Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) involves a lack of leadership during operations?
Which cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) involves a lack of leadership during operations?
- Poor communications
- Improper risk assessment
- Lack of accountability
- Lack of command (correct)
What must firefighters wear until the Incident Commander determines conditions are safe?
What must firefighters wear until the Incident Commander determines conditions are safe?
- Only SCBA if smoke is visible
- Standard uniforms
- Lightweight gear
- Protective clothing and SCBA (correct)
What misleading aspect is associated with the color of smoke?
What misleading aspect is associated with the color of smoke?
- It is always indicative of the smoke's danger level (correct)
- It indicates the temperature of the fire
- It determines the fire's speed
- It helps identify the materials burning
What should Incident Commanders and firefighting personnel adhere to in order to minimize exposure risks?
What should Incident Commanders and firefighting personnel adhere to in order to minimize exposure risks?
What action is recommended when firefighters receive an 'abandon' call?
What action is recommended when firefighters receive an 'abandon' call?
Which of the following is NOT a prevailing cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) identified by research?
Which of the following is NOT a prevailing cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) identified by research?
What factor contributes to firefighters' exposure to carcinogenic agents during operations?
What factor contributes to firefighters' exposure to carcinogenic agents during operations?
What is a key requirement for firefighters operating in hazardous areas?
What is a key requirement for firefighters operating in hazardous areas?
What is the primary purpose of the Abandon Signal?
What is the primary purpose of the Abandon Signal?
What does the All Clear announcement signify?
What does the All Clear announcement signify?
Which strategy is implemented when no lives or property can be saved?
Which strategy is implemented when no lives or property can be saved?
What is the purpose of the Demobilization (Demob)?
What is the purpose of the Demobilization (Demob)?
During which search is the area thoroughly examined after the fire is controlled?
During which search is the area thoroughly examined after the fire is controlled?
What activity does the Offense Strategy focus on?
What activity does the Offense Strategy focus on?
What do Flow Paths refer to in fire incidents?
What do Flow Paths refer to in fire incidents?
What signifies a MAYDAY announcement?
What signifies a MAYDAY announcement?
What is the role of Tactical Priorities in a fire incident?
What is the role of Tactical Priorities in a fire incident?
Which term describes the area where apparatus and personnel are stationed outside of the incident?
Which term describes the area where apparatus and personnel are stationed outside of the incident?
What does Level 1 Staging require of the responding units?
What does Level 1 Staging require of the responding units?
Which report describes the conditions and actions at an incident site?
Which report describes the conditions and actions at an incident site?
What does the term Tactical Reserve refer to?
What does the term Tactical Reserve refer to?
What does the term Backup Line refer to in firefighting?
What does the term Backup Line refer to in firefighting?
What is indicated by the announcement 'Under Control'?
What is indicated by the announcement 'Under Control'?
What is the purpose of the Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search (VEIS) procedure?
What is the purpose of the Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search (VEIS) procedure?
What does the term 'Working Fire' refer to?
What does the term 'Working Fire' refer to?
When is a 'Withdraw' order typically declared?
When is a 'Withdraw' order typically declared?
What is the main responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC)?
What is the main responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC)?
What constitutes size-up in incident management?
What constitutes size-up in incident management?
What should units do in the Hazard Zone during Roll Call?
What should units do in the Hazard Zone during Roll Call?
What is a tactical reserve's purpose during an incident?
What is a tactical reserve's purpose during an incident?
Which phase is NOT part of the size-up process?
Which phase is NOT part of the size-up process?
Why is the Passport Accountability System utilized during emergencies?
Why is the Passport Accountability System utilized during emergencies?
What is a primary function of the Incident Command System (ICS)?
What is a primary function of the Incident Command System (ICS)?
What should the first MDFR resource arriving at the scene do?
What should the first MDFR resource arriving at the scene do?
What is the purpose of maintaining an adequate tactical reserve?
What is the purpose of maintaining an adequate tactical reserve?
What should the Incident Commander do if search crews are delayed or cannot access an area?
What should the Incident Commander do if search crews are delayed or cannot access an area?
What is the primary design of a thermal imaging camera (TIC) in search operations?
What is the primary design of a thermal imaging camera (TIC) in search operations?
What is the safest strategy for personnel performing VEIS regarding their entry point?
What is the safest strategy for personnel performing VEIS regarding their entry point?
When conducting a primary search, what should be the focus of initial resources?
When conducting a primary search, what should be the focus of initial resources?
Which of the following can assist in locating the fire?
Which of the following can assist in locating the fire?
In fire control, what is the primary goal of confining the fire?
In fire control, what is the primary goal of confining the fire?
What should the Unit Officer in Charge (OIC) do when approached by a bystander regarding a trapped person?
What should the Unit Officer in Charge (OIC) do when approached by a bystander regarding a trapped person?
What is the minimum diameter hoseline required for interior firefighting?
What is the minimum diameter hoseline required for interior firefighting?
Why should personnel performing VEIS be wary of breaking a window during operations?
Why should personnel performing VEIS be wary of breaking a window during operations?
When should exterior doors or windows be opened or closed by crews?
When should exterior doors or windows be opened or closed by crews?
What is the primary action taken on the fireground by the first unit that responds?
What is the primary action taken on the fireground by the first unit that responds?
What should the Unit OIC assess just prior to venting an opening?
What should the Unit OIC assess just prior to venting an opening?
What should be done if fire attack is delayed at an incident with trapped occupants?
What should be done if fire attack is delayed at an incident with trapped occupants?
What must the Incident Commander confirm after switching to a defensive mode of operation?
What must the Incident Commander confirm after switching to a defensive mode of operation?
Which of the following is NOT one of the tactical priorities during a fire incident?
Which of the following is NOT one of the tactical priorities during a fire incident?
What kind of search is indicated when the Incident Commander transmits an 'All Clear' signal?
What kind of search is indicated when the Incident Commander transmits an 'All Clear' signal?
Why should firefighters perform a risk assessment during an incident?
Why should firefighters perform a risk assessment during an incident?
What is the initial action typically taken on the fireground to address all three tactical priorities?
What is the initial action typically taken on the fireground to address all three tactical priorities?
What determines the intensity of the Primary Search during an incident?
What determines the intensity of the Primary Search during an incident?
Which of the following actions should NOT be taken when evaluating a switch back to offensive operations?
Which of the following actions should NOT be taken when evaluating a switch back to offensive operations?
Why is it important to conduct a Secondary Search after an incident is stabilized?
Why is it important to conduct a Secondary Search after an incident is stabilized?
What does the acronym RIC stand for in the context of fire operations?
What does the acronym RIC stand for in the context of fire operations?
In what situation would an Incident Commander typically switch to a defensive operation?
In what situation would an Incident Commander typically switch to a defensive operation?
What does the 'Fire under control' announcement indicate?
What does the 'Fire under control' announcement indicate?
Where should search teams first concentrate their efforts during a Primary Search?
Where should search teams first concentrate their efforts during a Primary Search?
What is a major benefit of conducting an early aggressive Primary Search?
What is a major benefit of conducting an early aggressive Primary Search?
Which statement about fire statistics is true regarding searching for occupants?
Which statement about fire statistics is true regarding searching for occupants?
What should be considered when additional gallons per minute (GPMs) are required in firefighting?
What should be considered when additional gallons per minute (GPMs) are required in firefighting?
What is the primary objective of a transitional attack in firefighting?
What is the primary objective of a transitional attack in firefighting?
Which scenario requires the deployment of a backup line?
Which scenario requires the deployment of a backup line?
How should personnel maintain awareness after a fire has been placed under control?
How should personnel maintain awareness after a fire has been placed under control?
What is the best approach when the original structure is a total loss?
What is the best approach when the original structure is a total loss?
What key aspect must be coordinated during a transitional attack?
What key aspect must be coordinated during a transitional attack?
During property conservation, what action should be prioritized?
During property conservation, what action should be prioritized?
What should be done if fixed fire suppression systems are present during a fire?
What should be done if fixed fire suppression systems are present during a fire?
How should water application begin during a transitional attack?
How should water application begin during a transitional attack?
What should units involved in interior suppression activities communicate to the IC?
What should units involved in interior suppression activities communicate to the IC?
Which is NOT a technique associated with conducting a transitional attack?
Which is NOT a technique associated with conducting a transitional attack?
What is a salvage operation focused on during property conservation?
What is a salvage operation focused on during property conservation?
What is a potential limitation when using booster lines?
What is a potential limitation when using booster lines?
How should windows be managed during salvage operations?
How should windows be managed during salvage operations?
What is the primary reason for not allowing the intake pressure to drop below 20 psi?
What is the primary reason for not allowing the intake pressure to drop below 20 psi?
What should be the first priority in demobilizing firefighters on scene?
What should be the first priority in demobilizing firefighters on scene?
What should be the approach when venting for fire?
What should be the approach when venting for fire?
When should a declaration of 'abandon' be used?
When should a declaration of 'abandon' be used?
When is it especially critical to utilize a coordinated fire attack?
When is it especially critical to utilize a coordinated fire attack?
What is a critical consideration for demobilization other than unit order?
What is a critical consideration for demobilization other than unit order?
What can happen if a ventilation-limited fire receives fresh air?
What can happen if a ventilation-limited fire receives fresh air?
Who should be consulted for resource needs during demobilization?
Who should be consulted for resource needs during demobilization?
What characterizes bi-directional flow in a fire situation?
What characterizes bi-directional flow in a fire situation?
How does wind affect the flow path of a fire?
How does wind affect the flow path of a fire?
Which of the following describes a proactive removal of firefighters from a structure?
Which of the following describes a proactive removal of firefighters from a structure?
What must be done before any units are demobilized?
What must be done before any units are demobilized?
What is the consequence of not conducting a proper size-up before entering a structure fire?
What is the consequence of not conducting a proper size-up before entering a structure fire?
What is a crucial recommendation for controlling flow paths during a fire incident?
What is a crucial recommendation for controlling flow paths during a fire incident?
What when necessary, can the FAO do during the withdrawal or abandonment process?
What when necessary, can the FAO do during the withdrawal or abandonment process?
Which scenario would most likely require a rapid withdrawal from a hazardous area?
Which scenario would most likely require a rapid withdrawal from a hazardous area?
What are the three activities that must be coordinated when recognizing a ventilation-limited structure fire?
What are the three activities that must be coordinated when recognizing a ventilation-limited structure fire?
Which of these personnel might make a declaration to abandon a scene in an emergency?
Which of these personnel might make a declaration to abandon a scene in an emergency?
What type of ventilation is performed by using fans to force air and smoke out of a structure?
What type of ventilation is performed by using fans to force air and smoke out of a structure?
What occurs during uni-directional flow in a fire scenario?
What occurs during uni-directional flow in a fire scenario?
What is one of the primary reasons to withdraw or abandon a structure?
What is one of the primary reasons to withdraw or abandon a structure?
What happens when firefighters ventilate a structure before having a charged hoseline?
What happens when firefighters ventilate a structure before having a charged hoseline?
What is required for units considered for demobilization?
What is required for units considered for demobilization?
What role does controlling the flow path of a fire play in the safety of firefighters?
What role does controlling the flow path of a fire play in the safety of firefighters?
When might an 'Emergency Traffic' announcement be made?
When might an 'Emergency Traffic' announcement be made?
In the event of a communication failure, what signal may be used to indicate 'abandon'?
In the event of a communication failure, what signal may be used to indicate 'abandon'?
Which of the following statements about withdrawal and abandonment is true?
Which of the following statements about withdrawal and abandonment is true?
What is the main advantage of natural ventilation over mechanical ventilation?
What is the main advantage of natural ventilation over mechanical ventilation?
What must be confirmed before using Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)?
What must be confirmed before using Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)?
Which of the following techniques can be initiated after the knockdown of a fire?
Which of the following techniques can be initiated after the knockdown of a fire?
What is a potential risk of venting windward-side windows?
What is a potential risk of venting windward-side windows?
When performing vertical ventilation, what is critical to assess before operations?
When performing vertical ventilation, what is critical to assess before operations?
What is the minimum size recommended for a vertical ventilation opening in residential structures?
What is the minimum size recommended for a vertical ventilation opening in residential structures?
Why should caution be exercised when utilizing hydraulic ventilation?
Why should caution be exercised when utilizing hydraulic ventilation?
Which statement regarding inspection openings before vertical ventilation is correct?
Which statement regarding inspection openings before vertical ventilation is correct?
What factors need to be reported prior to vertical ventilation operations?
What factors need to be reported prior to vertical ventilation operations?
What is one of the primary goals of creating openings in the roof during vertical ventilation?
What is one of the primary goals of creating openings in the roof during vertical ventilation?
What condition could prompt firefighters to extinguish the fire from underneath rather than from the roof?
What condition could prompt firefighters to extinguish the fire from underneath rather than from the roof?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for checking conditions on unseen sides of a building prior to ventilation?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for checking conditions on unseen sides of a building prior to ventilation?
What is a crucial step to be taken before any crews start operations on the roof?
What is a crucial step to be taken before any crews start operations on the roof?
What analysis must the Incident Commander conduct prior to beginning overhaul activities?
What analysis must the Incident Commander conduct prior to beginning overhaul activities?
Which of the following is part of the general guidance for overhaul activities?
Which of the following is part of the general guidance for overhaul activities?
Why is it important to shut off electric power to the areas where personnel are working during overhaul?
Why is it important to shut off electric power to the areas where personnel are working during overhaul?
What should be done to avoid rekindles hours after units have left the scene?
What should be done to avoid rekindles hours after units have left the scene?
What is the purpose of utilizing Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) during overhaul operations?
What is the purpose of utilizing Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) during overhaul operations?
What should be the primary consideration during the conservation of property post-fire?
What should be the primary consideration during the conservation of property post-fire?
What is a critical step when responding to fires in closed commercial occupancies?
What is a critical step when responding to fires in closed commercial occupancies?
What might result from a growing volume of fire in large areas like lumber yards?
What might result from a growing volume of fire in large areas like lumber yards?
What is a recommended action at most multi-company fire incidents?
What is a recommended action at most multi-company fire incidents?
When preparing for a water supply from a hydrant, what should be anticipated?
When preparing for a water supply from a hydrant, what should be anticipated?
Which of the following is NOT part of the general guidance during overhaul?
Which of the following is NOT part of the general guidance during overhaul?
What level of carbon monoxide must be metered before releasing the property back to its occupant?
What level of carbon monoxide must be metered before releasing the property back to its occupant?
What should be communicated to the nozzle team as the water level decreases?
What should be communicated to the nozzle team as the water level decreases?
What is the effectiveness of limiting master stream tip sizes during firefighting?
What is the effectiveness of limiting master stream tip sizes during firefighting?
What is the role of the driver/operator when an attack begins off of the booster tank?
What is the role of the driver/operator when an attack begins off of the booster tank?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a size-up upon arrival at an incident scene?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a size-up upon arrival at an incident scene?
Which of the following factors must be immediately identified during size-up?
Which of the following factors must be immediately identified during size-up?
What should be done if a complete 360° walk-around cannot be performed upon arrival?
What should be done if a complete 360° walk-around cannot be performed upon arrival?
Why is it important to evaluate wind conditions during size-up?
Why is it important to evaluate wind conditions during size-up?
What should the first-arriving Engine/Tanker apparatus prioritize when positioning?
What should the first-arriving Engine/Tanker apparatus prioritize when positioning?
During ongoing size-up, which of the following should be monitored continuously?
During ongoing size-up, which of the following should be monitored continuously?
What facilitates the best effectiveness of first-arriving aerial apparatus?
What facilitates the best effectiveness of first-arriving aerial apparatus?
What is the ideal position for the first-arriving Rescue apparatus?
What is the ideal position for the first-arriving Rescue apparatus?
What important factor should be considered before beginning the overhaul phase?
What important factor should be considered before beginning the overhaul phase?
What are the two principal modes of operation that MDFR employs?
What are the two principal modes of operation that MDFR employs?
Why is it important to maintain a clear access path for later-arriving apparatus?
Why is it important to maintain a clear access path for later-arriving apparatus?
What should later-arriving units do in the absence of specific IC direction?
What should later-arriving units do in the absence of specific IC direction?
What potential hazards should be immediately communicated during size-up?
What potential hazards should be immediately communicated during size-up?
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Study Notes
Firefighting Command and Safety
- Strong command, discipline, and situational awareness are essential for effective firefighting.
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified five leading causes of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs): lack of command, improper risk assessment, lack of accountability, poor communications, and failure to follow SOPs/SOGs.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Firefighting personnel must wear protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in hazardous areas until deemed safe by the Incident Commander (IC).
- Color of smoke is not a reliable indicator of danger; harmful effects can occur without visible signs.
Carcinogenic Exposure
- Operations can expose firefighters to carcinogenic agents, including gases produced by synthetic materials even without flames.
- Adherence to the Fireground Contamination Reduction Program (SOP I-D-12) is critical to reduce exposures and cross-contamination.
Emergency Protocols
- Abandon: Indicates immediate danger; firefighting personnel must exit without equipment.
- Abandon Signal: Air horn sequence of 10 seconds of sound followed by 10 seconds of silence, repeated three times to signal imminent danger.
- All Clear: IC announces completion of Primary Searches but does not confirm all victims found; a Secondary Search is still required.
Incident Management
- Base: Remote staging area for units not ready for immediate deployment.
- Defensive Strategy: Deployed when no lives or properties can be saved; focus on preventing further incident escalation.
- Demobilization (Demob): Planned release of resources after stabilizing incidents.
Tactical Communication
- MAYDAY: Radio call for immediate assistance for firefighter safety.
- Offensive Strategy: Aimed at saving lives and property; risks calibrated based on situation assessment.
- Operational Commands: First-arriving resource establishes Command; freelancing by units is prohibited.
Size-Up Process
- Critical for evaluating incident conditions and formulating a plan; involves facts, probabilities, situational assessments, decisions, and operational planning.
- Initial Phase: Occurs upon alarm receipt and arrival; ongoing assessment until incident closure.
- Size-up must consider time of day, location, potential hazards, resource appropriateness, and environmental conditions such as wind speed.
Apparatus Placement
- First-arriving apparatus must strategically position for effective operations while ensuring later-arriving units have access.
- Engine/Tanker should facilitate hoseline deployment; Aerial apparatus positioning maximizes usage of aerial devices.
Modes of Operation
- Two main modes: offensive (for saving lives/property) and defensive (when no lives or properties can be saved).
- Risk assessment is essential in determining the most effective mode of operation, prioritizing personnel safety and potential rescue opportunities.### Incident Management Operations
- Offensive operations are initiated to save life and property until the situation is controlled or too dangerous to continue.
- Defensive operations are warranted in cases of uncontrollable fire, structural instability, or insufficient resources on scene.
- The Incident Commander (IC) must alert all units via an alert tone when switching to a defensive strategy and confirm receipt of the order.
- Resource needs are reassessed, and additional alarms may be requested for changes in operations.
Tactical Priorities
- Three main tactical priorities in fire incidents are Rescue, Fire Control, and Property Conservation.
- Objectives must be approached in priority order; Rescue comes first, followed by Fire Control and then Property Conservation.
- Each priority is measured by specific benchmarks communicated via radio by the Unit Officer In Charge (OIC) and the IC.
Rescue Operations
- Primary Search is conducted in all structures under offensive strategy, focusing on potential victim locations.
- Risk assessment must be performed; the level of risk should match fire conditions and victims' viability.
- An "All Clear" signal denotes that the Primary Search is completed, although it does not guarantee all occupants are safe (a Secondary Search is still required).
- Searches must prioritize high likelihood areas for occupant presence, such as bedrooms and escape routes.
Fire Location, Control, and Extinguishment
- Fire Control encompasses locating, confining, and extinguishing the fire, with initial hoseline placement being critical.
- Confining the fire typically involves accessing the structure through the front entrance where possible.
- Extinguishment requires applying water to the fire seat at an appropriate flow rate based on the diameter of the hoseline deployed.
Transitional Attack
- A transitional attack aims to rapidly cool and confine fire before entry, maintaining safe conditions within the structure for firefighters.
- Coordination of actions, such as ventilation and effective water application, is crucial for successful transitional attack execution.
Property Conservation Efforts
- Property conservation involves both salvage and overhaul operations to protect belongings from fire, smoke, and water damage.
- Salvage includes removing items, utilizing covers, and managing water damage by controlling sprinkler systems.
- Overhaul requires thorough examination for hidden fire, maintaining scene safety, and ensuring CO levels are below 9 ppm before occupant re-entry.
Special Considerations
- Structures with converted living spaces need careful inspection during searches due to safety concerns and potential hidden occupants.
- Personnel conducting searches or fire suppression must adhere to safety protocols, utilizing tools like thermal imaging cameras and lifelines.
- Coordination with the IC for safety measures, especially when executing VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search) techniques, is essential for crew safety and effectiveness.### Fire Investigation and Property Conservation
- Firefighters may assist in removing items after the investigation to lessen trauma and reduce loss.
- Prioritize search and fire suppression over property conservation efforts.
Water Supply Management
- At multi-company incidents, the first suppression company handles investigation and attack, while later units focus on water supply.
- Importance of understanding pump limitations based on tank size, fire volume, and hydrant locations.
- Nozzle teams should use booster tank water judiciously and retreat if supply runs low, with the driver/operator communicating water levels clearly.
- Commercial fires can become ventilation-limited; establish water supply before entry to minimize fire intensity upon opening.
Hydrant Usage and Water Supply Evolutions
- Fire hydrants can flow maximum water from all outlets; plan for double-tapping to establish second intake without interrupting flow.
- Crews must be trained in various water supply SOPs, including Forward Hose Lay and Relay Pumping.
- Avoid dropping intake pressure below 20 psi to prevent contamination in the water supply system.
Ventilation Techniques
- Ventilation aims to remove smoke and combustion products; it's essential for effective fire control and life safety.
- A coordinated fire attack aligns ventilation openings with nozzle water application to avoid fire intensification.
- Recognize ventilation-limited fires, where introducing fresh air can rapidly escalate fire conditions.
- Control flow paths to limit fire growth and protect firefighters; bi-directional and uni-directional flows differ based on opening designs.
Fire Behavior and Environmental Considerations
- Wind influences flow paths; high winds can pose risks by altering smoke and fire movements.
- Conduct proper size-ups to anticipate risks when entering structures from different sides.
- Control flow paths to slow flashover and lower risks of serious injuries.
Ventilation Methods
- Natural ventilation is preferred when conditions allow; mechanical ventilation (PPV) requires IC approval and knowledge of fire locations.
- Hydraulic ventilation can be used after fire knockdown to enhance air exchange without using mechanical means.
- Be cautious with horizontal and vertical ventilation; ensure it’s done in conjunction with nozzle teams to avoid fire acceleration.
Demobilization Procedures
- Demobilization begins once the fire is declared out, considering exposure levels and the need for rapid decontamination of first-arriving units.
- Specialty units and less committed apparatus should be prioritized for demobilization.
- Conduct a debriefing before releasing units; consult with supervisors to manage resource needs.
Emergency Withdrawal or Abandonment
- Two protocols exist for evacuation: "withdraw" for controlled exits and "abandon" for immediate danger.
- Reasons for these declarations include structural compromises, rapid fire conditions, or a shift from offensive to defensive strategies.
- Responsibility for declarations may extend to Safety Officers or unit officers under certain circumstances.
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