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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of establishing a Forward First Aid Station (FFAS) and a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS) at an emergency scene?
What is the primary purpose of establishing a Forward First Aid Station (FFAS) and a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS) at an emergency scene?
- To streamline communication between different emergency response teams.
- To create a secure area for the storage and maintenance of specialized equipment.
- To designate a location for media briefings and public announcements.
- To provide structured responsibility, procedures, and guidelines for emergency medical support and responder welfare. (correct)
How is the role of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Branch Director initially fulfilled at an emergency scene?
How is the role of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Branch Director initially fulfilled at an emergency scene?
- By a designated medical doctor on site.
- By the highest-ranking paramedic present.
- By the EMS Field Supervisor (ES-4/-5). (correct)
- By the Incident Commander directly.
What is the key criterion for the location of a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS) in relation to the emergency incident?
What is the key criterion for the location of a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS) in relation to the emergency incident?
- It needs to be a safe distance away from the emergency incident, approximately 2 blocks away or at the discretion of the Incident Commander/EMS Branch Director. (correct)
- It should be located in the same building as the incident command post for ease of communication.
- It must be easily accessible by the public and media for informational purposes.
- It must be within direct line of sight of the incident for immediate response.
During inclement weather, what is the recommended protocol for establishing a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)?
During inclement weather, what is the recommended protocol for establishing a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)?
What action should a medic unit take with its vehicle to ensure safety and accessibility at an emergency scene?
What action should a medic unit take with its vehicle to ensure safety and accessibility at an emergency scene?
What is the key responsibility of Medic Unit members while in service at the Forward First Aid Station (FFAS)?
What is the key responsibility of Medic Unit members while in service at the Forward First Aid Station (FFAS)?
What key piece of equipment, carried by ES-4/5, is required for an ALS unit at a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)?
What key piece of equipment, carried by ES-4/5, is required for an ALS unit at a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)?
What is the protocol for members operating on the emergency scene who have exhausted two (2) 30-minute SCBA bottles?
What is the protocol for members operating on the emergency scene who have exhausted two (2) 30-minute SCBA bottles?
According to the procedure, what is the appropriate course of action for personnel exhibiting signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening emergencies at an incident?
According to the procedure, what is the appropriate course of action for personnel exhibiting signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening emergencies at an incident?
What should be done when a member shows abnormal initial vital signs upon entering either the FFAS or the RRRS?
What should be done when a member shows abnormal initial vital signs upon entering either the FFAS or the RRRS?
How is the determination made regarding the continued observation or evaluation of a member with abnormal vital signs after a 20-minute rest and rehydration period?
How is the determination made regarding the continued observation or evaluation of a member with abnormal vital signs after a 20-minute rest and rehydration period?
What is the significance of the Fire Communications Center (FCC) dispatching a second ALS unit when an emergency escalates to a second alarm?
What is the significance of the Fire Communications Center (FCC) dispatching a second ALS unit when an emergency escalates to a second alarm?
What is the initial action that units designated to compose the RRRS should take upon arriving at the fireground?
What is the initial action that units designated to compose the RRRS should take upon arriving at the fireground?
Which of the following actions is the responsibility of the EMS Field Supervisor?
Which of the following actions is the responsibility of the EMS Field Supervisor?
In the context of the provided document, what is the primary role of Second Alarmers at an emergency incident?
In the context of the provided document, what is the primary role of Second Alarmers at an emergency incident?
On large-scale incidents, who assumes responsibility for the RRRS in coordination with the EMS Branch Director, as per OP#19 Incident Command System?
On large-scale incidents, who assumes responsibility for the RRRS in coordination with the EMS Branch Director, as per OP#19 Incident Command System?
What is the primary role of the Incident Commander at an emergency scene?
What is the primary role of the Incident Commander at an emergency scene?
What key information should be communicated to the Fire Communications Center (FCC) upon arrival at an emergency scene?
What key information should be communicated to the Fire Communications Center (FCC) upon arrival at an emergency scene?
Prior to setting up the FFAS, to whom should the members report?
Prior to setting up the FFAS, to whom should the members report?
What piece of equipment can be used as an RRRS for members?
What piece of equipment can be used as an RRRS for members?
Which of the following is an abnormal initial vital sign that requires observation for a minimum of 20 minutes?
Which of the following is an abnormal initial vital sign that requires observation for a minimum of 20 minutes?
Which of the following vital sign criteria, after a 20-minute rest and rehydration period, would necessitate further medical evaluation?
Which of the following vital sign criteria, after a 20-minute rest and rehydration period, would necessitate further medical evaluation?
Which of the following signs or symptoms mandates immediate management according to Pennsylvania Statewide BLS/ALS protocols and transport to the closest emergency department?
Which of the following signs or symptoms mandates immediate management according to Pennsylvania Statewide BLS/ALS protocols and transport to the closest emergency department?
What is the required equipment at an FFAS for an ALS unit?
What is the required equipment at an FFAS for an ALS unit?
Which of the following duties fall under the responsibilities to the EMS Field Supervisor?
Which of the following duties fall under the responsibilities to the EMS Field Supervisor?
Who is responsible for following the procedures in this document?
Who is responsible for following the procedures in this document?
What should the medic unit avoid?
What should the medic unit avoid?
Besides the medic unit's heated/cooled patient compartment, what else could be utilized for RRRS needs?
Besides the medic unit's heated/cooled patient compartment, what else could be utilized for RRRS needs?
What does the rehab that members will receive include?
What does the rehab that members will receive include?
What is the temperature considered an abnormal initial vital sign?
What is the temperature considered an abnormal initial vital sign?
Following the initial arrival response, what needs to be determined?
Following the initial arrival response, what needs to be determined?
What information needs to be maintained for the Incident Commander?
What information needs to be maintained for the Incident Commander?
Where does the Fire Communications Center (FCC) dispatch a medic unit to?
Where does the Fire Communications Center (FCC) dispatch a medic unit to?
What are the members that are using the FFAS providing?
What are the members that are using the FFAS providing?
What vital is required at the FFAS when heat-related illness is suspected.
What vital is required at the FFAS when heat-related illness is suspected.
When on high rise building incidents, what should members take with them?
When on high rise building incidents, what should members take with them?
What is the most critical factor to consider when positioning the Medic Unit at an emergency scene to ensure proper egress?
What is the most critical factor to consider when positioning the Medic Unit at an emergency scene to ensure proper egress?
At an emergency incident, under what conditions is an oral temperature of a member required to be taken at the Forward First Aid Station (FFAS) or Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)?
At an emergency incident, under what conditions is an oral temperature of a member required to be taken at the Forward First Aid Station (FFAS) or Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)?
What is the primary rationale behind the Fire Communications Center (FCC) dispatching a second ALS unit when an emergency escalates to a second alarm?
What is the primary rationale behind the Fire Communications Center (FCC) dispatching a second ALS unit when an emergency escalates to a second alarm?
What is the most crucial step that units designated to compose the RRRS should take upon arriving at the fireground perimeter?
What is the most crucial step that units designated to compose the RRRS should take upon arriving at the fireground perimeter?
What critical action should be undertaken if a member's vital signs do not return to normal after a 20-minute rest and rehydration period at the RRRS?
What critical action should be undertaken if a member's vital signs do not return to normal after a 20-minute rest and rehydration period at the RRRS?
Flashcards
EMS Branch Director
EMS Branch Director
A uniformed EMS Officer assuming the role of Officer-In-Charge of EMS operations at an emergency scene. Initially filled by the EMS Field Supervisor.
Forward First Aid Station (FFAS)
Forward First Aid Station (FFAS)
Area close to the emergency incident with an ALS Medic Unit standing by to provide assistance. A BLS unit may be assigned until an ALS unit arrives.
Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)
Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)
A safe area away from the incident where members can relax, rehydrate, cool down, and receive EMS treatment.
Incident Commander
Incident Commander
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Upon arrival at the emergency scene:
Upon arrival at the emergency scene:
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FFAS Equipment (ALS)
FFAS Equipment (ALS)
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Medic Unit Positioning
Medic Unit Positioning
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FFAS Equipment (BLS)
FFAS Equipment (BLS)
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During FFAS Duty:
During FFAS Duty:
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RRRS Equipment (ALS)
RRRS Equipment (ALS)
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RRRS Equipment (BLS)
RRRS Equipment (BLS)
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Mandatory Rehab
Mandatory Rehab
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Abnormal Initial Vitals:
Abnormal Initial Vitals:
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Abnormal Recheck Vitals:
Abnormal Recheck Vitals:
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Life-Threatening Signs:
Life-Threatening Signs:
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RRRS Responsibility on Large Scale
RRRS Responsibility on Large Scale
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Upon arrival at the RRRS emergency scene:
Upon arrival at the RRRS emergency scene:
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EMS Field Supervisor Role
EMS Field Supervisor Role
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Second Alarm EMS
Second Alarm EMS
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Study Notes
- Guidelines for establishing a Forward First Aid Station (FFAS) and a Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS).
Emergency Medical Services Branch Director
- A uniformed EMS Officer oversees EMS operations at the emergency scene.
- The EMS Field Supervisor (ES-4/-5) initially fills this role.
Forward First Aid Station (FFAS)
- An FFAS is set up close to the emergency with an ALS Medic Unit on standby.
- If an ALS Medic Unit isn't available, a BLS Medic Unit can be assigned temporarily.
Rest, Rehab, Refuge Station (RRRS)
- An RRRS is a safe area away from the emergency, about 2 blocks away or at the discretion of the Incident Commander or EMS Branch Director.
- It should be outside the main activity area, allowing members to relax, rehydrate with non-caffeinated drinks, cool down during hot weather, and get medical treatment.
- Unit(s) assembled for an RRRS can include:
- Medic Unit
- A Mass Casualty Vehicle
- SA-1, SA-2, SA-10 (Second Alarmers)
- The RRRS should be in a protected area or facility during bad weather.
Incident Commander
- The Incident Commander is in charge of the entire emergency and manages all activities.
Responsibility
- All members must use appropriate control based on their rank when following this procedure.
Forward First Aid Station Procedures
- Respond to the scene, notify the Fire Communications Center, and report to the Incident Commander or EMS Branch Director.
- With the Incident Commander or EMS Branch Director, choose a location close to the incident to set up the FFAS.
Equipment for an FFAS for ALS Unit
- ALS first in bag
- Portable fire radio
- Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator
- Oxygen and oxygen delivery devices
- Long spine board
- Cervical collars
- Suction unit
- Cellular phone
- Stretcher
Equipment for an FFAS for BLS Unit
- BLS first in bag
- Oxygen and oxygen delivery devices
- Long spine board
- Cervical collars
- Suction unit
- Stretcher
- SAED
- Portable fire radio
Medic Units Positioning
- Medic Units should be positioned to allow easy exit from the scene, considering safety issues like collapse zones.
- Vehicles may need to be parked and locked about two blocks away from the FFAS.
- Medic units should avoid parking on or over hose lines.
FFAS Operations
- Medic Unit members must stay at the FFAS in full bunker gear, ready for EMS duties.
- On high-rise incidents, members should bring their SCBA as the FFAS might be on upper floors.
- Triage, treatment, and transport are provided for injured firefighters and civilians to hospitals.
- Members must keep radio communications on at all times, monitoring and using the assigned radio channel while at the FFAS.
Rest, Rehab and Refuge Station Procedures
- Arrive at the scene and notify the Fire Communications Center, reporting to the Incident Commander or EMS Branch Director.
- Under the direction of the Incident Commander or EMS Branch Director, set up the RRRS near the emergency.
Equipment for an RRRS for ALS Unit
- ALS first in bag
- Portable fire radio
- Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator
- Oxygen and oxygen delivery devices
- Long spine board
- Cervical collars
- Suction unit
- Cellular phone
- Stretcher
- Digital Oral Thermometer
Equipment for an RRRS for BLS Unit
- BLS first in bag
- Oxygen and oxygen delivery devices
- Long spine board
- Cervical collars
- Suction unit
- Stretcher
- SAED
- Portable fire radio
- Digital Oral Thermometer
Rehab Procedures
- Members who use two 30-minute SCBA bottles must undergo mandatory rehab.
- This includes checking vital signs and oxygen saturation, 20 minutes of rehydration with non-caffeinated drinks, and cooling down during hot or humid weather.
- Personnel requiring evaluation and treatment will be cared for following Pennsylvania BLS and ALS protocols.
- Vital signs, including temperature when heat-related illness is suspected, should be taken.
- Members with abnormal vital signs upon arrival to the FFAS or RRRS should be observed for at least 20 minutes with rest and rehydration.
Abnormal Vital Signs
- Initial:
- Pulse greater than 120 bpm
- Systolic BP > 200 or < 90 mm Hg
- Diastolic BP > 110 mm Hg
- After 20 minutes recheck:
- Pulse greater than 100 bpm
- Systolic BP > 160 or < 100 mm Hg
- Diastolic BP > 90 mm Hg
Life-Threatening Emergencies Conditions
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Altered mental status (confusion, seizures, dizziness)
- Irregular pulse
- Oral temperature > 101°F (38.3°C)
- Pulse > 150 bpm
- Pulse > 140 bpm after 20 minutes of rest and rehydration
- Systolic BP > 200 mm Hg or diastolic BP greater than 130 mm Hg after 20 minutes
Additional Notes on RRRS
- The medic unit’s heated/cooled patient compartment or a mass transit bus can serve as an RRRS.
- Second Alarmers may help with rehydration and nutrition.
- For large incidents, the Logistics Officer, with the EMS Branch Director, manages the RRRS per OP#19 Incident Command System.
EMS Field Supervisor Responsibilities
- The EMS Field Supervisor must respond to the emergency scene when required.
- They report to the Incident Commander and take on the EMS Branch Director's duties.
- The supervisor manages all EMS actions until a higher-ranking EMS Officer arrives to take over as EMS Branch Director.
- They ensure the FFAS is set up and the RRRS is established, while also maintaining medical transport records.
- The need for more EMS Support (personnel, units, equipment, etc.) needs to be determined
- They need to keep the Incident Commander updated.
Fire Communications Center (FCC) Protocols
- When a medic unit is dispatched for a confirmed incident (e.g., working box, hazmat), an ALS medic unit is sent. The first ALS unit goes to the FFAS.
- If an emergency escalates to a second alarm, the FCC sends a second ALS unit that is utilized within the RRRS.
- All units making up the RRRS must stage outside the fireground perimeter (about 2 blocks away) and notify the FCC of their location, remaining there until the EMCO establishes the RRRS location.
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