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Questions and Answers
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies how a 'chain reaction' sustains a fire, according to the fire tetrahedron?
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies how a 'chain reaction' sustains a fire, according to the fire tetrahedron?
- The continuous release of heat from burning fuel, which in turn vaporizes more fuel to maintain combustion. (correct)
- Introducing a high-voltage electrical spark to ignite flammable materials.
- The depletion of oxygen within a confined space, eventually smothering the flames.
- Allowing a solid fuel source like wood to slowly char and decompose without active flames.
An inmate starts a small fire in their cell after being denied visitation rights. This action is most likely driven by:
An inmate starts a small fire in their cell after being denied visitation rights. This action is most likely driven by:
- An impulsive reaction stemming from frustration and anger over the perceived injustice. (correct)
- A methodical plan to exact revenge on specific staff members involved in the denial.
- A calculated attempt to expose security vulnerabilities within the prison system.
- A desperate need for social interaction and attention from correctional officers.
During a fire emergency in a correctional facility, an officer encounters a locked door blocking an evacuation route. Following the R.A.C.E. protocol, what should the officer's immediate next step be?
During a fire emergency in a correctional facility, an officer encounters a locked door blocking an evacuation route. Following the R.A.C.E. protocol, what should the officer's immediate next step be?
- Attempt to extinguish the fire using a portable extinguisher, if available and the officer is trained.
- Focus on rescuing individuals in immediate danger, potentially bypassing the locked door if alternative routes exist. (correct)
- Alert other staff members to the obstruction and call for assistance to open the door.
- Prioritize containing the fire by sealing off the area around the door to prevent smoke spread.
In a prison fire, an inmate is found unconscious. While waiting for medical assistance, you note the inmate is breathing but appears confused and disoriented. Based on the information provided, what is the most likely cause of their condition?
In a prison fire, an inmate is found unconscious. While waiting for medical assistance, you note the inmate is breathing but appears confused and disoriented. Based on the information provided, what is the most likely cause of their condition?
Correctional officers are reviewing emergency evacuation plans. Which of the following considerations reflects the unique challenges presented by a prison environment during a fire?
Correctional officers are reviewing emergency evacuation plans. Which of the following considerations reflects the unique challenges presented by a prison environment during a fire?
Flashcards
Fuel (in fire)
Fuel (in fire)
A substance that produces useful energy via chemical or nuclear reaction; the source of energy consumed by fire.
Heat (in fire)
Heat (in fire)
The energy needed to raise fuel temperature, producing vapors for ignition.
Chain Reaction (in fire)
Chain Reaction (in fire)
Occurs when fuel, oxygen, and heat combine, sustaining the fire by generating more heat.
R.A.C.E. (fire safety)
R.A.C.E. (fire safety)
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Smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation
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Study Notes
- For a fire to occur, fuel, oxygen, heat, and a chain reaction must be present.
- These components were once known as the fire triangle but are now referred to as the fire tetrahedron.
Fuel
- Fuel is a substance that produces energy through a chemical or nuclear reaction.
- It serves as the energy source and is consumed during a fire.
- Fuel can exist in three forms: solid, liquid, and gas.
- Solid fuels include wood, paper, organic materials, and cloth.
- Liquid fuels include gasoline, kerosene, and varnish.
- Gaseous fuels include propane, natural gas, and butane.
Oxygen
- Fire requires oxygen to burn, and air contains approximately 21%.
- A fire needs roughly only 16% oxygen in atmosphere.
Heat
- Heat provides the energy needed to raise the fuel's temperature to release vapors for ignition.
- Causes of heat include friction, chemical reactions, electrical sources, traditional means like lighters and matches, and contraband.
Chain Reaction
- A chain reaction happens when fuel, oxygen, and heat are present in the right conditions for rapid oxidation, or burning, to occur.
- The chain reaction provides heat to the fuel to produce the gaseous fuel that the flame combusts.
- Removing any of the four elements is key preventing fires.
Reasons for fires in correctional settings
- Inmates may start fires due to revenge or anger against the institution or staff, often stemming from perceived mistreatment.
- Revenge fires are usually pre-planned, where inmates seek justice for perceived wrongs.
- Anger-fueled fires are more impulsive reactions to immediate events, such as contraband confiscation.
- Inmates may start fires to gain attention because incarceration can lead to feelings of social and psychological neglect.
- Starting a fire can be a way to test the system's security and introduce excitement into the monotony of prison life.
R.A.C.E. Acronym
- R.A.C.E. is an acronym outlining the steps to take during a fire emergency: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish/Evacuate.
- Rescue involves helping those in danger move to a safe area, potentially requiring physical assistance like carries or drags.
- Alarm or Alert includes notifying the fire department and alerting others.
- Contain involves closing doors to limit the spread of heat and smoke, aiding evacuation and fire location.
- Extinguish is an option for trained staff if evacuation is underway and there is a clear exit.
Fire Related Death
- Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.
- Thick smoke can incapacitate individuals, preventing them from finding an exit.
- Normal oxygen levels are around 21%, and the brain can function normally at this level.
- At 17% oxygen, judgment and coordination become impaired.
- At 12% oxygen, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue begin.
- Below 12% oxygen is very dangerous, with unconsciousness at 9% and cardiac/respiratory arrest and death at 6%.
- Smoke consists of particles, vapors, and toxic gases.
- Particles include unburned or partially burned substances that can lodge in the lungs and cause irritation or toxicity.
- Vapors are liquid droplets that can be poisonous if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
- Common toxic gases include carbon monoxide, which replaces oxygen in the bloodstream.
- Hydrogen cyanide, from burning plastics, disrupts cellular respiration. Phosgene, from burning vinyl materials, can cause pulmonary edema and death at higher levels.
Evacuation Plans
- Emergency evacuation plans are essential in correctional settings due to the large, confined populations.
- It is the officer's responsibility to know and understand the plan
- It is an officer's role to understand the plan and react immediately in a fire emergency.
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