SOP 9

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of first-in units establishing 'Command' at an emergency event?

To coordinate the activities of outside agencies

To begin a systematic method of prioritizing and effectively communicating assignments (correct)

To release information to the media

To ensure the Fire Rescue Chief is informed of the incident

Which of the following is NOT one of the three priorities of the Incident Commander (IC)?

Life Safety

Property Conservation

Resource Allocation (correct)

Incident Stabilization

What is the IC responsible for in terms of the safety, accountability, and welfare of personnel at the incident?

Ensuring firefighter safety has been addressed

Preventing firefighter injuries and/or death

Providing for the safety, accountability, and welfare of personnel assigned to the incident

All of the above (correct)

When should the Incident Command Structure be developed?

The IC develops an incident command structure appropriate for the incident Signup and view all the answers

When is there no need to formally announce who is in Command at an incident?

When a single company incident occurs (e.g. trash fires, single patient EMS incidents) Signup and view all the answers

What should be the highest-ranking officer do if two units arrive at the same time?

Establish Command Signup and view all the answers

When is assumption of Command discretionary for higher seniority personnel arriving on scene?

Depending on the situation and magnitude of the incident Signup and view all the answers

For complex incidents like working structure fires, who should assume Command?

Chief officers Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for transferring Command?

Face to face Signup and view all the answers

When does Command get transferred to a more senior officer on the scene?

After completing the outlined Transfer-of-Command process Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a higher-ranking officer to assume command?

To be on the scene and utilize the Transfer-of-Command procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the initial Incident Commander until Command is transferred?

To remain in Command until Command is transferred or the incident is stabilized Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the Arrival Report/Initial Communications?

A brief description of the incident situation and obvious conditions Signup and view all the answers

In what situations does a Company Officer take on the Investigation Mode role?

For situations generally requiring investigation by the initial arriving company Signup and view all the answers

What is required in Offensive Mode?

Declaring an overall offensive strategy and working tactically with assigned crew Signup and view all the answers

When does a Company Officer assume a Defensive Mode role?

In situations requiring immediate strong, direct, overall Command Signup and view all the answers

What remains consistent throughout the duration of an incident?

"Command" designation, which remains with the officer currently in Command Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the policy?

To ensure personnel safety and improve resource utilization during emergencies Signup and view all the answers

Which personnel are subject to this policy?

All personnel of St. Johns County Fire Rescue operating in the field Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of standardized definitions in the policy?

To avoid confusion when different jurisdictions use the same term differently Signup and view all the answers

Which incident management system is adopted by St. Johns County Fire Rescue?

The Incident Command System (ICS) with modifications Signup and view all the answers

When is an Incident Commander required according to the policy?

For every applicable incident, regardless of size or complexity Signup and view all the answers

What is the policy's approach for more complex incidents?

Utilize the ICS system, overhead positions, and procedures taught in NIMS courses Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Fire Rescue Communications in terms of move-ups?

Assigning units to move-up or fill-in for committed units Signup and view all the answers

What action may be required in cases where weather conditions do not permit safe continuation of emergency activities?

Directing the withdrawal of resources Signup and view all the answers

Why should teams on an emergency scene be called by their correct apparatus name?

To avoid confusion and provide defined boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What is a common responsibility for all Company Officers upon arrival at an incident?

Maintain communications discipline Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might an Incident Safety Officer (ISO) need to respond early?

When resources are withdrawn from an incident Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to substitute resources or limit the number of assigned resources at an incident?

Battalion Chief, Section/Deputy Chief, or Fire Rescue Chief Signup and view all the answers

What does the Incident Commander (IC) typically use to designate formal positions in the Incident Command System (ICS)?

A strategic assignment Signup and view all the answers

In the ICS structure, how should a Division/Group Supervisor refer to themselves when communicating on the radio?

Geographic location Signup and view all the answers

When no formal ICS assignment is made, what radio call sign should be used by the officer/engineer of a unit like Rescue 7?

Rescue 7 Signup and view all the answers

When assigning formal positions in the ICS structure, who may be assigned to fill that new position in addition to their normal role?

Any individual assigned Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected behavior of company officers when multiple units are assigned to the same task?

Collaborate with each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard terminology used for referencing the geographic boundaries of an incident like a building?

Letters A, B, C, D, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do when assigned to an apparatus at the beginning of their shift or special detail?

Place nametag on vehicle passport board Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that all work is performed safely to protect both self and other workers?

All individuals performing work Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of the policy is to provide for the safety of personnel operating at emergency incidents through improved command and control, and to improve the use of resources and tactical effectiveness.
The policy applies to all personnel of St. Johns County Fire Rescue operating in the field.

Definitions

The policy uses standardized definitions from the nationally recognized incident management system (NIMS) or incident command system (ICS) to avoid confusion.

ICS System Adopted

The Incident Command System (ICS) is adopted for use by St. Johns County Fire Rescue, except as modified in the policy.
The policy describes the basic positions and implementation of the system.

Incident Commander

An Incident Commander (IC) is required for every applicable incident, regardless of size or complexity.
The IC has authority to substitute other resources or limit the number of resources assigned to an incident.
Limiting resources is normally done when a large incident or multiple smaller incidents have made the remaining resources scarce.

Coverage and Move-Ups

The IC is not responsible for maintaining coverage of all areas of the County or district.
The responsibility for assigning units to move-up or fill-in for committed units lies with the on-duty Battalion Chief or designated person.
Fire Rescue Communications monitors the need for staging and move-ups and coordinates with the appropriate officers.

Limitations to Incident Commander’s Authority

In natural or widespread disasters, an “Area Command” may be established to exercise direction and control of multiple incidents.
The new Incident Commander does not need to be “on scene” to relieve any existing IC.

Company Officers

Common command-related responsibilities for all Company Officers include:
- Verifying dispatch information and nametags
- Initiating Command or checking-in
- Obtaining assignment briefing from IC
- Reviewing assignments with subordinates and assigning tasks
- Coordinating activities with adjacent resources
- Keeping supervisor advised of situation and resource status
- Maintaining company integrity and safety

Radio Designations

The IC’s ability to communicate orders clearly and succinctly eliminates confusion.
Team-level tactical resources will be called by their correct apparatus name (e.g., Engine 15, Rescue 10, etc.).
Personnel arriving POV and not part of a team will be assigned to an established team or a leader designated by Command.

Command Responsibilities

The IC is responsible for the completion of strategic and tactical priorities.
The three priorities in order are:
1. Life Safety
2. Incident Stabilization
3. Property Conservation
The IC also has a fourth tactical priority to provide for the safety, accountability, and welfare of personnel assigned to the incident.

Functions of Command

The IC is responsible for:
- Assuming and announcing Command
- Evaluating the situation
- Initiating and maintaining the communications process
- Identifying the overall strategy and developing an incident action plan
- Assigning companies and personnel
- Developing an incident management organization
- Providing tactical objectives
- Reviewing and revising the incident action plan
- Providing for the continuity, transfer, and termination of Command

Strategic Goals and Tactical Objectives

The IC is responsible for determining strategic goals and tactical objectives necessary to complete the incident priorities.

Incident Command Structure

The IC develops an incident command structure appropriate for the incident.
Positions such as Safety Officer, Division Supervisor, or Planning Section Chief are filled only at the direction of the IC.

Resources

The IC assesses resource needs and orders resources as needed.
The IC deploys resources at the incident and releases unneeded resources.

Coordination

The IC coordinates overall emergency activities and coordinates with outside agencies.

Information Release

Only the Fire Rescue Chief (or designee) may release information to the media.

Establishing Command

The first unit or personnel on the scene establishes and announces Command.
The IC develops an incident command structure appropriate for the incident.

Transfer of Command

The arrival of a more senior officer on the scene does not automatically transfer Command.
Command is transferred only when the outlined Transfer-of-Command process has been completed.
The person assuming Command communicates with the person being relieved by radio or face-to-face.

General Considerations

The IC has the overall responsibility for managing an incident.
The IC has complete authority and responsibility for the incident, within the limitations of County and Department policy.
If a higher-ranking officer wants to effect a change in the management of an incident, they must relay information through the IC.### ICS Structure and Communication
Individual resources may be assigned to a Section Chief or training officer, using their individual radio designators (e.g. County 2, Training 3)
IC may elect to keep personnel together, designated by team leader's rank and name (e.g. Engineer Smith, Firefighter Jones)

Division or Group Supervisors

IC may establish Division or Group Supervisors, or other formal command staff positions, as incident expands
Individual assigned to this role will normally fill that function for the remainder of the incident
Designations will relate to strategic assignment or geographic location (e.g. "Ventilation", "Division A", "North Division", "Interior")

Assignments and Supervision

When assigned to a formal position in ICS structure, individual may be assigned to fill that new position only, or in addition to their normal assignment
Examples: Lieutenant assumes "Division A" supervisor while remaining in direct supervision of Engine 12, Captain assumes "Interior Division" supervisor and delegates Engine 8 to senior firefighter

Geographic Boundaries

Geographic boundaries of an incident will be referenced using letters A, B, C, D, etc., starting clockwise from a focal point (most often the address side of the building)
Buildings with multiple floors will be addressed as floor first, followed by assigned letter (e.g. 2-B, 4-C)

Firefighter Responsibilities

Ensure nametag is placed on vehicle passport board at the beginning of assigned shift or special detail
Determine who the Company Officer is for the shift or incident
Ensure instructions are clear and understood
Perform all work safely (to protect self and other workers)
Report accidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions to assigned officer or supervisor

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Description

Test your knowledge of the incident management system policy at St. Johns County Fire Rescue, focusing on safety measures, command and control, resource utilization, and tactical effectiveness. Learn about compliance with OSHA/EPA regulations for hazardous materials incidents.