FR-T-501 Critical Incident Response Call-out Procedure

Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the FOO when a call regarding a questionable incident is received?

Ensure all personnel are available for duty.

Confirm the incident details with the involved personnel.

Directly inform the Employee Assistance Program coordinator.

Call the Peer Support Leader to start the call out process. (correct)

During a Peer Support session, what is the protocol for the personnel involved?

They have the option to continue working if they feel capable.

They must remain on duty to monitor the effectiveness of the session.

They will be placed out of service for the duration of the session. (correct)

They should complete their daily tasks before attending the session.

What coding should be used in the staffing program for Peer Support Team members attending a session?

PTM

PSL (correct)

OUT

CIL

What should happen if an employee requires further assistance after a Peer Support session?

They can request a self-referral to the Employee Assistance Program. Signup and view all the answers

After a Peer Support session, what action must the Peer Support Team member take regarding the employee?

Send the employee's name in writing to the EAP coordinator. Signup and view all the answers

Which code is used by the FOO to place an employee out for the remainder of their shift?

CIL Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent behind limiting out of service time during Peer Support sessions?

To support the emotional well-being of the personnel involved. Signup and view all the answers

What should not occur when an employee is referred to the EAP?

The employee should independently choose to bypass the session. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the policy outlined in the document?

To provide guidelines for activating call outs and peer support. Signup and view all the answers

When is a peer support session permitted to occur after a critical incident?

Immediately or up to 72 hours after the incident. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for future updates to this policy?

The Division Chief of Training and Safety in conjunction with the PPM Committee. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a peer support session according to the policy?

A structured discussion of the incident for emotional expression. Signup and view all the answers

What authority governs the policies outlined in this document?

The Fire Rescue Administrator and the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What type of atmosphere is emphasized for peer support sessions?

Confidential and non-threatening. Signup and view all the answers

What document outlines the procedures for critical incident response?

Critical Incident Response Call-Out Procedure (PPM FR-T-501). Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility mentioned in the document?

To conduct regular performance reviews. Signup and view all the answers

Who initiates the contact regarding the employee's absence from work?

The FOO Signup and view all the answers

What must the employee do to be cleared before their next working shift?

Follow up with the EAP coordinator Signup and view all the answers

What is required in order to convert time to CIL?

Clearance from the EAP coordinator Signup and view all the answers

What information is not included in the email sent by the Battalion Chief to the District Chief?

Names of the affected employees Signup and view all the answers

What procedure must be followed for any leave that occurs after the current shift?

Employee Assistance Program Procedure Signup and view all the answers

How soon will the EAP coordinator confirm an appointment follow-up?

Within 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What documentation must the Peer Support Leader provide after the session?

Notification to the EAP coordinator by phone and email Signup and view all the answers

What must the Operational Captain complete after a significant exposure to a stress event?

The firefighter casualty page with incident details Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of allowing a full range of feelings and emotions to surface during a peer support session?

It leads to a more productive session and quicker emotional healing. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for communicating with the EAP Coordinator regarding necessary follow-up after a Peer Support session?

The Peer Support Leader Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should the Officer in Charge (OIC) contact Dispatch directly?

When immediate activation of the Peer Support Team is necessary and time does not allow for standard contacts. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Peer Support Leader play in the activation of the Peer Support Team?

Coordinates the activation process and gathers information about the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen after the Peer Support Team is activated?

The team must contact the Officer in Charge (OIC) to gather more details about the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function of the Peer Support Team during an activation?

Discussing personal grievances of team members. Signup and view all the answers

How should a request for activating the Peer Support Team be initiated?

Any request should go through the FOO. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of peer support during a session after a critical incident?

To provide a structured environment for both peer-to-peer and team-led support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of peer support during times of crisis?

To offer emotional support through intervention Signup and view all the answers

What methods are utilized in peer support to assist employees during crises?

Defusing and debriefing interactions Signup and view all the answers

What may occur if an employee requires additional help after a peer support session?

Clinical follow-up may be provided if necessary Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is peer support intervention deemed necessary?

When employees experience a crisis or traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

What is essential during peer support sessions for effective intervention?

Creating a supportive atmosphere for open feelings Signup and view all the answers

How soon after a critical incident can call-outs occur for peer support?

Up to 72 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of allowing a full range of feelings to surface in a peer support session?

It leads to a more productive session and emotional healing Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if emotions are not allowed to surface during peer support sessions?

Participants may feel overwhelmed later Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily aimed for by specifying a time frame for call-outs after an incident?

To allow sufficient time for emotional processing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the time frame for call-outs in peer support sessions?

To maintain a structured session Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of peer support sessions?

To serve as an informal outlet for stress reduction Signup and view all the answers

Peer support can occur in which of the following formats?

Peer-to-peer interactions or group sessions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the peer support process?

Providing clinical diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

During a peer-to-peer session, what is the primary intention of the interaction?

To provide an informal outlet for expressing feelings Signup and view all the answers

What type of personnel typically engages in peer support sessions?

Any individual from the Peer Support Team Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to request the activation of the Peer Support Team?

Go through the FOO Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for overseeing requests regarding the Peer Support Team's activation?

FOO Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a correct way to initiate a request for the Peer Support Team?

Submit a verbal request to a senior officer Signup and view all the answers

What should not occur when a request for the Peer Support Team is made?

Immediate denial of the request by the FOO Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects a protocol for activating the Peer Support Team?

FOO is the sole authority for initiating the activation process Signup and view all the answers

What happens to personnel participating in a Peer Support session?

They are placed out of service or CIL for the session. Signup and view all the answers

What does CIL stand for in the context of a Peer Support session?

Critical Incident Leave Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key protocol during a Peer Support session?

Personnel should be placed out of service. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duration of being out of service during a Peer Support session?

For the entire duration of the session. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about personnel attending a Peer Support session?

They remain available for emergency calls. Signup and view all the answers

Who should the Officer in Charge (OIC) notify when a request for activation of the Peer Support Team occurs?

The FOO and their supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action the Officer in Charge (OIC) should take during a Peer Support Team activation?

Notify the FOO and their supervisor Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a Call-out activation, what role does the Officer in Charge (OIC) primarily play?

Communicating necessary notifications for activation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Officer in Charge (OIC) in activating the Peer Support Team?

Documenting the call-out process Signup and view all the answers

What must be done immediately after a request for Peer Support Team activation?

The FOO and supervisor must be notified Signup and view all the answers

What must the Operational Captain complete after a significant exposure to a stress event?

Complete the firefighter casualty page Signup and view all the answers

What information is necessary to track after a significant exposure to a stress event?

Time of incident per state requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the documentation needed for the call-out performed?

Significant exposure to stress event Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Operational Captain after an incident related to employee stress?

Follow Incident Reporting protocol Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to document a call-out after a stress event?

To fulfill state tracking requirements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Scope

Provides guidelines for activation of call-outs and peer support referrals within Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Applies to all personnel and reservists.

Policy Overview

Aims to support employees during crises with peer intervention, including debriefing and possible clinical follow-up.

Definitions

Peer Support Session: Structured discussions allowing personnel to express feelings confidentially; can occur immediately or up to 72 hours post-incident.
Peer Support Leader: Coordinates session activations and communicates with relevant officials regarding the outcome.

Activation Procedure

Requests to activate the Peer Support Team must be channeled through the Fire Operations Officer (FOO).
Officer in Charge (OIC) must notify FOO and supervisor; if urgent, must contact Dispatch directly.
FOO connects with the Peer Support Leader to commence the session.
Peer Support Team gathers details from OIC to plan logistics.

Out of Service Protocol

Personnel in Peer Support sessions are temporarily placed out of service.
Best efforts should be made to minimize out of service duration, balancing operational needs with emotional wellness.

Employee Follow-Up

Employees needing continued assistance post-session can initiate self-referrals per the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) procedure.
Peer Support Team documents all referrals and ensures EAP follow-through for affected employees.

Documentation Requirements

Immediate notification to EAP coordinator and an email summary of the session is required from the Peer Support Leader after completion.
A summary of the session—without identifying information—is provided to the District Chief, including:
- Incident details (time, number)
- Duration of the Peer Support session
- Number of employees affected

Compliance and Coordination

The Operational Captain must complete and file relevant incident reports per state guidelines.
Battalion Chief coordinates staffing to ensure operational readiness post-incident.

Emotional Healing and Peer Support

Allowing emotions to surface promotes productivity and accelerates emotional healing.
Peer support can occur in group settings or through one-on-one discussions to reduce stress.

Peer Support Team Structure

The Peer Support Leader is responsible for coordinating the team’s activities and communication with supervisors.
Prioritizes necessary follow-up actions after peer support sessions.

Activation Procedures

Activation requests for the Peer Support Team should go through the Fire Operations Officer (FOO).
The Officer in Charge (OIC) must notify the FOO during incidents requiring immediate support.
If there’s insufficient time for notification, the OIC can inform Dispatch to contact the FOO.
The FOO will connect with the Peer Support Leader to initiate the activation process.

Out of Service Procedure

Personnel participating in peer support are placed out of service (CIL) for the session’s duration.
Peer Support Team members on duty are permitted to go Out of Service using code PSL.

Need for Further Assistance

Employees feeling unable to complete their shift can request a self-referral for employee assistance.
Peer Support sessions should conclude with a written report to the EAP coordinator for any follow-up needed.
The Peer Support Team member will also notify the FOO to put the employee out for the rest of their shift.

Policy Scope and Authority

Policy applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
Updates to procedures are managed by the Division Chief of Training and Safety with the PPM Committee.

Peer Support Session Definition

Peer Support Sessions offer confidential environments for expressing feelings after critical incidents.
Sessions can be initiated immediately or within 72 hours post-incident to address delayed emotional responses.

Documentation Requirements

Post-session notifications must be sent to the EAP coordinator.
The Battalion Chief summarizes peer support details for the District Chief without identifying information, including timings and attendance.

Additional Procedures

Follow existing Employee Assistance Program and Work-Related Injuries procedures for managing employee wellness post-incident.
Focus on facilitating the emotional well-being of personnel involved in critical incidents through structured support systems.

Peer Support Session

Call-outs can happen immediately or within 72 hours post-critical incident.
The 72-hour window facilitates the emergence of feelings and emotions that may be suppressed initially.
Allowing emotions to surface enhances the productivity of the support session.
Processing a full range of feelings contributes to faster emotional healing.
Encouraging open expression of emotions creates a supportive environment for recovery.

Peer Support Overview

Peer support can take place in two formats: session format and peer-to-peer interaction.
Session format involves all personnel who were involved in a critical incident coming together for support.
Peer-to-peer sessions offer a more informal setting where individuals can speak privately with a member of the Peer Support Team.
The primary goal of these interactions is to provide an outlet for employees to express concerns and feelings related to stress.
Engaging in peer support helps in reducing stress and fostering a supportive work environment.

Peer Support Overview

Emotional expression during sessions enhances productivity and accelerates healing.
Peer support can be conducted in group sessions for all personnel involved in a critical incident or as informal peer-to-peer discussions.

Peer Support Leader Responsibilities

Leads the Peer Support Team.
Coordinates activation of peer support sessions.
Communicates with EAP Coordinator and relevant supervisors for necessary follow-up.

Activation Process

Requests for activation must go through the FOO (Fire Operations Officer).
The Officer in Charge (OIC) notifies FOO and supervisors of activation needs.
If immediate notification isn't possible, the OIC uses the appropriate TAC channel to inform Dispatch.
The Peer Support Team gathers information about the incident from the OIC and determines logistics for the session.

Out of Service Procedures

Personnel attending sessions are placed out of service or on Critical Incident Leave (CIL).
Scheduling is handled by the Peer Support Team through the FOO.
On-duty team members may operate out of service using code PSL in the staffing program.
Efforts are made to minimize out-of-service time while ensuring emotional support.

Further Assistance Protocol

Employees feeling overwhelmed can request self-referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Bypassing peer support sessions to immediately send an employee home is prohibited.
Peer Support Team members inform the EAP Coordinator of employee needs following sessions.

Documentation Requirements

The Peer Support Leader must report to the EAP Coordinator post-session.
A summary email detailing incident specifics is sent by the Battalion Chief to the District Chief, ensuring anonymity.
Specific information required includes incident time, number of employees affected, and session duration.

Policy Purpose and Updates

Aims to provide critical crisis support through peer intervention and subsequent clinical follow-up.
Future revisions are managed by the Division Chief of Training and Safety in collaboration with the PPM Committee.

Definitions and Time Frames

Peer Support Sessions serve as structured discussions allowing for confidential emotional expression.
Availability for call-outs ranges from immediate occurrence to up to 72 hours post-incident, facilitating emotional processing.

Incident Reporting

Following a significant stress event, an Operational Captain must complete an incident report to track necessary data as per state requirements.

Peer Support Team Activation Process

A request for activating the Peer Support Team should be initiated during an incident.
The Officer in Charge (OIC) is responsible for making the call for activation.
Notification must be made to the Field Operations Officer (FOO) regarding the necessity of a Call-out activation.
The OIC should also inform their direct supervisor about the activation request.
Timely communication ensures a prompt response and appropriate support for personnel involved in the incident.

Purpose of Peer Support

Aims to provide support during crises through peer intervention, defusing, and/or debriefing.
Facilitates emotional healing by allowing a range of feelings to surface during discussions.

Peer Support Activation

Requests for activation must go through the Fire Officer Operations (FOO).
The Officer in Charge (OIC) notifies the FOO or uses Dispatch to contact if immediate action is needed.
Peer Support Leaders will coordinate sessions and follow up with necessary personnel.

Out of Service Procedure

Participants in Peer Support sessions are placed Out of Service (OOS) or in Critical Incident Leave (CIL) during the session.
Scheduling of units OOS is coordinated by the Peer Support Team via the FOO.
Team members on duty can go OOS using code PSL in staffing programs.

Peer Support Sessions

Structured discussions about incidents that create a confidential space for emotions to be expressed.
Can occur within 72 hours post-incident for effectiveness in processing feelings.
Follow-up actions may include self-referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if further assistance is needed.

Documentation Requirements

Peer Support Leader must notify EAP coordinator via phone and email post-session.
The Battalion Chief must summarize the Peer Support session and incident details without identifiable information.
Documentation includes incident time, duration of the support session, and employee attendance post-incident.

Responsibilities of Personnel

Employees unable to finish their shift must request self-referral and follow EAP procedures.
Clearance from EAP is required to return to work or convert time to CIL.
All relevant personnel, including supervisors and the Battalion Chief, must be informed of any follow-up needs.

Governance

The procedure is governed by the Fire Rescue Administrator and is applicable to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
Updates are the responsibility of the Division Chief of Training and Safety in collaboration with the PPM Committee.

Employee Reporting Procedures

Employees leaving for the remainder of their shift must be documented to maintain accurate records.
Follow established Incident Reporting protocols when an employee departs early.

Role of the Operational Captain

The Operational Captain is responsible for completing the firefighter casualty page when an incident occurs.
A specific note must be added: “Call-out performed for significant exposure to stress event.”
This documentation helps in tracking the timing of incidents in compliance with state regulations.

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Description

This quiz covers the critical incident response call-out procedures established by the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Understand the guidelines and protocols that ensure efficient response during emergencies. Test your knowledge on the PPM FR-T-501 issued by the Fire Rescue Administrator.