Incident Command and Life Safety Strategies

Incident Command and Objectives

• The Incident Commander (IC) sets objectives for incident operations.
• Objectives must be realistic, flexible, and measurable; they guide strategies and tactics.
• NIMS-ICS defines "strategy" as a general course of action to achieve incident objectives.
• Strategic objectives on the fireground prioritize saving lives, reducing hazards, protecting property and the environment, and establishing control.

LIP Priorities

• LIP priorities: Life safety, Incident stabilization, Property conservation/environmental consideration.
• Life safety is always the first priority, involving the protection and rescue of victims.
• Incident stabilization includes controlling the fire to protect victims and property.

Life Safety Strategies

• Firefighter and citizen safety is paramount; size-up and accountability systems are critical.
• Offensive strategies can be employed for rescues if survival is possible.
• If conditions are deemed unsurvivable, strategies shift to stabilization and property conservation.

Incident Stabilization

• Stabilization involves controlling fires and preventing spread to unburned compartments.
• An incident is considered stabilized when fire cannot intensify or spread due to control measures.

IAFC Rules of Engagement

• Firefighters should not risk lives for those that cannot be saved.
• Personnel safety is vital; crews must follow best practices based on scientific research and training.

NIOSH Recommendations

• The FFFIPP investigates firefighter line-of-duty deaths and provides recommendations to enhance safety.
• Key recommendations include medical screenings, training, SOP adherence, and strategies for safety.

Property Conservation

• Property conservation is lower in priority; salvage activities should not compromise life safety.
• Early intervention can benefit both life safety and incident stabilization efforts.

Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC)

• Federal and state regulations often require RIC presence at incidents.
• Effective rescue planning requires appropriate resource allocation for RIC efforts.
• Ensuring multiple egress points and maintaining air management are crucial for firefighter safety.

Risk Versus Benefit Analysis

• Responders face calculated risks for life safety, incident stabilization, and property/environment preservation.
• Size-up information helps to evaluate risk levels during operations.

NFPA Firefighter Fatality Studies

• NFPA has tracked U.S. firefighter fatalities since 1977, with 2019 recording the lowest toll in history.
• Improvements in health care access and wellness programs contribute to safety progress.

Operational Strategies

• The IC determines operational strategies based on the risk landscape.
• Offensive strategy: Directly engages the threat through aggressive action in the structure.
• Defensive strategy: Protects exposures when risks to occupants and property outweigh benefits.

Rules of Response

• Responders should take no risks without potential gain and prioritize savable lives and property.

Defensive Fireground Operations

• Exposure protection is key in both offensive and defensive strategies.
• Defensive actions are justified under limited resources, structural danger, or vacancy.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• The IAP is the operational strategy used by the IC, based on size-up and evolving conditions.
• As incidents grow, detailed planning using tactical worksheets is crucial.

Command Modes

• IC operates under three command modes: Investigation option, Fast-attack or Mobile command, and Stationary command.
• Command transfer should occur face-to-face to ensure clarity and continuity in operations.

Resource Allocation

• The IC must assess if current resources can sustain the incident response; additional resources may be requested as needed.### Fire Flow and Resource Allocation
• An initial offensive attack is possible if available fire flow and resource capabilities meet or exceed estimated needs.
• When fire flow requirements surpass water supply or resource capabilities, an exterior attack may be utilized until additional resources arrive, or a defensive strategy is initiated.

Best Practices for Incident Priority of Life Safety

• Prioritize the evacuation of occupants and victims from hazardous areas.
• Conduct regular training on rescue operations and emergency procedures for all personnel.
• Utilize risk assessment protocols to make informed decisions regarding potential rescues.

Achieving Incident Stabilization

• Stabilization can be achieved through risk evaluation and effective resource deployment based on the incident's complexity.
• Continuous monitoring of conditions and prompt adaptation of strategies supports stabilization efforts.

Timing for Property Conservation and Environmental Consideration

• Considerations for property conservation and environmental protection may begin once life safety has been addressed and conditions permit further actions.

Role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

• The RIC serves to facilitate rapid rescue of firefighters who may become trapped or in distress during operations.
• They are on standby and trained to respond swiftly to emergencies within the incident scene.

Incident Commander Preparation for Potential Rescue

• An Incident Commander (IC) should gather information on potential victims’ locations and conditions.
• Establishing communication with teams on the ground to assess situation dynamics and needs is crucial.

Calculation of Acceptable Risk

• Acceptable risk is determined by balancing the potential benefits of actions against the risks to responders and victims.
• It involves continuous evaluation of operational goals, environmental conditions, and resource availability.

Influence of Occupants/Victims During Offensive Strategies

• The presence and behavior of occupants can dictate the urgency and direction of rescue efforts.
• Victim locations and survival signals impact the decision-making of fire and emergency personnel, affecting safety operations.

Conditions for Defensive Strategy Selection

• An Incident Commander may opt for a defensive strategy when:
  • The fire intensity and spread are overwhelming available resources.
  • Occupant safety is secured, or risks to responders outweigh potential benefits.

Best Practices for Transitioning Response Strategies

• Maintain clear communication among all responders to ensure seamless transitions between strategies.
• Conduct thorough situational assessments to guide strategy changes based on evolving incident conditions.

Impact of Incident Size on Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• Larger incidents necessitate more comprehensive IAPs that detail expanded resource allocations and tactical operations.
• The complexity increases requirements for logistics, coordination, and communication.

Command Modes in Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• Various command modes may include unified command, single command, and area command to streamline decision-making processes.
• Each mode addresses different operational scopes depending on incident size and complexity.

Resource Management by Incident Commander (IC)

• An IC can optimize resource allocation by analyzing real-time data and adjusting assignments according to the evolving incident needs.
• Implementing effective logistical planning ensures timely availability of necessary resources.

This quiz covers the essential roles and objectives within incident command, focusing on life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation. Learn about the strategies that prioritize safety and effective control measures during emergencies. Test your understanding of the principles guiding incident operations.