Bridgeport Fire Department Members Reporting Unfit For Duty Procedures PDF

Bridgeport Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures #016 I. Members Reporting Unfit For Duty 07/01/97 POLICY A. All members of the Fire Department are subject to the following directive effective immediately. The intent of this procedure is to protect employees and civilians. It is important...

Bridgeport Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures #016 I. Members Reporting Unfit For Duty 07/01/97 POLICY A. All members of the Fire Department are subject to the following directive effective immediately. The intent of this procedure is to protect employees and civilians. It is important to understand that a member who is unable to properly perform his/ her duties, is a threat to the safety of all other members, and the public. Covering up these issues will only lead to injury and liability. II. RESPONSIBILITIES A. All Members: 1. All members of the Bridgeport Fire Department shall at all times keep themselves in proper condition to report for and discharge their assigned duties. 2. Any time a member feels another member is unfit for duty, he / she will notify their immediate supervisor of the problem and document the incident. 3. Any time a member feels his supervisor is unfit for duty he/she will notify the next level of supervision of the problem and document the incident. B. Company Officer (Supervisors, etc.): 1. During roll call or at any given time determine whether any member is fit or unfit for duty. 2. Put company off duty when there is a member suspected of being unfit for duty. 3. As soon as possible, privately question any member suspected of being unfit for duty as to the problem. a) A second officer will be required to observe the questioning, strictly to act as a witness. This is to protect both parties. b) If the member is determined to be unfit for duty, (1) Put the member off duty. (2) Properly document that the member has been placed off duty (form 2189, company journal, house journal, day sheet, etc.) 4. Notify Assistant Chief when a member is unfit for duty. 5. For safety reasons keep member unfit for duty in a calm and guarded fashion. 6. If necessary, arrange transportation to a medical facility. Do not allow member to drive. Page 1 Bridgeport Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures #016 Members Reporting Unfit For Duty 07/01/97 7. Call Assistant Chief for additional staffing, if needed to return company to service. 8. Document the entire incident with a written 2326 from all parties involved addressed to the appropriate Assistant Chief. C. Assistant Chief (Next Level of Supervision): 1. If requested, or if situation merits it, respond to incident and privately question Company officer and member unfit for duty as to the problem. 2. Determine if medical attention is required. 3. Notify the On-Call Deputy Chief of situation if it has the potential of developing into a discipline matter (ie: impairment, etc.) 4. Assure that transportation to a medical facility or residence is arranged. Do not allow the member to drive. 5. Assure that the member’s family, or a relative is notified. 6. Document the entire incident with a written 2326 to the Deputy Chief, Executive Officer. D. Deputy Chief (Next Level of Supervision): 1. Respond to the incident if the situation merits it. 2. Question Supervisors and member as to the problem. 3. Assure that the member has been questioned about the problem. 4. Assure that transportation has been arranged for the member, and confirm where the member is going. 5. Document entire incident with a written 2326 to the Deputy Chief, Executive Officer. E. Member who was unfit for duty: 1. Upon returning to work the member who was determined unfit for duty will submit a 2326 through the chain of command, to the Deputy Chief, Executive Officer, addressing the incident. F. Notes: 1. All reports shall be complete, accurate and confidential, and to such particulars as: who, Page 2 Bridgeport Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures #016 Members Reporting Unfit For Duty 07/01/97 what, when, where, why and how. 2. When appropriate, Supervisors will offer to the member, a referral to the City’s Employee Assistance Program. 3. The Supervisors who are involved in the incident will be held accountable for strictly and confidentially enforcing this Directive. BY ORDER OF THE FIRE CHIEF Page 3