220-03 situational awareness

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Questions and Answers

According to the provided guidelines, what is the primary goal of air management within an IDLH environment?

To actively monitor air consumption and ensure exit from the IDLH environment before the low air alarm activates. (correct)

To guarantee all teams work within an IDLH environment until a minimum air pressure of 2000 psi is reached.

To monitor individual air consumption after the activation of the low air alarm.

To ensure that SCBA cylinders are only filled to 4050 psi.

What is the most critical aspect of maintaining situational awareness for firefighters during operations, according to the provided guidelines?

Being constantly aware of air consumption rates.

Monitoring radio communications from the Incident Commander.

Maintaining orientation within the structure, including awareness of the closest exit points. (correct)

Actively assessing fire conditions and temperatures.

In accordance with the guidelines, when should firefighters announce a change in their location to the Incident Commander?

When relocating to a different floor, or exiting a structure. (correct)

Only after the low air alarm is activated.

Only when conditions become immediately dangerous.

When encountering any threat to self or others.

What specific actions are required for SCBA maintenance, as detailed in the provided guidelines?

SCBAs should be checked every morning, and after each use. Cylinders at or below 4050 psi shall be filled. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for firefighters to note the locations of all exterior doors and windows, according to these guidelines?

To have viable options for emergency exits, as the original entrance may not be accessible. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'situational awareness' encompass according to the provided guidelines?

Identifying, comprehending, analyzing, and reacting to critical information. Signup and view all the answers

According to the guidelines, who is responsible for providing progress reports during emergency operations?

Company Officers following SOG 210-01 Communications. Signup and view all the answers

Whom do these standard guidelines apply to?

All Fire Rescue and Emergency Operations personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is one criterion for an atmosphere to be considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)?

Any concentration of a substance that poses an immediate threat to life or could cause irreversible health effects. Signup and view all the answers

When entering an IDLH environment, what is the minimum air pressure a firefighter's SCBA should have?

4050 psi Signup and view all the answers

Beyond physical fitness, which of the following can affect a firefighter's air consumption rate?

Emotional stability Signup and view all the answers

When should firefighters automatically provide an air status report to their Company Officer?

Upon reaching 50% of their remaining air Signup and view all the answers

What is a Company Officer's responsibility upon notification that a firefighter has reached 50% of their remaining air?

To review the air status of the company and make a decision to stay or exit based on the person with the least amount of air. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason firefighters must exit an IDLH environment prior to the activation of their low air alarm?

To maintain the ability to escape while having an emergency air reserve for unexpected events. Signup and view all the answers

In an IDLH environment, why are 10-minute benchmarks communicated by the Communication Center useful?

They signal a good time for company officers to check on the status of their crew. Signup and view all the answers

What action should firefighters take if their low air alarm activates within an IDLH environment, against the policy?

Immediately notify their Company Officer. Signup and view all the answers

Company Officers should ensure that personnel rotate between heavy and light work positions in order to:

Equalize air consumption among company members Signup and view all the answers

Besides air consumption, which of the following are Company Officers responsible for monitoring in IDLH Environments?

Situational awareness and physical condition of their team Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Standard Operating Guideline 220-03: Situational Awareness

Purpose: Implement procedure for exiting Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments before Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) low air alarms activate.
Authority: Fire Rescue Administrator and NFPA 1404.
Application: All Emergency Operations personnel.

Situational Awareness

Definition: Identifying, understanding, analyzing, and reacting to critical information.
Key Components:
- Awareness of exits.
- Air consumption.
- Changing fire conditions.
- Scene surroundings.
Orientation: Maintain orientation within the structure, noting nearest entrances/exits (which may not be the original entry point). Note exterior doors/windows as possible exits.
Safety: Constantly check for threats to safety of self and others. Apply awareness to all incidents (medical, hazardous materials, etc.).
Reporting: Company Officers report progress according to SOG 210-01 (Communications).

Air Management

Objective: Monitor and manage air consumption while performing firefighting duties; calculate usage to exit IDLH environments before low air alarm.
Responsibilities: Individual and team-based.
SCBA Maintenance: Check SCBA cylinders every morning and after each use (per PPM FR-O-301). Fill cylinders at or below 4050 psi.
IDLH Environment Definition: Any atmosphere posing immediate threat to life, causing irreversible or delayed health effects, or hindering escape. Includes fires beyond incipient stage and atmospheres with <19.5% or >23% oxygen.

IDLH Environment Procedures

SCBA Requirement: Wear SCBA in all IDLH environments.
Pre-Entry Check: Check air pressure with company officer before entry; initial air pressure must be 4050 psi or greater.
Air Monitoring: Monitor air consumption and pressure individually.
Air Consumption Factors: Physical/emotional condition, exertion level, environment, and task.
Company Officer Responsibilities: Ensure company integrity, check air consumption, situational awareness, and physical condition; rotate heavy/light work to equalize air consumption. Use 10-minute checks per SOG 210-01.
Air Status Reporting: Announce 50% air remaining (approximately 2250 psi) to company officer.
Egress Decision: Officer reviews air status and decides to stay or initiate exit based on the person with the least air and the assigned mission/location.
Preemptive Exit: Exit the IDLH environment prior to low air alarm activation. Allows for safety margins (unexpected problems) and time for Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) rescue.
Low Air Alarm: If a low air alarm activates, immediately notify the officer. This should only occur due to equipment failure.
Mayday Procedures: Refer to SOG 220-04 if a low air alarm activates or any firefighter experiences an air emergency.

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Description

This quiz covers Standard Operating Guideline 220-03 focused on enhancing situational awareness for emergency operations personnel. It outlines critical procedures for identifying exits, air consumption, and adapting to changing fire conditions. Understanding these concepts is essential for maintaining safety in IDLH environments.