Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association Incident Command and Tactical Response Guide PDF

Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association Incident Command and Tactical Response Guide First EDITION April 22, 2021  TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Tactical Response Guide Reference Componen...

Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association Incident Command and Tactical Response Guide First EDITION April 22, 2021  TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Tactical Response Guide Reference Components 3 OSHA 1910 Respiratory Protection 4 IC Rules of Engagement 5 BCFCA Scene Accountability 6 Operation Modes & Evacuation Modes 9 & 10 Fire Ground Operations 10 Transfer of Command 10 First Unit Arrival Report & Strategic Decisions 11 Tactical Assignments First Alarm – Hydrant Areas 12 Tactical Assignments First Alarm – Non-Hydrant Areas 12 Incident Command Responsibilities 13 Staging Level 1 & 2 13 Limited Access to Highway Response 14 Quadrant System Appendix A Communications Appendix B Water Supply Supervisor Hydrant Areas Appendix C Water Supply Supervisor Non- Hydrant Areas Appendix D Staging Manager Responsibilities Appendix E Safety Officer Appendix F REHAB Appendix G Accountability Officer Appendix H RIT Chief Appendix I Division Group Supervisor Appendix J 2  Tactical Response Guide Reference Components Department of Homeland Security (DHS) o Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, for National Incident Management System (NIMS) & Incident Command System (ICS) 100,200,300,400 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) o NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications o NFPA 1521 Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Occupational Health and Safety (OHSA) o OSHA 1910 Respiratory Protection International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) o Safety, Health and Survival Section –The Incident Commander’s Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Safety International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) o Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer (sixth edition) o Chief Officer (second edition) Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association (BCFCA) 3  All information generated on this page came from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Standards) 1910 OSHA 1910 Respiratory Protection 1910.134(b) Definitions. The following definitions are important terms used in the respiratory protection standard in this section Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) means an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere. 1910.134(g)(4) Procedures for interior structural firefighting. In addition to the requirements set forth under paragraph (g)(3), in interior structural fires, the employer shall ensure that: 1910.134(g)(4)(i) At least two employees enter the IDLH atmosphere and remain in visual or voice contact with one another at all times; 1910.134(g)(4)(ii) At least two employees are located outside the IDLH atmosphere; and 1910.134(g)(4)(iii) All employees engaged in interior structural firefighting use SCBAs. Note 1 to paragraph (g): One of the two individuals located outside the IDLH atmosphere may be assigned to an additional role, such as incident commander in charge of the emergency or safety officer, so long as this individual is able to perform assistance or rescue activities without jeopardizing the safety or health of any firefighter working at the incident. Note 2 to paragraph (g): Nothing in this section is meant to preclude firefighters from performing emergency rescue activities before an entire team has assembled NOTE: The Barnstable County Fire Chief’s Association feels that the Incident Commander should not count as part of the 2 in 2 out. This role is too critical to the successful outcome of any MAYDAY. Having the IC involved in the Rescue has the potential for a catastrophic outcome. 4 International Association of Fire Chief (IAFC), Health and Survival Section The Incident Commanders Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Safety Rapidly Conduct, or Obtain, a 360 Degree Size‐Up of the Incident. Determine the Occupant Survival Profile. Conduct an Initial Risk Assessment and Implement a SAFE ACTION PLAN. If You Do Not Have The Resources to Safely Support and Protect Firefighters – Consider a Defensive Strategy. DO NOT Risk Firefighter Lives for Lives or Property That Can Not Be Saved – Consider a Defensive Strategy. Extend LIMITED Risk to Protect SAVABLE Property. Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue SAVABLE Lives. Act Upon Reported Unsafe Practices and Conditions That Can Harm Firefighters. Stop, Evaluate and Decide. Maintain Frequent Two‐Way Communications and Keep Interior Crews Informed of Changing Conditions. Obtain Frequent Progress Reports and Revise the Action Plan. Ensure Accurate Accountability of All Firefighter Location and Status. If, After Completing the Primary Search, Little or No Progress Towards Fire Control Has Been Achieved – Seriously Consider a Defensive Strategy. Always Have a Rapid Intervention Team in Place at All Working Fires. Always Have Firefighter Rehab Services in Place at All Working Fires. 5  BCFCA Scene Accountability It is the responsibility of all fire-rescue personnel to comply with the BCFCA accountability system. Radio discipline and face-to-face communications is encouraged. Accountability tags or other components are to be brought to the command post whenever practical. Due to time constraints first arriving units may have to leave the accountability tags or components on the driver’s/ operators seat to be collected later. Accountability Tags: A vehicle identification device that allows personnel devices to be attached shall be used for accountability. The system must provide the IC with the following information: Department Company Number, personnel assigned, that the exact type of system used was not critical. Tracking of Company Staffing: The Company Officer is responsible for tracking and maintaining accountability for personnel assigned to their respective company. Each piece of apparatus should have a collection point for a device that indicates the Town and Company numbers, and allows for other devices to be attached that indicate name and rank of personnel assigned to the company. The only devices that should be attached to the company device are those for personnel deploying off the vehicle. If the operator is staying with the Engine/Aerial, then their device should remain with them. Collection of Accountability Devices: The Incident Commander, or Accountability Officer is responsible for collecting these tags throughout the incident. On a working fire or greater, the Company Officer should bring their Company device to the command post and leave it at the collection point. MAYDAY Procedures MAYDAY Radio Procedures: Upon hearing the term “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY”, all radio traffic shall stop. The IC or dispatch shall acknowledge the MAYDAY message. Should the IC or dispatch not hear the MAYDAY call, any available unit shall immediately notify the IC and / or dispatch of the request for assistance. Upon declaring, the transmitting person shall provide the following: L Location or last seen point U Unit member(s) is/are working in for that tour N Name of affected members A Assignment member performing R Resources needed to reach safety (ladder, hoseline, etc) The IC shall notify Dispatch that a MAYDAY has been received or declared and that all non- essential radio traffic will cease. Only that traffic that is pertinent to the MAYDAY shall be allowed. Dispatch shall contact Barnstable County Control for an additional Operations channel 6 and notify the IC when it is available. The IC will assign this additional operations frequency, if needed to have units continue working to control the incident. It is imperative that the MAYDAY caller not have to change channels. Dispatch shall sound an alert tone and announce “ALL UNITS STANDBY FOR MAYDAY TRAFFIC” and state the location if known. Termination of the MAYDAY: When the situation that resulted in the declaration of the MAYDAY has ended, the IC shall order Dispatch to make an announcement so that all units are advised and indicate that normal routine traffic may resume. This shall be done with the following phrase: “All Clear of the MAYDAY, resume normal radio traffic”. When to Call a MAYDAY: MAYDAY (I Owe U My Life) Imminent Collapse Collapse Occurred Unconscious member Missing member Lost or trapped Member Urgent Radio Traffic: Radio messages are divided into two general classifications, routine and urgent. The message priority determined by the dispatcher is final. Urgent messages have priority at all times. All units shall cease radio communications when the code word “URGENT” is transmitted. Dispatcher shall notify unit with urgent message to transmit. Situations requiring an Urgent can be remembered as followed Urgents (WIFEBack) Water Loss (endangering members) Injured Member (non-life threatening) Feared Collapse Extension Back out (interior attached to be discontinued) Upon hearing Urgent radio traffic, the IC shall immediately acknowledge the sender and allow them to transmit their message. All other companies shall cease communications when an Urgent message is transmitted. Personnel Accountability Report (PARs) The IC notifies Fire Alarm that he wants a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) in one minute. Dispatch will actuate Alert Tone (Barnstable County Radio can do for you on Operations Channel(s) if your fire alarm cannot) for three seconds and states “PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT ROLL CALL IN ONE MINUTE. COMMAND OR DESIGNEE SHALL CALL THE ROLL OF DIVISIONS / COMPANIES TO VERIFY AN ACCOUNTING OF ALL PERSONNEL.” This shall take place after emergency evacuation, MAYDAYS, 7 backdrafts, etc. The IC may call an informal Personnel Accountability Report on a crew or crews’ integrity/safety at any time or before the transfer of Command if time permits. If after calling the roll, it is determined that a firefighter(s) is not accounted for, after checking outside Divisions, the R.I.T. shall be deployed to the last known location that the person or persons were working and the IC will set-up a Rescue Branch or Group Evacuation Modes Emergency Evacuation: When any on scene member determines that there is an imminent danger to personnel working the incident. Emergency Evacuation is announced for all crews to clear the building of hazard area. The fire alarm operator shall sound an alert tone and announce: “ALL PERSONNEL TO EVACUATE THE (BUILDING, AREA, OR OTHER DESCRIPTION), ALL APPARATUS OPERATORS TO SOUND THE EMERGENCY EVACUATION SIGNAL USING YOUR AIR HORNS FOR TWO (2) SECONDS IN DURATION FOR 30 SECONDS ”. At the conclusion of 30 seconds, the fire alarm operators will notify apparatus operators to end the evacuation signal. Upon hearing this notification, all personnel will immediately evacuate the building or hazard area, leaving all equipment in place, other than what is necessary to safely exit. Controlled Evacuation: When it is determined by the incident commander that operations within the building or hazard area are no longer successful or in preparation for the change in operation modes. Upon hearing this notification, all personnel will evacuate the building or hazard area as quickly as possible, retrieving all equipment if practical. After either evacuation, the IC shall conduct a PAR to ensure all personnel are accounted for. Fire Ground Operations Command Option for the First Arriving Unit Establish Command: The first arriving company officer shall establish Command on arrival at the incident. The street or building can should be used to help identify the incident location. Command should identify which side of the building the Command Post will be established on. The Alpha is typically the street address side unless otherwise indicated. In an incident where the first-arriving unit does not have an officer assigned, the member in charge of the unit shall establish command. The first appointed Fire Department Officer of that community to arrive on location after a non- officer has assumed Command must relieve that person of the responsibility. Mutual Aid Officers do not automatically assume Command unless asked to assume Command or by prearranged agreement. Passing Command: In those situations when the first arriving unit must commit all personnel, as in rescuing occupants, Command may be passed to the next arriving unit. Command may only 8 be passed once and the next arriving unit must establish Incident Command. The person passing Command maintains his unit I.D. number and is still responsible for tactical operations until Command arrives on the scene. Passing Command differs from transferring Command in that passing is available only to the first arriving unit at an incident; transferring can be done at any time, and more than once if necessary. Assuming Command: A senior officer or chief officer may assume command upon arrival at an incident. Regardless of whether the Chief Officer assumes command, they are ultimately responsible for all actions that occur at the incident. Prior to assuming Command, the Chief Officer should attempt to have a face to face briefing with the Incident Commander. The officer being relieved shall brief the officer taking command with the following information: Fire location, extent, and condition Success of control efforts How units are deployed and their assignments Appraisal of needs for additional resources at that time Transfer of Command: There are times when it will be necessary to transfer Command to another person (officer). The transfer of Command will be governed by the following procedure. Whenever possible, a face-to-face meeting between the officer taking command and the officer being relieved shall be held. The officer being relieved shall brief the officer taking command with the following information: Fire location, extent, and condition Success of control efforts How units are deployed and their assignments Appraisal of needs for additional resources at that time. When a face-to-face meeting cannot be held, the transfer of Command by a ranking officer shall be transmitted over the fire ground frequency. All changes of Command shall be transmitted to Fire Alarm. Fire Alarm will transmit to operating companies. First Unit Arrival Report & Strategic Decisions The initial IC begins the command, control and communication process with brief initial report. This report provides dispatch, as well as everyone else responding to the scene, with a size-up of conditions seen from the initial command position. It also provides an initial situation status report to those listening in, such as non-responding companies, bosses still in quarters, and staff officers. The BIR is not an affidavit of absolute accuracy; it’s just a quick snapshot of the incident that provides a “word picture” of what the IC can see from their command position when they first arrive on-scene. 9 The BIR should include the following reporting elements: Announce your arrival on the scene Building/area description Describe the problem Action being taken – Initial I.A.P. Declaration of the Strategy Resource Determination Establishing and Naming of Command The initial radio report is usually performed from the front seat of an engine company or Command Vehicle. Follow-up reports give the initial IC a little bit more time to size-up the situation. Follow-Up Reports should include the following information after a 360 has been performed: Verify the fire’s size, location, and extent (if different from the IRR) Verify the number of stories from the Charlie side Verify the life safety profile of the incident Confirmation of the initial Strategy Any changes to the initial IAP stated on the BIR Operation Modes Investigating: Investigate the source of a call when there is nothing showing on arrival. Command is able to go interior. Offensive: Command has authorized crews to perform interior operations in a structure, hazard area, or IDLH that can involve a direct attack on a fire to control and extinguish or control other hazard. Command must remain exterior during this mode. Defensive: Command has ordered all crews to remain outside or exit a structure or hazard area where crews can safely operate to control the fire of other hazard. No member shall enter any building or hazard area that has been designated by Command as defensive operation. A PAR will be conducted if Command switches operational modes from Offensive to Defensive Command has the option to authorize both Defensive and Offensive modes in different areas of large and multiple buildings. Command must ensure adequate supervision for safety of all crews operating in the different modes. Tactical Communications CAN Reporting: CAN reporting gives firefighters a regular, consistent way to report back to the IC on their progress and needs. CAN reporting keeps things simple and it delivers the IC the information needed to keep the strategy and IAP current. The CAN acronym stands for: Conditions Actions Needs 10 All CAN reports should start with the tactical objectives that have been completed prior to giving the report. In order to keep fire ground communications to a minimum, all personnel shall report to their immediate supervisor. In addition, certain information must be communicated through this “chain of command” to the IC. The following is a list of required transmissions (or face-to-face communications): When an assigned objective is completed. When an assigned objective cannot be met. If there is a safety problem or other hazard to personnel/occupants. When more aggressive resources are needed to accomplish an assigned objective. Other emergency or absolutely necessary information. When a crew is relocated, i.e., Division 1 to Division 2 or to Basement Tactical Assignment – First Alarm – Hydrant Areas - The First Suppression Unit will deploy and charged the appropriate size hose line when the possibility of active fire exist and leave the front of the building open for truck company. - A second equal to or larger size hose line will be deployed and charged during Offensive Operations as a backup line. - The Second Suppression Unit will establish a water supply for the First Suppression Unit if not already accomplished - Consideration of placement for the First arriving Truck Company to set up for ventilation unless otherwise directed. Tactical Assignments – First Alarm – Non-Hydrant Areas - The First Suppression Unit may deploy a supply line into the incident. - The First Suppression Unit will deploy and charged the appropriate size hose line when the possibility of active fire exist and leave the front of the building open for truck company. - A second equal to or larger size hose line will be deployed and charged during Offensive Operations as a backup line. - The Second Suppression Unit will establish a water supply for the First Suppression Unit in the form of Relay pumping, Tanker Operations. - The Second Suppression Unit Officer should be become the Water Supply Officer (WSO) for the incident until relieved by a ranking officer. - Consideration of placement for the First arriving Truck Company to set up for ventilation unless otherwise directed. 11  Incident Command Responsibilities Command should utilize the Span of control elements of ICS and break up the incident into Groups, Divisions, and Branch’s. Elements of Command Presence - Assume command of the Fire. Announce your arrival over the radio. Realize you are responsible for the strategy and tactics from that point on. If you don’t like what you see, change it. If you do, let it run. - Establish a Command Post. If one has been established, go there. If not, designate a site. Incoming companies will report to the CP. - Get a size up report. As soon as possible contact the officer that was in command and get a size up of the interior operations. There are basic items you must ascertain. - What floor is the fire on? - What hose lines are discharging water on the fire? - How likely is it that those hose lines will extinguish the fire? - Transmit preliminary and periodic status reports. Tell what you have. Explain why you need more resources. Explain if your resources are being effective. - Determine the results of the primary and secondary searches - Declare the fire under control. Announce when the fire is no longer a threat to the community. Can only be declared once you determine the conditions on the fire floor, floor above and any other exposures where you have companies operating. - Conduct an investigation. Determine where the fire started. - Conduct a critique of the response. Staging Level 1 Staging: Staging provides a standard system by which apparatus, personnel and equipment are organized at a designated area prior to being assigned tasks at the fire scene. Level 1 staging will apply to apparatus responding to motor vehicle crashes, mass casualty incidents and other non-fire emergencies, except for those units with predetermined assignments or specific instructions. Level 1 Staging requires that units, other than those with incident assignments or units that have been directed to a specific location, respond to a location no closer than one (1) block (or street) of the incident scene. Once a unit has staged itself at the appropriate location, they should report the unit number as on scene and report to the Command Post with the suitable equipment. Level 2 Staging: Level 2 Staging allows additional apparatus to be located in a designated area providing an “on- scene” reserve of equipment. While mutual aid apparatus best fits this description, any additional equipment, manpower or vehicles should stage this area until requested to the scene. In establishing Level 2 Staging, Command must designate a staging area and, as soon as practical, assign a Staging Officer. Communications will advise responding units of the staging area location and the Staging Manager in charge of staging. If Command has not assigned a Staging Manager, the ranking officer on one of the first responding companies shall assume this duty. That Officer will announce assumption of that duty. With a Staging Operation established, units arriving at staging will report to the Staging Manager and not on the radio. The person in charge of staging shall have the only vehicle with warning lights turned on. All other units in the staging area will turn warning lights off. The Staging Manager will advise Command of units and manpower available in the staging area and give periodic updates of this situation. After the staging procedure has been initiated, communications involving staging will be directly between the Staging Manager and Command Operations Section Chief. Requests from Command for assignment of companies in the staging area will be verbally relayed by the Staging Manager. When giving assignments, the Staging Manager will specifically direct companies where and to whom to report. Limited Access Highway Responses Units should avoid staging on the highway when possible. Unassigned units should leave the highway and stage at closest exit prior to reaching the incident scene. Units that are located near the closest on-ramp to the incident should refrain from entering the highway until given an assignment. Staging on the highway should be limited to rest areas and weigh stations. If staging on the highway is needed outside of the rest areas and weigh stations, sufficient traffic blocking is required and/or the road should be blocked to all non-emergency traffic. Should no contact with the IC or staging officer be made after the second radio message, the unit may proceed on the highway to the incident location. Identification of Incident Command Positions As the IC establishes a formal CP and begins to develop his/her staff and functional assignments, a visible method for identifying personnel so assigned will be required. The method of visible identification employed in Barnstable County is reflective vests, which should be carried by all departments with functional/staff assignments printed on same in bold reflective letters. At a minimum, Departments should have vests available for the following functional and staff assignments: Incident Commander Liaison Officer EMS Officer Operations Staging Triage Information (PIO) Water Supply Treatment Safety Division (S) Transportation Logistics Planning  APPENDIX A Sides / Quadrants We will use the following terms to describe building sides: SIDE CHARLIE Bravo/Charlie Charlie/Delta SIDE BRAVO SIDE DELTA Alpha/Bravo Alpha/Delta SIDE ALPHA  SIDE CHARLIE SIDE CHARLIE SIDE BRAVO SIDE DELTA WING BRAVO WING CHARLIE CORE SIDE ALPHA SIDE ALPHA SIDE BRAVO WING ALPHA SIDE DELTA SIDE ALPHA The Quadrant System can be applied to structures of unusual design as shown above. In all cases, once the IC has established Division Alpha, all other Divisions can be determined. In the example above, the term “Wing” is used to describe the various sections, Division designations can then be made.  APPENDIX B Communications Face to face communication is the most effective form of communication. It should be the preferred form of communication on the task and tactical levels of the incident site. Face to face communications should be used whenever possible in the following circumstances: - Company officers communicating with their crew members. - Company officers communicating with other company officers in their work area. - Tactical level bosses communicating with units assigned to their geographic location. Radio Procedures - As a best practice, Fire departments and BCC should use clear text for emergency communications at incident scenes as well as those transmitted to and from their respective dispatch centers and the mutual aid dispatch center. Departments may refer to the standard terms and phrases in NFPA 1221 (2016 Edition), 7.4.11 and A7.4.11 as a guideline. The Statewide 800 MHz trunked radio system is the primary communication system for fire departments within Barnstable County. Fire Alarm Talk group – Each fire department is assigned their own Fire Alarm talk group. This talk group/channel is their primary channel for local operations and is used for routine, small scale incidents. Mutual Aid Dispatch Talk group – BCC uses this channel to transmit and receive requests for mutual throughout Barnstable County. It is also used for the daily radio test, to place apparatus in and out of service, and for county messages. The use of mobile and portable radio on this channel is limited to emergencies only. Units responding mutual aid shall operate either on a fire alarm or operations talk group. Barnstable County Control does not expect to hear directly from units requesting resources on the Mutual Aid Dispatch Channel. The expectation is that the communication will come from a Dispatch Center. Operations Talk groups – Zone C in all radio in Barnstable County is programmed as a working zone and is specifically designed with safety features in place for fireground operations. BCC shall assign an operations talk group for any structural fire incident where mutual aid companies are responding to the scene. Any fire department with an incident where mutual aid companies are operating on the fire ground (IDLH environment) shall use the assigned operations talk group for that incident. Departments with their own Fire Alarm shall communicate with that Fire Alarm on the OPS channels. While the County does monitor them whenever they are in use, for these departments it is more of a backup role, versus being the primary point of contact. It is critical that all companies on the fireground operate on the same radio talk group. Companies should not be forced to switch back and forth or try and determine what talk group the IC is operating on.  The IC may use their Fire Alarm Talk group to provide update to Fire Alarm in an effort limit communications on the Operations Talk group. Response Procedures To the scene - Companies responding to the scene shall switch to the Fire Alarm talk group of the requesting fire department and sign on. If directions are needed, or there is a question regarding the address or response information, it should be asked at this time. At no time should companies request directions to the incident on the Operations talk group. Once they have signed on with the requesting agency, companies shall then switch to the assigned operations talk group. It is not necessary to sign-on once on the OPS talk group. This avoids a significant volume of radio traffic on the OPS talk group during the critical early stages of the incident. Upon arrival at the scene or staging, companies shall follow the ICS policy for reporting to the incident commander. It is not necessary to advise the IC that companies are “on the approach” or “requesting orders.” Companies should announce they are on scene and report to the Incident Commander unless staging has been assigned. To coverage - Companies responding for station coverage shall switch to the Fire Alarm talk group of the fire department the coverage assignment is for. If possible, companies should monitor their Fire Alarm talk group and/or Mutual Aid Dispatch talk group in case there is a change of assignment before they arrive at the coverage location. Ambulance and Routine Responses - Apparatus responding for routine mutual aid assignments shall switch to the Fire Alarm talk group of the requesting fire department, unless another talk group has been assigned. Apparatus should sign on with staffing and advise when on scene and when clearing. It is possible that the apparatus may be held in the requesting town after the first assignment is secure.  APPENDIX C Water Supply Supervisor Hydrant Appointed By: Incident Command Works with: Operations Chief or Fire Branch Director Fire Flow Required: Discuss Fire Flow requirements with Command Known requirements and capabilities from preplan? Water supply established: What has been done? What is flowing now? Initial capability: Flow, size, length, static/residual pressures Additional Flows Desired by IC Hydrant Location: Main Sizes and Known Capabilities Resources available in apparatus and what is necessary Water Supply grid challenges and capabilities: Can we go one block over? Pump ratings and delivery capability: Volume/Pressure: Can they pump multiple LDH? Proper hydrant hookup to use maximum available water? Pumping lines properly – Operator knows flows needed and being given, what were initial readings? Relay Operations: Pump Operator Knowledge Relays – Consider Distances and Flow 4” 1000GPM 800’ EP=172 +/ 5” 1000GPM 1500’ EP=140 +/- 5” 1000GPM 1000’ EP=170 +/- Relay Pumps needed, Distance between Engines: 800’ or 1000’ Water Department Notification Second Ops Channel for coordination – 2 radios for Comms Continually monitor the situation Monitor Streams: Effective and being pumped properly - Correct Drafting or Tanker Operations or combinations to supplement where needed What is in Staging in case of break down?  APPENDIX D WATER SUPPLY SUPERVISOR NON-HYDRANT Appointed By: Incident Command Works with: IC, Operations Chief or Fire Branch Director Determine the Fire Flow Required: See Below Discuss Fire Flow requirements with Command, also consider total water needed Request second OPS channel for water supply operations. Tanker and Engine: Supply capability presently responding and assignments Supply Source: Pond, Cistern, Hydrant, Pool, Ocean Assign Fill/Draft Site Leader Shuttle or Relay or Both (Time to set-up) Draft Engine: Hard Suction Low Level Strainer Siphons Additional Tankers/Engines? Alarms or Special Call Staging Location or Locations for Water Supply Operations Dump Site Location – Line laid to fire from workable location: Extend if necessary Multiple Dump Assign Dump Site Leader Sites due to situation? Capability to supply What is required for set-up: Consider accessibility? Draft Engine: Hard Suction Low Level Strainer Siphons Storage Tanks: Capacity? How Many? Control of Draft and Dump Sites established Second Draft Engine? Safety Scene: Meet fire ground flow Water source: to maintain fill speed Second Fill Site: ease traffic or should first site run out of water If Draft and Dump Sites are far apart then one spare each site Recheck with IC on Flow desires – Advise capability – Additional resources PD notified of Shuttle Routes or Relay Plans Relay Operations: Pump Operator Knowledge Relay – Consider distances and flow 4” 1000GPM 800’ EP=172 +/ 5” 1000GPM 1500’ EP=140 +/- 5” 1000GPM 1000’ EP=170 +/- Relay Pumps needed: Distance between Engines: 800’ or 1000’ Relief: Long term operation at fill site  APPENDIX E Staging Manager Responsibilities The Staging Manager will have the following responsibilities: Communicates directly with the IC and assigns companies requested by Command, noting where and to whom they report. Makes assignments to units in staging verbally and not by radio. Coordinate with Logistics Chief on needed equipment and manpower needs. Maintains warning lights only on the vehicle her/she is assigned to. Periodically advises the IC of units/manpower available in Staging. Coordinate with Police to block streets and control traffic in the Staging Area. Ensures that apparatus is parked to avoid congestion and maintain access. Maintains a log of apparatus in the Staging Area. Maintains a conspicuous location and wears STAGING vest.  APPENDIX F Safety Officer Responsibilities The Incident Safety Officer Shall – Indicates a Mandatory Responsibility Monitor conditions, activities and operations. With a perceived risk, take action Ensure the establishment of Rehab Monitor and report status of conditions, hazards and risks to the IC Ensure Personnel Accountability System is utilized Receive an Incident Action Plan from IC (if required) and then provide a Risk Assessment of the incident scene operations. Ensure the establishment of safety zones, collapse zones, hot zones, and other hazard areas: Communicate to all members present Evaluate traffic hazards and apparatus placement. Take appropriate actions to mitigate hazards. Monitor radio transmissions: Stay alert for missed, unclear, or incomplete communications Communicate to IC the need for assistants: Due to need, size, complexity or duration Survey and evaluate the hazards associated with a landing zone and interface with helicopters. Incident Safety Officer – Fire Suppression Meet the provisions of Incident Scene Safety Ensure that a Rapid Intervention Crew is available and ready Building Fire: Advise the IC of hazards, collapse potential, and fire extension Evaluate smoke and fire conditions and advise the IC on potential for flashover, backdraft, blow- up, or other fire event that could pose a threat to operating teams. Monitor accessibility of entry and egress of structures conducting interior operations.  APPENDIX G Firefighter Rehabilitation Incident Command shall establish Rehabilitation when conditions indicate that rest and rehabilitation is needed for personnel working at an incident scene or training exercise. The IC shall designate a Rehabilitation Manager. Establishment of Level 1 (informal rehabilitation) shall occur on single company or first alarm level incidents. Level 1 rehabilitation shall occur at the company level with a period of rest, hydration, and relief of climatic conditions. Level 2 (formal rehabilitation) should be considered for a working fire level incident and shall occur at second alarm or greater level incident. Establishment of rehabilitation should be considered after one (1) 30 minute SCBA or 20 minutes of intense physical work. Rehabilitation must be provided after the use of two (2) 30 minute SCBA bottles or 40 minutes of intense physical work without SCBA. Site Characteristics Location will provide physical rest by allowing the personnel to recuperate from the demands and hazards of the emergency operation or training evolution. Be far enough away from the scene that personnel may safely remove their turnout gear and SCBA and afforded mental rest from the stress and pressure of the emergency operation or training evolution. Shall provide suitable protection from the prevailing environmental conditions. During hot weather, it should be in a cool, shaded area. During cold weather, it should be in a warm, dry area. Shall enable personnel to be free of exhaust fumes from apparatus, vehicles, or equipment (including those used in the Rehabilitation Sector). Shall be large enough to accommodate several crews, based upon the incident size. Shall be easily accessible by EMS vehicles. Shall allow prompt re-entry to the incident. Restroom facilities should be considered. Equipment Considerations: Tents/Shelters Dedicated Ambulance(s) (not available for transporting) patients School buses, buses or other vehicles designed for use. Nearby buildings, stores or other structures. An open area where tarps, fans, heaters, etc. can be set up. Canteen units Department of Fire Services Rehabilitation units Medical Considerations: Rehabilitation Manager shall maintain adequate equipment for the size of the incident. Medical Personnel -Minimum of one certified EMS provider (Paramedic preferred) for every 5 people undergoing rehabilitation in the Rehabilitation location. Fluids/Food - Sufficient potable water, oral electrolyte solution, ice and food as may be necessary. Consider notifying outside resources early into an incident to allow for travel time.  Other items to consider such as, tarps, lights, fans, blankets, towels, traffic cones, fire-line tape, etc. Two Advanced Life Support level ambulances should be at the scene. One dedicated unit for transport of victims or firefighters. A second unit shall be dedicated to the rehabilitation sector. Minimum medical equipment in rehabilitation sector is to include vital signs monitoring equipment, RAD-57 co-oximeter, AED and resuscitation equipment. General Operational Principles: Climatic or environmental conditions that indicate the need to establish Rehabilitation are a heat stress index above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or wind-chill index below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Establishment of a rehabilitation sector should be considered at all working fire incidents, and shall occur at all second alarm or greater incidents. Additionally, rehabilitation sectors should be considered at training exercises and other events. Decontamination: Members entering the rehabilitation sector should remove as much personal protective equipment as possible prior to entering the rehabilitation sector. This should include removal of helmets, coats, hoods, gloves, and self-contained breathing apparatus. Members should undergo a gross decontamination using brooms, brushes or other equipment to remove as much soot and contamination from members prior to entering rehabilitation sector. Member should also wash hands and face if possible using soap and water or hand wipes. Hydration: During heat stress, each personnel should replace at least one quart of water per hour. Plain water should be used for the first hour of the operations and then supplemented with a commercially prepared beverage such as Gatorade or other electrolyte replacement fluid. Carbonated beverages should be avoided. Coffee and tea should be consumed only in limited quantities. Nourishment: Food should be soups, broths, fruits (bananas, apples, oranges) or other easily digested foods. Consideration should be given to meal replacement type bars that have a nutritional composition of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. Fast food sandwiches, fatty or salty foods should be avoided. Rest: Rest shall be provided after the "two bottle rule" or 45 minutes, whichever comes first. Personnel should re-hydrate with 6 - 12 ounces during SCBA bottle change. Rest shall be no less than 10 minutes and may in some cases exceed 30 minutes as determined by the Rehabilitation Manager. Personnel requiring rest periods of greater than 30 minutes will be closely monitored for medical conditions. Those who exhibit problems with their baseline medical assessment after 40 minutes should be treated under EMS protocol and transported to a medical facility. Passive cooling using air conditioned tents or vehicles should be considered during extremes of heat. Active cooling methods including: cool, wet towels, misting fans, or hand and forearm immersion may be provided to members to assist in decreasing body temperature. (See 3 bucket wet towel illustration attached)  While members are in the rehabilitation sector, radios and other noise should be kept to a minimum. Medical Screening / Treatment: Medical Screening and Treatment will follow Massachusetts Medical Statewide Treatment Protocols. (Refer to Appendix: Section 8.1 “Fire and Tactical EMS Rehabilitation Flow Chart) Rehabilitation medical evaluation shall consist of a minimum of a) visual exam, b) blood pressure, c) pulse, d) O2 saturation, e) CO monitor. Record vitals on screening tags. Any member(s) who receives any treatment(s) other than oral fluid, food, and/or rest shall be treated and documented (PCR created) as an injury to personnel. As an example, ice for sprains or strains shall be considered injuries rather than rehabilitation. All Patient Care Reports shall remain part of the employee's protected medical file and treated as other confidential medical records. When a first responder is released from Rehabilitation, the bottom portion of the tag is given to the responder. The top portion is checked for completeness. Screening tags will be maintained for the duration of the incident. At the conclusion, tags shall be held locally with the incident records. Accountability: The Rehabilitation Manager shall be responsible for tracking all people entering and exiting the Rehabilitation area. There should be one clear entrance and exit point to the rehabilitation sector to ease accountability. Personnel released by the Rehabilitation Manager are to report to the Staging Area, Planning and/or Operations as determined Heat Index Chart Wind Chill Chart  APPENDIX H Accountability Officers Responsibilities The creation of an Accountability Officer is at the discretion of Incident Commander (IC). The sole responsibility for accountability lies with the incident commander. Support staff can be assigned the roles of managing accountability. An accountability system shall be adopted and routinely used to collect and maintain the status and location of the resources working in, or potentially working in, an IDLH or otherwise hazardous environment at an incident. All members operating at an incident are responsible for understanding and participating in this system. The IC shall be responsible for the overall accountability for the incident. The IC may delegate to other appropriate staff members (Accountability Officer), the facilitation of the accountability for those resources to meet those goals, objectives, and tasks as needed. The NFPA 1500 and 1561 Standards contain specific requirements regarding accountability of members that include but are not limited to the following: Pre-Incident Accountability Considerations 1. Training on the policies, procedures and tactics of the accountability system should be a priority to a successful system. 2. Pre-written agency policies and standard operating guidelines related to responder emergencies are an integral part of an accountability system. These policies and guidelines, when properly applied at an incident or event, result in solid rescue and recovery plans that are specific to emergency environment and the specific risks faced by responders. 3. The organization’s culture must encompass the understanding that a firefighter’s failure to adhere to standard accountability practices places them, and all on scene personnel, in increased danger. Incident Accountability Considerations 1. There must be an Incident Management Accountability System in place. The task can be accomplished by the IC or delegated to an individual in more complex incidents. 2. Accountability procedures must be followed and must track individuals regardless of their location or assignment on the incident (i.e., hazard zone, camp, incident base). Crewmembers to Company Officers, Company Officers to Accountability Officer, and Accountability Officer to IC. 3. The supervisor must continually maintain crew integrity at all times to avoid “freelancing” by individual crewmembers. 4. By maintaining company supervision and crew integrity, initiative and resourcefulness can be closely monitored. 5. All personnel must have the ability to communicate with assigned supervisors. 6. It is essential that the supervisor or manager be able to account for different crews by means of an “identifier.” 7. Access to event/incident shall be maintained and monitored. Resources engaged, staged or released from functional assignments must do so through the chain of command. 8. An accounting of all personnel must be conducted at certain points during the incident/event, when conditions change, or assignments are complete. Personnel accountability report (PAR) Post Incident Accountability Considerations 1. Provide post incident summary of the event for review. 2. Discuss and review relevant situations where accountability was a factor during the incident/event. 3. Provide actions taken and lessons learned that would encourage or possibly prevent the same issue(s) from occurring again. 4. Upon release from an incident, assigned resource will contact the home unit or base to inform of release status and travel time; then again upon arrival. On Scene Responsibilities - Location of Accountability decided by the IC - Collect Tags from All Units on scene - Organize the Tags from Units by Division, Groups, or as a single resource - Try to ascertain the Location and Assignment of Units attached to Division, Groups, or as a single resource on the incident. The Division or Group may also be tracking Units assigned to them - Track on scene Units throughout the incident - Advise the IC on the need for a PAR (Typically every 20 minutes, Change in Operational Mode, after a dramatic on scene event) - Consider a PAR if the incident allows it before the transfer of Command - Conduct the PAR for the IC once the IC has informed the Dispatch Center The PAR should start with the most endangered Units First  APPENDIX I Rapid Intervention (RIT) Chief Responsibilities - The RIT Chief shall report to the IC for a briefing to include incident status, location of resources, operational mode / tactics and hazards present. The IC will also advise the RIT Chief who they will report to: (IC-Safety Officer-OPS Chief-Division or Group Supervisor). - The IC should make every effort to assign the RIT function to an Engine, Truck or Rescue company due to their equipment and skill levels. At specialized incidents, an equal unit and crew should be assigned. (Hazardous Materials, Tech Rescue, Wildland or Maritime) - Upon arrival and assignment the RIT Chief shall perform a size up of the incident scene and identify any potential hazards or problems, locate exits and determine equipment and PPE requirements. - The RIT Chief shall report to a location, outside the identified hazard/collapse or hot zone that provides easy and timely access to the incident, possibly near their reporting ICS position. - The RIT Chief or designated member will perform a walk around to familiarize themselves with the structure. - The RIT will remain in a constant state of readiness in required PPE and SCBA levels with equipment and tools available at all times to carry out firefighter search and rescue tasks. - The RIT Chief shall not be assigned any other tasks for functions that would interfere with RIT Duties. - The RIT Chief shall monitor closely all assigned tactical channels to assist in tracking of resource locations, changes in the incident or building conditions, unsuccessful PAR’s or firefighter MAYDAY transmissions. - Complex, high-rise or large scale operations may require the need for the IC to assign multiple RIT or various technical RIT. In order to effectively manage, communicate and deploy the numerous RIT, the IC should identify them by. * RIT numbering: RIT 64, RIT 451, RIT 829 * Task: Haz Mat RIT 294, Haz Mat RIT 152 * Geographic Location: Roof RIT 41, Division #3 RIT 351, Exterior RIT 111 Procedures for RIT Activation: Establishment of a Rescue Group Supervisor to manage RIT resources Request additional and or specialized resources Follow MAYDAY SOG procedures Establish a second RIT while initial RIT is working  Wildland Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Organization: Upon arrival on an incident, REMS initially reports to the Incident Commander. REMS will work under the direction of an assigned ICS position. REMS personnel may remain mobile or have to hike into the intended location with litter basket and equipment. Once with the patient, REMS personnel should get a report on the patient’s condition, the environment, available resources and implement an effective plan will be placed into effect. Based on environmental factors, the patient as a package can be extracted by walking over various terrain features or trails or a rope system can be assembled to raise or lower the litter basket to an identified location. Staffing: Minimum staffing consists of (4) qualified technical specialists from the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team. The REMS personnel shall meet the requisite qualifications as outlined within the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Barnstable County Technical Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines. The entire four-person team should maintain unity and not be split to accomplish separate missions. Activation: REMS team activated through Barnstable County Control as a special call or may be already placed on the town or district’s mutual aid running cards. The request will activate a Tier 2 Barnstable County Technical Rescue response.  APPENDIX J Division – Group Supervisor Responsibilities - Make sure you get clear objectives from Command and understand them - Locate your position and announce to command - Supervise the work in the division or group - Coordinating actions with other divisions or groups - Provide IC with accurate progress reports - Redirecting Division / Group Activities as required - Monitor personnel safety, accountability and welfare