Metro Emergency Response Procedures PDF

## II. ASSIGNMENTS AND DISPATCH PROCEDURES ### A. Emergency Reporting Procedures and Worksheet - Metro Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) will contact the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) to request emergency assistance. - A standard format will be used to transfer all pertinent informat...

## II. ASSIGNMENTS AND DISPATCH PROCEDURES ### A. Emergency Reporting Procedures and Worksheet - Metro Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) will contact the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) to request emergency assistance. - A standard format will be used to transfer all pertinent information regarding the situation. - The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) call takers, when notified of an emergency in the Metro system, will use the Preliminary Information on Metrorail System Incidents worksheet to gather the pertinent information required to dispatch the proper response assignment to the correct location. - Initial pertinent information regarding the incident will be relayed to the units dispatched. ### B. Metro Station Box Alarms - A Metro Station Box Alarm will be dispatched for the report of a fire, smoke, or other major incident located in a station. - A report of a derailment, crash, or potential mass casualty incident in a station will have a Metro Station Box Alarm dispatched. - In addition, a 2nd rescue squad, a Mass Casualty Task Force, and additional EMS units based on the report will be added. - The Hazmat Unit will be added for the report of an explosion, major hazmat, or multiple victims, cause unknown. - A Metro Station Box Alarm has the following assignment: - 5 - Engines - 2 - Trucks - 1 - BFC's - Ops (1st due is Incident Commander) - 1 – BFC-SpOps (if not available, a BFC-FFD is dispatched) - 1 – Rescue Squad - 1 – EMS Supervisor - 1 - Basic EMS Unit - 1 – Medic Unit - 1 – Safety Battalion Chief - All units except the fourth due engine will be dispatched to the main station entrance as announced. - The fourth due engine will be dispatched to a specific alternate entrance or emergency exit in the case of single entry stations. For example, OUC will dispatch the alarm as follows: "Metro Station Box Alarm for the report of a train on fire at the Dupont Circle Metro Station. Engines 1, 9, 23, and 21, Trucks 2 and 9, Battalion 6, Special Ops-BFC, Rescue Squad 1, Ambulance 9, Medic 23, EMS 1, and the Safety Battalion Chief respond to the Entry Control Point at the Dupont Circle station entrance at 19th Street and Dupont Circle, NW. Engine 16 respond to the alternate station entrance at 20th and Q Streets, N.W." ### C. Metro Surface Box Alarms and Metro Aerial Box Alarms - A Metro Surface or Aerial Box Alarm will be dispatched for the report of a fire, smoke, or other major incident located on a Metro surface or aerial right of way. - Units will be dispatched to the closest station or point of access that may be recommended by Metro OCC. - Metro Surface and *Aerial Box Alarms will have the following assignment: - 5 – Engines - 2 - Trucks - 1 – BFC's – Ops (1st due is Incident Commander) - 1 – BFC-Sp Ops (if not available, a BFC-FFD is dispatched) - 1 – Rescue Squad - 1 – EMS Supervisor - 1 - Basic EMS Unit - 1 - Medic Unit - 1 – Safety Battalion Chief - Tower-3 will be automatically dispatched as a 3rd truck on a Metro Aerial Box Alarm assignment. - See the Metro Aerial Box Alarm SOG Chapter XII, Section C and Chapter XIV, Section E for more information. - A 2nd rescue squad, Mass Casualty Task Force, and additional EMS units based on reports will be added. - The HazMat Unit will be added for the report of an explosion, major hazmat, or multiple victims, unknown. For example, OUC will dispatch the alarm as follows: “Metro Surface Box Alarm for the report of a Metro train car on fire at chain marker 197 + 00 between the Rhode Island Avenue and Brookland Station. Engines 17, 26, 12, 6, and 14, Trucks 15 and 6, Battalion 1, SpOps-BFC, Rescue Squad 2, Ambulance 26, Medic 12, EMS 1, and the Safety Battalion Chief respond to the Brookland Station at 9th and Monroe Streets, N.E." ### D. Metro Tunnel Box Alarms - A Metro Tunnel Box Alarm will be dispatched for the report of a fire, smoke, or other major incident in a Metro tunnel. - A Metro Tunnel Box Alarm will have the following assignment: | Primary Station | Secondary Station | |---|---| | 4 – Engines | 2 – Engines | | 2 - Trucks | 1 - Truck | | 1 – BFC-FFD | - | | 1 – BFC-SpOps (if not available, a BFC-Ops will be sent) | - | | 1 – Rescue Squad | - | | 1 – EMS Supervisor | - | | 1 – Basic Unit | - | | 1 - Medic Unit | - | | 1 – Safety Battalion Chief | - | - The station closest to the incident will be designated the Primary Station, and the station most distant from the incident will be designated the Secondary Station. - Four (4) engines, two (2) trucks, two (2) BFC's), one (1) rescue squad, one (1) ambulance, one (1) medic unit, and one (1) EMS Supervisor will be dispatched to the Primary Station. - Two (2) engines and one (1) truck will be dispatched to the Secondary Station. - A report of a derailment in a Metro tunnel will have a Metro Tunnel Box Alarm dispatched. - In addition, a 2nd rescue squad, a Mass Casualty Task Force, and additional EMS units based on the report may be added to the initial assignment. - The Hazmat Unit will be added for the report of an explosion, major hazmat, or Multiple victims, cause unknown incident. For example, OUC will dispatch the alarm as follows: “Metro Tunnel Box Alarm for the report of a train on fire in the tunnel between the Shaw and U Street Stations at chain marker 65+00, closest to the Shaw Station. The Primary Station is the Shaw Station. Engines 6, 16, 12, and 2, Trucks 4 and 6, Battalion 6, the SpOps BFC, Rescue Squad 1, Ambulance 6, Medic 12, EMS 1, and the Safety Battalion Chief respond to the Primary Station Entry Control Point at the Shaw station entrance at 7th and S Streets N W. The Secondary Station is the U Street Station. Engines 4 and 9, Truck 9 respond to the Secondary Station Entry Control Point at the U Street station entrance at 1000 U Street, NW." ### E. Metro Local Alarm Assignment #### 1. Overview - The implementation of the Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) Liaison position and the expansion of cameras throughout the system allows improved identification and location of emergencies. - To ensure the appropriate resources are sent to mitigate an emergency, the Department has created a Metro Local Alarm assignment. - This Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) provides guidance for the initial actions of the Metro Local Alarm units. - The goal is to first identify if the incident is an emergency or a maintenance issue. - Then to either address the emergency or ensure that WMATA does not need assistance. The Metro Local Alarm consists of the following assignment: - 3-Engines - 2 Trucks - 1-BFC-Ops (Incident Commander) - 1 Special Operations Battalion Chief #### 2. Strategy - A one station deployment strategy will be used and the entire alarm will respond to the primary station. - The primary station will be the closest station to the reported location of the arcing insulator or other reported problem as confirmed by the ROCC Liaison. - The responding BFC will confirm this location with the ROCC Liaison while responding to the reported location. - This reduced assignment functions within the framework of existing SOGs to ensure a smooth transition should the incident escalate. - The responding companies function together as the recon group under the command of the BFC. - Recon of the secondary station may be conducted at the Incident Commander's discretion by either the 3rd due Engine or remotely by the ROCC Liaison. - The size up of the first arriving unit should include pertinent information to confirm the problem that initiated the response as a maintenance problem or an emergency response. - A maintenance problem is an issue in which METRO Emergency Response Team (ERT) is working to resolve and the fire department will maintain incident command and provide support requested by the ERT leader. - For example, an arcing insulator with METRO ERT on scene would be identified as a maintenance problem. - An emergency response is for any event that is an immediate threat to the health and safety of responders or citizens. - For example, a trash can fire on the platform would be identified as an emergency response. The following is a detailed explanation of the duties and responsibilities of each position on Metro Local Alarm Assignment: - Personnel are required to carry the same equipment as listed in Chapter IX - Standard Operating Guidelines for Metro Station Incidents. #### INCIDENT COMMANDER (IC) - 1st Due Battalion Fire Chief – Operations Division assigned tasks: 1. Park near the Primary Station entrance. Keep area streets as open as possible to ensure access and egress for the EMS Loading Zone (If necessary). 2. Assume Command of the incident. 3. Designate a Recon Group Supervisor (either the officer on the 1st Due Engine or the officer on the 1st Due Truck). 4. Establish a command post near the Entry Control Point of the Primary Station. - Notify ROCC Liaison of Command Post Location. - Unify Command with Metro Officials. 5. Request/receive and record further size-up and incident information from the ROCC Liaison and Fire/EMS units on the assigned tac channel to include: - Location of the emergency. - Status of third rail power on all tracks in the area. - Train movement - Confirmation of ROCC contact with train operator - Ventilation system status 6. Ensure Recon Group Supervisor designates the incident as a maintenance problem or emergency response. - When incident is declared a maintenance problem, command should ensure that WMATA has adequate personnel on scene to address the issue. 7. Request additional resources, as needed. 8. Updates the OUC on 02 Main. Use the Metro Incident Size-up and Tactical Worksheets to ensure completeness and uniformity in recording information and providing size-up reports. #### RECON GROUP- First and Second Due Engines, First Due Truck, and Special Operation Battalion Chief assigned tasks: - One officer from the 1st due Engine or the 1st due Truck will be designated as the "Recon Group Supervisor" until the arrival of the Special Operations Battalion Chief and will be responsible for the Group's actions, accountability, and as much as possible, the radio transmissions regarding same. - The “Recon Group Supervisor” will be responsible for investigating the reported hazard and making a recommendation to the Incident Commander regarding any further action required. - For example, the Recon Group Supervisor may make contact with metro maintenance personnel who are working to repair an arching insulator with little or no smoke conditions and not require any assistance from the Fire Department and make the following transmission, "Recon Group to Operations 6, Metro Maintenance Personnel are on the scene of an arcing insulator in the right of way between DuPont Circle and Farragut North, no smoke or fire conditions are present and they do not require any fire department assistance, recommend placing all units in service." - The truck officer is responsible for addressing safety concerns while operating within the Recon Group. #### First Due Engine - assigned tasks 1. Respond to the assigned station entrance as dispatched. The officer will give a size-up report on the assigned TAC Channel upon arrival. 2. Stand by to supply the station standpipe. If needed the driver will supply the station standpipe system. Use the hand or reverse lay. 3. The officer of the first due engine will notify the Incident Commander that they are entering the station. 4. The officer and two firefighters will enter the station at the Entry Control Point. The UDC will be placed on the officer's seat to be picked up by the Accountability Group (should one be established). The driver's PAT will be removed and kept with the driver. 5. Carry in the assigned equipment. 6. Obtain station keys located in the Knox Box. (The Knox Box is usually found on the right side of the station entrance, just inside the access gate.) 7. Proceed to the kiosk closest to the tunnel involved and obtain information from a Metro representative, if available. Request all available information about the emergency to include: - Location of the emergency. - Status of third rail power on all tracks in the area. - Train movement - Confirmation of ROCC contact with train operator - Ventilation system status 8. It is important that the Recon Group Supervisor, Operations, and all other units are made aware of the situation. - If radio communication difficulties are encountered in the Metro system, the first due engine company officer must relay this information by whatever means available; such as telephone, department apparatus cell phone, the establishment of a “line of sight radio chain” on a “talk around channel” (015,016), or using a “runner.” 9. Meet the second due engine and the first due truck at the Kiosk or other appropriate position and form the Primary Station Recon Group. Ensure it is known who will be the Recon Group Supervisor (designated by the IC). 10. Investigate the hazard and identify the problem that initiated the response as a maintenance problem or an emergency response.. 11. Fill station standpipe as necessary with hydrant pressure only. Slowly increase to150 psi if needed (Metro SOG Chapter 5, Section H.4). #### Second Due Engine – assigned tasks: 1. Respond to the assigned station entrance as dispatched. 2. Place UDC's on the officer's seat of the first-due engine. The driver's PAT will be removed and kept with the driver. 3. The officer and two firefighters will enter the station at the Primary Station Entry Control Point. 4. Meet the first due engine and the first due truck at the Kiosk or other appropriate position and form the Recon Group. Report to the Recon Group Supervisor (either the 1st due engine officer or the 1* due truck officer as designated by the IC). #### First Due Truck – assigned tasks: 1. Respond to the station; Park one block away. 2. All the members will gather the needed equipment and report to the Entry Control Point. 3. Place the UDC on the officer's seat of the 1st due engine 4. Enter the station at the Entry Control Point and proceed to the Kiosk or other location as announced and meet the first due engine as part of the Recon Group. 5. Monitor the scene for hazards and ensure no companies enter the right of way or the track bed without permission of the IC. #### Second Due Truck - Stage until assigned #### Third Due Engine Company - assigned tasks: - The Third Due Engine Company on a Metro Local Alarm will remain uncommitted (2 blocks away in line of approach) and available to perform multiple tasks as directed by the IC including but not limited to the following: - Standby to assist the Recon Group to provide a communications relay. - Standby to serve as the accountability officer at the Entry Control Point should the assignment be upgraded. - Standby to respond to the secondary station entrance or alternate entrance if incident is reported in a single-entry station. - Standby to respond to the Secondary Station and serve as the Secondary Station Recon Group Supervisor if the incident is reported to be in the right of way between two stations. ### F. Metro Hazardous Materials/CB-EMIS Alarm Assignment - A Metro Hazardous Materials/CB-EMIS assignment will be dispatched for the report of a hazardous materials incident, a suspicious package/powder incident, or a CB-EMIS alarm in the Metro system. - If there are reports of multiple victims, Communications and/or the responding BFC's may, at their discretion, add additional units to the initial response as appropriate. - Those additional resources would include, but not be limited to, additional EMS units, Hazardous Materials Task Force, Mass Casualty Task Force(s), additional rescue squads, etc. A Metro Hazardous Materials/CB-EMIS Alarm response consists of the following assignment: - 3 - Engines - 1 - Truck - 1 - SpOps BFC (if not available, a BFC-Ops will be sent) - 1 - Rescue Squad - 1 - EMS Supervisor - 1-Basic Unit - 1- Medic Unit - 1 - Safety Battalion Chief ### **G. Metro Rescue Alarm** - A Metro Rescue Alarm will be dispatched for persons injured or trapped anywhere in the Metro system that will require technical rescue capabilities. - A Metro Rescue Alarm will have the following minimum assignment: - 1 - Engine - 1 - Truck - 1 - SpOps BFC (if not available, a BFC-Ops will be sent) - 1 - Rescue Squad - 1 - EMS Supervisor - 1- Basic Unit - 1- Medic Unit - 1 - Safety Battalion Chief - Note: If an incident involves a high-angle rope rescue, collapse, or confined space rescue the appropriate additional units for those rescue assignments will be added to the initial assignment. (i.e., 2nd rescue squad, collapse task force units, hazmat unit, air unit, etc.) It will be the responsibility of the responding BFC in charge to ensure the correct resources are dispatched, if not done so initially. - The units assigned will be dispatched to the closest station or point of access which may be recommended by Metro OCC. - When the best access is determined by units on the scene, the Incident Commander will designate the Entry Control Point(s) and Accountability Officer(s). ### **H. Metro Medical Local Alarms** - The Metro Medical Local response assignment will consist of the following: - 1st Responder Unit (i.e., engine, truck, or rescue squad) - EMS unit(s) (basic, medic, and/or a Supervisor, as appropriate.) - Units dispatched to Medical Local Alarms in Metro will be dispatched to the closest station or other point of access which may be recommended by Metro OCC. - Medical emergencies which occur in the Metro system, but are not located in the right of way, such as on a platform or mezzanine, do not involve control of 3rd rail power to address, or do not involve entrapment on an escalator, etc. will be handled in accordance with normal Medical Local Alarm protocols. - Units dispatched on such alarms that discover a victim is in the "right of way", 3rd rail power management is needed, or entrapment will immediately request appropriate assistance and take proper actions to ensure rescuer and victim safety is addressed to the best of their ability, until additional resources arrive. - If it is necessary to operate in the right of way, the officer will also contact ROCC direct and follow all procedures for right of way operations (Chapter III, Section A - General Safety Rule Number 5).