Romeoville Fire Department Manual 639 Incident Management System PDF

ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL 639 CATEGORY 600: GENERAL OPERATIONS POLICY NUMBER TITLE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EFFECTIVE 01/01/2014 AUTHORIZED Kent Adams, Fire Chief REVISED 12/30/2019 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish operational guidelines for members of the Depar...

ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL 639 CATEGORY 600: GENERAL OPERATIONS POLICY NUMBER TITLE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EFFECTIVE 01/01/2014 AUTHORIZED Kent Adams, Fire Chief REVISED 12/30/2019 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish operational guidelines for members of the Department to use in the management and mitigation of all-hazards emergency incidents. POLICY It is the policy of the Romeoville Fire Department to utilize the Incident Command System (ICS) or other National Incident Management System (NIMS)-compliant incident management system for managing all emergency incidents. All incident-related activities should be managed in accordance with established ICS/NIMS methods and procedures. The Incident Management System defined in this document shall be established upon arrival. DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: All-hazards An incident, natural or manmade, that warrants action to protect life, property, the environment, and public health or safety, and to minimize disruptions of government, social or economic activities. Automatic Aid Automatic-aid responses are non-MABAS agreements between two or more departments to respond on an initial call. While auto-aid may utilize mutual-aid resources, it is not mutual-aid. Page 1 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Mutual-Aid By MABAS agreement, mutual aid includes providing emergency resources to departments that have exceeded their emergency response capabilities. Under MABAS agreements, departments are obligated to have sufficient resources to meet their basic response needs. Mutual-aid is not intended to supplement a community or department’s own resources. Still Alarm A response level that, based upon the size, hazard, or life safety risk, requires the response of a single fire company or all on duty Romeoville Fire companies. By agreement and based upon location, an additional Auto Aid suppression unit may be part of the response. Full Still Alarm A response level between the Still and Box Alarm that brings additional companies to the scene. It also provides the IC an optional ability to call back off duty Romeoville personnel to respond to quarters. Box Alarm This is the first MABAS alarm level requesting mutual-aid response. In most cases, this would be requested after the resources assigned to the Full Still Alarm response have been depleted and additional resources are needed. Levels above the initial Box Alarm are the 2-11, 3-11, 4-11 and 5-11. Special Alarms Special alarms may include an additional box alarm request above the 5-11 level, or a request for special or additional types of equipment. For example, the IC may “special in” for truck companies for a high-rise fire. Interdivisional Interdivisional box alarms are an extension of a fire department’s box alarm that is enacted after the 5th alarm has been exhausted and additional resources are needed. The Incident may dictate a mix of unit types (Task Force) or a group of the same type of resources (Strike Team). Disaster Mode During multiple Division alarms or disasters covering large geographic areas, the Division’s ability to provide needed resources to the incident, or to subsequent mutual aid requests within the Division, may be severely diminished. In order to provide additional resources within Division 10, when it is determined the Division’s resources are compromised, a Disaster Box may be implemented. Page 2 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Incident Management Team The Incident Management Team (IMT) is a pre-designated response of qualified and approved personnel to fill the positions of Plans Chief, Accountability Officer, Incident Safety Officer (ISO), Rapid Intervention Team Officer (RITO), Scene Safety Officer (SSO), Rehab Officer, and Staging Manager within the incident command structure. Under MABAS 10 protocols, the IMT Group will be dispatched at the Box Alarm or higher with the exception of EMS Box Alarms unless requested by IC. MAYDAY A radio transmission reserved exclusively for a member or company who is in immediate need of life saving assistance. This transmission receives top priority of all other radio communications and all other traffic will cease until the MAYDAY is under control. Upon direction from I/C, all other companies operating on the channel that MAYDAY was called shall switch to the designated alternate fire ground frequency with the exception of the MAYDAY caller, and those assigned to the RIT Group. Emergency Traffic A radio transmission by any member operating on an emergency scene to identify any condition, event, circumstance or operational condition that all members operating at the incident must be made aware of. This could include an injury to a firefighter that does not require RIT, an indication of collapse, change in strategy, loss of water supply to hose lines, power lines down, or other significant event. Level I Staging A staging area used by the initial response located in close proximity to the emergency incident. A staging officer is usually not assigned to Level I staging areas and companies are dispatched from Level I staging to the incident by the IC. Level II Staging A staging area designated by Incident Command and relayed by the MABAS Division 10 Dispatch Center for all MABAS level responses. Companies will respond to Level II staging on IFERN and report directly to the staging officer for further instructions. Level II staging would preferably be a large parking lot, roadway or right of way that can accommodate a large scale response that has 2-way access and egress. Page 3 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Branch The organizational level having functional, geographic or jurisdictional boundaries for major parts of the incident operation. The Branch level is organizationally between Section and Division/Group in the Operations Section. Branches are defined by function or jurisdictional name. Division The organizational level having responsibility for tactical operations within a defined geographic area. The Division level is organizationally between Strike Team and the Branch. Group Established to divide the incident into functional areas of operations. Groups are composed of resources assembled to perform a special function not necessarily within a single geographic area. Strike Team A specified combination of the same kind of resources, with common communications and a leader. Task Force A group of resources (usually a mix) with common communications and a leader that may be pre-established and sent to an incident or formed at an incident. Single Resource An individual piece of equipment and its personnel component or an established crew or team of individuals with an identified work supervisor that can be used on an incident. Personal Accountability Report Personal Accountability Reports (PAR) is a roll call procedure initiated by the Incident Commander to confirm that all member’s in the hazardous areas are located and physically accounted for. It should be done at the Division/Group level Mission of Command The Mission of Command is to coordinate the activities of the emergency crews. To accomplish this, the Incident Commander must provide Focus. Everything surrounding the Incident Management System is built around Focus, and if everyone stays on their task, all the work is done and the mitigation of the incident is accomplished. Page 4 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Incident Command (IC) Operations for the Company Officer – Single-Family, Townhome, Small Industrial, and Commercial Fires. Size-up & Fireground frequency assignments. Size-Up Transmit a brief initial report on the main frequency when arriving on scene indicating the following: o Size o Height o Occupancy o Problem o Strategy  Investigating (nothing showing)  Offensive i.e. “We are going to be in the offensive strategy leading out a pre-connect  through the alpha side" Defensive i.e. “We are going to be in the defensive strategy and dropping a 21/2" on the alpha side” or "We are going to blitz it with the tank on the alpha side" o Announce direction of travel o Identify & Name Command o Switch to a tactical channel (i.e. Red fireground) The Command Officer will remain on the main frequency and assign all arriving companies a Fireground channel; preferably RED if available All companies once assigned to a Fireground channel will remain on that channel until the incident is terminated or if reassigned by the Incident Commander When a company is inside of a building actively operating on Fireground Red (e.g., an activated fire alarm), the Engine Driver who typically should stay with the Engine apparatus (whereas the Truck or Squad Driver will accompany the Officer) will switch the apparatus radio to Fireground Red while monitoring the main FIRE frequency on the portable radio.  When the Officer returns in service from the incident, the prompt to turn the apparatus radio back to the main FIRE frequency will be the “Returning in service” transmission to the dispatch center.  For EMS incidents, having the charge medic on Fireground Blue on his or her portable radio, allows an Officer on the fire apparatus approaching a scene to find out what equipment the ambulance needs over Fireground Blue rather than the main FIRE frequency. Page 5 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Transfer of Command When a Chief Officer arrives on scene the company officer will establish if the need is warranted to transfer command to him or her. If a command transfer will take place it shall be done in the following manner:  The Chief officer will call command on the fireground channel and repeat what he or she has heard on the way in to the call as to the actions taken so far. o The command officer will acknowledge that the information is correct or add what was missed. The Chief Officer will state that he will be assuming command on the fireground channel. o The Chief officer will contact dispatch on the main FIRE frequency to notify them that he or she will be assuming command and whether the strategy will stay the same or change and if he or she will be upgrading the alarm. Personal Accountability Reports A (PAR) shall be conducted under the following situations; o A report of a Missing or Trapped Firefighter o After a MAYDAY is called (Shall be conducted on another frequency as assigned by the Incident Commander or his designee) for all companies on the scene who are not involved in RIC operations o A change from an Offensive strategy to a Defensive strategy, or the deterioration of conditions requiring evacuation of the structure o A sudden, hazardous event at the incident such as a Backdraft, Flashover, or Structural collapse o As deemed necessary by the Incident Commander Page 6 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Battalion Chief (IC) Operations – Single-Family, Townhome, Small Industrial and Commercial Fires. Size-Up. The Battalion Chiefs collective size-up should process the dispatch information, knowledge of the neighborhood / district, category of building involved, and building occupancy. It is important to allow the first arriving company officer to deliver the size-up report and indicate the mode of operation (e.g., Investigation, Offensive, or Defensive), unless the SC arrives before or with the first arriving company. The B/C shall communicate a secondary size-up report to dispatch announcing: IC identity (e.g., “Battalion 21 will be assuming Main St. Command”). Command location (e.g. Division ‘A’). Any change in strategy (if necessary). Responding Battalion Chiefs are not encouraged to upgrade alarms while enroute. Upgrades should be based on on-scene size-up information and assessment. There are exceptions, such as a fast spreading fire to exposures due to high winds or an explosion, reported rescues, Mayday reports, reported collapse, etc Command Structure for Single-Family, Townhome, Small Industrial and Commercial Offensive Tactical Fires. While enroute, the BC (IC) needs to carefully listen for radio transmissions from responding command officers. One of the most important initial actions of a BC, is to assign the Command Officer Staff as soon as possible for a working incident upon arrival. If necessary, the BC (IC) should request a ‘run down’ from dispatch of responding command officers for assignments. In the event dispatch informs the BC (IC) of fewer responding Command Officers than designated to respond, it is recommended to have those missing Command Officer positions filled immediately. Page 7 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Company Level assignments command shall designate in an offensive fire Fire Attack group Search group Ventilation group On deck / RIT These assignments will assist in accomplishing our tactical benchmarks. The following are indicators of specific strategic and task level progress which help determine the on-going assessment of risk. o All Clear: Search classification distinguishing completion (primary/secondary/final) o Fire Control o Loss Stopped: Salvage & Overhaul operations with property conservation o Customer Stable The recommended command assignment process is: IC: If the first company has arrived before the BC (IC), an informal transfer of command will take place from the company Officer to the BC. Radio designation: “COMMAND” Division 1 Chief: To be implemented for an Offensive mode fire. The command Interior position assignment is a priority to further assess tactical conditions, further coordinate the fire attack with multiple companies, control interior communications, account for all company operations and companies, and assess risk with the command Safety position. Radio designation: “Division 1” Command Aide/Support Officer: For Offensive mode fires, a Command aide position should be assigned. The Command Aide position shall typically position in the command car or where ever the IC is located. The Command Aide position shall set up a command board and be assigned a command position to either monitor the main channel or staging. This position is crucial in the event of a Mayday. The Command Aide can take over fire ground operations while the initial IC handles the Mayday. Page 8 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL RIT Chief: For an Offensive mode fire, the command position shall oversee all exterior Roof and On deck companies as well as assign them as orders are given to RIT Chief from the IC. The command position will also integrate the OSHA 2-Out (Medic Unit) with the assigned On deck / RIT company. The On deck / RIT position will then coordinate and equip the ‘On deck’ team or teams and create IAP’s for potential Mayday incidents immediately. Radio designation: “RIT” It shall be noted that in the event of a “Mayday” incident, the INTERIOR Chief position will take the role of the hot zone operations with RIT companies immediately. The IC will take over operations of the “Mayday”. The Command Aide will take over all fireground operations until the Mayday is cleared. Safety: The Safety position assignment is a mandatory position that must be assigned as soon as possible. The Safety position should concur with the Incident Safety Officer certification level. Radio designation: “SAFETY” As the incident expands, other command positions will be designated as needed (e.g. Staging, Division ‘C’, etc.) Other positions as the incident escalates that may be assigned Division/Group (D/G) Officer Classifies the area in which the crews are working (Ex.: 1st floor, Roof, Alpha, Charlie, etc.). This helps the IC to track their working crews as well as assigning other companies to work under only one D/G officer. Thus it will reduce radio communication so only one boss is communicating from that division. Other communication within that division between units is usually face to face (or voice/visual/radio). Radio designation: Will be any division or group you are assigned “I.E. ALPHA”. Page 9 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Senior Advisor Supports the IC and Support officer during large incidents, or as needed, & part of the command team. The Senior Advisor can take over the monitoring of Dispatch, IFERN, allocate resources from staging to the incident from the S.O. They are also responsible to intercept any other outside influences/communications to IC so the IC can focus on the tactical benchmarks and IAP’s Radio designation: “COMMAND” Command Support Services for Single-Family, Townhome, Small Industrial and Commercial Fires. Police: The security and protection of firefighters, paramedics, and affected civilians are essential during any working emergency incident. The form of security and protection needed varies based on vehicular traffic, domestic violence, security of valuables, interference from outside agencies (e.g., press, freelancing good Samaritans, etc.). REMA Command Unit 1 – 8 – 5: 1 – 8 – 5 is a mobile communication vehicle that will respond on working incidents. Due to 1- 8 - 5 responding after the arrival of the initial companies it may be difficult to position the communications van next to the command post. Any possible attempt to allow the communications van to position as part of the command post is recommended (e.g., moving hose lines, jumping a curb, entering the scene from a different direction, etc.). 1 – 8 – 5 can support command operations with: Dispatch Communications. Fireground frequency’s. Monitor and manage stricken district for emergency responses. Wireless computer access. Weather reports, times, police communication, etc. Page 10 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Provide Google Earth views of the incident area. Resource information (e.g., contact information, haz-mat, etc.). Live Camera stream of the scene Incident Management Team (IMT) The IMT has the ability to assist the IC in following manner: Provide immediate support to the IC such as relief of fatigued command staff. Assist with personnel accountability and resource management. Need for incident ‘Operational Periods’. Assist with the affected communities Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Decommission personnel and equipment. Development of a press release(s) and media affairs. Liaison with governmental officials. Salvation Army: The Salvation Army provides various levels of service to the fire and police department personnel. The Salvation Army is requested through Dispatch or the affected agencies dispatch to provide on-scene basic beverage and food supplements to long term rehabilitation services. The Salvation Army is generally requested by the IC when: A large scale incident occurs (e.g., flooding, tornado, etc.). Major fires during inclement weather (e.g., extreme hot or cold). The Incident Commander should suggest the need for the Salvation Army very early into the incident since their response time could reach up to1 ½ hours and another ½ hour to position and set up. Page 11 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Red Cross: The Red Cross is recommended for any resident sheltering needs immediately. The Red Cross will often work with the IMT, VOCS Social Services, and FD Chaplain to set up any necessary family reunification, clothing, food, and sheltering needs. In most cases they will send an advance team to the emergency scene to better understand to needs and meet with the IC and Social Services. The advance team can take as long as 1 hour to respond to the scene. Rehabilitation Unit: The Rehab Unit will be an essential response for confirmed incidents at the MABAS Box alarm levels or greater and special requests for various long term incidents. Chaplaincy and Social Services: The Chaplaincy and Social Services are essential during working incidents involving civilian and/or firefighter (or police) rescues and injuries. Both services will report to the Command Post for assignments as needed. Citizen Assistance Gift Cards Located in the Shift Commander car, these are to be given out in the event that a resident is displaced and is in immediate need of clothing or hygiene items. Page 12 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Offensive Tactics for Single-Family, Townhome, Small Industrial and Commercial Fires. Upon arrival, the BC shall attempt to oversee the positioning of the 1st Due Engine to affect a hose lead-out while also providing room for the 1st Due Truck Company when possible. In many cases, this is not always an easy feat given the placement of hydrants, parked cars, and many other challenges, but it is vitally important to attempt to accomplish this type of apparatus positioning for coordinated Engine and Truck Company operations. The placement of the initial two Engines and Truck will determine all other positioning of apparatus and possibly determine the success of the firefight. Water supply The IC must tactically secure a positive or adequate alternate supply of water as soon as possible. Coordinated fire attack. The IC is responsible for coordinating and assuring that the Offensive tactics are coordinated between the Engine and Truck operations with ventilation and adequate water. It must be noted that the coordinated fire attack is considered to be a life-saving act for the primary search. Rescue mode The Rescue mode is to be defined as a confirmed rescue condition by informants and/or obvious rescue with victims seen in windows, balconies, or on rooftops. Page 13 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Command Vehicle Placement The command vehicle generally should be positioned in Division A. It is important not to interfere with any of the fire suppression apparatus by blocking their ability to position for a hose lead out, setting of aerial outriggers, or have accessibility to equipment, ladders, and tools. The use of a residential driveway, open parking lot area, or even a parkway is best. COMMAND OR COMMAND BACK DOWN INTO FIRE SCENE 2nd due Eng 1st due Eng GROUND DIV ISION ‘A’ ‘D’ ‘B’ EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ DIV ISION ‘C’ Page 14 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL BC (IC) Size-Up. Upon arrival, it is important to attempt face-to-face contact with the company Officer(s) and to personally size-up the incident. For a single-family dwelling, some multiple (townhomes) dwellings, small industrial buildings, and commercial strip shopping centers, it is recommended that the BC physically completes a visual size-up as shown below in a rapid sizeup of the other divisions. Other arriving command staff and companies can be given initial assignments via radio if the BC has not yet set up a formal command post. COMMAND BC briefly moving to a position to direct company positioning. 1st due Eng 2nd due Eng DIV ISION ‘A’ BC moving to a position to size-up DIV ‘A’ ‘D’ ‘B’ DIV ISION ‘C’ EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ BC moving to a position to size-up DIV ‘C’ and then rapidly return to an I/C command position. During the BC rapid size-up, it is extremely important that the BC considers assigning incoming chief officers face-to-face or via radio. Page 15 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Recommended Command Assignments Offensive Single-Family, Townhome, Small Industrial and Commercial Fires (in recommended order): 1. Incident Commander position. 2. Division 1 Chief position. Get rapid control of accountability, control, and communication with multiple company operations. 3. Command Aide/Support Officer position. Note: At this point the IC has rapidly delegated interior command operations and the establishment of the command post with management of main fire channel communications. 4. RIT Chief position. Immediately prepare On Deck / RIT resources and firefighter rescue plans. Due to many of the fireground mayday incidents occurring within the first 10 to 20 minutes of an incident, the preparation for the management of a ‘mayday’ is imperative. It must be noted that a ‘mayday’ incident will immediately divide the original fire incident into two separate incidents. 5. Safety Officer position. Operates in accordance to the ISO program and certification standards. Page 16 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL BC (IC) Command Ops - Line-of-sight (Command Vehicle). It is essential that as soon as the physical size-up is completed that a formal and stationary Command Post be set up. The ability to set up a Portable Command Post with a tactical board and an Aide position will allow the IC to position away from the command vehicle and near the incident. Often after the command vehicle positions on the scene, other arriving apparatus will visually block the IC from having a line-of-sight position of the fire building. The IC MUST have a line-of-sight position of the fire building. COMMAND IC POSITION at the Command Vehicle will work if the line-of-site is not blocked as below. 2nd Due E 1st Due E DIV ISION ‘A’ ‘D’ ‘B’ EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ DIV ISION ‘C’ Page 17 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL When the line-of-sight of the fire building is blocked the IC must assign an D/G Officer that will be in the line-of-sight, assessable, but not in the way of fire suppression operations. COMMAND Squad 1st Due Trk 2nd Due E 1st Due E DIV ISION ‘A’ FIRE BUILDING EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ Page 18 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL BC (IC) Command Ops - No Line-of-sight. If the BC (IC) position at the command vehicle is too distant or the line-of-sight is blocked, it is imperative that you assign the Division 1 Chief position and RIT Chief position before assigning a Command Aide to get more eyes on the fire scene. COMMAND RIT 1st Due E 2nd Due E DIVISON 1 CHIEF DIVISION ‘A’ ‘D’ ‘B’ EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ DIV ISION ‘C’ Page 19 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Offensive Tactics for Apartment, Commercial & Industrial Building Fires. Due to the size and occupancy type of larger such buildings, while enroute, the BC (IC) needs to carefully listen for radio transmissions from responding command officers. One the most important initial actions of a BC is to assign command officer staff as soon as possible for a working incident upon arrival. If necessary, the BC (IC) should request a ‘run down’ from DISPATCH of responding command officers for assignments. IC Location immediately visible and accessible. DIVISION ‘A’ DIVISION ‘C’ Page 20 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Recommended Command Assignments for Offensive Apartment, Commercial & Industrial Building Fires (in recommended order): 1. Incident Commander position. 2. Division 1 Chief position. Get rapid control of accountability, control, and communication with multiple company operations. 3. Command Aide/Support Officer position. Note: At this point the IC has rapidly delegated interior command operations and the establishment of the command post with management of main fire channel communications. 4. RIT Chief position. Immediately prepare On Deck / RIT resources and firefighter rescue plans. Due to many of the fireground mayday incidents occurring within the first 10 to 20 minutes of an incident, the preparation for the management of a ‘mayday’ is imperative. It must be noted that a ‘mayday’ incident will immediately divide the original fire incident into two separate incidents. 5. D/G Officer positions assigned as needed. 6. Safety Officer position. Operates in accordance to the ISO program and certification standards. Page 21 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Offensive Strategic Command Staff Positions and Communications Flow for Multi-Family, Commercial, & Industrial Buildings. For Multi-Family, Commercial, & Industrial building fires, it is important for the IC to delegate to keep his span of control. COMMAND SAFETY (mobile around blg.) AIDE ROOF D/G Officer (mobile around blg.) RIT CHIEF DIVISION ‘A’ DIVISION 1 CHIEF DIVISION ‘C’ CHARLIE D/G OFFICER Page 22 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Recommended Command Assignments for Defensive Apartment, Commercial & Industrial Building Fires (In recommended order): 1. Incident Commander position. 2. Division 1 Chief position. Get rapid control of accountability, control, and communication with multiple company operations. 3. Command Aide/Support Officer position. Note: At this point the IC has rapidly delegated interior command operations and the establishment of the command post with management of main fire channel communications. 4. RIT Chief position. Immediately prepare On Deck / RIT resources and firefighter rescue plans. Due to many of the fireground mayday incidents occurring within the first 10 to 20 minutes of an incident, the preparation for the management of a ‘mayday’ is imperative. It must be noted that a ‘mayday’ incident will immediately divide the original fire incident into two separate incidents. 5. D/G Officer positions assigned as needed. 6. Safety Officer position. Operates in accordance to the ISO program and certification standards. Page 23 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Defensive Strategic Command Staff Positions & Communications Flow.. For multi-Family, commercial, & industrial building fireground operations, it is important for the IC to delegate to maintain the span of control. COMMAND SAFETY POSITION AIDE RIT CHIEF DIVISION 1 CHIEF DIVISION ‘A’ BRAVO D/G OFFICER DIVISION ‘C’ CHARLIE D/G OFFICER Page 24 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Mayday Incidents. (Refer to the MABAS Mayday and Department SOP) It must be noted that a mayday incident will immediately divide the original fire incident into two separate incidents. The RIT Chief position shall assume hot zone rescue operations with the RIT Company the Division 1 Chief will manage hot zone operations of the firefighting companies. In some cases, the RIT Chief position may be required to enter the interior to manage the ‘Mayday’ incident. The RIT Chief will communicate directly to the IC. The Command Aide positon will assume the rest of the fireground operations IC AIDE DIVISION 1 CHIEF RIT RESCUE OPERATIONS DIVISION ‘A’ RIC Team MAYDAY SAFETY Page 25 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Mayday Incidents. (Refer to the MABAS Mayday and Department SOP) Once initial “Mayday” communication has taken place, Command must revise the Incident Action Plan (IAP) to provide a High Priority Rescue Effort. Operations training and firefighter survival drills have demonstrated that rescue efforts for a lost, trapped, or injured firefighter are best conducted from the inside out. Command will pursue the following options while directing the rescue effort: Ask the firefighter if he can extricate himself and determine remaining air supply Ask the firefighter’s crew if they can extricate him. Determine crew’s air supply Move all working companies outside of the “Mayday” victim and RIT team to another frequency (i.e. White Fireground). Activate the Rapid Intervention Chief and On-deck R.I.T. team as well as establishing additional R.I.T. Companies The Incident Commander shall notify the dispatcher to hold all non-emergency traffic and advise in-coming units of the Mayday. Verify that the next alarm level has been initiated. (i.e. if the alarm is at a Full Still, then move to Box) Verify the establishment of a Medical Sector COMMAND OVERVIEW Incident Commanders have the authority and flexibility to modify procedures and organizational structure as necessary to align with the operating characteristics of their specific jurisdiction or to accomplish the mission in the context of a particular hazard scenario. The incident commander should always integrate fire fighter and other emergency responder’s health and safety considerations into the command process. This integration ensures that safety will always be considered and will not be reserved for unusual or high-risk situations when the incident commander is under a high degree of stress. An incident action plan that addresses responder safety should be a routine function of command. Early evaluation enables the incident commander to consider current conditions in a standard manner and then predict the sequence of events that will follow. The consideration of responder safety should be incorporated into this evaluation and forecasting. Effective communications are essential to ensure that the incident commander is able to receive and transmit information, obtain reports to maintain an awareness of the situation, and communicate with all component parts of the incident organization to provide effective supervision and controls. Page 26 of 27 ROMEOVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANUAL Strategic decisions establish the basic positioning of resources and the types of functions they will be assigned to perform at the scene of a fire or emergency incident. The level of risk to which members are exposed is driven by the strategy; offensive strategy places members in interior positions where they are likely to have direct contact with the fire or hazard, while defensive strategy removes members from interior positions and high-risk activities. The incident action plan is based on the overall strategy and drives the tactical assignments that are given to individual or groups of companies/crews and the specific functions they are expected to perform. Risk identification, evaluation, and management concepts should be incorporated into each stage of the command process. Tactical-level management component people are command agents and are able to both monitor companies/crews at the actual location where the work is being done (geographic) and to provide the necessary support (functional). The incident commander uses a tactical-level management unit as off-site (from the command post) operational/communications/safety managers-supervisors. The incident commander uses the incident organization along with communications to stay connected. As incidents escalate, the incident management system should be utilized to maintain an effective span of control ratio of 3-to-7. The incident commander should routinely evaluate and re-evaluate conditions and reports of progress or lack of progress in reaching objectives. This process will allow the incident commander to determine if the strategy and attack plans should be continued or revised. The failure to revise an inappropriate or outdated attack plan is likely to result in an elevated risk of death or injury to emergency responders. Effective command and control should be maintained from the beginning to the end of operations, particularly if command is transferred. Any lapse in the continuity of command and the transfer of information increases the risk to emergency responders. All personnel shall review the entire procedures and must demonstrate proficiency and competence before commanding an operation. Page 27 of 27