Initial and On-Going Size Up PDF

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES INITIAL AND ON-GOING SIZE UP INITIAL SIZE UP These are the observations and evaluations you make en-route and upon arrival which dicta...

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES INITIAL AND ON-GOING SIZE UP INITIAL SIZE UP These are the observations and evaluations you make en-route and upon arrival which dictate the strategy decision and the development of the incident action plan IAP. A very useful and effective acronym is the A-B-C-D Size-up. It provides clear and concise information in a uniform sequence that can be adopted by all to provide a standardized initial on-scene reporting method. The breakdown is as follows: A- Address B- Building Description C- Conditions D- Deployment and directives First, confirm the ADDRESS of the incident. Many fires are called in by witnesses, neighbors or homeowners with cell phones. Accurately determining the incident location can affect response routes, layout instructions and apparatus placement. Next, provide a useful BUILDING DESCRIPTION.  Small, Medium, Large, Extremely Large  Single Family, Multi-Family, Grocery Store, Church, School, Warehouse, Manufacturing Facility, etc. Report of CONDITIONS.  When describing conditions, paint a picture for incoming units. Describe how much smoke and/or fire you have and give a specific location within the building. The following provides a vivid mental picture that can be useful to incoming units, “I have heavy smoke showing from the second floor, Alpha/ Delta corner”. Finally, announce what you are doing and what needs to done (DEPLOYMENT / DIRECTIVES). This begins with identifying the operational mode (investigating, rescue, offensive or defensive). Next, provide any additional instructions to specific units or to dispatch. This may include layout or placement instructions, announcement of special hazards or requesting additional alarms. RECON After your brief initial report and initial crew assignments the officer must quickly evaluate the scene from as many angles as possible. A 360 is ideal, but is not always feasible. Try to get a view of 7 sides of a residential structure and the broadest view possible of a commercial structure. ON-GOING SIZE UP As priorities are met and goals are achieved, the incident objectives evolve. We must constantly evaluate if our current actions match the current conditions. This is done through the use of a follow-report. A follow-up report consists of:  Situational Update  Resource determination  Any immediate safety concerns  Clarify Command Mode and Strategy, if not done in the Brief Initial Report