SAFD Civil Demonstration SOP

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Questions and Answers

What is the first action personnel should take to prevent unauthorized entry during an incident?

Wear only standard uniforms

Position apparatus aggressively

Secure the station (correct)

Use sirens and warning lights

What should EMS personnel wear in the affected area during a civil disturbance?

RTF gear provided (correct)

Turnout coats without closures

Gloves and boots at all times

Standard uniforms only

What is NOT permitted as a crowd control strategy in the affected area?

Communication with affected individuals

Verbal de-escalation techniques

Using fire hoses (correct)

Physical arrests by LE

In the event that conditions present an unreasonable risk, what should the Officer do?

Leave the area using the fastest route Signup and view all the answers

What should units do if the situation becomes fluid?

Monitor radio channels for guidance Signup and view all the answers

How should personnel react to avoid escalating tensions with the crowd?

Keep common sense and avoid hostile interactions Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured before committing Fire and EMS units to the affected area?

LE investigations and verification of necessity Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position for apparatus during civil unrest?

At intersections for rapid exit if needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Task Force Commander during operations?

To position the apparatus and determine the firefighting tactics Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary objective during fire ground operations under civil unrest conditions?

Control and containment of the fire Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can firefighting operations initiate within a hot zone?

After LE officers secure the perimeter Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol for handling patients in the hot zone?

To consider patients as 'load and go' and move them quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety protocol for SAFD personnel during civil unrest situations?

To avoid entering any hostile crowd at all times Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with fire hoses if an evacuation order is given during operations?

Leave hoses and equipment on the scene if not safely retrievable Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of communications during incidents of civil unrest?

To monitor protestor movements and report on demand Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method of fire control during defensive firefighting operations?

Using master streams and exterior hand lines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Battalion Chief/Medical Officer during a civil unrest situation?

Ensure that all orders related to the procedure are followed in their battalions Signup and view all the answers

What is required from Company Officers and EMS Personnel if their station is located in the disturbance area?

Close the station doors and remain inside until further notice Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the actions that should be taken to prepare for a Task Force deployment?

Stage Task Forces at SAFD locations near but not in the hot zone Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT part of the responsibilities of the Battalion Chief/Medical Officer during a civil disturbance?

Conduct emergency medical procedures on-site Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with companies that are not engaged in emergency activities during a civil disturbance?

Instruct them to return to their respective stations Signup and view all the answers

How should information about the disturbance area be communicated to personnel under a Battalion Chief's command?

Through regular updates as they become available Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration for staging Task Forces during unrest?

Use locations close to the hot zone, but outside of it Signup and view all the answers

Which is true about the movement of personnel and apparatus during a civil disturbance?

Relocate personnel and apparatus from immediate stations if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Battalion Chief/Medical Officer after confirming a civil disturbance?

Carry out all orders related to the situation in their battalion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main condition under which EMS personnel are allowed to enter a crowd during an EMS response?

With the approval of Unified Area Command. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the CO2 extinguisher in scenarios involving protestors?

It should not be used to spray protestors. Signup and view all the answers

What should Company Officers do if their station is located in the vicinity of a civil disturbance?

Ensure fire station doors are closed and remain inside Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken by personnel when notified of a civil disturbance?

Return to their respective stations if not engaged in emergencies Signup and view all the answers

What factors may influence an Incident Commander's decision to withdraw units during civil unrest?

Deteriorating conditions at the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first consideration for Fire Shift Commanders during a period of civil unrest?

To discontinue the use of squads if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect when relocating personnel and apparatus during a civil disturbance?

Ensure the relocation does not escalate tensions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the staging of Task Forces during a civil disturbance?

Task Forces should be staged at SAFD locations near the hot zone but outside of it Signup and view all the answers

What must be worn by SAFD members for protection during a riot situation?

Ballistic vests under bunker gear when supplied. Signup and view all the answers

What is one responsibility of Company Officers during a civil disturbance notification?

Ensure that members follow compliance directives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary safety concern for firefighting personnel during a riot?

Physical injury from thrown objects and weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for handling task force units once a patient is prepared for transport?

They all go with the ambulance. Signup and view all the answers

What procedure should Battalion Chiefs follow after the disturbance confirmation?

Provide periodic updates about conditions as they arise Signup and view all the answers

How should information regarding tactical operations be communicated among firefighting personnel?

By the Incident Commander to all assembled personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential action to take when assessing the need for resources for Task Forces in potential civil unrest?

Gather RTF equipment tailored for Task Force units Signup and view all the answers

What should be the preferred strategy during firefighting operations unless there is a life hazard?

Quick knock down using master streams Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should units bypass auto and rubbish fires?

When they do not pose an imminent exposure threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when multiple alarms are required in a hot zone?

Respond to a rallying point for escort and protection Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a fire station must be temporarily abandoned due to safety concerns?

Remove the company from the area as authorized by the ranking officer Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration for personnel operating in the hot zone during high-stress situations?

Monitoring the physical and mental status of response personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the prescribed approach regarding overhauling after a fire is knocked down?

Avoid any overhauling to prevent rekindling risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key tactical consideration during fire response in a civil unrest situation?

Enforcing strict overhauling protocols Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the radio microphone if it becomes necessary to abandon an apparatus?

Remove it before immobilizing the apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the HOT ZONE during civil unrest?

An exclusion zone with limited access for civilian vehicles. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a WARM ZONE?

A zone indicating potential risks with observable instability signs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Fusion Center?

To coordinate and collaborate with different agencies for strategic threat assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What components make up a Fire Task Force?

2 Engines, 1 Ladder, and 1 Battalion Chief with an aide. Signup and view all the answers

Which body coordinates the Contingency of Operations Plan during an incident?

The Emergency Operations Center. Signup and view all the answers

When operating in a Task Force, what is a key operational requirement?

The task force responds as a single unit and should not be dispersed. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a COLD ZONE from other safety zones?

It has little likelihood of unrest and is considered completely safe. Signup and view all the answers

How is the personnel deployment structured at a Fusion Center?

Personnel from several emergency response agencies gather to establish a command post. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing company officers must do when ordered to abandon their station?

Take all portable radios and battery chargers Signup and view all the answers

What action must company officers NOT take when abandoning their station?

Leave behind SCBA cylinders Signup and view all the answers

How should personal vehicles be managed if the station lacks secure parking?

Move personal vehicles inside the apparatus floor Signup and view all the answers

What is required of all fire department resources during an incident of civil unrest?

Stage in a safe area until secured by law enforcement Signup and view all the answers

What must company officers do with their personal vehicles when abandoning the station?

Store them in a secured area if available Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT occur when a station is abandoned?

Any member must remain behind Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should apparatus be left unattended?

In a hot zone Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel remaining with the apparatus be during an incident of civil unrest?

Paired at a minimum for safety Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

SAFD Response Procedures for Civil Disturbances

SAFD Unit Routing:
- Units will follow MDT routing to avoid driving through the hot zone
- Communications will monitor developments and provide alternate routes to avoid obstructions
SAFD Task Force Deployment:
- Units will be dispatched as a Task Force
- Task Force will assemble at a rallying point with PD units for incident protection
- Communications may provide routes to the responding Task Force via phone
Patient Handling in the Hot Zone:
- Patients inside the hot zone will be considered "load and go"
- Units will exit the hot zone as soon as possible
- Treatment will continue outside the hot zone and during transit
- SAFD personnel will not enter hostile crowds

Fireground Operations

Safety First:
- Life safety is the top priority, including firefighter safety
- Perimeter security will be established by LE officers before firefighting operations
- Hydrant connections are only permitted in the secured area
Defensive Firefighting Tactics:
- Task Force Commander will position apparatus and determine tactics
- Master streams and exterior hand lines are preferred for defensive fire control
- Control and containment are the primary objectives
- Laddering and roof operations are for known occupant rescue in imminent danger only
Apparatus Positioning and Evacuation:
- Apparatus will be positioned for rapid evacuation
- If evacuation ordered, personnel will prioritize retrieving nozzles and equipment
- Hydrants will be shut down if safe; otherwise, equipment will be left on scene
- Task Force must remain intact

EMS Operations

Emergency Response:
- EMS calls in the hot zone may be related to unrest or other emergencies
- Station will be secured to prevent unauthorized entry
- All personnel will wear protective clothing with turnout coats closed while in service
- Apparatus drivers are exempt from gloves and boots
- EMS personnel will wear RTF gear
- All personnel will ride in the cab with windows closed
Communication and Warning:
- Communication of witnessed changes in conditions is crucial
- Warning lights, sirens, and air horns will not be used in the affected area
- Apparatus will be positioned at intersections for quick exit
- Caution and common sense are key to avoid escalating tensions
- Hostile verbal exchanges, aggressive gestures, and physical contact are prohibited
- Assignments should be completed and the scene left as quickly as possible
- Water lines and tools are forbidden for crowd control. Crowd control is an LE function only.
- If conditions pose an unreasonable risk, units will leave the area immediately and notify Communications.
- Units should not be left unattended; however, if abandonment is necessary for safety, try to turn off the engine and in-service switch.

Response Considerations

Flexibility and Communication:
- Response will vary based on the severity and area affected
- The hot zone will be established in the CAD
- Units should monitor radio channels and MDT notes for guidance
- Unified Area Command will verify the need for Fire and EMS responses before dispatch
Task Force Management:
- LE escorts will be assigned to all FD units in the affected area
- MSOU assessment will be conducted for SAPD operations
- RTF equipment will be gathered for Task Force units
- Notifications will be made to stations in or near the affected area
- Task Forces will be assembled based on the situation
- Task Forces will stage at SAFD locations near the hot zone but outside it
- Relocation of personnel and apparatus from the affected area may be necessary

Battalion Chief / Medic Officer Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Battalion Chiefs / Medic Officers will ensure orders are carried out in their Battalions
- They will ensure out-of-service companies return to their stations
- They will notify companies of the disturbance location and conditions
- They will provide periodic updates as they become available
Command Post Support:
- If assigned by Unified Command, they will respond to the LE Command Post
- They will conduct an on-scene assessment, including:
  - Identifying the Forward or Incident Command Post
  - Assessing the LE evaluation of the situation and response levels
  - Determining assistance required from the FD, including Medic unit assignment to the Command Post

Company Officer and EMS Personnel Responsibilities

Station Security and Compliance:
- Company Officers and EMS personnel will ensure compliance with directives
- If the station is in the affected area, doors will be closed, and members will remain inside

Safety Zones

Hot Zone: An area of civil unrest where civilian vehicle access is denied, and fire department vehicles will not enter unless accompanied by law enforcement escorts.
Warm Zone: An area that is relatively safe for emergency responder operations but could become unstable.
Cold Zone: A safe area with little likelihood of unrest.

Fusion Center

Focuses on coordination and collaboration with different agencies to provide a better strategic picture of current events and threats.
Houses the Unified Area Command Post, where representatives from emergency response agencies work together.
The Fire Department personnel at the Fusion Center include the On-duty FSC, On-duty MSC, Fire Communications personnel, and the Arson/Fusion Division Chief.

Emergency Operations Center

The point where Elected Officials, Public Safety and City Leadership meet to coordinate Contingency of Operations Plan during civil unrest or riot events.

Task Force

A unified group of apparatus and personnel assembled in response to a civil unrest/riot condition.
Fire Task Force: Consists of 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, and 1 Battalion Chief with an aide.
Medical Task Force: Consists of 1 Medic Unit, 1 Engine, and 1 MOF.
Law enforcement protection will be added to these Task Forces during times of Civil Disturbance or Civil Unrest.

Responsibilities of Battalion Chiefs/Medic Officers

Ensure that all orders relative to the civil unrest procedure are carried out.
Ensure that companies not engaged in emergency activities return to their stations.
Notify officers of companies under their command of the location, nature, and conditions of the disturbance area.
Conduct an on-scene assessment of conditions including the location of the Forward or Incident Command Post, the LE evaluation of the situation, and assistance required from the FD.

Company Officers and EMS Personnel Responsibilities

If the station is in the area of the disturbance, fire station doors will be closed, and members will remain inside.
Task force units remain together throughout an EMS response.
LE personnel should bring the patient to a casualty collection point for medical care.
If it is necessary to enter the crowd, a Rescue Task Force (RTF) should be assembled and operate the same as the Active Shooter response with adequate LE personnel.
Once a patient/victim is extracted and prepared for transport, all task force units go with the ambulance.

Additional Considerations

Riot conditions present extreme hazards to firefighting personnel, including potential for physical injury from weapons.
Ballistic vests will be worn under bunker gear by all members.
A tarp and CO2 or Dry Chemical extinguisher should be stored in the apparatus cab for protection from thrown objects.
CO2 extinguishers are not to be used to spray protestors.
Fire Shift Commanders should make the decision to discontinue the use of squads during the time of unrest.
SAFD units will not commit to any fire attack until the Incident Commander has assessed the situation and determined an appropriate strategy and safety.
The most effective tactical considerations for firefighting during riots may include:
- Using master streams from deck guns for exterior attacks unless a life hazard is present.
- No interior firefighting unless necessary for rescue.
- Leaving fires without exposure hazards to burn.
- Responding only to structure fires.
- Not attempting overhauling after a fire is knocked down.
- Removing the apparatus radio microphone and immobilizing the apparatus if it becomes necessary to abandon it.
- Rallying additional companies at a designated point for LE escort and force protection.
- Monitoring the physical and mental status of response personnel and providing relief companies as deemed appropriate.

Abandoning Fire Stations

During a large-scale disorder or riot, it may become necessary to temporarily abandon fire stations due to safety considerations.
The ranking officer at the station has the authority to remove the company from the area if the safety of firefighters and equipment cannot be assured.
The decision to abandon may also be made by the Fire Shift Commander at the Unified Area Command Post after consultation with LE.
Companies abandoning a station will notify Communications and their Battalion Chief of their actions and proceed to the closest fire station in a safe area.
Company officers, when ordered to abandon their station, will carry out the following actions:
- Take all portable radios and battery chargers with them.
- Take any cellular phones and battery chargers.
- Take all SCBA cylinders (bottles) on board the apparatus.
- Take Commanding Officers Journal, Company logbook and Company run book.
- Take bunker gear of all on-duty members.
- Lock all station doors, windows, lockers, and the parking lot gate.
- Secure and lock the station.
- All members are to leave on FD apparatus when abandoning a station.
- Personal vehicles should be stored in a locked parking area.
- If the station has no secure parking, then personal vehicles may be moved inside to the apparatus floor before leaving.
- Provisions should be made for the removal of personal vehicles to a safe location at the earliest convenience depending on conditions.

Additional Force Protection Measures

The fire department incident commander shall stage all fire department resources in a safe area until the law enforcement agency has secured the scene.
When violence occurs after emergency operations, the fire department incident commander shall either secure immediate law enforcement agency protection or withdraw all fire department members to a safe staging area.
Apparatus should never be left unattended in a hot zone.
Personnel remaining with the apparatus should be at a minimum paired.

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Description

This quiz covers the SAFD response procedures during civil disturbances, focusing on unit routing, task force deployment, and patient handling in hazardous zones. Participants will learn the protocols for ensuring safety within the hot zone and the essential steps taken by emergency responders. Test your knowledge on these critical operational procedures.