IMS Manual pgs. 15-16

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a 360-degree size-up of an incident before initiating tactical operations?

To quickly extinguish the fire and minimize property damage.

To establish an initial perimeter and traffic flow management.

To gather information for post-incident analysis and reporting.

To determine the safest approach to tactical operations by assessing the fireground and its risks. (correct)

Before committing firefighters to high-risk operations, what must an Incident Commander consider in relation to fire conditions?

The availability of backup fire suppression resources.

Potential occupant survival and rescue profile. (correct)

The potential for a rapid increase in property damage.

The probability of fire spread to neighboring structures.

Why should a defensive mode of operation be seriously considered during a fire incident?

When the priority is to protect contents (rather than structures).

When resources are insufficient to safely protect firefighters. (correct)

When the fire is contained and does not pose a safety risk.

When there are numerous inexperienced firefighters on the scene.

Under what circumstance should a firefighter's life not be risked according to the rules of engagement?

When lives or property cannot be saved. Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable to extend limited risk to firefighters, according to the rules of engagement?

When the Incident Commander knows the property can be saved after a thorough assessment. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the approach to be used when undertaking a search and rescue with a potential for savable lives?

A highly calculated and controlled approach, while being aware of changes in conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if unsafe practices or conditions are reported during a fire incident?

Immediately stop the unsafe practice, evaluate the situation and then decide on the next course of action. Signup and view all the answers

What is fundamentally required before firefighters are put in high risk positions on the fireground?

Complete a 360-degree size up, assess the rescue profile, and risk assessment to develop a safe action plan. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT a responsibility of the Incident Commander once a 'Mayday' is declared?

Ensuring all personnel cease operations to focus on the rescue effort. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum duration a firefighter should hold the orange emergency button on their radio to initiate an emergency alert?

4 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which radio communication guideline should be followed by companies NOT directly involved in the Mayday rescue?

Exercise radio silence unless directed otherwise by the Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

During a Mayday situation, what is the SECOND action a firefighter should take immediately after declaring 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday'?

Reporting critical information in a LUNAR format. Signup and view all the answers

If a firefighter's PASS device is interfering with critical radio communications during a Mayday, what is the correct procedure?

The PASS device may be temporarily turned off and then reactivated once communications are complete. Signup and view all the answers

Within the LUNAR report format, what does 'R' represent?

Resources needed or the reason for the emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the least important action the Incident Commander should take upon declaration of a 'Mayday'?

Overseeing tactical operations not related to the Mayday. Signup and view all the answers

Once the orange emergency button is activated, what is the immediate next action?

Announce 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday' on the TAC channel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of confidence in command presence?

Knowing one's ability to handle a situation Signup and view all the answers

When is the Incident Command System NOT required?

A single company response with no expectation of escalation. Signup and view all the answers

If multiple units arrive simultaneously, who assumes the role of Incident Commander?

The first due Operational Captain Signup and view all the answers

When should an Incident Commander consider transferring command before entering an IDLH environment?

If the situation evaluation allows the IC to enter the IDLH environment. Signup and view all the answers

What should the second arriving Company Officer do if the Incident Commander is in an IDLH?

Communicate with the Incident Commander to confirm assignment or transfer of command. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Incident Command Post (ICP) location?

Outside of the incident with two views if possible. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the Incident Commander?

Delegation of critical roles. Signup and view all the answers

When does an 'assumed command' occur?

When a face to face transfer of command is not possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for transferring Incident Command?

Face-to-face briefing to ensure clarity. Signup and view all the answers

Is command automatically transferred to a Chief Officer upon their arrival?

No, the transfer process must be completed first. Signup and view all the answers

If a higher ranking officer wants to effect a change in the incident management, what should they do?

They shall be present on scene and use formal transfer of command procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation of the first arriving Chief Officer regarding Incident Command?

To work in an advisor capacity with the first arriving IC if not escalating or unstable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the transfer of Incident Command briefing?

The communication procedures in use. Signup and view all the answers

What should the new Incident Commander notify after the transfer of command?

The Communications Center, General Staff, Command Staff, and all incident personnel Signup and view all the answers

When should the ICS Form 201 be used?

For large scale, long duration, and complex incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of allowing any member to raise a safety concern without penalty?

To mandate that all safety concerns are addressed promptly by the Incident Commander and ICS officers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical for the Incident Commander to maintain frequent two-way communications with interior operating companies?

To keep interior crews updated on changing fire conditions that could affect their safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of obtaining frequent progress reports as part of the Incident Action Plan?

To regularly adjust the Incident Action Plan and assess risks to firefighters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of ensuring accurate accountability of every firefighter's location and status?

To maintain constant awareness of the location and status of all firefighters for safety. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should an Incident Commander seriously consider a Defensive Mode of operation?

When the primary search is complete, and there's little progress toward fire control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) in place at all working fires?

To be ready to rescue firefighters in distress. Signup and view all the answers

Why are firefighter rehabilitation services necessary at all working fires?

To ensure firefighters are medically evaluated and rehabilitated before being released from the scene. Signup and view all the answers

Who ultimately retains the responsibility for an incident, even when delegating functional authority?

The Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

Why is effective communication essential for the Incident Commander?

To ensure proper incident management through clear and direct orders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of developing and utilizing an Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

To measure the effectiveness of operational decisions and ensure they are properly applied. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using clear text and common terminology in radio communications?

To paint a clear picture and reduce confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intention of an officer establishing command presence at all times?

To be perceived as someone in authority that is trusted and respected. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT specifically listed as part of the message that conveys command presence?

How a person communicates with their superiors. Signup and view all the answers

In radio transmissions, what is the correct order of stating unit IDs according to the 'military order model'?

Receiver's unit ID followed by the sender's unit ID. Signup and view all the answers

How should building sides and exposures be identified in radio communications?

Using phonetic spelling, e.g., Alpha side, Bravo exposure. Signup and view all the answers

Why should an Incident Commander ensure orders and decision making occur at the lowest level of the organization?

To empower personnel to make decisions appropriate to their role. Signup and view all the answers

What should a unit do if they need to interrupt an ongoing radio communication (excluding emergency procedures)?

The person who initiated the original communication will tell them to 'stand-by'. Signup and view all the answers

How should Incident Commanders respond to feedback from their resources?

By using all forms of feedback to make adjustments to the IAP as needed throughout the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase best describes how communication from an IC should be?

Direct orders with task-specific directions using common terms. Signup and view all the answers

During IDLH incidents, what type of radio transmissions should be avoided?

All nonessential transmissions. Signup and view all the answers

With whom should all communications with the Communication Center be done, according to the text?

The Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable for individuals, Company Officers, Division or Group Supervisors, and Branch Directors to communicate directly with the Communication Center?

Only when making emergency radio transmissions Signup and view all the answers

When a single resource is assigned a specific task, which radio designation should be used during all radio transmissions?

The unit ID of that resource. Signup and view all the answers

When a Group or Division is established, how should radio communications be addressed?

By using the radio designation for that Group/Division, instead of a unit ID. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'echo back' in face-to-face communications?

To ensure the message was received, understood, and appropriate action will be taken. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does 'span of communications' fall under?

Span of control. Signup and view all the answers

When a company enters or exits an IDLH environment, who should be notified?

The Communication Center, Incident Commander, or person holding their passport. Signup and view all the answers

Where can a notification of entering or exiting an IDLH environment be communicated?

Either on a TAC channel, or via Face-to-face communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an advantage of having the relieved Chief or Company Officer remain with the new Incident Commander?

They retain first-hand knowledge of the incident site and can observe progress. Signup and view all the answers

In which situations should the transfer of Incident Command be utilized?

Both during the escalation and demobilization phases of an emergency. Signup and view all the answers

When a unit is communicating their entrance to a structure, which of the following should be included in their radio report?

Unit ID, location entering or exiting, PAR, assignment if relevant, and direction of travel if relevant. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should a unit switch to a fireground simplex channel?

When 800 MHz radios have limited range and no communication can be established on a repeated TAC channel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'Emergency Traffic' announcement?

To advise personnel of imminent danger or to broadcast urgent information about health and safety. Signup and view all the answers

After 'Emergency Traffic' is announced, what radio traffic is permitted?

Only the company that requested the Emergency Traffic. Signup and view all the answers

When should the term 'Emergency Evacuation' be used?

To advise personnel of imminent danger that requires evacuating the scene to a safe area. Signup and view all the answers

What specific actions must units on-scene take once an 'Emergency Evacuation' is announced?

Blast their air horns intermittently and report to their supervisor in a designated area after evacuating. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure if additional alarms are requested for an incident?

Respond on their Battalion TAC channel and then switch to the assigned TAC channel. Signup and view all the answers

How can mutual aid companies establish direct communications with the Incident Commander in a multi-jurisdictional incident when radio systems and channels are incompatible?

If no radio communications with the Incident Commander, personnel from the other agencies will respond with their units to establish a direct communication link. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation would necessitate the use of 'Mayday'?

A firefighter is disoriented or trapped, experiences an air emergency, or is in need of immediate help. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Incident Command during a Mayday operation if an additional TAC channel is needed?

The mayday operation will remain on the original channel and other fire suppression activities shall change channels. Signup and view all the answers

What action should personnel take after 'Emergency Evacuation' has been announced?

Immediately leave the building or area, and report to their supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a correct action when ‘Emergency Traffic’ is announced by a company?

The company that requested Emergency Traffic should wait for the dispatcher for further instructions. Signup and view all the answers

When can radio traffic on a TAC channel resume after an emergency?

Once the Communication Center announces 'Emergency Traffic, All Clear' or 'Emergency Evacuation, All Clear'. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'PAR' refer to in the context of incident communications?

Personnel Accountability Report. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fireground simplex channels (TAC 14A, TAC 15A) during emergencies?

To enable on scene communication when 800 MHz radio channels have limited range within large structures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rules of Engagement - Best Practices for Incident Commanders

Objective-Driven Size-Up: Conduct a 360-degree size-up to assess risk before firefighters are at substantial risk.
Prioritize Rescue Profile: Consider occupant survival before high-risk tactical operations.
Safe Action Plan: Develop a safe action plan based on size-up, rescue profile, and risk assessment, before high-risk fireground operations.
Defensive Mode Consideration: If resources are insufficient to safely support firefighters, consider a defensive mode.
Risk vs. Benefit: Never risk firefighter lives for unsalvageable lives or property. Assess the risk vs. benefit of offensive actions.
Limited Risk for Savable Property: Limit risk exposure when attempting to save a building that may be savable.
Cautious Risk for Savable Lives: Manage search and rescue and support firefighting operations cautiously, vigilantly monitoring changing conditions.
Address Unsafe Practices: Act on reported unsafe practices and conditions.
Frequent Communication: Maintain frequent two-way communication, keeping interior operating companies updated on changing conditions.
Regular Progress Reports/Action Plan Revisions: Obtain frequent progress reports and revise the incident action plan, adjusting operations for safety.
Accountability: Ensure accurate accountability of every firefighter's location and status.
Defensive Mode After Primary Search: If little or no progress in fire control is made after primary search, consider a defensive mode.
Rapid Intervention Crew: Maintain a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC/RIG) at all working fires.
Firefighter Rehabilitation: Ensure firefighter rehabilitation services are in place at all working fires.

Incident Command

Incident Commander Responsibilities: Gathering and evaluating information, developing and communicating the incident action plan (IAP). Delegating authority and responsibility, retaining ultimate responsibility for the incident.
Resource Direction: Directs available resources to accomplish incident goals.
Responsive Organization: Creates a responsive organization to coordinate command, tactical operations, and support functions.
Effective Communication: Communicates effectively, issuing direct, task-specific orders, using understood terms.
Incident Action Plan Development & Evaluation: Develops an IAP and continually evaluates its effectiveness for adjustments throughout the incident.
Command Presence: Present as an authoritative, trusted, and respected figure. Visual cues, behavior, and language matter.
Establishing Command: First arriving unit establishes Incident Command.
Command Transfer: Transfer of command occurs only through formal procedure.
Command Assumption: An assumed command occurs outside of the typical transfer.

Communications

Clear Text/Common Terminology: Use clear text and common terminology, avoiding codes (except for security).
Military Order Model: Radio transmissions follow a unit ID-based order model - Recipient unit ID first, then sender unit ID.
Phonetic Spellings: Identify building sides and exposures using phonetic spelling.
Avoid Interruptions: Avoid interrupting ongoing communication unless for Emergency Procedures.
Radio Discipline: Maintain radio discipline, especially during IDLH situations. Speak clearly, control emotions, avoid unnecessary phrases.
Communication Center Protocol: All communications with the Communication Center are handled by the Incident Commander.
Face-to-Face Communications: Favor face-to-face exchanges for non-emergency communications.
Unit-Specific Radio IDs: Assign a radio ID to individual resources (units) and use it for all communications while the assignment holds.
Establish and Maintain Group IDs: Use established group IDs when groups are operational.
Echo Backs: Echo back tactical orders to confirm understanding.
Span of Control: Limit communications to direct chain of command.
IDLH Entry/Exit: Companies entering or exiting IDLH environments notify the communication center and incident command, providing pertinent information.
Additional TAC Channels: Use additional TAC channels as needed, following established procedures.
Additional Alarms: Responding units on additional alarms use their Battalion TAC channel and MDC's and then switch to the assigned channel.
Multi-Jurisdictional Incidents: Establish direct communication with other agencies through compatible radio systems or representatives.

Emergency Communications

Emergency Traffic: Used for imminent danger, priority over routine traffic. Communication Center uses alert tones. All traffic ceases except for the initiating unit.
Emergency Evacuation: Used for evacuations due to imminent danger. Communications center sounds alert tones, units sound horns, and everyone evacuates.
Mayday: Used for lost, trapped, disoriented firefighters, and issues requiring immediate help. Mayday firefighter(s) activate orange emergency button and provide location, unit, and details related to situation using LUNAR protocol.
Mayday Management: Incident Commander manages the situation, calling for Emergency Traffic, obtaining LUNAR, and activating rescue resources.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the critical decision-making processes in fire incident command. This quiz covers the essential principles of 360-degree size-ups, risk assessment, and rules of engagement for firefighters. Assess your understanding of when to prioritize safety over operation during high-risk situations.