G-HIRR Highway Responses Part 1

Who has jurisdictional policing authority on all provincial highways?

Who is responsible for the redirection of traffic at emergency incidents?

When can TFS not wait for the Police to arrive?

What should apparatus be positioned to do until Police arrive?

How many traffic lanes should apparatus occupy during emergency operations?

Who may remove or direct others to remove vehicles from a provincial highway?

What should be used to define a hot zone or work area?

When should apparatus be positioned in the flow of traffic?

When should Incident Commanders request Police for traffic control?

What is the role of the Incident Commander?

What is the priority after emergency operations are complete?

Who should establish communications between allied agencies?

What should be used to direct traffic flow safely around the parked apparatus?

Why is it not recommended to use safety cones behind a blocker truck?

Who can call for additional blocker apparatus?

What should all TFS employees not involved in active firefighting activities do?

Unified Command

The first arriving apparatus establishes the Command, and the Incident Commander conducts a size-up and stabilizes the scene.
The Incident Commander's role may transition between emergency response agencies as the incident progresses.
The Incident Commander's responsibility may shift from one agency to another, depending on the incident's requirements (e.g., medical treatment, extrication, or investigation).

Police Jurisdiction

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have jurisdictional authority on provincial highways.
The OPP have the authority to remove or direct others to remove vehicles from provincial highways, with or without being present on the scene.
Police personnel are responsible for redirecting traffic at emergency incidents.
Until Police arrive, apparatus should be positioned to redirect traffic and protect personnel on the scene.

Traffic Control

Traffic control is the responsibility of law enforcement personnel.
Incident Commanders should request Police assistance for traffic control when personnel are subjected to hazardous traffic flow.
In certain situations, TFS are not required to wait for Police to arrive (e.g., patient transported, scene stabilized, no imminent risk to public safety).
Do not use traffic cones behind apparatus.

Apparatus Positioning

Apparatus should be safely positioned in the vicinity of the incident location, taking into account the situation.
Proper apparatus positioning is crucial for personnel safety.
Apparatus should:
- Take one traffic lane more than required for emergency operations.
- Be positioned off the roadway and on the shoulder area as soon as possible.
- Be angled across a roadway to close the road off from vehicular traffic in certain situations.
On roadways with speeds less than 90 km/h, apparatus may be positioned to close the road off from vehicular traffic, with cones directing traffic flow safely around the parked apparatus.

This quiz covers the principles of unified command and incident commander roles in emergency response situations. Learn about the responsibilities and transitions of the incident commander.