Firefighting MAYDAY Procedures

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Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for initial investigations in Oak Ridge North?

Harris County Fire Marshal's Office

S. Montgomery County Fire Department (correct)

Cypress Creek EMS

Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office

Which communication system is notified for routine notifications to fire marshals?

Manual pagers

SMS notifications

CAD system (correct)

Email alerts

What is the primary purpose of the Abnormal Operations procedure?

To notify the public about incidents

To assess property damage after incidents

To coordinate evacuations during disasters

To maintain effective communications during high activity (correct)

Which event does NOT require verbal contact with an investigator for notifications?

Routine inspections of facilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following notifications is considered routine?

Bomb threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Fire Communication during incidents other than working fires?

To coordinate with the Incident Commander for resource allocation Signup and view all the answers

What does the term MAYDAY refer to in firefighting communication?

A declaration for firefighters who are in distress Signup and view all the answers

When should an Incident Commander notify Fire Communication?

When making an interior attack with an RIT in place Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the information provided when issuing a MAYDAY?

The precise location and description of the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)?

To intervene in situations involving trapped or distressed firefighters Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to activate the DVRS system?

Incident Commander (IC) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for structures that need a distributed antenna system according to IFC 500?

They must be marked in CAD. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should a 'back-in' assignment be approached by the Incident Commander?

If a department is committed for a long period with unfilled stations Signup and view all the answers

What should happen when a call has been active for 10 hours?

Fire Com should advise the IC to assess mutual aid units. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen if a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is deployed?

The Incident Commander uses available resources to form additional RIT teams Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended phrase to indicate a MAYDAY situation?

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the specialized Collapse Team?

To respond to structural collapses both internally and out-of-county. Signup and view all the answers

Which communication system should be used for interior operations in confirmed DAS structures?

TX WARN/MCHD P25 systems Signup and view all the answers

When responding to a hazmat incident outside of their districts, what should be added to the call?

Decontamination unit Signup and view all the answers

How does CAD alert the dispatcher about the longevity of a call?

By alerting at 10-hour intervals Signup and view all the answers

What action can Fire Com take during instances of high call volume?

Request a specific patch. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Commander during a rescue effort?

To coordinate tasks including ceasing radio traffic and assigning new channels Signup and view all the answers

How often should PARs be conducted during a Mayday situation?

Every 10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What does the addition of 'x-ray' to a unit number indicate?

The unit is seeking law enforcement assistance due to a physical danger Signup and view all the answers

What should happen if a unit in the field declares an emergency?

Radio traffic on the channel will cease until the emergency communication is complete Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure if a bomb or terroristic threat is reported?

It should be entered as an Alert and a chief officer should be notified Signup and view all the answers

When should additional medical resources be requested by the IC?

As part of the initial response or when the situation escalates Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if there is a possibility of immediate danger at the scene?

Fire Com should issue a short alert tone and inform responding units Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'LUNAAR' acronym?

It is used to identify the status of trapped personnel and their needs Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is NOT commonly used in Montgomery County Fire Communications?

Rescue - High Angle Signup and view all the answers

What might cause a department to adjust its dispatch levels?

Weather conditions such as extreme drought or severe storms Signup and view all the answers

In the context of resource management, what does the CAD system primarily track?

Types of vehicles and capabilities assigned to them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an additional resource type used in the fire emergency context?

Hazmat - Still Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the basis for creating response plans in fire communications?

Desired resources or capabilities required for specific incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to be taken when an event occurs according to the Communications Procedure?

Use a fixed Emergency Operations Center, mobile command, or a fixed dispatch position. Signup and view all the answers

What signals the return to normal operations in the Communications Procedure?

The encoding of COUNTYALLCALL and communication of special instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the purpose of paging groups in the context of off-duty recalls?

They automatically notify personnel under certain circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

How many response plans are mentioned in the content provided?

Five response plans are identified. Signup and view all the answers

When do abnormal operations cease according to the Communications Procedure?

After the Fire Com and area commands confirm readiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which capability is included in the current capabilities utilized in CAD?

Rescue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is specifically mentioned as currently having a resource group?

Structure Collapse Team Signup and view all the answers

What type of calls will Fire Com dispatch the fire department for?

Only when animals are reported in distress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a capability currently utilized in the CAD?

Cyanide Neutralizer Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason Fire Com may not dispatch the fire department for animals in distress?

If a more appropriate agency is available Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of initiating the FIREALLCALL?

To notify units of Abnormal Operations due to a reason Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken first when Abnormal Operations are enacted?

Activate FD1-4 and announce the situation Signup and view all the answers

What does placing an alert marker on FD1-4 accomplish?

It restricts radio traffic until the event is over Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when there is a surge in 9-1-1 calls during an event?

Implement the Emergency Rule to suspend certain protocols Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is suitable for managing localized heavy rain incidents?

Stopping Auto Dispatch to better manage resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is appropriate after stopping Auto Dispatch?

Consider stopping USDD Samantha for better incident management Signup and view all the answers

How should incoming calls be assigned during a county-wide area command event?

Calls must be assigned to the appropriate Incident Commander (IC) using multi-assignment Signup and view all the answers

What is required during Abnormal Operations regarding the calls taken?

Pre-arrival instructions may be given for essential cases Signup and view all the answers

When expanding resources during an event, what should be considered?

Assigning the event TGs to a regional command if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first actions to take during an event that leads to multiple area commands?

Identify and establish area commands with designated channels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MAYDAY and Rapid Intervention Teams

MAYDAY is a term used for firefighters who are trapped, missing, or in distress.
RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) is established before entering a hostile environment, for situations like confined space rescues.
The IC will notify Fire Communication when there is an interior attack with an RIT present, or an emergency rescue without one, or if an exterior attack is in progress until RIT is available.
When RIT is needed, the IC will immediately deploy available resources to form additional teams.

Issuing a MAYDAY

MAYDAY is declared when a firefighter is trapped, missing, disoriented, injured, or needs help.
Procedure: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" is broadcasted to the IC on the fireground channel.
Information to provide:
- Location: Precise location and description
- Unit Information:
  - Unit number
  - Name
  - Air supply
  - Assignment
  - Resources needed

IC Response During a MAYDAY

IC Actions:
- Advise all personnel that radio traffic must stop.
- Request additional medical resources from MCHD or CCEMS.
- Issue the next higher alarm.
- Conduct PAR (Public Address Radio) every 10 minutes until the MAYDAY incident is resolved, or the IC advises otherwise.
- Attempt to establish consistent communication with trapped personnel and identify the LUNAAR.

Emergency Communications

Pertinent information is relayed to responding units.
A single short alert tone is sounded if there is immediate danger on scene and a modified response is needed. This alerts responders of potential danger and allows for appropriate action.
If a unit calls Fire Com using "emergency," all radio traffic stops until their emergency communication is complete.
"x-ray" added to a unit number indicates an imminent need for law enforcement because the crew is in danger.
If an emergency activation is received from a unit’s 800 radio, Fire Com will ask “what is your status?” and act accordingly.
When a bomb/terroristic threat is received, it is entered as an alert to prevent the call from being aired. Fire Com notifies a chief officer and law enforcement.

Digital Vehicular Repeater System (DVRS) Operations

Purpose: Records radio traffic for dispatchers to monitor fire ground operations.
The Incident Commander (IC) can monitor a single channel/TG.
The number of listeners can be increased during emergencies like MAYDAY.
Activation: The IC decides if the DVRS should be activated, and Fire Com must be advised.
All interior fire ground operations must use the assigned simplex fire ground frequency.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) Structures

DAS structures (required by IFC 500) are marked in CAD by the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office (MCFMO).
These facilities are marked in CAD as DAS structures.
Fire Com confirms with responding units that TX WARN/MCHD P25 systems should be used for interior operations.
Fire Ground (FG) units are not assigned to these calls unless requested by the IC for exterior operations.

Hazmat Calls

Two county hazmat teams are in place, each with decon vehicles for support.
If HM7 or HM102 respond outside of their districts, a decon unit should be added to the call.

Incident Clock

CAD alerts the dispatcher after 10 hours of a call being active.
Fire Com advises the IC at the 10-hour mark to assess mutual aid units.

Structure Collapse Team

Montgomery County has a specialized unit, including specialized equipment, rescue trucks, and battalion chiefs.
The IC requests the Technical Rescue Group (TRG), which is then directly dispatched to the scene.
The IC provides staging instructions.
For out-of-county requests, the Resource group is notified via the Emergency Training Center at the dispatched location.

County and Municipal Fire Marshals

CAD notifies the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office (MCFMO) for routine notifications to investigators.
Manual notifications via paging may be required by the IC.
MCFMO is responsible for all of Montgomery County, except Conroe.
Initial investigations for Oak Ridge North are conducted by the S. Montgomery County Fire Department.

Routine Notifications Include

Structure fires/extinguished structure fires, explosions, burn injuries
Bomb Threats
Fire activating a water flow alarm, sprinkler head, or fixed chemical system
Fire or explosions involving county or public official property

Off-Duty Callout and Special Requests

Verbal contact with an investigator is required for:
- Death or serious injury due to fire or explosion
- Hazmat response (excluding fuel spills)
- Facility or transportation vehicle incidents
- At the request of any agency or citizen

Harris County FMO

The Harris County FMO is responsible for Creekside Park village of The Woodlands and is dispatched by Cypress Creek EMS Com Center.

Abnormal Operations

The purpose of Abnormal Operations is to maintain effective communication during high activity levels.
Utilized for short-term events like localized severe storms, widespread grass fires, or hurricanes.
Procedures to Initiate Abnormal Operations:
- FIREALLCALL: Use USDD encode FIREALLCALL with the announcement of "Attention All Units - Abnormal Operations is Being Enacted Due to [reason]".
- FD1-4 Activation: Select FD1-4 to activate a long alert tone, and announce Fire Com has begun Abnormal Operations, followed by a list of active commands and their assigned channels/TGs.
- FD1-4 Alert Marker: Place an alert marker on FD1-4 to restrict radio traffic for the duration of the event.
- Notification: Mark the implementation of Abnormal Operations in Dispatcher Notes and notify the Dispatch Manager and/or the Deputy Chief - Support.

Event-Specific Procedures

The specific event will determine the necessary actions, including peaks and moves into recovery operations.
Procedures to consider:
- Stopping Automatic Dispatch: To manage resources during events with surge in calls (e.g., multiple high-profile trucks to the same area for stranded motorists).
- Stopping USDD Samantha: Once Auto Dispatch is disabled, it allows calls to be directed at units already on scene, with additional information passed to the IC.
- Establishing Area Commands: Establish area commands and assign them an event channel.
- Assigning Incoming Calls: When establishing county-wide area commands, incoming calls should be assigned to the appropriate IC.
- Communication with Area Command: Assign communication with the area command to a single dispatcher.
- Changing Dispatch Levels: Dispatch levels can be adjusted based on jurisdiction and incident type.
- Emergency Rule During Abnormal Operations: Suspend call-taking protocols except for pre-arrival instructions during events with surge in calls.
- Assigning Additional Resources: Assign event TGs to a regional command as an event expands.
Return to Normal Operations:
- When Fire Com is ready, they will encode COUNTYALLCALL over USDD and announce the resumption of normal operations.
- Markers are removed, and the time is noted in Dispatcher Notes.

Paging Groups

Departments have created paging groups to notify off-duty personnel of large-scale working incidents.
These groups automatically page under certain circumstances.
Off-duty recall, the units are listed as a paging group with "off-duty-recall" noted in the description.

Response Plans and Dispatch Levels

Response plans are:
- Aircraft Emergency - Box
- Aircraft Emergency - Light
- Aircraft Emergency - Still
- Alert (Notification)
- Booster Still
Dispatch levels may be adjusted based on incident type, resource management needs, and events.

Resources and Capabilities

Resources typically refer to vehicle types in CAD.
Capabilities are equipment or trained staff assigned to vehicles.
Response plans are based on desired resources or capabilities needed for a specific incident type, dispatch level, or alarm level.

Current Resources Common Used

Engine
All-Terrain Vehicle
ALS Squad
ALS Supervisor
Battalion Chief
Boat
Booster
Decon
Evacuation
Fire Boat
Box
Box - Hydrant
Box - Light
Elevator Rescue
Grass Fire
Hazmat - Box
Hazmat - Light Box
Hazmat - Still
Heavy Box
Heavy Box - Hydrant
MVA
MVA - Extrication
Rescue
Rescue - Confined Space
Rescue - High Angle
Rescue - Trench
Still
Water Rescue
Water Rescue - Evacuation
Foam
Hazmat
Ladder/Truck
Medic
ARFF
Rehab
Rescue
Rescue Boat
Special Equipment
Tanker
Technical Resource
Utility
Watercraft
Shift Commander

Current Capabilities Used in CAD

Cascade
Cyanide Kit
Jaws
Medical
Foam
CAFS
Rescue
Paramedic

Resource Groups

Resource groups are created to preselect resources or capabilities for specific call types.
The Structure Collapse Team has a resource group with predetermined equipment.

Animals in Distress

Fire Com dispatches the fire department to all calls for animals in distress (e.g., animals locked in cars without AC, animals stuck on fences), except when a more appropriate agency can handle the call (e.g., cats stuck in trees).

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Description

This quiz covers the critical procedures associated with declaring a MAYDAY and the roles of Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) in firefighting. You'll learn about the necessary communication protocols and information required during a distress situation on the fireground. Understand how to ensure safety and resource allocation when emergencies arise.