43 Questions
What is the most common type of terrorist attack worldwide?
Explosive attacks
What is the purpose of secondary devices in terrorist attacks?
To target the first responders
Which of the following is NOT one of the five basic categories of terrorist incidents?
Radiological
Which of the following is an example of a terrorist incident involving an explosive device?
Car bombings
What is the purpose of the Standard Operating Policies and Guidelines mentioned in the text?
To address specific procedures and concerns related to terrorist incidents
What is the main challenge faced by the public and first responders mentioned in the text?
Serious endangerment of the public and first responders
What is the primary concern when dealing with a situation involving a bomb threat or discovered device?
Centralizing focus on safety
Why is early implementation of a unified Incident Command System considered critical to the outcome of an incident?
To direct and control all agencies from one lead source
What may dictate the need for federal assistance beyond the capability of local responders in incidents involving acts of terrorism?
A confirmed NBC release
Which agency becomes the lead agency in the event of a bomb threat or discovered device?
Law enforcement
What is one of the reasons for Special Operations Responders being trained?
To handle incidents that require specialized skills
What should the core staffing assignments in the Special Operations District consist of?
Only designated Special Operation Responders
What is the primary goal of establishing a unified Incident Command System?
To centralize focus on safety
What type of incident may initiate a Special Operations Response?
A hazardous material spill or leak
Who can initiate a Special Operations Response?
Fire Rescue Communications or a coordinated effort between the Battalion Chief and Special Operations officers
What is considered a hazardous material incident?
Any transportation or fixed facility incident where there is a known or suspected leak or spill of regulated materials
When should a Special Operations Response be initiated for a liquid hazardous material release?
For petroleum product releases of 100 gallons or more, unless threatening a waterway
What types of incidents are considered technical rescues?
Incidents related to confined spaces, high angles, trench collapse or entrapment, building collapse, etc.
What should fire rescue personnel do when dealing with technical rescues or hazardous materials incidents?
Attempt to stabilize the situation to the level of their training and available equipment
What should be considered the highest priority in technical rescues or hazardous materials incidents?
Personal safety
What should the Incident Commander do upon arrival at the scene of a technical rescue or hazardous materials incident?
Brief the Special Operations officer on the current situation and any prior actions taken
What role do Special Operations officers play in large-scale incidents?
They function in the Operations section or report directly to the Incident Commander
What are Special Operations officers considered for the Department regarding hazardous materials events and special rescues?
Subject matter experts
What is the purpose of the Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)?
To confirm that assigned members are physically accounted for
In multi-story incidents, which area is considered the hot zone?
The fire floor(s)
Who is responsible for maintaining contact with Command for future assignments during a multi-story incident?
Accountability Officer
What is the purpose of a Tactical Benchmark PAR?
To confirm missing or trapped persons
During an evacuation signal, how should crews respond?
Report to their CO immediately
What should happen if a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is incorrect for a company?
Identify the problem immediately
Who will fill resources requested by the Incident Commander during an escalating incident?
Staging Officer
What is the specific role of the Staging Officer during an escalating incident?
To provide available apparatus information to the IC or Accountability Officer
What should crews do if they hear continuous blasts from air horns during an incident?
Immediately exit the building and report to their Commanding Officer
What is the primary responsibility of an Accountability Officer during a multi-story incident?
To maintain accountability of those companies assigned to interior functions
What is the primary role of the Special Operations officer?
To work in coordination with the Incident Commander while retaining autonomy on safety decisions
How are divisions established at an incident scene?
By assigning letters of the alphabet to ground areas and floor numbers for multi-story buildings
What is the purpose of the Unit ID System?
To identify the operational capability of each unit through colored tags
What is the Task/Accountability Board used for?
To display the department's tactical fire worksheet and provide a blank surface for incident planning
What is the purpose of the apparatus identifiers on SCBAs?
To identify the specific apparatus each SCBA is assigned to
Who is ultimately responsible for informing the Incident Commander of any variances from the initial crew assignments?
The Company Officer (CO)
What is the minimum crew size for operating within the hot zone?
Two firefighters with a portable radio
What is the purpose of the Accountability Sector at the Command Post?
To maintain the overall accountability chart and verify PARs
What is the primary purpose of the Unit ID System, Telestaff, and Task/Accountability Board together?
To identify apparatus capabilities, crew assignments, and provide a planning surface
In a large-scale incident, what is the responsibility of the Command Post Accountability Officer?
To maintain the overall accountability chart and coordinate with Accountability Officers
Study Notes
Incident Command System
- Early implementation of a unified Incident Command System (ICS) is critical to the outcome of the incident
- ICS directs and controls all agencies from one lead source, ensuring:
- One field command post
- Systematic and prioritized event handling
- Organized deployment of resources
- Multi-agency response
- Centralized focus on safety
Safety
- Emergency operations must be organized to be successful
- Safety cannot be overemphasized, especially in incidents involving acts of terrorism
- Risks to rescuers are great, including:
- Biological contamination
- Toxic atmospheres
- Structural collapse
- Secondary devices
Support Agencies
- In the event of a large-scale incident, state and federal assistance may not arrive until 24-72 hours after the event
- Support agencies involved in the response include:
- St. Johns County Fire Rescue
- St. Johns County Sheriff's Office
- FBI (lead federal agency for terrorism response)
- State Fire Marshal
- ATF
- FEMA
Special Operations
- Special Operations Responders are personnel trained to handle specialized emergencies
- Special Operations Response may be initiated for hazardous material spills, special rescue situations, or special requests by a Department officer
- Special Operations officers are considered "subject matter experts" for hazardous materials events and special rescues
Technical Rescues
- Technical rescues include incidents related to:
- Confined spaces
- High angles
- Trench collapse or entrapment
- Building collapse
- Department personnel are trained at various levels of technical and hazardous materials responses
- Personnel are expected to attempt to stabilize the situation to the level of their training and availability of appropriate equipment
Arrival and Responsibilities
- Upon arrival at the scene, the Incident Commander briefs the Special Operations officer on the current situation
- Special Operations officers may function in the Operations section or report directly to the Incident Commander
- Special Operations officers are responsible for evaluating the scene, formulating a plan of action, and providing it to the Incident Commander
Accountability
- Accountability is crucial in an incident response
- The Unit ID System and Task/Accountability Board allow for easy identification of apparatus capability, crew identification, and assignments
- The Incident Commander is responsible for ensuring accountability of responders at a scene
- Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is a confirmation that members assigned to a Company/Division are physically accounted for
Explore various SOP chapters related to emergency response, covering topics such as special operations, search and rescue, explosives, hazardous materials, decontamination, and nuclear/biological/chemical devices. Learn about supporting policies and guides for responding to new challenges that endanger public safety.
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