Podcast
Questions and Answers
When is it appropriate for a firefighter to declare a Mayday?
When is it appropriate for a firefighter to declare a Mayday?
- When they are lost, trapped, disoriented, or injured (correct)
- When they need to change the tactical plan of action
- Only when they witness another firefighter in danger
- When they feel overwhelmed by the workload
What must happen immediately when a Mayday is declared?
What must happen immediately when a Mayday is declared?
- The entire company must exit the IDLH (correct)
- The incident must be documented in the log
- All operations must proceed without interruption
- Firefighters must notify the public
What does the Incident Commander need to maintain during a Mayday situation?
What does the Incident Commander need to maintain during a Mayday situation?
- Flexible command structures to adapt to dynamic situations
- A strong command presence and self-control (correct)
- A focus solely on firefighting strategies
- A relaxed and informal atmosphere
What is one of the responsibilities of the Dispatcher once a Mayday is declared?
What is one of the responsibilities of the Dispatcher once a Mayday is declared?
What should the Incident Commander consider activating during a Mayday situation?
What should the Incident Commander consider activating during a Mayday situation?
What is the role of the Incident Safety Officer when a Mayday is declared?
What is the role of the Incident Safety Officer when a Mayday is declared?
Which procedure is NOT part of the Mayday operations for incident management?
Which procedure is NOT part of the Mayday operations for incident management?
How should the Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) be deployed after a Mayday?
How should the Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) be deployed after a Mayday?
What action must a firefighter take first upon declaring a Mayday?
What action must a firefighter take first upon declaring a Mayday?
What should Mayday firefighters avoid to preserve their SCBA air supply?
What should Mayday firefighters avoid to preserve their SCBA air supply?
In an Area of Safe Refuge, which position should a firefighter assume to maximize their chances of being found?
In an Area of Safe Refuge, which position should a firefighter assume to maximize their chances of being found?
What is the primary responsibility of personnel not engaged in a Mayday emergency?
What is the primary responsibility of personnel not engaged in a Mayday emergency?
What technique should firefighters use if their SCBA air supply is depleted?
What technique should firefighters use if their SCBA air supply is depleted?
Which option correctly identifies the last known position type in the LUNAR format?
Which option correctly identifies the last known position type in the LUNAR format?
What should be done with the pass device during a Mayday situation if it interferes with communication?
What should be done with the pass device during a Mayday situation if it interferes with communication?
What should be done if Mayday firefighters cannot find a way out?
What should be done if Mayday firefighters cannot find a way out?
What is the purpose of the 20 seconds of open mic after activating the orange emergency button?
What is the purpose of the 20 seconds of open mic after activating the orange emergency button?
What should the Incident Commander consider following a Mayday incident?
What should the Incident Commander consider following a Mayday incident?
Flashcards
Mayday
Mayday
A term used by firefighters when they are in danger and require immediate assistance. It signifies a serious situation requiring immediate action.
Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
A specialized team trained to locate and rescue firefighters in distress. They are deployed during "Mayday" situations.
Incident Commander
Incident Commander
The person responsible for managing the overall fire scene and ensuring the safety of all personnel.
Incident Commander's role during Mayday
Incident Commander's role during Mayday
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LUNAR (Location, Unit, Name, Assignment, Resources)
LUNAR (Location, Unit, Name, Assignment, Resources)
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Incident Safety Officer's role during Mayday
Incident Safety Officer's role during Mayday
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Emergency Traffic
Emergency Traffic
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Exiting IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environment during Mayday
Exiting IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environment during Mayday
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Mayday Procedures
Mayday Procedures
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Orange Emergency Button
Orange Emergency Button
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LUNAR Reporting
LUNAR Reporting
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Pass Device
Pass Device
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Self-Rescue
Self-Rescue
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Area of Safe Refuge
Area of Safe Refuge
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Tactical Channel (TAC)
Tactical Channel (TAC)
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After Action Review
After Action Review
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Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team
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Study Notes
Mayday Procedure
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Mayday Definition: Used when a firefighter is lost, trapped, disoriented, seriously injured, experiencing (or potentially experiencing) an air emergency, or needs immediate help. Any fire rescue personnel can declare a Mayday for themselves or others. A Mayday necessitates evacuation of the entire company from the IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) situation.
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Mayday Operation Channel Maintenance: Original channel must be maintained for the Mayday operation. Fire suppression/tactical activities must switch channels.
Dispatcher Responsibilities
- Dispatcher Actions: Follows Emergency Traffic procedures in SOG 210-01 Communications. Calls "Emergency Traffic" (if Incident Commander does not). Relays pertinent info to Incident Commander/Mayday firefighter. Notifies Fire Operations Officer and Dispatch Supervisor. Puts Trauma Hawk on standby.
Incident Commander Responsibilities
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Critical Considerations: Controlling resources and personnel during a Mayday is challenging. Maintaining strong command presence, composure, self-control, and self-discipline is essential.
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Incident Commander's Actions: Calls Emergency Traffic. Obtains a LUNAR report from the Mayday firefighter. Considers an additional alarm. Activates Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) or Rapid Intervention Group (RIG). Conducts face-to-face Personnel Accountability Report (PAR). Restructures Incident Objectives, prioritizing firefighter rescue. Designates another Chief Officer to manage the Mayday (preferably the ISO). Positions personnel to look/listen for the Mayday firefighter. Determines if an additional TAC channel is needed.
Incident Safety Officer Responsibilities
- Safety Officer's Actions: Considers requesting additional Assistant Safety Officer(s). Refers to SOG 200-03 Safety Officers.
Rapid Intervention Company (RIC)
- Deployment: RIC/RIG deployment must be sufficient to safely locate and extract all missing firefighters. Refer to SOG 420-04 Rapid Intervention Crew.
Company Responsibilities (Non-RIC/RIG)
- Radio Silence: Personnel not directly involved in the Mayday emergency should maintain radio silence. Exceptions include Incident Commander, Mayday firefighter(s), RIC/RIG, RIG Supervisor, and other companies involved in the rescue. Those in fire attack, ventilation roles must resist the urge to get involved.
Mayday Declaring Firefighter Responsibilities
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Declaration: Declare "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" on TAC channel. Firefighters must activate orange emergency button on portable radio (hold 4 seconds).
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LUNAR Report: Report critical info in a LUNAR format: Location, Unit, Name, Air supply, Resources (reason for emergency).
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Pass Device Activation: Manually activate pass device. Keep activated until located, but may turn off temporarily if it interferes with communications; manually reactivate after communication.
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Self-Rescue: Attempt self-rescue, prioritizing staying together as a company, enhancing chances of location/rescue.
Self-Rescue
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Air Supply Management: Control breathing, avoid nonessential activity; pace physical exertion to extend SCBA air. If air runs out, use particulate filter or Nomex hood over facepiece regulator (do not remove SCBA).
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Self-Extraction Methods: If able, search for exits (try following a hose line), find an exterior wall, searching for doorways/windows/hallways.
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Safe Refuge: Utilize an area of safe refuge (e.g., isolated room/floor) free from hazards; be next to a wall, doorway/hallway; horizontal position; point flashlight toward ceiling; tap noises to signal rescuers.
Ending the Mayday
- TAC Channel Release: Incident Commander releases TAC channel when the Mayday operation is completed, following Emergency Traffic procedures in SOG 210-01 Communications.
Post-Incident
- After Action Review: Refer to SOG 430-01 After Action Review. Consider CISM team activation due to the significant nature of maydays. Refer to Critical Incident Stress Management (PPM FR-T-501) and Crisis Mitigation Program (PPM FR-T-502).
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential Mayday procedures that are crucial when a firefighter is in distress. This quiz covers the roles of the dispatcher and the incident commander, as well as communication protocols during emergencies. Ensure you're prepared for high-stress situations with this important quiz.
