Fire Incident Command Principles

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of a chief officer in regard to setting an example?

To delegate all safety responsibilities to subordinates.

To ensure all equipment is always maintained by other personnel.

To only respond to severe incidents and delegate other incidents.

To personally model safety practices and ensure their own readiness. (correct)

Which practice is NOT emphasized as a component of scene safety upon arrival at an incident?

Taking immediate action, avoiding delays to observe the complete situation. (correct)

Wearing all required PPE, including SCBA with waist strap in IDLH conditions.

Performing a building lap where possible and gaining knowledge of layout prior to entry.

Knowing the Incident Action Plan (IAP), priorities, tactics, and strategies.

What does the concept of a 'tactical gap' refer to, as described in the text?

The distance between tactical supervisors and the incident commander (IC), who may become too isolated.

An area of incident oversight where tactical supervisors can identify risks potentially missed by the IC or crews. (correct)

A time period between alarms where responders can rest and regain their composure.

The space needed between firefighters to allow for equipment movement and avoid entanglement.

Why is minimizing radio traffic emphasized in the context of incident command?

To ensure critical communications and mayday calls can be transmitted without interference. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'freelancing' refer to in the text?

Performing tasks without explicit direction or outside of the defined strategy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of early establishment of divisions or groups at an incident scene?

It can prevent a mayday situation from occurring due to better oversight. Signup and view all the answers

What is specifically mentioned to be checked before a shift regarding a firefighter's PPE?

That all PPE is free from rips, tears, defects, or hazardous materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of 'eyes-on and hands-on accountability' in the context of an incident?

It guarantees that all personnel follow the IAP and reduces chances of personnel getting into untenable situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered essential minimum equipment for a rapid intervention crew (RIC)?

A detailed site map of the structure Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken after a structural collapse during an incident?

Reorient oneself and request appropriate resources Signup and view all the answers

During a large incident, who is primarily responsible for ensuring accurate accountability of crews working in and around the building?

The incident commander (IC) in coordination with division supervisors Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the provided information, what is the primary deciding factor in determining when to establish a rapid intervention plan?

The incident commander's (IC's) risk versus gain assessment based on the VP (victim profile), staffing, SOGs Signup and view all the answers

What does the provided information suggest is the highest priority during an incident?

The rescue of civilian victims Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial operational strategy employed at the fire?

Offensive mode, prioritizing rescue operations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key purpose of the size-up mentioned in the content?

To determine if active accountability is correct and decrease reflex time in a Mayday Signup and view all the answers

According to the case study of the Lullwater Incident, what initial role was Chief David Rhodes assigned?

Battalion 3 C (Charlie) side division supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What observation prompted the shift to a defensive strategy?

Early signs of roof collapse on the A side. Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how long did exterior suppression efforts continue before the fire was controlled?

45 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term “reflex time” as used in this content?

The time it takes to activate support systems once a mayday has been declared Signup and view all the answers

Which specific area of the structure did the incident commander focus on during overhaul?

The second floor attic directly above the garage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the automatic aid agreement between Sacramento City Fire and Metro Fire?

It allows for seamless response across jurisdictional lines without delay. Signup and view all the answers

What action taken by interior crews concerned the incident commander?

Squeezing through existing window frames. Signup and view all the answers

What specific information was critical from BC3 to the responding units en route?

The presence of trapped individuals and the request for an additional medic. Signup and view all the answers

What specific structural element fell and impacted the safety of the operation?

A piece of the cornice. Signup and view all the answers

How many total engines responded to the fire?

Six Signup and view all the answers

Besides the radio communication, what other factors contributed to the challenging conditions faced by the first arriving companies?

The combination of incorrect street information, heavy fire, and difficult access. Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate area of the fire structure?

6,000 square feet Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action did the IC, BC3, take when realizing rescue operations were imminent?

He ordered a second alarm including additional ambulances. Signup and view all the answers

Upon the second-alarm arrival, which tactical assignment was given to the author, and where did the author check in?

Division A at the incident command post. Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary objectives set for the author's assigned division (Division A)?

To complete primary search, fire attack, and coordinated ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What specific action did the author take directly after hearing the mayday and what was the context?

The author ordered the closest engine to immediately search for the lost firefighter. Signup and view all the answers

During this incident, what can be inferred about how hand-held radios are being utilized by all personnel?

Each firefighter carries at least two hand-held radios. Signup and view all the answers

Which unit is designated as the Safety function at this incident?

TRN 21 Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is designated as the Incident Commander?

Carr IC Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is designated as the Ventilation Group?

Ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the designation of the Rapid Intervention Group?

RIG Grp Signup and view all the answers

Which of these choices represents a division at this incident?

Division 2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason a medical group should always be standing by at working fires?

To handle potential cardiac arrests of firefighters, especially during Mayday situations. Signup and view all the answers

During a Mayday event, what is the IC's role in relation to the tactical- and task-level bosses?

To coordinate efforts, support the operation, and maintain alignment while tactical- and task-level bosses execute the plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial action the IC should take regarding radio traffic upon a Mayday call?

Stop all radio traffic except to verify the LUNAR report. Signup and view all the answers

After receiving the Mayday and conducting a LUNAR report, what is the next action required of the division supervisor and RIC group supervisor?

To meet face-to-face, confirm the LUNAR report, and develop a joint tactical rescue plan. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the RIC group supervisor during a Mayday?

To conduct a search and rescue operation for the downed firefighter(s). Signup and view all the answers

What is the division supervisor's primary objective after a Mayday event?

To ensure the ongoing fire fight does not impact the immediate rescue effort. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a company performing vertical ventilation be reassigned to the RIC group during a Mayday?

When further vertical ventilation is no longer required. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase ‘remain in the 'then/what if'’ as it pertains to the IC during a Mayday?

The need for the IC to anticipate possible scenarios and plan accordingly, rather than focusing on task-level operations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rapid Intervention and Maydays

Firefighters have been trapped and mayday calls made during all phases of a fire.
Statistics, such as those from Project Mayday, show how often firefighters are trapped.
Trapping can occur at any time, place, and for any firefighter.
A building under demolition is unstable during and after a fire.
Fire's force, structural entry and water damage the building, making it unstable.
Lightweight structures don't usually withstand fire quickly, and the damage is immediate.
Firefighters need to be cautious on any fireground, and this should extend to the chief officer.
Firefighters' SCBA cylinders and personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be serviceable.
Portable radios need full batteries and be in working order.
Firefighters need to be using the correct tactical channel and understand the plan ahead of the response.
Firefighters must be prepared and have appropriate PPE and know the risks involved in every situation.
Tactical supervisors must observe risks that any crew member might overlook.
Radio traffic needs to be minimized and direct communication used.
Accountability is extremely important and needs a confirmed tactical approach.
Effective prevention can help to avoid maydays.
Firefighters, drivers, and officers should ensure initial readiness on every shift.
All SCBA equipment needs to be inspected and in good working order.
Portable radio batteries kept full.
All personal protective equipment must be free from defects and hazards.
Knowing the Incident Action Plan (IAP), strategy, and tactics is essential.
Be aware, including a situational evaluation before entering a structure.
Appropriate PPE, including SCBA, should be warn whilst in hazardous conditions.
Firefighters must observe the "then-what if" principle to evaluate a situation before reacting.
Understanding and adapting to the "two-in/two-out" regulation is vital.
Rapid intervention crews (RIT/RIC) play a reactive role in response to a downed firefighter, saving them nearly 6% of the time.
Rapid intervention is a reactive action.
Ensuring immediate additional rescues in place when there is a chance of future incidents.
The employer must ensure that sufficient personnel are outside the IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) zone if there are any employees working in this area.
Effective communication must be maintained between workers in the IDLH and outside the zone.
The employer must notify the appropriate person if someone is about to enter the hazard zone.
Personnel outside the IDLH zone should be equipped with pressure-demand or positive pressure SCBA and appropriate retrieval equipment.
The OSHA standards must be followed for safety during any Mayday incidents.
Firefighters should be proactive and ensure sufficient resources for both firefighter and civilian rescues.
Understand appropriate staffing for any fire and know your lineup.
Safety and sufficient resources are paramount in order to avoid maydays, but they should not always hinder responses.
Assess potential risks of collapsed roofs and any hazards involved in the home.

Case Studies

Incidents where firefighters have been trapped or mayday calls have been made, and the importance of proper procedures.
The need for thorough risk assessment, proper communication, and rapid response protocols during a mayday event or trapped firefighter rescue.

ICS and Communication for Maydays

Remain calm during a Mayday.
Use a specific acronym to make a Mayday announcement.
Notify dispatch of a Mayday, providing tactical objectives and frequencies.
Establish tactical communications to streamline response.
Assign divisions and groups with clear responsibilities.
Coordinate additional resources if needed.
A systematic approach for managing Mayday incidents.
Company officers need to be briefed on procedures if there is a mayday on their shift..
Establish accountability and maintain situational awareness during a mayday incident.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential responsibilities and practices of a chief officer in incident command situations. This quiz covers key concepts like scene safety, accountability, and tactical measures critical for effective incident management. See how well you understand the roles and necessary equipment at incident scenes.