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Questions and Answers
What is the first action a firefighter must take when realizing they cannot safely exit the Hazard Zone?
What key component must be included in a CAN report when declaring a Mayday?
When a Mayday is declared, what should other companies operating in the Hazard Zone primarily focus on?
What should a firefighter do to ensure effective communication after calling Mayday?
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What responsibility does a Division Supervisor have during a Mayday situation?
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What is the initial declaration a Firefighter or Unit should make when unable to exit the Hazard Zone?
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What information must be included in a MAYDAY CAN report?
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What action does Command take after hearing a Mayday declaration?
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What is the purpose of the Emergency Traffic Tones?
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How is a MAYDAY event officially terminated?
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What must be declared as soon as a firefighter knows they cannot safely exit an IDLH hazard zone?
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Which message should be transmitted by a firefighter in distress within an IDLH zone?
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Who is responsible for managing resources in a specific geographical location during an incident?
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What action should Command consider when a Mayday is declared?
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What does the acronym C.A.N. stand for in the context of Mayday operations?
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Which of the following factors is critical in managing a Mayday situation?
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What is essential for ensuring the treatment and transportation of injured firefighters during a Mayday?
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What must all units assigned Rescue/EMS responsibilities avoid doing during a Mayday incident?
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What should a lost firefighter report when calling a Mayday?
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What is the first instruction command should give a Mayday firefighter?
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What should be considered when using the Help Order for a Mayday rescue?
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What is required before On-Deck crews enter the Hazard Zone as RIT crews?
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Once a Mayday firefighter activates their PASS unit, what communication issue may arise?
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What equipment should outside On-Deck crews bring during a rescue operation?
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What is one of the key responsibilities at the firefighter level during a Mayday situation?
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What action should interior crews continue to perform during a Mayday incident?
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What must Command do if there are no tactical level Division Supervisors after a Mayday is declared?
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What is the role of On-Deck companies during a Mayday without a Division Supervisor in place?
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What should Command do as soon as possible after a Mayday is declared?
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If a Battalion Commander is unavailable during a Mayday, who can take on the Division Supervisor role?
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What should Command be when conducting offensive operations in a building that has just declared a Mayday?
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What should be included in the announcement after controlling Mayday operations?
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What is a critical role of the BCECC dispatcher during a Mayday incident?
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What must be done after all Mayday firefighters have been extricated from the structure?
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Study Notes
Mayday Definition
- Mayday is a term used when a firefighter cannot safely exit an immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) hazard zone.
- It's a radio message declared "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY."
- Includes a CAN report which indicates Conditions, Actions, and Needs.
Mayday Guidelines
- Must be declared when a firefighter cannot safely exit IDLH.
- Must be declared if a unit operating inside an IDLH doesn't respond after three radio attempts.
Critical Factors
- Command must consider calling for a BCFD second alarm or an AFR 1st alarm to assist with critical fireground factors.
- Proper resources must be deployed to treat and transport any injured firefighters.
- Units assigned Rescue/EMS responsibilities must avoid becoming part of the rescue operation.
Incident Stabilization
- Controlling the incident gives the team time to resolve the Mayday.
- Command and Division Supervisors must address controlling the fire if any active fire exists during a Mayday.
Mayday Communication Algorithm
- Command should acknowledge the Mayday CAN report and respond with:
- "Calm down and control your breathing".
- "Activate your PASS unit (shut the PASS unit off when talking on the radio)."
Help Order
- When communicating with a Mayday firefighter's own crew or with another crew who can assist with the rescue, Command or Division Supervisors must consider:
- The air limitations of the interior working crews.
- The possibility of interior crews lacking the tools required to make the rescue.
- The fire control efforts required to maintain interior tenability.
Rescuing Mayday Firefighter
- Other operating interior crews that are actively addressing fire control when a Mayday occurs should continue with their fire control efforts.
- When deploying On-Deck crews as RIT crews, they must properly equip themselves, have a rescue plan, and be ordered into the Hazard Zone by Command or Division Supervisors before making entry.
Mayday Operational Guidelines (Task, Tactical, & Strategic Levels)
Task/Company/Firefighter Level Responsibilities
- Mayday firefighter must:
- Call for a Mayday immediately.
- Declare "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" - DO NOT un-key the microphone until CAN report is transmitted.
- Give a CAN report:
- Who - your name and unit.
- What - caused the Mayday.
- Where - your current location/surroundings and assignment.
- NEEDS - items/resources needed to resolve the Mayday.
- Calm down and begin self-help/self-rescue techniques.
- Conserve your air.
- Activate your PASS unit if appropriate.
- Maintain radio contact with Command or Division Supervisor as required.
Tactical Level Mayday Responsibility
- A Division Supervisor must be assigned as soon as possible to the area in which the MAYDAY has occurred.
- If no tactical level Division Supervisor is in place, Command must manage the entire tactical rescue effort.
- On-Deck companies must properly equip themselves, have a rescue plan, and be ordered into the Hazard Zone by Command before making entry.
- Command should assign division responsibilities as soon as possible.
- If a Battalion Commander is not available, the Division Supervisor role can be assigned to a Company Officer.
Clearing Mayday Operations
- Once all Mayday firefighters have been extricated from the structure, Command will have to use the Strategic Decision-Making Model to formulate a new strategy and IAP.
- After Mayday(s) are controlled and adequate treatment is underway, Command should contact Fire Control and clear the Mayday radio traffic.
The BCECC Dispatcher Role
- The BCECC dispatcher holds a vital role in the communications process during a MAYDAY.
- Once a MAYDAY has been declared, the dispatcher must be fully dedicated to the incident, without interruption or distraction.
Mayday Communication Algorithm
- Mayday FF or Unit declares "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" while providing a MAYDAY CAN report with the following:
- Who is having the MAYDAY.
- Conditions that caused the MAYDAY.
- Current or last known location/assignment.
- Resources needed to resolve the MAYDAY.
- Command contacts Fire Control and requests Emergency Traffic.
- Command transmits a brief Mayday update including the who, what, and where of the Mayday.
- All units operating at the scene maintain radio silence.
- Command requests any additional resources needed.
- Fire Control repeats the Emergency Traffic report using the Order Model.
- Command manages the Mayday based on the NEEDS given in the Mayday CAN report and assigns the management of the Mayday to a Division Supervisor.
- When the MAYDAY event is terminated, Command contacts the BCECC and advises of the termination.
- The BCECC sounds the Emergency warble tones for 5 seconds and gives the MAYDAY cancel message.
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Description
This quiz explores the protocols and guidelines that firefighters must follow when declaring a Mayday during life-threatening situations. Topics include critical factors for incident stabilization, communication procedures, and resource management on the fireground. Test your knowledge of emergency response techniques and procedures.
