Fire Officer: Incident Command & Prof. Standards

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Questions and Answers

How does the modern fire service balance the need for individual initiative with the necessity for coordinated action under the Incident Command System?

  • By prioritizing standardization to eliminate the need for individual thinking.
  • By promoting a mature combination of independence and obedience, allowing for informed decision-making within a structured framework. (correct)
  • By fostering a culture of independence and personal discretion above all else.
  • By strictly enforcing obedience without regard for individual experience.

Which factor most significantly contributed to the shift from civil defense centralized command models towards decentralized emergency management systems like FIRESCOPE?

  • Increased funding for local fire departments.
  • A decline in public trust in centralized government authority.
  • The growing complexity of emergency incidents requiring greater flexibility. (correct)
  • The standardization of radio communication frequencies.

What is the most accurate interpretation of the term 'professional' within the context of incident command, as defined in the provided material?

  • Individuals who are members of a formal union or professional organization.
  • Individuals who receive monetary compensation for their services in emergency response.
  • Individuals who consistently adhere to technical and ethical standards in their pursuit of excellence. (correct)
  • Individuals who hold a formal certification from a nationally recognized accreditation body.

What key change did the 2009 revision of NFPA 1021 introduce regarding fire officer qualifications, and what was the primary rationale behind it?

<p>It replaced 'certification' with 'qualification' to emphasize the need for ongoing skill maintenance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of NIMS, how does 'common terminology' contribute to effective incident management across multiple agencies and jurisdictions?

<p>It eliminates the need for agencies to translate communications, thereby preventing confusion and conflicts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Unified Command from traditional incident command structures, particularly in terms of authority and decision-making?

<p>Unified Command involves joint decision-making among multiple agencies or jurisdictions with no single commander. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the material, what is the critical role of the incident commander in relation to the 'incident power curve,' and why is this important for effective incident management?

<p>The incident commander must anticipate future challenges to prevent command lag and maintain control. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the professionalization of the American fire service evolved since the publication of America Burning and the National Fire Protection and Control Act of 1974?

<p>It has expanded to include higher education, with the FESHE model providing a consistent curriculum for fire service degree programs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key expectation does NFPA 1561 set regarding emergency services organizations and the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

<p>Emergency services organizations must fully adopt and implement the National Incident Management System. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize the relationship between NFPA standards (like 1561 and 1710) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in guiding incident command practices?

<p>NIMS sets the broad framework, while NFPA standards offer more specific guidance tailored to fire and emergency services applications. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the document, what fundamental principle underlies the concept of a 'manageable span of control' within the Incident Command System (ICS)?

<p>The principle hinges on the idea that clear and readily understood communication is crucial for effectively managing subordinates and coordinating tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the context of integrated communications during incident management, what outcome is most directly facilitated by enabling connectivity between different jurisdictions and levels?

<p>The connectivity maximizes situational awareness and improves the process of information sharing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of incident management, why is it important for the 'establishment and transfer of command' to encompass a briefing that captures essential information?

<p>The briefing ensures the seamless operation of continuity and communication. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does early establishment of division or group supervision, combined with proactive tactical support, contribute to more effective incident management?

<p>It reduces incidents of communication breakdown and barriers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does NFPA's inclusion of language addressing command practices to prevent the 'incident within an incident (IWI)' signify about modern incident management?

<p>That proactive incident control is vital to modern safety standards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the document, why do responses to occupancies beyond the single-family dwelling threshold require a minimum of two members dedicated to managing the task of incident command?

<p>To properly account for increased complexity due to the increased occupants and building square footage versus structure size. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to NFPA 1710, how does the modern structure of suppressing a single-family dwelling fire impact fire incident protocols?

<p>A minimum of one dedicated member should perform the task of establishing command. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the events of September 11th, 2001 have on incident management practices and federal accountability?

<p>9/11 galvanized the need for unified actions in language and federal accountability related to incidents. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As stated in the document, what is the overall goal of federal emergency management administration (FEMA)?

<p>To establish command and coordination. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of the National Fire Academy when establishing FESHE?

<p>To create a consistent path and curriculum. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the document, what three actions are top priorities of incident management?

<p>Saving lives, stabilizing the incident, and protection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate application of span of control?

<p>Directing 3-7 subordinates on complex, dangerous tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it imperative that incident facilities are identified?

<p>To gather, share, and manage incidents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the document, which of the following annexes does not work purposefully for content in this text?

<p>Personnel Accountability Reports (PAR) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As implied by this document, what is a common trend related to handling incidents?

<p>A managerial style. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

NFPA 1021

Four levels of fire officer defined by NFPA 1021.

NFPA 1561

NFPA standard focusing on fire and emergency services incident management and command.

NFPA 1710

NFPA standard for fire suppression, emergency medical, and special operations deployment.

NIMS Guiding Principles

Flexibility, standardization, and unity of effort.

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Modular Organization (NIMS)

A system designed to expand or contract in a planned way based on incident needs.

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Chain of Command

Ensuring clear lines of authority within the incident management structure.

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Unity of Command

Each individual reports to only one designated supervisor.

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Comprehensive Resource Management

Maintenance of an accurate, up-to-date, and real-time inventory of resources.

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Establishment of Command

The command function should be established at the onset of the incident

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Unified Command

Managing an incident with jointly approved objectives when no single entity has authority.

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Study Notes

Fundamentals of Incident Command

  • Fire officers face numerous challenges at incidents due to local variables like culture and resources
  • National standards and qualifications ensure consistent performance
  • Organizations and officers should be aware of and competent in national guidance

Professional Standards and Ethics

  • Professionalism includes engaging in pursuits professionally and adhering to technical and ethical standards

Professional Qualifications

  • NFPA 1021 defines four fire officer levels:
    • Fire Officer I and II are company officers
    • Fire Officer III and IV are chief officers
  • NFPA established Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) in 1997
  • NFPA removed "certification" and replaced it with "qualification" in 2009, also adding a skill maintenance requirement
  • 2020 NFPA 1021 has eight areas of fire officer duties with JPRs:
    • General
    • HR Management
    • Community and government relations
    • Administration
    • Inspection and investigation
    • Emergency services delivery
    • Health and safety
    • Emergency management

Key Aspects of Supervision in Emergency Services Delivery According to Fire Officer Levels

  • Fire Officer I supervises operations and deploys resources according to local plan and develops initial action plans
  • Fire Officer II supervises multi-unit ops
  • NFPA 1600, 1700, 1710, and 1720 are adhered to
  • Fire Officer II prepares written reports to identify causes for service demands
  • Fire Officer III manages multi-agency planning, deployment, and operations in emergency incidents
  • Fire Officer IV develops plans for major disasters and integrates other agencies resources
  • Officers at all levels conduct post-incident analysis

Emergency Management Plan Implementation

  • Fire Officers III develop policies, procedures, and programs for community emergency management plans

Professional Development in Fire Services

  • Since 1974, professionalizing the American fire service has been a priority
  • Establishment of the FESHE model by the National Fire Academy establishes a consistent path for the fire service and higher education
  • FESHE model provides curriculum guidance for Fire and Emergency Services degrees
  • FESHE Strategy and Tactics (C0279) provides principles of fireground control

Key outcomes in the FESHE professional model

  • Fire behavior related to strategies and tactics has to be discussed
  • The main components of pre-fire planning have to be explained
  • The basics of building construction have to be identified
  • The steps taken during size-up using the FPODP model have to be described
  • The significance of fireground communication has to be examined
  • The roles of the Incident Management System as they relates to strategy and tactics have to be identified
  • There roles and responsibilities in ICS/IMS has to be demonstrated

Key objectives in the FESHE professional model

  • Create a strategy and implement appropriate tactics
  • Possess a working knowledge and execution of IMS at the incident

Professional Standards

  • The focus shifts to the professional standards and expectations associated with the practice and operations of incident command and incident management

National Incident Management System (NIMS) key points

  • NIMS provides flexibility, standardization, and unity of effort in incident management
  • Command and coordination require a balance of independence and obedience
  • Compliance with NIMS involves adopting the Incident Command System, principles, terminology, and policies
  • Common terminology avoids confusion in multi-agency incidents
  • Modular Organization
  • NIMS is a management system designed to expand or contract to support incidents
  • Management is driven by incident commander objectives, informed by assessment and information
  • Incident Action Planning defines how incident objectives will be achieved
  • Manageable Span of Control focuses on management's ability to direct subordinates and efficiency of information communication.
  • Comprehensive Resource Management maintains an accurate inventory of available resources
  • Integrated communications provide connectivity, situational awareness, and information sharing

Important points about command

  • Command is established at the start of an incident and provides essential information for continuity
  • Unified Command is used when no single entity has primary authority
  • Chain of command clarifies reporting relationships
  • Accountability makes sure resources are managed and known
  • Dispatch/deployment focuses on deploying resources to not overburden resources
  • Information and Intelligence is critical for incident management organization

Key Areas for Incident Facilities

  • Typical facilities include the Incident Command Post(ICP)
  • Incident base

NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety

  • NFPA 1561was created from NFPA 1500
  • A complete upgrade of the standard aligned its content with NIMS and the National Response Plan in 2005
  • An Incident Management System needs to be adopted by emergency services
  • Stay in control of the situation

NFPA standards for Fire and Emergency Services

  • NFPA1561 is a bridge text that focuses from the all-discipline, all-agency, all-hazards scope and language of NIMS
  • The NFPA standards serves in department policies as recommendations

NFPA 1561

  • Clearly defines national best practices for fire and emergency services regarding incident management
  • The annexes provide a greater depth of information
  • Key Annexes include

Annexes in the 1561 Standards

  • Annex F---Division Designation: Tactical Assignments for a Multistory Incident
  • Annex H---Functional Assignments for High Rise Building Incidents
  • Annex I---Development of Subordinate Officers for Implementing a More Efficient Management System
  • Annex J---Incident Management for the Fire Service on Type 5 or 4 Incidents
  • Annex K---Structural Fire Fighting: Risk Assessment and Operational Expectations

Deployment Standards For Emergency Services

  • NFPA 1710 includes Incident Management for the Fire Service on Type 5 and 4 Incidents

Occupancy Size and Requirements

  • Single Family Dwelling: 16 to 17 members
  • Open-Air Strip Shopping Center: 27 to 28 members
  • Apartment: 27 to 28 members
  • High Rise: 42 to 43 members

Incident Command Team Competencies

  • Competent and capable of initially establishing division of labor and manageable spans of control
  • NFPA 1710 does not define the roles of these two members dedicated to managing the task of incident command

Summary of practice points

  • Proper use of incident management and the role of command can be viewed through two lenses: what is proper by the professional standards and mandates, and what is proper in practice
  • Early establishment of division or group supervision and the support of tactics reduces span of control and communication barriers
  • Attempting to offload resources and reassign units supervisors on the fly while assessing and collecting information on the new emergency is a recipe for disaster
  • Understanding the standards (1710,1561) and NIMS helps clarify the roadmap of continuity and procedures

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