Support Engine: Fire Apparatus Protocols

• Support Engine: Fire apparatus with a pump, dispatched after confirmation of working incident conditions to supplement Command or support staff.

Alarm Response

• Upon determination of a “Working Incident” by Command, an additional Engine will be dispatched.
• The unit goes Enroute on channel one (1) and then switches to the Command channel to monitor event traffic.
• The unit should ask Fire if they are responding as the Support Engine if not told by dispatch while on channel one (1).

Arrival

• Upon arrival, the unit broadcasts:
  • Unit Designation
  • Arrival as Support Engine
  • Direction of Travel
  • Number of personnel if less than or more than four (4)
• The Support Engine Officer confirms the staging area location with Command, if already determined, or identifies a suitable location and confirms it with Command.

Initial Assignments - Engine Officer

• Primary Assignment: Incident Safety Officer
• Optional Assignments: Deputy Incident Commander / Div./Group Supervisor
• Responsibilities include assuming the role of Incident Safety Officer unless directed otherwise by Command.
• Reports to the Command Post, receives briefing on incident strategy, resource allocation, and progress toward tactical benchmarks.
• Conducts 360° size-up and confirms location/operation of resources. Confirms strategy matches observed conditions.
• Ensures RIC is assigned and ready for deployment.
• Identifies collapse potential and advises Command of the need/size of collapse zone if not already established.
• Ensures personnel have proper protective equipment and are operating safely.
• Remains alert, uninvolved in tasks, and monitors radio traffic, requesting Assistant I.S.O.’s if necessary.

Apparatus Driver/Operator (Engineer)

• Primary Assignment: Staging Area Manager
• Optional Assignment: Acting Officer for balance of Support Engine
• Responsibilities include assuming the role of Staging Area Manager (SAM) unless directed otherwise.
• Reports to Command Post, retrieves SAM packet, and records all resources assigned to the scene.
• Evaluates or establishes the staging area, working with Command to determine minimum asset levels.
• Confirms the process for ordering additional resources, staging radio channel, and communication chain.
• Establishes a check-in process and tracks all resources arriving/leaving the staging area.
• Determines logistical needs for staging and assigned personnel, maintaining a unit log.

Firefighter(s) Positions C & D

• Primary Assignment: Welfare Unit (Force medical and rehab)
• Optional Assignments: Div. /Group Resource / Assistant ISO(s)
• Responsibilities include augmenting or establishing a Rehab/Welfare unit unless directed otherwise.
• Identifies a suitable location for the welfare/rehab area and ensures basic medical assessment tools are on hand.
• Tracks all resources’ arrival and departure and determines logistical needs for the welfare/rehab area.
• Maintains a unit log; may assist with deploying air, hydration, and/or lighting to remote areas.

Note

• Command may utilize the Support Engine in a tactical capacity if needed immediately, but should request an additional Engine from dispatch to replace the assigned unit.

Protocols for a support engine dispatched to a working incident. Includes alarm response procedures such as proper channel usage and communication with command. Also covers arrival protocols and initial officer assignments like incident safety officer.