TFS Violence Incident Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What action is taken when the Communications Centre receives a "Code 1"?

The Communications Centre will request identification from the radio user.

The Communications Centre will provide a verbal update via radio and update the MDT.

The Communications Centre attempts to contact the apparatus driver to determine the location.

A District Chief and the Platoon Chief are dispatched to the emergency scene. (correct)

When is a "Code 2" used?

When the radio user is not clear and their identity needs to be confirmed.

When the Communications Centre receives information related to a safety issue that may potentially involve a violent patient or situation after apparatus arrive on scene.

When the Communications Centre needs to relay information to the Incident Commander or crew at the scene, requiring discretion due to a scene safety issue. (correct)

When the location of the crew is not clear and needs to be determined.

If a radio user transmits "Code 1", how does the Communications Centre confirm the location?

By requesting identification from the radio user.

By using the MDT to track the location of the apparatus.

By asking the radio user directly for their location.

By contacting the apparatus driver through a different radio channel. (correct)

What action should the TFS Incident Commander take if TFS personnel sustain injuries due to a violent incident?

Notify the TFS Communications Centre Officer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the emergency button on the radio?

To retransmit the ID to the Communications Centre. Signup and view all the answers

According to the document, whose primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of Toronto Fire Services personnel during a violent incident?

Company Officers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of this document?

To provide guidance to TFS personnel on how to respond to situations involving violence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used by Toronto Fire Communications to relay information about a potentially violent incident to responding crews?

Updating the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) in the fire engine. Signup and view all the answers

When is the Incident Commander responsible for liaising with other First Responders?

When the Incident Commander determines there is a potential for violence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the signal used by Toronto Fire Communications to notify the Incident Commander of potential danger?

A 'Code 2' alert Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ongoing risk assessments mentioned in the document?

To ensure the safety of firefighters and other responders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a responsibility of Company Officers in this document?

Coordinating with other first responders on the scene. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the document stating that Toronto Fire Services is concerned about the safety of its employees?

To emphasize the importance of following these guidelines for employee safety. Signup and view all the answers

What should crews be able to visualize from the Staging Area?

Access and egress points Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action crews must take once they decide to Stage?

Make contact with Toronto Fire Communications Signup and view all the answers

Which factors must be considered when evaluating the reasons for problematic behavior?

Metabolic causes of combative behavior Signup and view all the answers

Upon arrival at the scene, who is responsible for performing an assessment of the environment?

The Company Officer Signup and view all the answers

What must the Company Officer ensure regarding the scene environment?

That it is safe with no dangers present Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if danger exists or uncertainty about safety arises?

Request assistance from Toronto Police Services Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the apparatus driver after the Company Officer has exited the vehicle?

To monitor the on-board MDT for communications Signup and view all the answers

Which recommendation should be considered when responding to known violent situations?

The location for TFS to set up base Signup and view all the answers

What factor may influence the decision to turn off sirens and emergency lights?

Proximity to the call Signup and view all the answers

What may the Company Officer identify during their assessment upon arriving at the scene?

Potential hazards to crew, patient, and public Signup and view all the answers

What should TFS Incident Commanders do if an incident becomes violent?

Retreat crews to a safe location and advise the communication centre. Signup and view all the answers

What information must accompany a request for police assistance?

A reason for the assistance request. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Code 1 in TFS communication?

To request the immediate presence of police due to firefighters' safety concerns. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation may NOT typically warrant a request for police assistance?

A minor traffic accident without injuries. Signup and view all the answers

When should mobile crisis intervention teams (MCIT) be requested?

When dealing with Persons in Crisis incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in responding to a violent situation?

Relocate crews to a safe staging area. Signup and view all the answers

What must TFS do if police are requested for an incident?

Document the request in the incident record. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of TFS Incident Commanders during a violent incident?

Coordinate with police, providing them with details. Signup and view all the answers

How should TFS personnel identify themselves when using Code 1?

No identification is necessary in the message. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after a 'Code 1' is acknowledged by the communications centre?

Dispatch will call police and state 'firefighter in danger.' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor to assess for safety risks during a response to an incident?

Use of protective gear Signup and view all the answers

What should the Company Officer do if there is a visible safety risk upon arrival at the scene?

Move the crew and apparatus to a Staging Area Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding high-rise building responses with threats of violence?

Taking stairs is recommended when threats are present. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Occupational Health and Safety Act state regarding firefighters' responsibility for work refusal?

Firefighters are excluded from refusing work in inherent risky situations. Signup and view all the answers

Upon arrival at an incident scene, which action is crucial for the Company Officer?

Visualize the incident scene for safety risks. Signup and view all the answers

If the incident involves hostile environments, what is the recommended course of action before entering?

Assess the environment and determine the risk level. Signup and view all the answers

What should a Crew do if there is suspicion of ongoing violence?

Initiate a risk assessment and consider staging. Signup and view all the answers

When responding to a call, which additional information might a Company Officer request?

Clarification of call information and Police response status Signup and view all the answers

In decision-making, which is a key factor to establish the level of TFS involvement?

Ongoing risk assessment of the situation Signup and view all the answers

How should TFS crews approach situations where there is an indication of violence?

Evaluate safety risks and use reasonable judgment to attend or stage. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Date Issued: April 4, 2024
Rescinds: March 23, 2023
Section: Incident and Emergency Operations
File Code: G-VIOL

Purpose

To provide Toronto Fire Services (TFS) personnel with a guideline for responding to situations involving violence or the potential for violence.

Responsibility

All personnel are responsible for safety and recognizing situations of violence or potential for violence.
Company Officers are responsible for crew safety, requesting resources if needed, and maintaining a safe distance from potentially volatile situations.
Incident Commanders are responsible for assessing violence potential, liaising with other responders (Police, Paramedics).

Guidelines - General

Toronto Fire Services prioritizes the safety of employees when protecting life, property, and the environment.
Company Officers are responsible for personnel safety and assessing scenes for potential violence.

Communications

TFS Communications Division relays additional information on potentially violent incidents to responding crews.
Information is communicated electronically to MDT in apparatus and verbally from Call-Takers/Dispatchers via onboard radio before arrival.
After arrival, if Communications deems firefighters in danger, the Dispatcher notifies the Incident Commander ("DC 42, you have a Code 2").

Scene Safety Assessment

Risk assessments are performed continuously.
Company Officers evaluate available information for safety risks during route to an incident (ongoing violence, weapons use, crisis persons, hostile environment, fire/chemicals involved, etc., other safety risks, police response clarification).
When responding to medical incidents in high-rises, consider using stairs instead of the elevator to the floor below and then using stairs to reach the designated floor of the incident.

Responses to Known Violent Incidents

Apparatus responding to situations with known violence need to consider safety recommendations such as safest routes to designated locations, turning off sirens/emergency lights, and confirming response from Police/Paramedic services.

Incidents Becoming Violent

When incidents escalate to violence or imminent threats, TFS Incident Commanders must:
- Retreat crews to safety.
- Notify the TFS Communication Centre.
- Establish staging areas.
- Promptly inform and work with Police, awaiting arrival and following their direction.

Requesting Police Assistance

All requests for Police assistance must be accompanied by a reason (fights, violent crimes, drug-related situations, family disturbances, persons in crisis, people interfering with fire operations).
Police requests also be recorded by the Communications Centre.

Emergency Assistance for Firefighters (Code 1 & Code 2)

Code 1: Used when immediate Police assistance is needed due to firefighter endangerment at the scene.
Code 2: Relays information to Incident Commanders or crews at scene when required, regarding scene safety concerns and requiring discretion.
Communication Centre provides Code 1 or Code 2 updates to appropriate parties to ensure a safe response to a potential violent incident and a proper communication protocol.

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Description

This quiz covers the Standard Operating Guideline issued by Toronto Fire Services for handling violence-related incidents. Participants will learn about the responsibilities of personnel, Company Officers, and Incident Commanders in ensuring safety during volatile situations. Knowledge of these guidelines is essential for effective emergency response.