Heavy Rescue Response Configuration SOP PDF

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Heavy Rescue Response Configuration Effective Date: 01/23/2014 Procedure Number 04-21 A Revised Date: Number of Pages...

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Heavy Rescue Response Configuration Effective Date: 01/23/2014 Procedure Number 04-21 A Revised Date: Number of Pages 2 1. Overview To establish a consistent response configuration for the Salt Lake City Fire Department Heavy Rescue Team (HRT). 2. Procedure It is the intention of the Salt Lake City Fire Department to have a functioning Heavy Rescue Team capable of responding in a timely manner to technical/heavy rescue events. The team shall consist of the following apparatus: Medic Engine Truck Heavy Rescue Heavy Rescue Support Unit Minimum daily staffing of the HRT shall consist of at least six (6) trained and certified Heavy Rescue Technicians. Due to the unique nature of technical/heavy rescue incidents, situations can and do arise that may require a modification in the apparatus response configuration of the HRT. HRT unit designations are as follows: A. The medic engine and ladder truck shall retain and use their respective designation as Medic Engine and Truck. B. The heavy rescue apparatus shall be designated individually as Heavy Rescue. C. The heavy rescue support apparatus shall be designated individually as HRT Support. D. Any configuration of the above units together shall be known collectively as “Heavy Rescue Company”. Non-Heavy Rescue Emergency Response A. When the Medic Engine and/or Truck are dispatched to any fire alarm, working fire, greater alarm fire, medical call, or any other call excluding heavy rescue incidents, the crews shall respond from quarters in their respective apparatus unless otherwise requested. B. When dispatched to a heavy rescue incident, the truck crew shall respond from quarters in the heavy rescue apparatus. The truck shall be placed out of service by the Dispatch Center. The Medic Engine shall also respond, constituting a “Heavy Rescue Company” response. Based on the incident’s detail, the HRT Support unit may also respond. C. When conducting business outside of their assigned medical district, the truck crew shall have the option to travel in the heavy rescue to facilitate a more rapid response to a heavy rescue call. When this is the case, the officer shall notify the communications center and Battalion 1. If the truck is on the air in district and a heavy rescue call is dispatched, the HRT has three options: A. If the medic engine is in quarters, that crew can staff the heavy rescue apparatus and respond with the truck on the air. This will place the medic engine out of service, or; B. The truck can respond on the radio with the phrase “ en-route but delayed for apparatus exchange” and retrieve the heavy rescue apparatus prior to responding, or; 04-21A HRT Response Configuration SOP, Page 1 of 2 C. The HRT officer(s) can decide to proceed directly to the scene of the heavy rescue call if they have the necessary equipment to mitigate the emergency or if another capably equipped heavy rescue apparatus is en-route from a mutual aid agency. Heavy Rescue Emergency Response A. All heavy rescue responses within Salt Lake City limits, regardless of location, will precipitate the response of the Heavy Rescue Team. The officer of the Engine/Truck companies on the scene requesting assistance from the HRT will retain command of the scene. B. When the heavy rescue team responds within the boundaries of Salt Lake County, but outside Salt Lake City limits, the communication center shall notify both Battalion Chiefs that the HRT is leaving the City. The Battalion Chief(s) may respond with the HRT at their discretion and/or at the request of the HRT Officer. C. All requests for the Heavy Rescue Team’s assistance outside of Salt Lake County by those agencies without a mutual-aid agreement with the SLCFD will require the permission the Fire Chief or his designee. Both District Battalion Chiefs shall be notified by the communication center that the HRT is leaving the county and one Battalion Chief shall respond. 04-21A HRT Response Configuration SOP, Page 2 of 2