN based on the time frame requested by command.
- Command must verbally acknowledge each ETN by re-announcing the incident’s strategy over the assigned tactical radio frequency until the incident is placed under control, or until command requests to discontinue or restructure the notifications.
Move Ups, Back Fills, and Maintaining System Wide Service Coverage:
- Command must keep Fire Control aware of the amount of resource(s) needed to control the incident.
- The 3rd Battalion Commander will have the responsibility to back fill critical areas of the community in order to continue to deliver core services to the department’s customers with reasonable response times.
Witnessed Incident:
- Units that witness an incident requiring emergency response will contact the dispatcher on Fire Control.
- Officer or member will provide: Nature of the incident, exact location, and resource request needed.
- Once reported, the dispatcher may assign a separate tactical channel for the incident and dispatch any additional resources required on Fire Control.
- The requesting unit should give recently dispatched responders at least 1 minute to start their response before transmitting a standard Initial Radio Report (IRR) on the assigned tactical radio frequency.
Establishing Command (Function #2):
- Command shall be formally declared on all incidents where 3 or more units are dispatched.
- The first officer to arrive should assume command of the incident by transmitting a standard IRR.
IC Assigning Units into a Hazard Zone:
- Incident communications mirror tactical priorities.
- Command must use the following structure when assigning any unit into the hazard zone: Tasks to be performed, the Location of those tasks, and the Objectives of the tasks.
Company/Task Level Accountability Responsibilities:
- Companies working at the task level have the greatest stake in the accountability system because they operate inside the hazard zone.
- Task level responsibilities include:
  - Following all staging procedures
  - Being properly assigned into the hazard zone
  - Properly using the accountability system
  - Staying together as a company
  - All members attached to a hose line
  - Always maintaining an adequate air supply to safely exit the hazard zone
  - Maximum depth into a structure -- 175 feet -- based on air supply
  - No freelancing
- The following rules will be adhered to at all times on the task level:
  - The minimum number of personnel assigned to a crew or a team operating in a hazard zone shall be two firefighters with a least one portable radio.
  - Crews always go in and come out together.
  - All personnel shall be in contact with their Company Officer by: voice (radio), vision (TIC), or touch (hose line).
  - Company officers shall give an accountability report (either face to face or by radio when requested) upon exiting the hazard zone to either command or their assigned division or group supervisor.
  - Any member whose job assignment is to operate outside of the hazard area is not to enter the hazard area without the express permission of the member’s company officer.
  - No member shall operate in the hazard zone alone.
Tactical Level Accountability Responsibilities:
- The hazard zone tactical level of the incident organization is managed by division supervisors (no groups inside the hazard zone).
- When command assigns companies to an operational area, the officer in charge of that area is responsible for managing the companies assigned to the area.
- These officers physically position themselves in their assigned area and manage their area of the incident operation.
- Whenever 3 or more units are assigned to one geographical area, a division supervisor should be designated to the area when the 3rd unit is assigned.
- In many cases, the initial tactical level responsibility may be assigned to the first company officer assigned to the area.

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This quiz tests your knowledge of the deployment of resources in emergency response situations. You will learn about the various alarm levels, response units, and terminology specific to firefighting and emergency services in regions like Bernalillo County. Master the acronyms and response protocols to enhance your understanding of emergency management.