TN 602- Note Taking

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Fire Service?

To testify in legal proceedings

To save lives and protect property

To assume legal accountability

To provide a specific service to the community (correct)

Why is it unacceptable to say 'I don't remember' during a legal proceeding?

Because it undermines credibility

Because it's unprofessional (correct)

Because it's a legal requirement to remember

Because it's not a valid response

What is the purpose of writing down observations and actions during an emergency situation?

To provide additional credibility to oral testimony (correct)

To fulfill a legal requirement

To refresh one's memory of the incident

To provide evidence in legal proceedings

What can happen to memory over time?

It fades with time Signup and view all the answers

When might a firefighter be expected to testify?

Sometime during their career Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of relying on memory to provide accurate information?

Inaccurate recollections of the incident Signup and view all the answers

What information should be recorded when items are to be used as evidence?

The location, time, and who found the item, as well as how it was protected and if an identifying mark was placed on it Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before testifying in court using your notes?

Read your notes over prior to testifying, and ask permission of the judge before referring to them Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when using your memo book during testimony?

Block out the pages to be submitted into evidence using elastics Signup and view all the answers

What should you say when asked, 'Are you an expert?' in court?

I have not been qualified as one Signup and view all the answers

What information should be recorded when taking photographs at an emergency scene?

The photographer's name, date, time, location, and description of the object(s) being photographed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to follow the guidelines for note-taking and evidence collection?

To ensure that you are not taken to task when providing information about an emergency Signup and view all the answers

According to the note-taking guidelines, why is it essential to be objective and honest when making notes?

To ensure accuracy in court proceedings Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you make an error while writing notes?

Place a single line through the word, sentence, or passage and initial it Signup and view all the answers

What information should you record when interviewing a witness?

Name, full address, telephone number, and date of birth Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to write notes in chronological order?

To ensure you don't miss any information Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with your notes after an emergency situation?

Keep them in your memo book/file Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you remember something at a later date when writing notes?

Add it to the end of your notes for that particular situation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to include the date, time, and location of the event in your notes?

To ensure the accuracy of the records Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when interviewing a witness in a situation where a person may be charged with an offence?

Confer with a Police Officer prior to the interview Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to write notes in ink using a single color and a single pen?

To ensure the authenticity of the notes Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when taking notes in an emergency situation?

Include as much detail as possible Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Note Taking in Fire Service

As a firefighter, you will be expected to testify during a legal proceeding, and you must be able to provide accurate information about your actions and experiences during an emergency situation.
Relying on memory to provide accurate information is not acceptable, and written notes can refresh your memory and provide additional credibility to your oral testimony.
Records made in the ordinary course of business are admissible in evidence.

Objectives

Know why note taking is an important component of duties
Be able to state two reasons for making notes
Know the minimum standards of effective note taking
Know the basic considerations when taking notes
Know the information required for exhibits
Know the documentation required for photographs
Know how to use notes in court

Reasons for Note Taking

To complete Toronto Fire Services reports and forms
As a reference for any legal proceedings resulting from involvement at an emergency scene

Minimum Standards for Note Taking

Be objective and honest when making notes; do not offer opinions, only direct observations
Notes should start with the date, time, and location of the event being recorded
Write legibly in ink using a single color and a single pen
Draw a line to indicate the end of each entry
Do not skip any lines
Write in chronological order to ensure all information is captured
Notes may be read by both the Crown Attorney and the defendant’s lawyer during legal proceedings
You alone should write all notes in your memo books/file
Do not write notes in collaboration with others
Write notes as soon as possible after the emergency situation
If you make an error, place a single line through the word, sentence, or passage, and initial at each end of the line
Do not change any notes you have written
If you remember something at a later date, add it to the end of your notes for that particular situation
The more detail you include in your notes, the better you will be able to answer questions at a later date

Basic Considerations when Taking Notes

Date and time alarm received
Time of arrival at emergency location
Weather conditions
Was the owner/occupant or visitors present upon arrival?
Who reported the incident and how was it reported?
Who discovered the situation and how did they discover it?
Was the building secure, doors unlocked, windows open, etc.?
What were your observations upon arrival?
What did you do upon arrival?
If there was a fire, was there more than one fire location, and what color were the flames?
Who was the first firefighter to make entry and how did they make entry to the building?
If persons at the scene were interviewed, follow the information provided under Minimum Standards for Note Taking
Location of any victims and their condition
Who found the victims, and who removed the victims from the location where they were found?
Names, badge/employee number of any other emergency service personnel on scene

Information Required for Evidence

Where was the item found?
When was it found?
Who found it?
How did they find it?
How was the item protected (Continuity of possession)?
Was an identifying mark placed on the item?

Information Required for Photographs

Photographer’s name, telephone number, organization for whom they work
Date and time the photograph was taken
Location of the object(s) being photographed
Description of the object(s)
Angle from which the photograph was taken
Provide a sketch of the location of the object in relation to doors, windows, street, etc.

Using Notes in Court

Read your notes over prior to testifying
If you must refer to your notes during your testimony, ask permission of the judge before doing so
You may be asked questions prior to being allowed to make reference to your notes, such as:
- Are the notes yours?
- Are the notes in your handwriting?
- When were the notes made?
- Have there been any additions, deletions, or changes to the notes since they were made?
If using your memo books while giving evidence, ensure that the desired section is pre-selected
If you are asked, “Are you an expert?” you should state, “I have not been qualified as one.”

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz covers the accountability of the Fire Service to the community, and the legal responsibility of firefighters, including testifying in legal proceedings. It's essential for firefighters to understand their role in saving lives and protecting property.