MCFRS Respiratory Protection Policy Quiz

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.

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.