FR-A-109 Reportable Event

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Questions and Answers

What constitutes an Immediately Reportable Event (IRE)?

Any event with the potential for litigation or scrutiny. (correct)

Only incidents that result in injury or harm to personnel.

Situations that happen only during emergency calls.

Private incidents occurring outside regular duty hours.

Which action must a Fire Rescue personnel member take upon witnessing an IRE?

Report the event during the next routine meeting.

Document the event in a report before taking any action.

Discuss the incident with colleagues before notifying anyone.

Notify their supervisor immediately without compromising safety. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT an example of an Immediately Reportable Event?

Improper conduct by a Fire Rescue personnel that is reported.

An informal gathering among Fire Rescue personnel. (correct)

Equipment malfunction that led to injury.

An emergency call that resulted in property damage.

What is the initial method of notifying about an IRE?

Face-to-face or telephone communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions may a Battalion Chief take regarding personnel involved in an IRE?

Put their unit(s) out of service if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstance would an event be considered politically sensitive?

Accusations of unethical behavior by personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What criteria does NOT define an IRE related to personnel actions?

Minor injuries that do not impact operations. Signup and view all the answers

If a supervisor is not immediately available to notify regarding an IRE, what can be done?

Contact the Fire Operations Officer to make necessary notifications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the policy outlined in the document?

To define Reportable Events and outline notification and investigation procedures Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for future updates to the policy?

The PPM Committee under the authority of the Deputy Chief of Administration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the categories of Reportable Events?

Immediately Reportable Events (IRE) and Delayed Reportable Events (DRE) Signup and view all the answers

Which personnel does the policy apply to?

All personnel and reservists within Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Signup and view all the answers

What action should Fire Rescue personnel be familiar with according to the policy?

Following the mandatory notification and investigation procedures for Reportable Events Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an Immediately Reportable Event (IRE) as per the policy?

Events that are unusual, unexpected, and require immediate reporting Signup and view all the answers

What does the policy state about the relationship of this policy to other reporting requirements?

It complements and is in addition to existing reporting requirements. Signup and view all the answers

On which date did the policy become effective?

July 06, 2018 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Battalion Chief at the IRE site?

To initiate a preliminary investigation Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do with gear and equipment at the IRE location?

Leave all items undisturbed as much as practical Signup and view all the answers

What documentation should the Battalion Chief obtain during the preliminary investigation?

Statements from personnel and witnesses Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for delivering investigative materials to the Division Chief of Operations?

The District Chief Signup and view all the answers

In what manner should the Battalion Chief notify the District Chief after an incident?

By phone when possible, followed by email Signup and view all the answers

What measures should be taken regarding items secured by the Battalion Chief at the IRE site?

They must be documented and sketches made if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected action regarding personnel after the investigation is complete?

They may be put back into service as soon as practical Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the items relevant to the incident once the investigations are concluded?

They remain under the Battalion Chief's control until further notice Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the personnel who first reported the event?

To complete and submit the Delayed Reportable Event form on SharePoint Signup and view all the answers

What action must the Battalion Chief take before the end of the shift?

Notify the appropriate District Chief by email Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances may the Battalion Chief decide to conduct an on-scene investigation?

At their discretion based on the situation Signup and view all the answers

Who initiates a meeting to ascertain the need for an investigation following a Delayed Reportable Event?

The Division Chief of Operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a potential action after an event is reported?

Initiating a formal safety training session Signup and view all the answers

What type of analysis might be initiated as part of the follow-up to a reported event?

CQI analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Battalion Chief regarding items associated with the event?

To secure them for potential examination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a formal investigation that may be initiated?

Qualitative Risk Assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which entity is responsible for receiving the Immediately Reportable Event form after it is submitted?

District Chiefs Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential action that the Division Chief of Operations may take following a reportable event?

Initiate a Notice of Formal Investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in the definition of a Delayed Reportable Event?

An inaction that had the potential to harm but resulted in no harm Signup and view all the answers

Which officer does the Immediately Reportable Event form NOT automatically forward to?

Public Relations Officer Signup and view all the answers

What might be included in a Safety Committee's investigation following a reported event?

Analyzing the causes of an event Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT one of the items the Division Chief of Operations may investigate?

Involvement of external agencies Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is classified under Delayed Reportable Events?

Potential harm without resultant injury Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities falls to the Battalion Chief at the end of their shift?

Complete the Immediately Reportable Event form Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between the two categories of Reportable Events?

Immediately Reportable Events require immediate action, while Delayed Reportable Events do not. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would typically classify as a Delayed Reportable Event?

A minor incident that was not initially reported but is later brought up for review. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is TRUE regarding Immediately Reportable Events (IRE)?

IREs must be addressed immediately due to their serious nature. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the characteristics of an Immediately Reportable Event?

An event that requires immediate notification due to its serious implications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of having two categories of Reportable Events?

To establish a clear protocol for handling urgent vs. non-urgent incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial method of notifying about an Immediately Reportable Event (IRE)?

Face-to-face or telephone Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Battalion Chief following the initial notification of an IRE?

To forward the notification through the chain-of-command Signup and view all the answers

To what level should the IRE notification be forwarded initially?

Battalion Chief level Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the initial notification regarding an IRE?

To ensure immediate action and communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of initial IRE notification?

Written memorandum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of the District Chief regarding investigative material?

To deliver all investigative material to the Division Chief of Operations Signup and view all the answers

When should the District Chief deliver the investigative material to the Division Chief of Operations?

As soon as possible during normal business hours Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if the District Chief fails to deliver the investigative material promptly?

The District Chief may face disciplinary actions Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the District Chief to deliver the investigative material to the Division Chief of Operations?

To facilitate an immediate response and further investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the ideal timing for the District Chief's delivery of investigative material?

As soon as possible during normal business hours Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for completing and submitting the Delayed Reportable Event form?

The firefighter who first reported the event Signup and view all the answers

When must the Delayed Reportable Event form be submitted?

Before the end of the shift Signup and view all the answers

What platform should the Delayed Reportable Event form be submitted on?

SharePoint Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Delayed Reportable Event form is not submitted on time?

There may be disciplinary action Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the personnel who first reported the event in relation to the Delayed Reportable Event?

To complete and submit the event form Signup and view all the answers

What must the Battalion Chief complete and submit by the end of the shift?

Immediately Reportable Event form Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Immediately Reportable Event form located?

On SharePoint Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT required of the Battalion Chief at the end of the shift?

Conduct a debriefing with the team Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Battalion Chief regarding the Immediately Reportable Event form?

To complete and submit the form by the end of the shift Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary timeframe for submitting the Immediately Reportable Event form?

By the end of the shift Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reportable Event Policy Overview

Purpose: Define Reportable Events and outline mandatory notification and investigation procedures.
Effective Date: Policy enacted on July 6, 2018; initially issued on October 1, 2012.
Scope: Applicable to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.

Authority and Responsibility

Updates to the policy are managed by the Deputy Chief of Administration in collaboration with the PPM Committee under the Fire Rescue Administrator’s authority.

Types of Reportable Events

Two categories identified:
- Immediately Reportable Events (IRE)
- Delayed Reportable Events (DRE)

Immediately Reportable Events (IRE)

Definition: Events where personnel actions or failures lead to harm or have legal or political ramifications.
Examples include:
- Harm to a citizen or Fire Rescue personnel due to actions or equipment failure.
- Illegal, unethical, or immoral events.
- Events that could attract media attention or litigation.
Procedure for Reporting:
- Notify a supervisor immediately, ensuring safety is not compromised.
- Initial notification via phone or face-to-face communication through the chain of command.
- Secure the scene and related materials for investigation.
- Battalion Chief initiates a preliminary investigation, gathers statements, sketches, and takes pictures.
- By the end of the shift, notify the District Chief and submit an IRE form via SharePoint.

Delayed Reportable Events (DRE)

Definition: Events that had the potential to cause harm but resulted in no actual harm.
Examples include potential harm from actions or equipment failures without resulting injuries.
Procedure for Reporting:
- Reporting method mirrors that of IRE with discretion by the Battalion Chief regarding on-scene investigations.
- Notification to the District Chief via email before the end of the shift.
- Involved personnel must complete and submit a DRE form on SharePoint.

Investigation Initiatives

Division Chief of Operations leads meetings to assess the need for further investigations, which may include:
- Additional investigations or analyses.
- Formal investigations or criminal inquiries.
- Notifications to State EMS Office.

Documentation and Follow-up

Documentation of all events is crucial; SharePoint streamlines the notification and reporting process to relevant authorities.
Retention of security over any items connected to the Reportable Events is emphasized for thorough investigations.

Overview of Reportable Events Policy

Purpose: Define Reportable Events and outline mandatory notification and investigation procedures for Fire Rescue personnel.
Applies to: All Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.

Reportable Events Defined

Two categories exist:
- Immediately Reportable Event (IRE): Unusual, unexpected incidents during operations, potentially harmful.
- Delayed Reportable Event (DRE): Incidents that had potential harm but did not result in actual harm.

Immediately Reportable Events (IRE)

Examples:
- Actions causing harm to citizens or personnel.
- Equipment failures leading to harm.
- Illegal, unethical, or immoral incidents.
- Situations with potential for litigation.
- Events with political implications or media scrutiny.
Notification Procedure:
- Witnesses must notify a supervisor as soon as possible, prioritizing safety.
- Initial communication via telephone or face-to-face through the chain of command to at least the Battalion Chief.
- Required security of all items related to the event until investigation.

Investigation Procedures for IRE

Preliminary investigations initiated by Battalion Chief at the event site.
Obtain statements and contact information from witnesses and involved personnel.
Document scene with sketches and photographs.
Submission of the Immediately Reportable Event form before shift end.
Notify District Chief by phone and follow-up email with investigation details.
Division Chief of Operations to evaluate need for further investigation.

Delayed Reportable Events (DRE)

Definition: Events that had the potential to cause harm but resulted in none.
Examples:
- Actions or equipment failures posing a risk without resulting in injury.
Notification Process: Same reporting procedures as IRE, but with the Battalion Chief’s discretion regarding on-scene investigations.

General Procedures

Notifications and investigations do not supersede existing reporting requirements.
New or amended policies processed by the Deputy Chief of Administration and the PPM Committee.
Updates managed by the Fire Rescue Administrator.

Attachments

Attachment A contains details specific to Reportable Events, referring to categories and examples.

Governance

Policy initially issued on October 1, 2012, with updates and reviews conducted since then by relevant authorities.

IRE Notification Process

Initial notification of an Incident Reporting Event (IRE) occurs via telephone or face-to-face communication.
The notification must be relayed through the chain of command systematically.
Notification continues up to the level of Battalion Chief.
Higher-level notifications follow as described in subsequent procedures.

Purpose of Reportable Events Policy

Defines what qualifies as a Reportable Event.
Outlines mandatory notification and investigation procedures.

Policy Scope

Applicable to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.

Reporting Event Categories

Immediately Reportable Event (IRE): Events occurring at any time that include serious incidents involving harm, ethical breaches, or potential litigation.
Delayed Reportable Event (DRE): Events involving potential harm that did not result in actual injury.

IRE Notification and Investigation Procedure

Immediate notification by any personnel aware of an IRE to their supervisor via phone or face-to-face.
Supervisors must ensure safety while reporting; if unavailable, Battalion Chief may be contacted directly.
Personnel involved can suspend operations if deemed necessary by the Battalion Chief.
All gear and relevant items must remain secured and undisturbed for investigation.
Battalion Chief must conduct a preliminary investigation, gather witness statements, and document the scene with sketches and photos.
Notify District Chief by phone and email by the end of the shift.
Complete and submit the IRE form on SharePoint for automatic distribution to relevant supervisory and investigation personnel.

DRE Notification and Investigation Procedure

Notification follows the same immediate reporting process as IRE but involves different criteria.
Focuses on events that could have resulted in harm but did not.
Requires the same chain of command notifications and investigation steps as IRE with less urgency.

Responsibilities

Updates to the policy are managed by the Deputy Chief of Administration and the PPM Committee.
Division Chief of Operations coordinates further investigations if necessary.

Documentation and Follow-Up

All investigative materials must be delivered to the Division Chief of Operations during normal business hours.
Investigations may include a range of analyses or investigations, including CQI, Safety Committee, and potential criminal inquiries.

Policy Supersession History

The current PPM (#FR-A-109) evolves from previous policies with continuous improvement for clarity and efficacy in reporting.

Reportable Events Policy Overview

Defines Reportable Events and outlines mandatory notification and investigation procedures.
Applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.

Event Categories

Immediately Reportable Event (IRE): Any event occurring anytime that could cause harm or has other significant implications.
Delayed Reportable Event (DRE): Incidents that had the potential for harm but did not result in actual harm.

Key Responsibilities

Fire Rescue personnel must know qualifying Reportable Events and adhere to set procedures.
The Deputy Chief of Administration manages updates to the policy with the PPM Committee.

IRE Characteristics

Includes personnel action or inaction causing harm, equipment failures, illegal or unethical actions, potential litigation risks, politically sensitive events, and those attracting media scrutiny.

IRE Notification Procedure

Immediate notification by the witnessing personnel to their supervisor.
Notifications should begin via telephone or face-to-face and escalate through the chain of command.
A Battalion Chief may be contacted directly if immediate supervisors are unavailable.

IRE Investigation Steps

A preliminary investigation is initiated by the Battalion Chief at the scene.
Personnel can secure related gear and equipment while ensuring scene integrity.
Obtain statements from involved personnel and witnesses, and document the scene with sketches and photographs.
By the end of the shift, the Battalion Chief must notify the appropriate District Chief and complete the IRE form on SharePoint for record-keeping.

DRE Characteristics

Involves personnel actions or equipment failures that had potential harm but resulted in none.
Notification and investigation procedures for DRE mirror those of IRE after initial reporting.

DRE Notification and Reporting

The first individual to report a DRE is responsible for submitting the Delayed Reportable Event form on SharePoint by the end of the shift.

Investigation Oversight

Division Chief of Operations may call a meeting with supervisory staff to determine the necessity for further investigation, potentially including CQI, safety, or criminal investigations, and necessary state notifications.

Authority and Updates

Fire Rescue Administrator holds authority; further updates to the policy are managed by designated personnel.
Supersedes previous policies related to reporting events and ensures a clear reporting framework for unusual events.

Reportable Event Policy Overview

Purpose: Define Reportable Events and outline notification and investigation procedures.
Authority: Issued by Fire Rescue Administrator; updates managed by the Deputy Chief of Administration with the PPM Committee.
Scope: Applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.

Categories of Reportable Events

Immediately Reportable Event (IRE)
- Events during emergency calls, training, or public education causing harm or potential litigation.
- Examples include personnel actions causing harm, equipment failures, illegal actions, and events with political sensitivity.
- Mandatory notification procedures and on-scene investigations must be followed.
Delayed Reportable Event (DRE)
- Events that had the potential for harm but resulted in none, including personnel actions or equipment failures.
- Follow similar notification procedures as IRE, but with discretion for on-scene investigation.

Notification Procedures

For IRE, personnel must notify a supervisor immediately, primarily through phone or face-to-face.
If unavailable, contact the Battalion Chief directly or through the Fire Operations Officer.
The Battalion Chief initiates preliminary investigations, secures evidence, and contacts the District Chief by the end of the shift.
For DRE, a submission via SharePoint is required before the end of the shift.

Investigation Procedures

For an IRE, Battalion Chief gathers statements, sketches, and photographs at the scene and ensures items related to the event are secured.
A meeting with supervisory staff will determine if further investigation or analysis is needed.
DRE investigations are less immediate but still require documentation of the event and personnel actions taken.

Reporting and Accountability

All reportable events must be documented using designated forms on SharePoint, ensuring accountability and tracking.
The Division Chief of Operations is responsible for coordinating further investigations and reporting obligations to external authorities as required.

Supersession History

Previous policies include PPM# FR I-78 and clerical updates, emphasizing the evolution of reporting protocols over time.

Key Roles

Fire Rescue Administrator: Oversees policy and updates.
Deputy Chief of Administration: Manages policy updates and evaluations.
Battalion Chief: Leads immediate response and investigation for reportable events.
District Chief: Receives notifications and documentation from Battalion Chiefs.
Division Chief of Operations: Coordinates investigations and formal reviews of events.

Important Considerations

Prompt and accurate reporting is critical to ensure transparency, safety, and accountability for Fire Rescue personnel and the community.
The policy emphasizes the importance of a well-defined procedure for handling high-risk events to protect personnel and public welfare.

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Description

This quiz covers the protocols and guidelines related to reportable events as outlined in Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's official documentation. Understand the significance of these events and the procedures for reporting them properly. Aimed at ensuring all personnel are informed and compliant with the established standards.