220-04 Mayday

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Call for 'Emergency Traffic' if the Incident Commander does not Signup and view all the answers

What should the Incident Commander consider activating during a Mayday situation?

The Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) or Rapid Intervention Group (RIG) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Incident Safety Officer when a Mayday is declared?

To consider requesting Assistant Safety Officer(s) Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is NOT part of the Mayday operations for incident management?

Focusing only on tactical advancements without reviewing safety Signup and view all the answers

How should the Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) be deployed after a Mayday?

In sufficient numbers to safely locate and extricate each missing firefighter Signup and view all the answers

What action must a firefighter take first upon declaring a Mayday?

Activate the orange emergency button on the portable radio Signup and view all the answers

What should Mayday firefighters avoid to preserve their SCBA air supply?

Engaging in nonessential talking or activity Signup and view all the answers

In an Area of Safe Refuge, which position should a firefighter assume to maximize their chances of being found?

Assuming a horizontal position on the floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of personnel not engaged in a Mayday emergency?

Exercise radio silence Signup and view all the answers

What technique should firefighters use if their SCBA air supply is depleted?

Use a particulate filter or Nomex hood Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly identifies the last known position type in the LUNAR format?

Location Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the pass device during a Mayday situation if it interferes with communication?

Turn it off temporarily Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if Mayday firefighters cannot find a way out?

Search for an Area of Safe Refuge Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 20 seconds of open mic after activating the orange emergency button?

To let the firefighter make an initial alert announcement Signup and view all the answers

What should the Incident Commander consider following a Mayday incident?

Activation of the CISM team Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mayday Procedure

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.
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

Critical Considerations: Controlling resources and personnel during a Mayday is challenging. Maintaining strong command presence, composure, self-control, and self-discipline is essential.
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

Declaration: Declare "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" on TAC channel. Firefighters must activate orange emergency button on portable radio (hold 4 seconds).
LUNAR Report: Report critical info in a LUNAR format: Location, Unit, Name, Air supply, Resources (reason for emergency).
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.
Self-Rescue: Attempt self-rescue, prioritizing staying together as a company, enhancing chances of location/rescue.

Self-Rescue

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).
Self-Extraction Methods: If able, search for exits (try following a hose line), find an exterior wall, searching for doorways/windows/hallways.
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.