Bridgeport Fire Department Incident Command Structure PDF

Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 1. 2. Purpose 1.1. To provide guidelines for the management of an emergency incident in an efficient and organized manner. 1.2. Provide for the safety...

Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 1. 2. Purpose 1.1. To provide guidelines for the management of an emergency incident in an efficient and organized manner. 1.2. Provide for the safety of personnel operating at emergency incidents through improved Command and Control. 1.3. Improve the use of resources and tactical effectiveness. 1.4. Meet the standards set forth by NIMS, NFPA and OSHA Regulations that require the use of an Incident Command System at emergency incidents. Applicability 2.1. 3. This procedure applies to all members of the Bridgeport Fire Department. Definitions 3.1. Still Alarm – Single or Double Company Response 3.2. Assignments - Multi Company Response (Box Alarms, Signal 29’s) 3.3. Combat Command - The first arriving Officer is initially in Command of the emergency. Officer shall take an active role in carrying out required tactical operations. i.e., request additional units, order recall on the alarm of fire; which means the Company Officer can handle the Assignment with the companies on scene. ECC shall notify the responding Assistant Chief of the initial Incident Commander’s actions. 3.4. Formal Command - Command established by the Assistant Chief, normally from an exterior position. Formal Command is established when an incident is complex or rapidly escalating. When instituting formal command, the Incident Commander shall also establish a Command Post. The Command Post shall primarily be positioned on the A side of the structure and if there is Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE a need to use a different position it shall be communicated over both the Dispatch and Fireground Channel. 3.5. Division - When multiple resources are assigned to a specified geographic area, such as a specific floor or side of a building. 3.6. Group - When multiple resources are assigned to perform the same function incident wide. 3.7. Branch - Created to provide coordination and control of established Divisions and/or Groups. 3.8. Staging Level I - Standard system of initial placement for responding apparatus, personnel and equipment prior to assignment at tactical incidents. Used primarily on initial and large emergency incidents. 3.9. Staging Level II - An area for Command to gather resources which may be required to effectively handle emergency incidents. Used primarily on complex emergency incidents. 3.10. Staging Manager - The Officer in charge of the Level II Staging Area. Under most circumstances, the first arriving Bridgeport Fire Department Officer to staging shall act as Staging Manager. 4. Responsibility 4.1. It shall be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his/her rank in the implementation of this procedure. 4.1.1. Company Officer ➢ Whenever a single company responds to an incident, the Officer of the responding company shall be in Command of the incident and shall assume full authority and responsibility for all actions Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE conducted at the scene. When operating at the scene the radio designation of the Command Officer shall be the call number of the apparatus. ➢ Whenever multiple companies are dispatched to an incident the first arriving Officer shall automatically assume Command. Command is established by transmitting a brief initial report containing the following information to ECC: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ Identity of the company transmitting the report. Actual location of the incident. Brief description of the incident and report of conditions. Designation of command - Command is designated either by the street that the incident is on, or the name of the location. 4.1.2. Combat Command shall be the primary mode of operation for Company Officers unless the situation dictates Formal Command to be established. (see definitions) 4.2. Assistant Chief 4.2.1. The first to arrive Battalion Chief shall assume the position of the IC and establish the Incident Command Post (ICP) in proximity to emergency incident. This position shall be near enough to the incident to personally observe operations but outside of the hot zone, in an area clear of hazards, and not in the way of operating units. Note: At large, complex or rapidly escalating incidents, if the first to arrive Battalion Chief is an Acting Battalion Chief, the second to arrive Battalion Chief shall exchange information and assume the position of the Incident Commander. The Acting Battalion Chief shall be assigned to act as a Branch Manager, Division or Group Supervisor or a Command Staff Position. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 4.2.2. The IC must size-up the incident scene and evaluate the tactics implemented prior to his/her arrival. IC shall determine if sufficient resources are available to address current conditions, and if needed, transmit additional alarms or special call additional resources to accomplish the following incident priorities: ➢ ➢ ➢ Life Safety (first priority) Incident Stabilization (second priority) Property Conservation (third priority) 4.2.3. The IC shall make every effort to gain a full picture of the incident by completing a 360-degree assessment of the scene. After the size-up is complete the IC shall return to the ICP. Note: This task can be assigned to other members assigned to the ICP. 4.2.4. Based on his/her size-up and assessment of the progress of tactical operations, the IC shall determine if operating units should be redeployed, if additional units shall be required, or if a change in tactics/strategy is needed (e.g., additional hose lines, searches, ventilation). 4.2.5. Upon arrival of the assigned Deputy Chief, the first to arrive Battalion Chief shall be designated the Operations Chief (OC). The transfer of command shall include a face-to-face exchange of information regarding conditions present, the actions being taken and potential needs to assist with the operations. 4.2.6. When operating in the role of Operations Chief, the Assistant Chief shall ensure that tactical objectives are met through the use of firefighting companies that are assigned to the incident. The Operations Chief shall use and monitor the assigned fireground channel during the emergency. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 4.3. Deputy Chief 4.3.1. The Deputy Chief shall use information obtained from the dispatch notes, the initial Incident Commander, and personal observation to size-up the incident. The DC shall consider the following: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ 4.4. Evaluate progress to rescue/remove victims involved in the emergency. Evaluate and monitor progress of units, duration of the incident and progress towards stabilizing the incident. Ensure civilian/member injuries are properly addressed. Assess current resources and ensure enough units are in reserve to handle contingencies. Assess any immediate needs of operating Units/Divisions/Groups. Contact the Medical Branch and ascertain if sufficient EMS resources are on the scene. Evaluate condition of members and the need for relief and rehabilitation. Evaluate and address the concerns where other agencies may be needed. The Deputy Chief shall assume the position of IC and take overall command of the incident. He/she shall be assisted by the first to arrive Battalion Chief who shall be designated the Operations Chief (OC). The first to arrive BC shall continue to manage the tactical operations of the incident under the supervision of the IC. Both Chief Officers shall operate together for the duration of the incident. The DC and the initial Incident Commander shall remain at the ICP to ensure effective command and control of the incident. At rapidly expanding incident the IC must be prepared to quickly establish additional Division/Group Supervisors to effectively manage the incident. Generally, the IC shall establish additional Divisions/Groups, for the purpose of maintaining an adequate span of control. The identity and location of these Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE Divisions/Groups shall vary depending on the type of emergency incident. 5. Procedure 5.1. Assumption of Command 5.1.1. Command is established at all incidents: upon arrival of the first BFD unit. 5.2. Assignments 5.2.1. Still Alarm (Single Company Response) ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ 5.3. Whenever a single company responds to an incident, the Officer of the responding company shall be in Command of the incident and shall assume full authority and responsibility for all actions conducted at the scene. When operating at the scene the radio designation of the Command Officer shall be the call number of the apparatus. Command is formally established upon arrival on the scene. Communicating arrival shall be transmitted through the apparatus tablet or mobile radio. If, after arrival at the scene, the officer requests additional fire department apparatus and staffing, the command procedures outlined in ‘Multi Company Responses’ (next paragraph) shall be followed. Multi-Company Responses (This includes all alarms where more than one company is dispatched, such as Extrications, Drownings, Rescues, etc.) 5.3.1. Whenever multiple companies are dispatched to an incident the first arriving Officer shall automatically assume Command. Command is Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE established by transmitting a brief initial report containing the following information to ECC. ➢ 5.4. The transmission shall include: Identity of the company transmitting the report, actual location of the incident, brief description of the incident and report of conditions, designation of command. Communications: 5.4.1. All communications shall be clear text and compliant with the NIMS communication model. Radio communications shall follow the parameters set forth in SOP 102. 5.5. Selection of Command 5.5.1. The IC must determine if initial activity shall be conducted from a fixed position or if it shall be conducted simultaneously with the tactical operations of the first arriving company. 5.5.2. The first arriving Company Officer shall use Combat Command mode. 5.5.3. Command from an exterior position is established when an incident is large, complex or rapidly escalating. Command shall also establish a Command Post. When Chief Officers assume command, they shall do so from a fixed position. i.e., Command Post 5.6. Transfer of Command 5.6.1. Upon the arrival of a Chief Officer, Formal Command shall be assumed by the Chief, and a radio transmission shall be made identifying the unit assuming command to all operating companies. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.6.2. The Chief assuming command shall gather information from CAD notes, personal observation of the incident and any communication from the initial IC. 5.6.3. Once formal Command has been established, all Command transfers shall be made using face to face communications. ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ General situation status including fire location, extent, conditions, extension. Effectiveness of control efforts. Deployment and assignment of operating companies. Appraisal of needs for additional resources at that time. 5.6.4. When the incident is no longer escalating, and Command Officer may then transfer command back down the chain of command. Command shall be transferred by a face to face notification. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.7. IDENTIFICATION OF BUILDING SIDES, EXPOSURES, AND FLOORS 5.7.1. Sides of buildings shall be identified using THE PHONETIC DESIGNATIONS. The address side of the building shall be designated as, "ALPHA" side of the building. Moving clockwise each subsequent side shall be designated with the next PHONETIC DESIGNATION in the alphabet. Side CHARLIE Side BRAVO Side DELTA Side ALPHA Central Avenue Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.7.2. Exposure buildings shall be designated by their relation to the sides of the fire building. This shall correspond to the PHONETIC DESIGNATION assigned to the corresponding sides. For example: Exposure CHARLIE Exposure BRAVO Fire Building Central Avenue Exposure ALPHA Exposure DELTA Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.8. Floors of buildings shall be designated using a numerical identification system. The first floor of the building shall be designated as Division 1 with each corresponding floor receiving the appropriate Division number. The basement and roof shall be designated using the words "Basement" and "Roof". Floors of exposed buildings shall be designated using their exposure letter and floor number. i.e., Division B-1. Roof Division Division 6 Division 5 Division 4 Division 3 Division 2 Division 1 Basement Division Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.9. ICS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR OPERATIONS 5.9.1. Initial Operations - most responses fall into the following structure meeting the optimum span of control for emergency operations. ➢ First Engine Company, second engine company, first Ladder Company and the rescue company shall initiate tactical operations at the emergency scene. 5.9.2. Level 1 Staging shall apply to all multi-company responses unless otherwise ordered by the Incident Commander. ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ Third due Engine Company shall stage near the next closest hydrant. The 2nd Due Ladder company shall stage in a location where the best access can be made into the emergency scene. The 4th Due Engine (RIT) shall stage in an area not impeding the access of other staged units into the emergency scene. Officers shall notify ECC of staged location upon arrival. 5.9.3. Staged companies shall remain at their location and wait for orders from the Incident Commander. ➢ Fire officers in staging shall monitor both the fire dispatch channel (channel 1) and the assigned fire ground channel for communications from the IC. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.10. Large Operations – shall require an expansion of the command structure including the tools stated below to manage the span of control and keep better accountability of members operating at the scene. 5.10.1. The Incident Commander shall notify all units on the scene of the following functions have been established. 5.10.2. Operations – is responsible for all tactical operations at the incident. The Operations section shall assist in the development of strategic objectives, the development of the Incident Action Plan. Staging and Emergency Medical Service for victims of the incident fall under their area of control. 5.10.3. Division - shall be used when multiple resources are assigned to perform tactical functions in a specified geographic area (such as on a specified floor or side of a structure), a Division shall be established to provide Coordination and Control of Tactical Operations. ➢ ➢ ➢ If a Division is given responsibility for the entire structure, it shall be designated as the Interior Division. When Division boundaries are defined by level in a structural incident, a number or descriptive designation shall be used. (1, 2, 3, basement). When Division boundaries are established on the exterior of a structure, the PHONETIC DESIGNATION (ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, DELTA, etc.) shall be used. Division Supervisors shall have a face to face communication with the Incident Commander to gather information about the emergency incident and to gain the identity of the companies they shall be initially accountable for. Communication on relief companies shall be had throughout the incident. 5.10.4. Group - shall be used when multiple resources are assigned to perform the same function incident wide (such as search and rescue or Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE ventilation). A Group shall be established to provide Coordination and Control of Tactical Operations. ➢ ➢ Groups shall be designated by function (vent, water supply, etc.). All communications to or from the individual assigned as the Group Supervisor shall be made using the Group Name and unit designation. Ex. “Command to the Search Group Rescue 5” 5.10.5. Command Structure for Large Emergencies Incident Commander (Deputy Chief) Outside Agencies Medical Branch Director Operations Section Chief (1st AC) RIT ENG Fire Sector Supervisor Individuals/Units not Assigned to a Sector (2nd AC) Engine 1 Engine 2 Engine 3 Rescue 5 Ladder 1 Ladder 2 Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE 5.11. Complex Operations shall employ the expansion of the ICS System to manage emergency incidents that last longer than an initial 8 hours of operational period. The system may utilize the following functions throughout the duration of the incident. 5.11.1. During Complex Operations the following position are available to be filled during the incident to assist in dividing the operation into manageable pieces: ➢ Safety Officer – shall assess hazardous and unsafe situations. The Safety Officer shall assist the IC in developing measures to ensure the safety of members operating at the emergency. For specific duties see SOP 311. ➢ Liaison Officer – shall coordinate assisting outside agencies and assist with their interaction at the Command Post. ➢ Public Information Officer – act as the central gathering point for communication regarding the incident, establishes a media area away from the CP, and shall coordinate with the PIO’s from the Mayor’s Office prior to release of information. ➢ Operations – is responsible for all tactical operations at the incident. The Operations section shall assist in the development of strategic objectives, the development of the Incident Action Plan. Staging and Emergency Medical Service for victims of the incident fall under their area of control. ➢ Planning – is responsible for the collection, documentation, evaluation, use and dissemination of information regarding the incident. The Planning section shall document and modify the Incident Action Plan and must continually assess the needs of the incident and project resource needs for the progression of the incident. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE ➢ Finance – is responsible for tracking all incident costs and evaluating the financial considerations of the incident. Financial considerations are not a major factor during most incident operation. However, when the department is involved in any incident that requires the use of private sector resources or incidents where agencies involved in response shall be seeking reimbursement, the financial considerations can be extensive. ➢ Logistics – is responsible for providing facilities, services and material for the incident. The Logistics section shall mange the Service and support resources the incident requires. ➢ Service Branch - The Service Branch is responsible for service activities at incident. These activities include distributing and servicing communications equipment, providing emergency medical treatment of emergency personnel, rehab and making provisions for feeding operating forces. ➢ ➢ Support Branch - The Support Branch is responsible for providing the personnel with equipment and supplies to support incident Operations. This may include additional self-contained breathing air cylinders, specialized equipment required for a hazardous materials spill, or additional supplies of foam concentrate. ➢ Branch – shall be used when multiple Divisions or Groups are assigned at a scene and the Incident Commander wishes to reduce his span of control, a Branch shall be established to provide Coordination and Control of established Divisions and/or Groups. Divisions, Groups and Level 1 Staging - as described above shall be utilized in the same fashion during complex incident to assist in controlling span of control and increase accountability. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE ➢ Level 2 Staging - is an area for Command to gather resources which may be required to effectively handle emergency incidents. ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ Notification of the staging area shall be given to ECC. This location shall allow for easy access to the incident and be large enough to handle multiple assets. Command shall assign a Staging Area Manager. This shall be the first arriving Officer unless relieved by a Chief Officer. The position of Staging Area Manager shall only be passed to a Chief Officer or when an Officer is from a specialized unit that is requested to the scene. Command shall communicate types and minimum number of assets to be staged throughout the incident. The radio designation for the Staging Manager shall be “Staging followed by the unit. 5.11.2. Ex. “Staging Battalion 1 calling Command.” Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #513 Effective Date: 09/15/2017 Revision Date : 06/27/2019 Fire Chief Signature INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE BY ORDER OF THE FIRE CHIEF