Fire Department Incident Commander Roles

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander?

To assist with other tasks as needed

To establish a command post and assume command of the incident (correct)

To evaluate motor vehicle traffic hazards

To report to the Accountability Officer

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Safety Officer?

Perform a complete 360 of the structure

Position vehicle to allow access for engines (correct)

Ensure that all personnel are accounted for per Accountability

Suggest safety zones and monitor radio transmissions

When should the safety hose line be available at working structure fires?

Only when the first arriving Chief Officer commands it

It is not necessary for any structure fire

Only during a complete scene assessment

It should always be available and staffed (correct)

What is one of the first actions for the Accountability Officer upon arrival?

Report to the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What must the Safety Officer wear during an incident?

Full PPE with access to SCBA and an appropriate identifier vest Signup and view all the answers

What is a specified duty of the Incident Safety Officer?

Perform a complete 360 of the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Aide for the Safety Officer when available?

To assist with other tasks, including upstaffing RIT Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the second arriving engine?

Support the hydrant and assist with water supply Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is included in the responsibilities of the second arriving engine?

Portable radios and accountability board Signup and view all the answers

What should the second arriving engine's crew do as part of the standby team?

Advance a hand line of equal or greater size than the initial hand line Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the duties of the company officer of the fourth arriving engine?

Check the opposite side of the structure and give a CAN report to IC Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) also assist with during an incident?

Softening of the structure Signup and view all the answers

What must the company officer of the second arriving engine do if command is passed to him/her?

Assume and retain command until the first chief officer arrives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the equipment for the fourth arriving engine?

Emergency medical equipment Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is emphasized for backup lines during the operation of the second arriving engine?

Backup lines must be the same size or larger than initial attack lines Signup and view all the answers

What support role does the fourth arriving engine focus on?

Water supply and other assignments by command Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Company Officer during the first arriving rescue?

Report to Incident Commander for assignment Signup and view all the answers

What should the crew of the first arriving aerial do when divided into teams?

Complete assigned duties as directed by the IC Signup and view all the answers

During a fire response, what is a key task for the aerial crew regarding utilities?

Secure utilities when needed Signup and view all the answers

What is required of the EMS crew in the hot zone during a medical response?

Position out of the hot zone, ready to leave Signup and view all the answers

What equipment should the first arriving aerial crew possess?

SCBA, TIC, tag line, and portable radios Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the operations the crew of the first arriving aerial should perform?

Perform ventilation coordinated with the fire attack Signup and view all the answers

How should the EMS crew assist with medical responses?

Establish an aid station for medical care Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard dispatch for a residential structure fire?

Four engines, one aerial, one rescue, three chief officers, one EMS transport unit, and law enforcement Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary responsibilities of the first arriving engine?

Conduct a size-up, initiate water supply, and position the apparatus Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT part of the duties of company officers during a structural firefighting operation?

Conducting triage of victims first Signup and view all the answers

Where should the first arriving engine typically position itself?

On side Alpha Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the first two arriving engines regarding water supply?

They should establish a water supply from a sustained source. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is included in the standard operational gear for a structural firefighting incident?

SCBA, TIC, portable radios, tools, and hoses Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the '2 out' Standby Team during the fire attack?

To ensure safety by having a charged handline in place Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Commander Roles

The first arriving chief officer is the Incident Commander (IC) and establishes a stationary incident command post, wearing an identifier vest and having access to full PPE and SCBA.
The IC ensures a safety hose line is always available and staffed at working structure fires.
The Accountability Officer (second arriving Battalion Chief) reports to the IC, referencing the Accountability Guideline section.
The Safety Officer (third arriving Chief Officer) reports to the IC, performing a 360-degree survey of the structure, monitoring the incident scene, and identifying hazards.

Residential Structural Fire Assignments

The standard dispatch includes four engines, one aerial, one rescue, three chief level officers, one EMS transport unit, and law enforcement.
Fire ground discipline is critical, and company officers maintain crew integrity, ensuring personnel and apparatus take assigned positions.
The IC may modify assignments as necessary, with radio notification.

First Arriving Engine

The first arriving engine company serves as the Attack Engine, initiating the water supply from the most suitable sustained water source.
The engine company conducts a size-up of the involved structure, provides a Conditions, Actions & Needs (CAN) report, and announces the mode of operation.
The apparatus is positioned, reserving adequate space for the aerial unit to position.

Equipment

Includes SCBA, TIC, portable radios, tools, hose, and other equipment appropriate for the structure's construction and operational tactics.

Company Officer

Provides water supply instructions by radio while en route to the incident location.
Establishes command and announces position over the radio.
Performs a 360-degree survey of the structure, if possible.

Crew

Advances a hand line to the fire floor and begins fire attack/confinement, with attack line placement supporting the search function.
Follows the "2 out" Standby Team protocol.

First Arriving Rescue

Proceeds to the incident scene for assignment, including search & rescue, softening the structure, or truck company operations.
The company officer reports to the IC for assignment, and the crew follows orders as given.

First Arriving Aerial

Positions apparatus appropriately for operational objectives.
The company officer directs the crew on completing ventilation, salvage & overhaul, and other duties as assigned by the IC.
The crew performs ventilation, salvage & overhaul, and other duties as assigned, including secondary exit(s) for interior crews.

EMS

Positions apparatus out of the hot zone, assuring the vehicle can leave the scene if necessary.
Establishes an aid station to provide medical care and assists with establishing Rehab.

Second Arriving Engine

Completes and/or expands upon the water supply as necessary for the first arriving engine.
Assists with stretching the initial hose line and stretches a backup line to assume the operations of a Stand-by Team (two in/two out) until relieved by RIT.

Third Arriving Engine - RIT

References Rapid Intervention Team Standard Operating Guideline section.
Assists with softening of structure.

Fourth Arriving Engine

Proceeds to the incident scene for support considerations, water supply, or other assignments as directed by command.
Checks the opposite side of the structure from the first arriving engine and gives a CAN report to the IC (usually side Charlie) or other duties as assigned by the IC.

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Description

Learn about the responsibilities and actions of a Chief Officer as Incident Commander, including vehicle positioning, establishing a command post, and ensuring safety protocols.