Support Engine Response Guidelines PDF

Operations Guidelines Support Engine Response Effective Date: 01/01/2012 Procedure Number 04-03F Revised Date: 10/30/2018 Number of Pages 02 1. Overview...

Operations Guidelines Support Engine Response Effective Date: 01/01/2012 Procedure Number 04-03F Revised Date: 10/30/2018 Number of Pages 02 1. Overview This guideline outlines the response and on scene usage of the Support Engine. It is not intended to be all encompassing or restrictive but rather to serve as a list of considerations. The Support Engine is designed to augment Command by assigning readily available Operations- based personnel to critical positions*. 2. Definition Support Engine: A fire apparatus equipped with a pump and dispatched upon confirmation of working incident conditions whose primary purpose is to supplement and fill out portions of the Command and/or support staff. 3. Guideline Alarm Response As described in 04-30A-C, upon determination of a “Working Incident” by Command, an additional Engine will be dispatched to the scene. Following normal radio protocol, the unit shall go Enroute on channel one (1) and then switch to the Command channel and monitor normal event traffic. While on channel one (1), it is advised that the unit ask Fire if they are responding as the Support Engine if not told by dispatch. Arrival As the unit approaches the scene, they should broadcast their arrival over the radio indicating the following: Unit Designation Arrival as Support Engine Direction of Travel Number of personnel if less than or more than four (4) If Command has already determined a staging area, the Support Engine Officer should confirm that location with Command and direct placement of the apparatus to the staging area. If Command has not yet established a staging area, this officer should identify a suitable location and confirm said location with Command. Initial Assignments Engine Officer Primary Assignment (s): Incident Safety Officer Optional Assignment(s): Deputy Incident Commander / Div./Group Supervisor Responsibilities: Unless otherwise directed by Command, assumes the role of Incident Safety Officer. Reports to the Command Post, receives briefing on incident strategy, resource allocation and progress toward tactical benchmarks. Conducts 360° size-up and confirms the location/operation of assigned resources. Confirms strategy matches conditions observed. Ensures RIC has been assigned and is ready for deployment. Identifies collapse potential and advises Command of need/size of collapse zone if not already established. Ensures all personnel are equipped with proper protective equipment and are operating in a safe manner. Remains alert, uninvolved in any task and monitors radio traffic. Requests Assistant I.S.O.’s as necessary. Apparatus Driver/Operator (Engineer) Primary Assignment: Staging Area Manager Optional Assignments: Acting Officer for balance of Support Engine Responsibilities: Unless otherwise directed by Command / Support Engine Officer, assumes the role of Staging Area Manager (SAM). Reports to Command Post, retrieves SAM packet from Command vehicle. Makes record of all resources currently assigned to the scene, evaluates current staging area and/or establishes staging area. Works with Command to determine minimum staging asset levels. Confirms process for ordering additional resources. Confirms staging radio channel and communication chain. Sets up staging area. Establishes check-in process for arriving resources. Tracks all resources arriving and leaving staging area. Determines logistical needs for staging area and assigned personnel. Maintains unit log. Firefighter(s) Positions C & D Primary Assignment(s): Welfare Unit (Force medical and rehab) Optional Assignments: Div. /Group Resource / Assistant ISO(s) Responsibilities: Unless otherwise directed by Command / Support Engine Officer, assumes positions to either augment or establish a Rehab/Welfare unit. Identifies location that is out of the way but close enough to facilitate the expedient processing of crews. Ensures basic medical assessment tools, at a minimum, are on hand in the welfare/rehab area. Tracks all resources arriving and leaving welfare/rehab area. Determines logistical needs for welfare/rehab area and assigned personnel. Maintains unit log. Additional duties: May be called to assist with the deployment of air, hydration and/or lighting to remote areas of the scene. *Note: There may be times when Command is in need of an immediate tactical resource and the Support Engine is either still Enroute or just arriving on scene. In such times, Command has the option of utilizing the Support Engine in a tactical capacity but should request an additional Engine from dispatch to replace the assigned unit. This allows for the immediate needs of the incident to be met and provides for the designed Command support.