Questions and Answers
What is the recommended action when the heat index is below 80 degrees?
Which of the following is used to determine the heat index according to established procedures?
Which factor is NOT considered when evaluating if personnel can downgrade their level of respiratory protection?
What action must a meter user take if any alarm on the meter activates?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done if there are insufficient resources to implement the respiratory protection downgrade process?
Signup and view all the answers
Which component is NOT part of the minimum sensor compliment for meter use?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition permits the continued use of forced air ventilation?
Signup and view all the answers
When is a meter user strictly limited to monitor the atmosphere?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the effect of adding 10 degrees to the air temperature when measuring heat index?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions would NOT require the immediate use of SCBA?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary responsibility of MCFRS personnel regarding station and equipment security?
Signup and view all the answers
Under what circumstances can apparatus and equipment be left unattended at MCFRS facilities?
Signup and view all the answers
What action must crews take before leaving the station?
Signup and view all the answers
How should suspicious activity or theft be handled according to the Fire Chief’s order?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the consequence of leaving equipment unattended during routine business?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is assigned the specific responsibility for maintaining security of a unit’s equipment?
Signup and view all the answers
When can apparatus bay doors remain open at MCFRS stations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the reason for ensuring the security of MCFRS equipment and stations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is required for personnel to downgrade from SCBA to particulate filter masks during overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT listed as part of the minimum PPE required during overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What specific action must be taken before testing air quality conditions in a compartment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a requirement for using non-carbon-monoxide generating fans?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be done with grossly soiled gear before it can be donned again after decontamination?
Signup and view all the answers
In which scenario can personnel downgrade their respiratory protection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary health risk associated with firefighting that MCFRS aims to reduce?
Signup and view all the answers
What is required to transport grossly soiled gear back to the station?
Signup and view all the answers
What must personnel do with their skin after returning from overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
How often should firefighting gloves be washed according to the policy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which safety measure is NOT stipulated for the rehab area?
Signup and view all the answers
What condition must be met regarding the atmosphere before personnel can change their respiratory protection?
Signup and view all the answers
What must personnel avoid while riding in the apparatus to prevent contamination?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the acceptable heat index for allowing the downgrade of respiratory protection according to the policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be ensured regarding the apparatus bay doors when leaving the station?
Signup and view all the answers
What is required of a crew during emergency incidents regarding equipment and apparatus?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main responsibility of the unit officer concerning equipment security?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done if suspicious activity or theft is observed?
Signup and view all the answers
Under what condition can MCFRS apparatus and equipment be left unattended?
Signup and view all the answers
What action should personnel take regarding stations during non-emergency conditions?
Signup and view all the answers
When can members of MCFRS leave equipment unattended during routine business?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the consequence mentioned for not securing MCFRS stations and equipment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition must be present to allow personnel to downgrade their respiratory protection levels?
Signup and view all the answers
What must a meter user do when observing a person complain of shortness of breath?
Signup and view all the answers
What should personnel do if the OSHA Heat Index Smartphone App is unavailable?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum frequency for meter checks in any compartment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which scenario necessitates an immediate switch back to SCBA usage?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor is NOT directly considered when evaluating if it's safe to downgrade respiratory protection?
Signup and view all the answers
For which of the following should personnel always use a SCBA?
Signup and view all the answers
What additional measure is taken when the heat index is high according to guidelines?
Signup and view all the answers
What must personnel do prior to any meter readings in an area with visible smoke?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true about the minimum sensor complement for meters?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be true about the compartment being evaluated before personnel can downgrade their respiratory protection during overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor does NOT determine whether personnel can appropriately downgrade from SCBA to particulate filter masks during overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of requiring the use of appropriate RPE during overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following items is NOT part of the minimum PPE required during overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What must unit officers ensure regarding the transportation of grossly soiled gear?
Signup and view all the answers
Before any atmospheric readings are taken in a compartment, which condition must be met?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a responsibility of personnel to minimize contamination while cleaning equipment on the scene?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum requirement for personnel entering the rehab area regarding their gear?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following actions regarding food hygiene in the rehab area is mandatory?
Signup and view all the answers
What must personnel do after returning from overhaul operations to minimize health risks?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the acceptable heat index for allowing the downgrade of respiratory protection according to the policy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following must personnel avoid while riding on the apparatus to prevent contamination?
Signup and view all the answers
What method should unit officers use to ensure air quality after personnel return from suppression or overhaul operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What additional protection must personnel maintain after each fire to promote personal hygiene?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum number of transport units included in the Multi-Patient Dispatch?
Signup and view all the answers
Which resource combination can fulfill the requirements for the two manpower units in a Multi-Patient Dispatch?
Signup and view all the answers
Who can request the Multi-Patient Dispatch to be activated?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of Multi-Patient Dispatch personnel on the scene?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following characteristics defines Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs)?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of vehicles does the Fire Chief’s General Order not address?
Signup and view all the answers
What protocol is established for the Multi-Patient Dispatch before being directed to the scene?
Signup and view all the answers
Which piece of equipment is NOT part of the Multi-Patient Dispatch resources?
Signup and view all the answers
What immediate action must MCFRS personnel take within 24 hours of being arrested or charged with a violation of any law?
Signup and view all the answers
Under what conditions may the 24-hour reporting requirement be waived for MCFRS personnel?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required for clinicians in direct contact with patients?
Signup and view all the answers
How often must the Infection and Exposure Control guidelines be reviewed and updated?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following does NOT constitute a situation that must be reported by MCFRS personnel?
Signup and view all the answers
What authority does the Fire Chief have concerning the establishment of new manuals for Infection Control?
Signup and view all the answers
What additional protections are encouraged but not required for personnel during direct patient encounters?
Signup and view all the answers
When must MCFRS personnel initiate the reporting protocol for a drug/alcohol related offense?
Signup and view all the answers
Who should personnel direct queries regarding Infection Control and Hazard Exposure Reduction Manuals to?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following situations would typically require personnel to report their arrest within 24 hours?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of the roll-over protection required in UTV operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is authorized to operate MCFRS UTVs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition allows for travel on public roadways by UTVs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended action regarding vehicle speeds during UTV operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the protocol regarding communication for crews deployed on a UTV?
Signup and view all the answers
What is required of personnel regarding PPE while riding in a UTV?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be done to UTV windows and screens during off-road transit?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be avoided when transporting cargo in UTVs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the criteria used to classify an incident as a significant incident?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the Incident Commander in the After Action Review process?
Signup and view all the answers
Under which condition can UTVs travel adjacent to open public roadways?
Signup and view all the answers
When leaving the hospital, what status should MCFRS transport units report?
Signup and view all the answers
What must crews do before leaving the station on an emergency call?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be done with unsecured equipment prior to transit in a UTV?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following protocols applies when a roadway must be crossed during UTV operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the Multi-Patient Dispatch personnel after being activated?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the condition for activating a Multi-Patient Dispatch?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one method of decontamination described that allows hazardous substances to dissipate over time?
Signup and view all the answers
How many ALS resources are included in the Multi-Patient Dispatch capabilities?
Signup and view all the answers
Which decontamination method involves the use of water for particulate removal?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the initial response requirement for the Multi-Patient Dispatch on scene?
Signup and view all the answers
Which option best describes personal decontamination?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of the Multi-Patient Dispatch, what does 'Command Officer Notifications' entail?
Signup and view all the answers
Which process is required before an ALS clinician decides on a downgrade of care?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be included in the downgrade checklist when assessing a patient for ALS to BLS downgrade?
Signup and view all the answers
Under what conditions may MCFRS personnel transport a mobility-limited but otherwise stable resident?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary criterion for making a downgrade decision from ALS to BLS?
Signup and view all the answers
What documentation is required if an ALS clinician deviates from the downgrade checklist recommendations?
Signup and view all the answers
When must a downgrade timeout be conducted in the ALS to BLS downgrade process?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately reflects the operational protocol for MCFRS regarding non-medical transports?
Signup and view all the answers
What key element must be assessed to maintain consistent ALS to BLS downgrade decisions?
Signup and view all the answers
What must ALS clinicians document after a downgrade assessment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which option accurately describes the role of the EMS Duty Officer in the downgrade process?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary advantage of using wet decontamination over dry decontamination?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is preferred for the decontamination of personnel after exposure to hazardous substances?
Signup and view all the answers
What must personnel do immediately after returning from a hazard area?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a critical action to be taken during decontamination of outer textiles?
Signup and view all the answers
Which area is NOT suitable for conducting decontamination procedures?
Signup and view all the answers
What does off-gassing refer to in the context of decontamination?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is primarily responsible for determining the decontamination needs at an incident?
Signup and view all the answers
Which step is essential when using the soap and water method for decontamination?
Signup and view all the answers
What principle should personnel follow regarding exposure to contaminants?
Signup and view all the answers
Which practice is recommended for decontaminating personal protective equipment after a structure fire?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one responsibility of a unit officer in terms of decontamination?
Signup and view all the answers
When should personal decontamination occur in a hazardous area?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an important consideration when decontaminating gear at the station?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of post-fire decontamination, what is the order of effectiveness for various methods?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Station, Apparatus, and Equipment Security
- Theft of fire/rescue equipment has been reported in some jurisdictions, leading to criminal activities.
- MCFRS personnel are responsible for securing stations, apparatus, and sensitive equipment critical for community safety.
- Unit officers must maintain equipment security; during emergencies, at least one crew member must stay with the apparatus.
- Apparatus should never be left unattended during routine activities; one crew member must always remain with it.
- Apparatus can only be left unattended at stations if within sight of MCFRS personnel.
- Stations must remain secured and ready for response; crews must ensure bay doors are closed when leaving.
- All suspicious activities or thefts must be reported to the station officer.
Respiratory Protection and Cancer Risk Reduction
- The Respiratory Protection Policy mandates using appropriate RPE in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments and hazardous atmospheres.
- Scientific links between firefighting and cancer risks necessitate mandatory RPE usage during overhaul operations.
- Safety evaluations must be performed by a designated officer before reducing respiratory protection.
- Conditions to downgrade from SCBA to particulate filter masks include:
- Compartment assessment showing no visible smoke.
- Use of forced-air ventilation prior to readings.
- Compliance with meter readings and atmospheric conditions set by the Safety Section Chief.
- Minimum PPE requirements for overhaul operations include issued particulate mask, gloves, and other protective clothing.
Health and Wellness Focus
- Monitoring air quality and heat index is essential; protective gear can be downgraded when the heat index is 80 degrees or higher.
- The heat index combines air temperature and humidity, adjusted for the heat retention of turnout gear.
- If visible smoke is detected or alarms activate on meters, SCBA must be reapplied immediately.
- Mandatory meter sensors include O2, CO, HCN, and PID for atmospheric monitoring.
- Personnel must maintain stringent hygiene practices post-operation to mitigate contamination risks.
Additional Procedures
- Personnel must separate grossly soiled gear from clean areas and ensure thorough sanitization after incidents.
- Self-cleaning practices are essential; personnel should shower and change clothes promptly after firefighting.
- Keeping a clean second set of gear available for emergencies is advised.
- Staff are responsible for avoiding hand-to-mouth transfer of contaminants while on apparatus.
Compliance and Training
- This policy supersedes previous regulations, reinforcing the importance of implementing safety protocols effectively.
- Additional resources and training materials are accessible through MCFRS platforms for ongoing education and adherence.
Station, Apparatus, and Equipment Security
- MCFRS apparatus and stations hold sensitive equipment critical for community safety.
- Personnel must ensure the security of stations, apparatus, and equipment.
- Unit officers are accountable for the unit's security and equipment oversight.
- During emergency incidents, at least one crew member must stay with the apparatus.
- Apparatus should never be left unattended during routine tasks like inspections or shopping.
- Unattended apparatus may only be left in sight of MCFRS personnel when parked at stations.
- Stations must remain secured and responsive at all times.
- Crews must verify that bay doors close securely upon departure.
- All suspicious activities or theft must be reported immediately to the station officer.
Respiratory Protection & Cancer Risk Reduction
- Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) is mandatory in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmospheres.
- Hazardous atmospheres pose respiratory risks during MCFRS activities, including overhaul operations.
- RPE use aims to lower cancer incidence in MCFRS personnel.
- Personnel must use SCBA until a compartment is assessed free of visible smoke and meets safety criteria.
- Safety conditions must include forced-air ventilation and atmospheric testing before downgrading from SCBA.
- Required PPE during overhaul includes particulate masks, long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, helmets, and turnout pants/boots.
Incident Commander Responsibilities
- Incident Commanders verify adherence to PPE standards, ensuring no turnout gear enters rehabilitation areas and maintaining a clean environment.
- Personnel must cleanse soot from exposed skin post-operations and change clothes as soon as possible.
- Grossly contaminated gear should be cleaned before reuse and should be transported separately when feasible.
Health & Safety Procedures
- Monitoring of atmospheric conditions is crucial, particularly concerning heat index levels.
- Air quality solutions are engineered when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Elevated core body temperatures can negatively affect blood chemistry, impacting firefighting health.
- Continuous atmospheric monitoring is mandated, with readings taken every 15 minutes in compartments.
- A specific minimum sensor setup is required, including O2, CO, HCN, and PID sensors with established alarm thresholds.
Additional Protocols
- Immediate SCBA usage return is mandated if meters indicate an alarm or personnel report respiratory issues.
- Care should be exercised to maintain clean equipment and minimize soot transfer during operations.
- Resources and personnel limitations may affect the downgrade of respiratory protection protocols.
Multi-Patient Dispatch Capabilities
- Effective December 12, 2017, the Multi-Patient Dispatch includes five transport units, three ALS resources, two manpower units, one EMS Duty Officer, and Command Officer Notifications.
- The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) manages the assembly of the Multi-Patient Dispatch by combining or splitting dispatched resources.
- Three medic units can fulfill requirements for three transport and ALS resources.
- The dispatch is activated by the Incident Commander (IC) request or ECC Supervisor discretion if multiple patients are anticipated.
- Multi-Patient Dispatch personnel focus on treating, packaging, and transporting patients, staging remotely until directed to the scene by the IC.
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) Usage Protocol
- Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) come with safety features like roll-over protection and occupant enclosures.
- Key protocols include keeping body parts inside the vehicle, using seat belts, and avoiding public roadways for operations if practical.
- When crossing roads, UTVs should do so at the shortest distance possible to minimize traffic exposure, traveling adjacent to roadways where allowed.
- Operators must adhere to reasonable speed limits and stay within manufacturer specifications for operation and loading.
- UTV crews should ensure communication and accountability are maintained at all times, ideally consisting of two personnel.
Significant Incident Reporting
- Significant incidents warranting reporting include structure fires that extend beyond the room of origin, collisions requiring extended extrication, hazmat incidents requiring suited-entry, and declared mass casualty incidents.
- Protocol for After Action Reviews (AAR) is outlined in Policy and Procedure 24-01.
- FireApp narrative section modification has introduced a Significant Incident selection box for Incident Commanders to classify incidents appropriately.
Leaving Hospital Status
- From April 8, 2019, transport units must status 'Leaving Hospital' unless unavailable due to equipment issues.
- After returning to the assigned battalion, units must status as Available on Radio (AOR) to optimize availability for calls.
- Leaving Hospital status impacts AVR calculations, increasing likelihood of units being recommended for calls.
Reporting Legal and Administrative Actions
- MCFRS personnel must report license changes, violations, and convictions related to drug/alcohol offenses.
- Reporting obligations are specific to legal actions such as arrests and protective orders, required within 24 hours.
- Exceptions to the reporting timeline may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Chief.
Infection Control and Hazard Exposure Guidelines
- Guidelines are vital for personnel exposed to chemical, biological, and particulate hazards.
- Human Resources Division must maintain Department-level Infection and Exposure Control guidelines.
- At minimum, guidelines should be reviewed biennially or in line with regulatory requirements when new threats arise.
- Creation of new manuals may be initiated by the Fire Chief to address immediate health and safety threats.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for EMS
- Minimum PPE for EMS clinicians includes gloves, with eye protection and surgical masks recommended during direct patient encounters.
- Masks are mandatory when requested by patients or family, required by facilities, or during interventions for respiratory illnesses.
Multi-Patient Dispatch Capabilities
- Effective from December 12, 2017, includes five transport units, three ALS resources, two manpower units, one EMS Duty Officer, and Command Officer Notifications.
- Emergency Communications Center (ECC) can assemble the Multi-Patient Dispatch by combining or splitting resources as necessary.
- Dispatch initiated by the Incident Commander (IC) or ECC Supervisor when multiple patients are likely.
- Personnel to treat, package, and transport patients upon arrival, while staging remotely until directed by the IC.
Decontamination Methods
- Off-gassing: Gases and vapors from uniforms and equipment naturally disperse in fresh air; allowing time for off-gassing reduces personnel exposure.
- Personal decontamination: Involves removing hazardous substances from the skin using wet cloths or wipes.
- Dry decontamination: Mechanically removes particulates; larger particles brushed off before washing down.
- Wet decontamination: Utilizes water to wash away particulates, reducing inhalation risk.
- Soap and water decontamination: Mild detergent used for washing, especially effective post-fire and for unknown hazardous substances.
Decontamination Principles
- Incident Commander responsible for determining the necessity of decontamination at each incident.
- Required for structure fires with personnel exposure to smoke or hazardous substances.
- Minimization of contaminant exposure is crucial; decontamination should occur quickly post-exposure.
- Preferred method is soap and water before disconnecting SCBA facepieces.
Post Fire Decontamination Process
- Off-gassing and wet decontamination: Remove outer layers of gear and allow materials to air out.
- Personal decontamination: Use wet cloths to clean skin immediately after exposure, followed by a thorough shower with soap.
- Dry and soap/water decontamination: Wash personnel starting from chest-down, avoiding facepiece and helmet until after removal.
- Assistance among crew members emphasized for effective decontamination.
Decontamination Responsibilities
- Incident Commander and Unit Officers: Ensure completion of necessary decontamination before returning gear and personnel to the station, with proper documentation.
- Unit officers may assign a decontamination officer and ensure crews comply with decontamination protocols.
- All equipment and personal attire used in incidents must be decontaminated before returning to service.
Decontamination Officer Checklist
- Determine decontamination type and communicate with the IC.
- Assemble decontamination equipment and secure a water supply.
- Monitor personnel for emotional and physical stress and coordinate with Rehab Officer as needed.
Personal Decontamination Checklist
- Prioritize dermal exposure management, focusing on hands, neck, and exposed skin during each work cycle in hazardous areas.
- After returning to quarters, shower thoroughly focusing on hair and other vulnerable areas.
MCFRS Ambulances and Non-Medical Transports
- MCFRS ambulances are primarily for patient transportation to medical facilities, not for non-medical or law enforcement transfers.
- Non-medical transport decisions require consultation with EMS Duty Officer for approval.
ALS to BLS Downgrade Process
- Utilizes tiered EMS response and involves assessment by ALS clinicians followed by potential transfer to BLS.
- "Downgrade timeout" initiated by ALS clinician for discussions between ALS and BLS teams.
- A downgrade checklist ensures patient safety and documentation in eMEDS ELITE is mandatory for downgrade processes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the MCFRS Policy 26-06AMll regarding Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) in hazardous and IDLH atmospheres. This quiz covers definitions and applications related to respiratory hazards in various MCFRS activities, including overhaul and EMS operations.