Toronto Fire Services Training Note 104.1.7 Sectoring PDF

Fire Services Professional Development and Training Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: November 30, 2018 GROUP: 100 Firefighting Knowledge and Skills SECTION:...

Fire Services Professional Development and Training Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: November 30, 2018 GROUP: 100 Firefighting Knowledge and Skills SECTION: 104 Incident Management System SUB-SECTION: 104.1 Using the Incident Management System UNIT: 104.1.7 Sectoring TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................... 2 2. SECTORING RATIONALE.......................................................................................... 2 3. SECTOR DESIGNATION............................................................................................ 2 4. SECTOR OFFICER RADIO DESIGNATION............................................................... 3 5. SECTOR OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES............................................ 3 6. WORK CYCLE ROTATION......................................................................................... 4 7. ASSIGNMENT OF SECTORS.................................................................................... 5 Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 104.1.7 Professional Development and Training Date Prepared: November 2018 Page 1 of 5 1. INTRODUCTION Sectoring is a tool within the Incident Management System (IMS) that allows the Incident Commander (IC) to group personnel and other resources into manageable units at an emergency incident. Sectors are based on either a geographical or functional basis to achieve tactical level tasks. 2. SECTORING RATIONALE Sectoring allows the IC to reduce span of control, provide effective Command structure and reduce radio traffic. With Sectors established, the IC can concentrate on overall strategy and resource allocation. 3. SECTOR DESIGNATION Sectors are designated by clearly identifying geographic position or functional task. Geographical Designations The main entrance to any building shall be given the Sector designation Alpha Sector and the remaining sides are designated phonetically in a clockwise manner. Charlie Bravo Delta Main Entrance Alpha In multi-storey occupancies, Sectors will be indicated according to floor numbers, e.g. Sector 5 - indicates the 5th floor. Roof Sector Sector 6 Sector 5 Sector 4 Sector 3 Sector 2 Sector 1 Basement 1 Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 104.1.7 Professional Development and Training Date Prepared: November 2018 Page 2 of 5 Functional Designations Functional Sectors are assigned according to the tasks that they are to perform, e.g. Rehab, Staging, Fire Control, Ventilation etc. 4. SECTOR OFFICER RADIO DESIGNATION The radio designation of each Sector should be abbreviated in order to reduce radio traffic. Sector Officer Radio Designation Incident Safety Officer Safety Staging Officer Staging Rehabilitation Officer Rehab 5. SECTOR OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Sector Officers are responsible for command and control of their Sector and shall carry out the tactical objective(s) assigned by Command. Sector Officers will: Advise Command of their location, when they are in place and ready to perform their assigned duties Ensure accountability Designate a staging area in their Sector Designate a controlled area and assign an Entry Control person Notify Command when they require additional resources or personnel Set up air supply for their sector Ensure adequate resources are maintained in the Sector Coordinate personnel re-assignment through Command Ensure that personnel are operating in a safe and effective manner Control when personnel are assigned to Rehab Sector Conduct and report PAR status of their Sector The Sector Officer shall manage the rotation of personnel in their sector. This can be achieved by considering several factors including, but not limited to, the following: Function being performed Controlled area entry and exit time consideration Activity level (light, moderate, heavy) On-air and air use timelines (air management) Equipment being operated/utilized Sector Officers should have the same level of personal protective equipment available to them as the crews assigned to them. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 104.1.7 Professional Development and Training Date Prepared: November 2018 Page 3 of 5  Consideration should be given to assigning a Firefighter to assist in the administration and communication requirements of the assignment. Sector Officers should be easily identifiable (Sector Vests where available) and in a conspicuous location. Command should be updated when: The Sector Officer cannot complete their assigned objective The Sector Officer needs additional resources Conditions change in their Sector The tactical objective(s) assigned by Command have been completed The IC utilizes this information to continually update the Incident Action Plan (IAP). 6. WORK CYCLE ROTATION During operations where tasks cannot be interrupted a work cycle rotation shall be set up within that sector. Three crews should be assigned per task: 1. First crew deployed 2. Second crew “On Deck” 3. Third crew is available at Sector Rehab. Teams will rotate through these three positions within their sector, until two cylinders are depleted. Teams will then be assigned to the Incident Rehab Sector. Deployed Crew All crews in a Sector performing tasks in the hot zone are considered deployed. "On Deck” Crew Crews are standing by within a Sector and ready for assignment. Sector Rehab Crew Crews that have just exited the hot zone and getting ready to redeploy. Advantages of Work Cycle System  Having personnel ready for immediate deployment to replace crews  Having personnel provide immediate resources for a MAYDAY or RIT  Reduces time travelling from Sector to Sector (air/light, rehab) Challenges of Work Cycle System Getting adequate personnel in place to support the work cycle Setting up Air Supply Accountability Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 104.1.7 Professional Development and Training Date Prepared: November 2018 Page 4 of 5 7. ASSIGNMENT OF SECTORS Sectors can be assigned based on the following factors: Span of control will be improved for the IC When it is a large or complex incident When special hazards are present The span of control for a Sector Officer will typically not exceed a ratio of five to one. Medical Sector When presented with patient care requirements a medical sector shall be established. Ensure command receives updates on patient status. The Medical Sector Officer is responsible for ensuring all patient RMS documentation is completed. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 104.1.7 Professional Development and Training Date Prepared: November 2018 Page 5 of 5