Bk101 - Rapid Intervention.pdf

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY FIREGROUND SAFETY & INCIDENT ACCOUNTABILITY TABLE OF CONTENTS 1...INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 2 2...GLOSSARY OF TERMS............................................................................................ 4 3...800 MHz RADIO EMERGENCY FEATURES......................................................... 6 4...FIREFIGHTER EMERGENCY – OVERVIEW......................................................... 9 5...CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE INCIDENT COMMANDER.................................11 6...OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES................................................................................14 7...OCD PERSONNEL..................................................................................................21 8...RADIO ASSIGNMENTS AND APPARATUS ROSTER SYSTEM......................22 9...“EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” COMMUNICATIONS..................................................24 10.OCD INCIDENT TIME NOTIFICATION...................................................................26 11.AUTOMATIC/MUTUAL AID FIRE GROUND COMMUNICATION.......................27 12.LCES..........................................................................................................................28 13.LOOKOUTS...............................................................................................................30 14.LOCATI0N..................................................................................................................31 15.COMMUNICATIONS.................................................................................................32 16.CONDITIONS.............................................................................................................33 17.ESCAPE ROUTES...................................................................................................34 18.SAFETY ZONES.......................................................................................................35 19.SAFETY EQUIPMENT.............................................................................................36 20.INTERIOR FIREFIGHTING “WATCH OUT” SITUATIONS.....................................37 21.THE NEED FOR RAPID INTERVENTION GUIDELINES.....................................40 22.GOLDEN TIME..........................................................................................................41 23.COMPANY DISCIPLINE..........................................................................................42 24.THE RAPID INTERVENTION MISSION..................................................................43 25.RAPID INTERVENTION COMMUNICATIONS......................................................45 26.EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR RAPID INTERVENTION......................46 27.STRUCTURE SIZE-UP CONSIDERATIONS FOR RIC........................................48 28.THE “TWO IN/TWO OUT” RULE.............................................................................50 29.RAPID INTERVENTION FOR RESCUE OF MEMBERS.....................................52 30.RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY CONFIGURATION......................................54 31.RESCUE CONSIDERATIONS................................................................................56 32.RAPID INTERVENTION SEARCH TECHNIQUES...............................................59 33.RESCUE METHODS...............................................................................................67 34.RIC OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES.........................................................................70 35.RAPID INTERVENTION STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES....................74 36.HIGH RISE RAPID INTERVENTION OPERATIONS.............................................81 37.METRO RAIL RIC CONSIDERATIONS..................................................................83 38.CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................85 2 RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY FIREGROUND SAFETY & ACCOUNTABILITY 1. INTRODUCTION NFPA 1500 AND 1561 OVERVIEW In 1987, the National Fire Protection Association adopted NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. This standard has been revised over the years and is a broad-based national standard, which addresses firefighting safety in fire ground operations, as well as a number of safety and health issues. NFPA Standard 1561 has also been revised and establishes guidelines for Emergency Services Incident Management Systems. One of the most important issues adopted by the NFPA, was personnel accountability at the scene of emergencies. The Los Angeles Fire Department has developed firefighter emergency guidelines and incorporated additional firefighter safety measures, emergency announcements, and accountability into the Incident Command System to ensure compliance with NFPA standards. The NFPA 1500 and 1561 Standards contain specific requirements regarding accountability of members including but not limited to the following: Written guidelines shall be established that provide for the tracking and inventory of all members operating at an emergency incident. All members operating at an emergency are responsible to actively participate in the accountability system. The Incident Commander shall be responsible for overall personnel accountability for the incident. The Incident Commander shall initiate an accountability worksheet at the beginning of the incident and maintain the system throughout the operation. The Incident Commander shall maintain an awareness of the location and function of all companies assigned to an incident. Branch Director, Division, and Group Supervisors shall directly supervise and account for companies operating under their command. Company commanders are accountable for all company members: company members are responsible to remain under the supervision of their assigned 2 Company commander. Members shall be responsible for following the personnel accountability system procedures, which shall be used at all incidents. The Incident Command System shall provide for additional accountability based on size, complexity or needs of an incident, this can be accomplished by reducing span of control. The Incident Command System shall provide for control of access to the incident scene. The Department shall adopt and routinely use a standard personnel identification system to maintain accountability for each member assigned to an incident. The Personnel Accountability System shall provide an accounting of all members once on scene of the incident. The Incident Command System shall include standard operating guidelines to evacuate personnel from an area where imminent hazard is found to exist and to account for their safety. 3 2. GLOSSARY OF TERMS ACCOUNTABILITY – Maintaining continuous status and location of all resources, committed to an incident. Staff assistants completing company accountability by documenting situation and resource status will fulfill these duties initially. In large or complex incidents, additional staff may be assigned to oversee these functions. Each Branch Director, Division and Group Supervisor, and Company Officer is responsible for maintaining accountability of members and resources under their command. COMMAND CHANNEL – A radio channel, designated by the Incident Commander, that is provided for communications between the incident commander and the tactical level management components (i.e. divisions or groups) during emergency incidents. EMERGENCY CHANNEL 6 – (Monitored by OCD) This radio channel is used by Department personnel as an “Emergency Trigger” for notifying or reporting firefighter emergency situations. When the Emergency Trigger Button is activated, the hand-held radios automatically switch to this channel and lock in the “repeat” mode until the radio is reset by manually turning it off. “CLEAR-TEXT” – Use of Common terminology understandable by all. The intent of the use of “Clear-Text” for radio communications is to paint a clear picture and reduce confusion at incidents, particularly where different agencies are working together. “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” – A term used to clear designated radio channels during incident to make way for important radio traffic for a firefighter emergency situation, safety concerns for members on scene, or an immediate change in tactical operations. “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” RADIO TONE – A distinctive high/low tone initiated by OCD on the Incident Tactical Channel(s) and the Command Channel. EMERGENCY TRIGGER – The emergency button on the hand-held 800 MHz radio. This button activates the emergency feature of the hand-held radio and is a factor for personnel accountability. “FIREFIGHTER DOWN”, “FIREFIGHTER MISSING”, or “FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED” – Clear text terms used for radio communications to notify personnel on-scene at an emergency that a firefighter accident or emergency has occurred. IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH (IDLH) – Any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life or produces immediate irreversible debilitating effects on health. 4 INCIDENT TACTICAL CHANNEL(S) – The radio channel(s) designated by OCD for incident operations. NFPA 1500 STANDARD – National Fire Protection Association Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. NFPA 1561 STANDARD – National Fire Protection Association standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System. This standard is intended to meet the requirements of NFPA 1500 provisions that call for an Incident Command System (ICS) to be utilized at all emergency incidents. The Incident Command System (ICS) shall also be applied to drills, exercises, and other situations that involve hazards similar to those encountered at actual emergencies for training and familiarization purposes. MOBILE DATA COMPUTER (MDC) – The data terminal for all emergency apparatus that will display dispatch and other information. PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT (PAR) – A personnel accountability verbal report of personnel and companies assigned to an incident. RADIO ID NUMBER – The specific 4-digit number assigned to each hand held radio. This number is transmitted as identification each time the “push to talk” button is depressed and translated at OCD into an identifier such as “T-29 C-II” or “E-4 NOZ”. RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY (RIC) – A company or companies designated to stand by in a state of readiness to perform a rescue effort of Department members. RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR – This group supervisor is a functional position with the responsibility for supervising one or more Rapid Intervention Companies assigned to stand by for the rescue of personnel. RESCUE TACTICAL CHANNEL – The assigned rescue tactical channel used by the Rapid Intervention Company/Companies and the Incident Commander or Rescue Group Supervisor to monitor rescue progress and communicate among the rescue personnel. 5 3. 800 MHZ RADIO EMERGENCY FEATURES The 800 MHz radio is a component of the Fire Command and Control System. It is a computer controlled radio system. When a transmission is made from any Department radio, the identification of that radio is transmitted at the beginning of the radio message. That identification appears on monitors located on all the dispatch consoles at Operations Control Dispatch (OCD). A four-digit number on hand-held radios is transmitted to OCD each time the “push to talk” button is depressed. It is imperative that company commanders maintain an accurate hand-held radio inventory at OCD. The importance of maintaining the radio number with the current radio in use cannot be overstated. Whenever a hand-held radio is turned in for repairs or reassigned to another position, the OCD floor Captain shall be immediately notified. On hand-held radios, the four-digit identification number, position and/or the member’s name is to be given. For this reason, whenever members are detailed to another position or another work location, it is imperative that they use the hand-held radio assigned to that position. If the EMERGENCY TRIGGER BUTTON is depressed on a hand-held radio, the identifier is transmitted which identifies the radio by a four-digit number and indicates that this radio is in the emergency mode. An alarm tone will sound on the dispatch consoles at OCD and the monitors at those consoles will indicate the radio identifier with a red flashing rectangle around the identifier. Even if the hand-held radio is reset by turning the radio off then back on, the alarm and radio number display will continue at OCD until an investigation is completed to ascertain that no emergency exists. The Floor Captain will then reset the alarm. At this time, OCD has the ability to lock on only one radio number when an emergency trigger is activated. Activated emergency triggers from multiple radios will delete previous radio identification numbers. All members who have activated emergency triggers will still be able to communicate with OCD, via channel 6. There are currently four different hand held radios in use on the Los Angeles Fire Department. MX 800 Hand-Held Radios – The MX 800 radio is the most common hand-held radio currently in use. These radios have the Emergency Trigger located on the top of the radio near the base of the antenna. This button is orange in color. 6 XTS-3000 Hand-Held Radios – These radios are smaller than the MX 800 radios and are Black and Yellow in color. The Department is currently purchasing this radio, it is the replacement radio for the MX 800. The Emergency Trigger is orange in color and located on the top of the radio in front of the antenna. Astro Hand-Held Radios (800 MHz) – These radios are the general replacement radio for MX 800 hand-held radios previously assigned to Staff personnel. They are engraved with the letters LAFD in red. The emergency Button is located on the top of the radio on the opposite side away from the antenna. The button is orange in color. Astro Hand-Held Radios (500MHz)- These radios are used for communications with other agencies, which include law enforcement and fire. Contact with LAPD and LA Sheriff’s Department can be made during emergency incidents involving either of these agencies. They are engraved with the letters LAFD in blue. The emergency trigger is disabled on this radio. On the three LAFD radios equipped with an Emergency Trigger, when the Emergency Button is depressed, the radio will automatically switch to EMERGENCY Channel 6 in the repeat mode and is locked on this channel. The radio will beep four times and the display on the radio will read “EMERGENCY”. When the radio signal is received at OCD the computer will automatically acknowledge it and the display will then read “ACK RCV”. The radio will remain locked on EMERGENCY Channel 6 until it is reset. The radio is reset by turning the radio off and then back on. When the radio is turned back on, it will go to the last channel that was in use prior to the Emergency Button being activated: (i.e. incident tactical channel, dispatch channel, command channel.) The transmission of the radio identifier and Emergency Button information to OCD is dependent upon the radio system’s coverage area. The Department currently has excellent coverage within the City of Los Angeles; however, due to certain physical limitations, the radio coverage may be degraded or non-existent. Members may encounter radio problems when operating in the following locations: - Below ground level (basement, tunnels) - Within or adjacent to shielded rooms (X - Ray rooms, sound stages, etc.) - In enclosed elevator cars - In steep or narrow canyons - Anytime you are located outside the City limits Members working in these environments shall be aware of the possible limitations of the radio system. 7 All company personnel shall carry their assigned radio in the “repeat” mode in their turnout coat or brush jacket pouch. This will provide a more efficient use during emergency operations. Personnel on rescue ambulances can carry their radio without the external mic in the appropriate belt holder. The most efficient radio operation is dependent upon using the originally issued antenna. This antenna shall not be replaced with any shorter style antenna. The emergency traffic radio tone is transmitted for testing purposes on each Division Tactical Channel every Sunday at 0800 hours. 8 4. FIREFIGHTER EMERGENCY – OVERVIEW The issue of firefighter safety during emergency operations has always been paramount. As a result of several recent incidents and in an effort to standardize fireground terminology with fire departments in the State of California, the emergency notification procedures have been updated. The term “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” shall be used to clear radio traffic. Clear text shall be used to identify the type of emergency “FIREFIGHTER DOWN,” “FIREFIGHTER MISSING” OR “FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED.” It is the department’s goal to simplify and generalize emergency procedures. Other guidelines for “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” include: A distinctive “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” tone transmitted by OCD on the Incident TAC Channels(s) and the Incident Command Channel followed by clear text that identifies the type of emergency, (i.e. “FIREFIGHTER DOWN,” “FIREFIGHTER MISSING” or “FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED”). This distinctive tone and the verbal notification of “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” followed by the clear text identifying the type of firefighter emergency is to be used to notify on-scene personnel that a firefighter emergency has occurred or a firefighter is missing at the incident. The use of “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” is used to clear the radio channels for an important radio message. When an “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” is announced, other personnel shall refrain from using these radio channels unless a radio message is necessary for the safety of personnel or involves the emergency situation. Any member, aware of an emergency situation (Firefighter Down, Missing, or Trapped), can declare an “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC,” or shall immediately notify the Incident Commander with the type of emergency. The Incident Commander shall have OCD transmit the Emergency Traffic radio tone and announce “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” with the type of emergency on the appropriate radio channels. It is imperative to give as much detail as possible in a concise manner to assist in locating, rescuing, and/or treating personnel. WHERE: Firefighter down, third floor, southeast corner, near the front stairs. 9 WHO: If you know who is down, give specifics: Captain from Engine 31 is down, fire attack Engine 7 is trapped. HOW MANY: Two members from Engine 22 are missing, two are accounted for.. WHY: If known give reason(s) why the firefighter is down: e.g. building collapse, flashover, smoke inhalation, etc. WHAT: What actions will be necessary to effect rescue? At the conclusion of the “ EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” situation, the Incident Commander shall transmit an “ALL CLEAR – RESUME RADIO TRAFFIC” on all assigned Incident Command and Incident Tactical Channel(s) in addition to the notification to OCD to conclude the emergency situation. 10 5. CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE INCIDENT COMMANDER When a field Chief Officer becomes the Incident Commander, the following radio channels shall be monitored for possible communication with the affected members(s): Dispatch Channel Incident Command Channel Incident Tactical Channel(s) Rescue Tactical Channel (if assigned) Emergency Channel 6 As in the considerations for a Rapid Intervention Company, the factors that determine the degree to which Rapid Intervention Companies are formed and deployed are incident driven. Although the “Two In/Two Out” rule requires a standby team of at least two members to be organized to back up the initial entry team before they enter into an IDLH atmosphere, during the initial stages of an incident a standby Rapid Intervention Company does not have to be designated. In the early stages of an incident, a company not working in an IDLH atmosphere and not assigned to a critical task, may be reassigned to perform the duties of a Rapid Intervention Company. As incidents expand beyond the first alarm assignment, the Incident Commander shall designate a Rapid Intervention Company to stand by. The Incident Commander should consider an engine company or a squad company as a minimum for assignment as a Rapid Intervention Company. The IC should not use companies from the first alarm assignment as RIC, unless a significant hazard to firefighters exists. There may be a need for more than one Rapid Intervention Company based on the size and complexity of the incident. With this in mind, Incident Commanders should consider assigning a Task Force(s) for large or potentially complex rescue situations. This provides for unity of command in rescue operations. Rapid Intervention Company/Companies should normally be located in proximity to the command post to ensure rapid dissemination of information from the Incident Commander (IC) and rapid deployment. The rapid intervention mission can be separated into two categories. 1.) The first category is defined as the Standby Mode or preparation for Rapid Intervention as a precautionary measure (most frequent mode). 2.) The second category is the Deployment Mode which can be an immediate rescue upon arrival at the incident, or deployment of designated RIC during the incident. 11 STANDBY MODE (preparation for rapid intervention)– In this category of rapid intervention the resources assigned RIC have time to gather equipment, perform reconnaissance, and liaison with the Command Post. In this mode the resources assigned as RIC shall monitor the following radio channels: Incident Command Channel Incident Tactical Channel(s) Rescue Tactical Channel (if assigned) Emergency Channel 6 When assigned RIC at an incident and in the “DEPLOYMENT MODE” (immediate rescue) the following radio channels should be monitored: Rescue Tactical Channel (assigned by IC) Emergency Channel 6 and/or Incident Tactical Channel Note: There may be a need to monitor the Incident Tactical Channel if this is the only means of communication by the affected member, during rescue operations. In high-rise fire incidents the Rapid Intervention Company/Companies shall be located at staging. This will allow for a Rapid Intervention Company to be deployed in a timely manner. As rescue scenarios become more complex or when two or more Rapid Intervention Companies are assigned, the Incident Commander shall consider assigning a Rescue Group Supervisor. The Rescue Group Supervisor will be responsible for the overall firefighter rescue operation. This officer shall coordinate rescue operations throughout the incident area and depending on what mode of operation the RIC is in (Standby Mode or Deployment Mode) assures the appropriate radio channels as indicated above, are monitored. In addition, each Battalion Commander has been issued a thermal imaging camera. This camera shall be used by the designated RIC to assist in locating a down, missing or trapped firefighter. Additional considerations for Incident Commanders during rescue operations would be the use of the Heavy Rescue and Emergency Lighting, as well as additional infrared cameras carried on the Squads and US&R Companies. If a Rapid Intervention Company/Companies is deployed to affect a rescue of a firefighter, the Incident Commander shall assign an additional RIC as a backup for the RIC that was deployed. Companies in the immediate area should be notified by the Incident 12 Commander to assist in the rescue if at all possible, without jeopardizing fire ground operations. The Incident Commander shall assign a Paramedic Rescue to stand by in the immediate area of the designated/deployed Rapid Intervention Company. The personnel assigned to the Paramedic Rescue should be in a state of readiness to provide medical treatment and transport for Department personnel. Rescue Ambulance personnel should obtain the location of available hospitals in the area. In a high-rise incident, paramedics should be assigned as a medical standby in staging. The tactical worksheet (F-666) provides a space for tracking and identification of Rapid Intervention Companies. 13 6. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES Company commanders responding to emergency incidents shall always report to a designated “Staging”, or at a high-rise incident “Base”. This will assist in reducing unnecessary radio communications on tactical channel(s). The key to successful conclusion of a firefighter rescue is effective communication and a timely search and rescue operation. If a member is in a life-threatening situation, the best way to get help is to activate the emergency trigger button. The other option is to simply key the radio and request “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” and communicate your situation using clear text. The following scenarios will provide guidelines for different situations. SCENARIO: IC ASSIGNS RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY (RIC)-STANDBY MODE As stated, the rapid intervention mission can be separated into two categories. 1.) The first category is defined as the Standby Mode or preparation for Rapid Intervention as a precautionary measure (most frequent mode). 2.) The second category is the Deployment Mode which can be an immediate rescue upon arrival at the incident, or deployment of designated RIC during the incident. STANDBY MODE (preparation for rapid intervention) – In this category of rapid intervention the resources assigned RIC have time to gather equipment, perform reconnaissance, and liaison with the Command Post. In this mode the resources assigned as RIC shall monitor the following radio channels: Incident Command Channel Incident Tactical Channel(s) Rescue Tactical Channel (if assigned) Emergency Channel 6 14 SCENARIO: MEMBER ACTIVATES THE EMERGENCY TRIGGER BUTTON ON THE RADIO The member should attempt to contact OCD and Incident Commander regarding his/her status on EMERGENCY Channel 6. OCD will attempt to contact the member on EMERGENCY Channel 6. If OCD cannot contact the member, OCD will notify the Incident Commander that a member assigned to the incident has activated the hand-held radio Emergency Trigger. The Incident Commander confirms via the Incident tactical Channel(s) or EMERGENCY Channel 6 with affected company or member that a member(s) is in trouble or missing. When Branches, Divisions or Groups are formed, the Incident Commander shall attempt to go through the Branch Director, Division or Group Supervisors via the Incident Command Channel to confirm the status of the member with an activated Emergency Trigger. If an actual emergency exists, the Incident Commander shall request OCD to broadcast the “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” Radio Tone with the type of situation, “FIREFIGHTER DOWN”, “FIREFIGHTER MISSING” or “FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED”. OCD shall broadcast “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” Radio Tone and verbal notification of “FIREFIGHTER DOWN”, “FIREFIGHTER MISSING, or “FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED” on the Command Channel and Incident Tactical Channel(s). ACTIONS TAKEN FOLLOWING THE “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” BROADCAST (“DEPLOYMENT MODE”) INCIDENT COMMANDER: Implements the rescue plan. Deploys a company on scene or utilizes a Rapid Intervention Company/Companies when so pre-designated. Assures Rapid Intervention Company/Companies monitor the assigned Rescue Tactical Channel, and EMERGENCY Channel 6. 15 The IC shall monitor the Dispatch Channel, Incident Command Channel, Incident Tactical Channel(s) Rescue Tactical Channel and EMERGENCY Channel 6 for possible communication with affected member(s). Consider assigning a Rescue Group Supervisor to oversee the rescue operations and supervision of multiple Rapid Intervention Companies. COMPANY COMMANDER/MEMBER WITH DIRECT KNOWLEDGE OF THE SITUATION: Take whatever action is necessary to safely affect a rescue. Provide the following information to the Incident Commander: - Identify the location of the company/member affected by position and company ID, (i.e. “Truck 1 inside person is missing!” - An accurate number of personnel affected. - The accurate location of the emergency. - A brief description of the situation. - The ability of the company to affect their own rescue? - The best possible avenue for rescue. AFFECTED MEMBER: The member should attempt to communicate, on EMERGENCY Channel 6 to notify OCD or the IC regarding his/her status. If OCD or the IC does not acknowledge the radio message, the member should reset the radio by turning the radio off and then back on and attempt to contact the IC on the assigned Incident TAC Channel(s) regarding his/her status. If the IC does not acknowledge, the member should contact OCD on the dispatch channel. In a life-threatening situation, the affected member should, remain on EMERGENCY Channel 6 and if possible, communicate the situation. The member should attempt to remain calm and assist in the rescue efforts. 16 If the affected member is unable to move or exit the building, he/she should turn their flashlight on and make an effort to stay on their side to allow the PASS alarm tone to be heard by rescuers from the front and rear of SCBA. If the affected member’s air supply is exhausted, he/she should not remove their facepiece in a smoke filled/heated atmosphere. The affected member should detach the second stage regulator from his/her facepiece and attach escape canister directly to facepiece, which will provide an additional 15 minutes of time. ALL MEMBERS AT THE INCIDENT NOT INVOLVED IN THE RESCUE: Remain on the original assigned Incident Tactical Channel(s) and use radio communication only to give information concerning the “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” situation or communications critical to the safety of personnel or occupants in the management of the incident. This shall continue until an “ALL CLEAR – RESUME RADIO TRAFFIC” is announced. RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY MEMBERS (“DEPLOYMENT MODE”): Initiate rescue action plan assigned by the Incident Commander. Monitor assigned Rescue Tactical Channel and EMERGENCY Channel 6 or Incident Tactical Channel if this is the only means of communication by the affected member, during rescue operations. RIC should attempt to contact member. SCENARIO: COMPANY COMMANDER OR OTHER MEMBER NOTIFIES THE INCIDENT COMMANDER THAT THERE IS A LIFE-THREATENNG PROBLEM. (THE EMERGENCY TRIGGER BUTTON MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED). ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOLLOWING NOTIFICATION: INCIDENT COMMANDER: Direct OCD to broadcast “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” tone and a verbal notification of “FIREFIGHTER DOWN”, “FIREFIGHTER MISSING”, or “FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED” on all assigned Incident TAC Channel(s) and the Command Channel. 17 OPTION: If the effected member communicates an ”Emergency Traffic” call on the original Incident Tactical Channel(s), the Incident Commander should attempt to have the affected member(s) initiate their emergency trigger button. This will keep the Incident Commander from having to move all resources on scene to a new Incident Tactical Channel. In a worse case scenario (member unable to initiate his/her emergency trigger), the Incident Commander may have to consider moving all other companies, with the exception of the rescue companies, to another Incident Tactical Channel if the affected member is unable to trigger the emergency button. The Incident Commander should do this through established Branch Directors, and or Division and Group Supervisors to facilitate the change in tactical channels(s). Implements the rescue plan Assigns and or deploys company/companies as Rapid Intervention Company/Companies to effect rescue. Monitors assigned Dispatch Channel, Incident Command Channel, Incident Tactical Channel(s), Rescue Tactical Channel and EMERGENCY Channel 6. (Follow the same procedures for “Company Commander”, “Affected Member(s)”, and “All Members at the Incident Not Involved in the Rescue”, provided in the operational Guidelines VII on the preceding pages.) SCENARIO: SINGLE UNIT RESOURCE (I.E. RESCUE AMBULANCE OR ENGINE COMPANY) OR OTHER DEPARTMENT MEMBERS CONFRONTED BY A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION (I.E. PERSON WITH A WEAPON) Again, the key to successful conclusion of this scenario is effective communications. If a member is in a life-threatening situation, the best way to get help is to simply key the radio, state ”FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS HELP”, and communicate your location and situation. If this is not possible, use the following scenario for a situation involving the presence of a hostile person(s). The Department member in this situation is unable to put out “FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS HELP” call. The next safest means of requesting assistance is to activate the emergency button on the hand-held radio. For this method of notification to be effective, OCD must know the on- scene location of the member needing assistance. If members are going to be located in areas that could pose safety concerns, they should notify OCD of their location. If OCD does not know the location of the member requesting assistance, member(s) in trouble must attempt to give a location to OCD to facilitate deployment of resources. 18 19 ACTIONS TAKEN FOLLOWING ACTIVATION OF EMERGENCY BUTTON ON THE HAND HELD RADIO: AFFECTED MEMBER: When unable to broadcast “FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS HELP” message over the radio because this action may bring possible retribution from assailant(s), the member should actuate the emergency button on the hand-held radio. Listen for acknowledgement from OCD on EMERGENCY Channel 6. (If this is an accidental activation, the member shall immediately notify OCD on EMERGENCY Channel 6 or the dispatch channel). OCD must be aware of the location of the affected member to dispatch assistance. Attempt to remain calm and wait for assistance to arrive. 20 7. OCD PERSONNEL After receiving an emergency trigger activation from field personnel, OCD will verify that the activation was not accidental. If OCD does not receive verification that this was an accidental trigger, OCD shall then broadcast a message only over EMERGENCY Channel 6. The message should be vague enough that it would not compromise the position of the field personnel yet clear enough to allow for the unit or individual to reply. EXAMPLE: “Attention, all units in the field, radio assigned to E ____, hydrant person, has tripped the “EMERGENCY TRIGGER”. Failure to contact this person will cause OCD to send resources equivalent to “FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS HELP” call. 21 8. RADIO ASSIGNMENTS AND APPARATUS ROSTER SYSTEM As previously indicated, the primary components of the Department’s accountability system and emergency guidelines are the on-scene documentation of resources, Incident Command System, effective communications on Department radios, 800 MHz radio “Emergency Button”, and OCD procedures. The key to this system of tracking individual members is the computer controlled radio identification of hand-held radios. It is imperative that company commanders maintain an accurate inventory of radio numbers at OCD. NFPA Standard 1500 requires that all company members’ names be immediately available on scene of the incident. Department members have worked jointly with members from other fire departments in the State of California in developing a similar system to identify members on each company at the scene of mutual/automatic aid incidents. Each fire department, as a minimum, will provide the names of members listed inside the apparatus cab of the apparatus. Some, fire departments may use T-Cards, notepad, magnetic strips or other methods to list their personnel. Our Department will continue with the roster system currently in place. The Los Angeles Fire Department system consists of magnetic strips marked with information about the member’s assigned to each apparatus that day. The information that will be contained on the magnetic strip is as follows: - The member’s full civil service name - The member’s rank The LAFD will continue to use magnetic strips that will be carried in a visible location on the Captain’s side of the cab on heavy apparatus and passenger side in rescue ambulances and other staffed apparatus. In Division and Battalion SUV’s, the magnetic strips shall be carried in a visible location on the communication console, dashboard, or visor. Consistent and accurate use of this Apparatus Roster System during normal operations will assure compliance during automatic and mutual aid incidents. Company Commanders shall ensure that these magnetic strips are changed when the staffing of that apparatus changes. 22 As staffing changes are made during a working shift, the apparatus roster system magnetic strips must be changed to reflect the current staffing of the apparatus. These magnetic trips must reflect the members’ personal information changes, as they occur. 23 9. “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” COMMUNICATIONS IMMINENT HAZARD NOTIFICATION GUIDELINES Provisions of NFPA 1561 require an Incident Command System (ICS) that includes standard operating guidelines to evacuate personnel from an area where an imminent hazard condition is found to exist, and to account for their safety. In the event of potential building collapse, extraordinary hazard, or a change in conditions that creates an imminent danger to personnel, members shall communicate this information by either declaring an “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC,” or by communicating this information to the Incident Commander. The IC is responsible for making orderly and thorough contact with all on-scene personnel via radio, OR by requesting “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” using clear text to identify the conditions: “ALL COMPANIES EVACUATE THE BUILDING”, “CHANGE FROM AN OFFENSIVE TO A DEFENSIVE ATTACK: “CHANGE IN WIND CONDITIONS FROM ____TO___”, or other critical scene information. OCD will transmit the “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” in clear text to identify the situation on the Incident TAC Channel(s) and Command Channel. The IC will assure that on-scene companies are notified of these imminent dangers. This confirmation may be through Branch Directors or Division and Group Supervisors. At the conclusion of the “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” situation, or when the IC has confirmed that members on scene are aware of specific hazard, the Incident Commander shall transmit an “ALL CLEAR-RESUME RADIO TRAFFIC” on all assigned Tactical Channels and Command Channels to end the emergency situation, or have OCD transmit the “ALL CLEAR-RESUME RADIO TRAFFIC.” The tactical worksheet (F-666) shall be used as a guide to assist an Incident Commander with accountability. OPERATIONAL RETREAT POLICY The Department has implemented an “Operational Retreat Policy” consistent with other State of California fire departments to further standardize operations at incidents. If an immediate evacuation is needed, the Incident Commander shall initiate evacuation procedures and have OCD broadcast emergency traffic tones, and announce “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC”, and proceed to broadcast critical scene information in “CLEAR-TEXT” to emergency personnel operating in an area requiring evacuation (e.g. “ALL COMPANIES EVACUATE THE BUILDING”, etc.) At the conclusion of the 24 “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC”, the IC shall transmit an “ALL CLEAR-RESUME RADIO TRAFFIC” to end the emergency situation or have OCD transmit the “ALL CLEAR RESUME RADIO TRAFFIC.” In addition to radio traffic requiring evacuation, the following audible signal can be used to indicate evacuation. The “EVACUATION SIGNAL” will consist of repeated short blasts of the air horn for a period no longer than 10 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of silence. This sequence of air horn blasts for 10 seconds followed by a 10-second period of silence will be done three times; total air horn evacuation signal including periods of silence will last 50 seconds. The Incident Commander shall designate the specific apparatus to sound the evacuation signal using air horns. This can be done in conjunction with the radio announcement of “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC”, with direction for emergency scene personnel to evacuate the hazard area. NOTE: The apparatus selected to conduct the air horn “EVACUATION SIGNAL” should not be apparatus in close proximity to the Command Post, if possible, thus reducing the chance of missing any radio messages. PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT (PAR) After an “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” evacuation of a building, a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) shall be conducted to assure all companies and members are accounted for at the incident or in a specific Branch, Division or Group. 25 10. OCD INCIDENT TIME NOTIFICATION OCD will start an incident clock when the first dispatched unit arrives on scene of a structure fire, or other incidents, which appear to be time sensitive or dangerous. At each 15-minute interval, OCD will advise the IC of the elapsed time on the incident clock until the IC requests cancellation. For example the announcement from OCD may be phrased: “IC from OCD, 15 minutes (30, 45, 60 etc.) on the incident clock.” OCD will continue to advise the Incident Commander of the elapsed time at each additional 15-minute interval until cancelled by the IC or until the incident is declared under control (i.e. knockdown.) 26 11. AUTOMATIC/MUTUAL AID FIRE GROUND COMMUNICATION 1. Fire departments in the State of California will use their own dispatch and tactical frequencies when dealing with routine incidents. When mutual or automatic aid departments are involved in the fire ground operations, one of the following procedures will occur: 2. The individual agency will operate in accordance with their own pre-established communication plan outlined in their automatic/mutual aid agreements. 3. The assisting agency has the capability of communicating on the primary fire Department’s frequencies. 4. The primary agency provides the outside agency a radio. 5. The assisting agency and the primary agency use a pre-designated common frequency. The frequency that is most commonly used is OES White 2 & 3. 6. The assisting agency is assigned a member or company with LAFD communication capability. 27 12. LCES INTRODUCTION For several years members have been utilizing L. C. E. S. to provide for firefighter safety while operating at wildland incidents. A member of the United States Forest Service developed LCES after being involved in several fatal wildland fires. These four critical actions provide the basis for initiating wildland operations as follows: LOOKOUT – A person(s) who can see what the fire is doing in relation to operating crews. COMMUNICATION – Immediate communications between all members in the crew and adjacent crews. ESCAPE ROUTE – Making sure the crew and the engine can get to a safety zone in a safe and timely manner. SAFETY ZONE – An area of safe refuge not requiring special protection to survive. LCES FOR STRUCTURES The Department recognized that there are three additional direct causes of firefighter injury or death in the wildland and added these to LCES. The three additional considerations are: Location Uninvolved to Involved Building Construction Lightweight roof and/or floors Facades/Mezzanines Company placement Conditions Anything showing Color of smoke/flame Smoke being sucked in or forced out Unusual intensity Risk vs. Gain Safety Equipment Required P.A.S.S. on Radio on correct channel Check each other 28 The end result is L.C.E. S. as follows: LOOKOUT(S) LOCATION COMMUNICATION CONDITIONS ESCAPE ROUTES SAFETY ZONE SAFETY EQUIPMENT Upon review it becomes apparent that LCES is appropriate for virtually every incident we respond to, not just brush. With this in mind the following LCES information is provided to provoke discussion and training to provide proper risk analysis and decisions on the fire ground that will make it safer to operate. 29 13. LOOKOUTS LOOKOUTS (LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN, LOOK AROUND) Throughout the history of firefighting many visual indicators have been documented to indicate what is happening at an incident whether it be the color of the smoke, cracks developing in bearing walls, rapid development of the fire, etc. It is the responsibility of all members operating at the scene of an emergency to maintain a visual awareness of what is happening around them at all times. Often this visibility is restricted depending on conditions and the member’s assignment. A review of an engine company operating a hose line on the interior of a structure fire may be described as follows: The member operating the nozzle might be described as having tunnel vision. They are focused on the flame location, direction and reaction created by their hose stream. The hydrant member backing up the nozzle member will have a field of view in front of the nozzle with a somewhat wider field of vision. The company officer operating on a hoseline with their crew may be described as having surrounding vision. It is their responsibility to maintain an awareness of what the fire is doing all around the crew while operating at an incident. The engineer operating immediately outside the structure gets the big picture. By being able to see what is going on both inside and outside the structure, he/she may be able to recognize important changes that occur with the incident. In many cases it will be the changes that do not occur that should drive the risk analysis of crews. It is critical that all members on scene routinely take a moment to look up, look down and look around for the indicators that might suggest an analysis of their current location and operation. 30 14. LOCATI0N Before taking a line inside a structure that is literally under demolition by fire, take a moment to analyze the structure and your choice of locations to initiate your attack. Prior to initiating interior operations make sure you have established the best location for access. More importantly, identify the best location with sufficient area to exit the structure should conditions begin to deteriorate. A sampling of items to consider includes: Fight the fire from the uninvolved to the involved whenever possible. Building Construction – Is it balloon, conventional, pre-33, etc.? Does it have a lightweight roof or floors and if so what type? Facades - Is there a façade? If so, how is it supported? Is there an alternate location that does not require us to enter, and more importantly escape, by passing underneath it? Mezzanines – Is there a mezzanine inside that will allow the fire to burn unchecked and undiscovered above us? If so, retreat and re-analyze the situation. Company Placement – Where will we be most effective to limit the loss of life and property? Is there the potential for opposing hose lines? Remember, The location that you select to initiate operations as a first arriving company on scene, will become a focal point for operations by the balance of the assignment. Set the stage for the successful outcome of the incident. Choose your location wisely. 31 15. COMMUNICATIONS Communication among members operating at incidents is best when accomplished face to face. During interior operations within an “Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health” (IDLH) area, this often is the only method that works. Direct contact and communications by members operating hoselines while wearing breathing apparatus is critical to the survival of the crew. We are fortunate in that every member of our department is provided with a handi-talkie for communications. We must insure that they are turned on and placed on the correct channel for communicating. An additional method of communicating to a company operating inside, that the fire conditions are changing, is by pulling on the hoseline. Pulling back forcefully on the line should indicate to the crew that they need to retreat and investigate the cause for alarm. However, lengthy hoselays and obstructions may prevent the signal from reaching the nozzle. Our department has also adopted the air horn signal as an adjunct to an operational retreat. Sounding the horn with short blasts for ten seconds followed by ten seconds of silence and repeating this cycle for a total of fifty seconds indicates that all companies need to retreat to their safe area. 32 16. CONDITIONS Just as a “Santa Ana” condition or a change in wind direction can dramatically impact a brushfire, the sudden introduction of air by companies opening a building for interior attack can dramatically change fire conditions in a structure. (i.e. backdraft condition.) Members need to remain vigilant to any signs that will indicate that the conditions will change or are of an unusual nature including: Anything showing upon arrival The color of the smoke/flame Is the smoke being sucked in or forced out Unusual fire intensity The most important decision will be knowing when to regroup and consider the risk vs. gain. Transitioning from an offensive to defensive and then back to an offensive attack requires knowledge of the conditions and control of the resources. Often the only life hazard present at an incident is the lives of the firefighters. 33 17. ESCAPE ROUTES Just as in the wildland, an escape route from a structure fire needs to be planned and identified with all members. On the majority of incidents it is almost always the same direction from where you entered and will involve reversing your direction on your hoseline. For this reason, it is imperative that you not introduce an excessive amount of coiled hose (spaghetti) within the structure. This can confuse members working their way out. When retreating, it is advantageous to pull as much slack as possible out of the line in order to provide the most direct route out of the building. Access and Egress (doorways) must be selected to provide a sufficiently sized escape route, especially if multiple companies are working through the same opening. A quartz light should be set up to further highlight the doorway at the earliest convenience. This should be a standard procedure for engineers once the lines are in operation. If they are too busy a company should be designated to accomplish this task. The hand-held spotlights are also excellent for leaving a “path” of light at key intersections and/or doorways. Facades and mezzanines should provoke caution before initiating any operations that would require members to work or pass under either of these structural components. Facades and mezzanines are not normally located above rolling steel doors, for this reason these openings should be considered for advancing firefighting lines provided this location does not compromise the strategy and tactics of the incident. 34 18. SAFETY ZONES A safety zone or safe refuge area is one that does not require any protection, (such as SCBA’s and hoselines), for survival. At a structure fire, this will typically be the exterior. At a multi-story incident it may be two floors below the fire. Take note, a safe refuge is normally not located above the fire. The exception to this statement would involve a high-rise fire, where depending on the intensity of the fire a minimum of two floors above the fire maybe designated a safety zone. The safety zone must be large enough to hold all the members working in the area. This may include multiple companies. It must be close enough to be reached in a timely manner should conditions rapidly deteriorate. 35 19. SAFETY EQUIPMENT Full protective equipment is not a recommendation, it is a requirement! Members need to understand the capabilities and limitations of their personal protective equipment. Ensure that your SCBA is at full capacity each day. Recognize the time limits each individual has with an SCBA. P.A.S.S. devices have been instrumental in locating downed firefighters. Members are required to check them each day and activate them when responding to designated incidents. Radios are a critical link including the emergency trigger. The proper Department issued antenna and remote microphone must be attached. 36 20. INTERIOR FIREFIGHTING “WATCH OUT” SITUATIONS There are eighteen “watch out” situations that have been identified when working in the wildland. The failure to recognize “watch outs” by firefighters has on more than one occasion caused injury or death to firefighters. With this in mind the following list of twelve “watch out” situations have been developed for interior structure firefighting. These were situations that were identified as contributing factors in the LAFD Western Fire Significant Incident Report. Although not all inclusive, the following twelve structure “Watch outs” should certainly provoke communication among members in the hope that it could prevent a similar tragedy. Experienced firefighters should recognize having been in these situations and share the experience so that others might live. Interior firefighting “watch outs”: You have a working fire and your entry will be delayed. This may occur for any number of reasons, not the least of which are the forcible entry challenges facing the Department. Multiple companies have been assigned to enter through one entry. Single door entry/exits are designed for a single person to pass through in a non-emergency environment. Consider the impact of trying to evacuate multiple companies through a 36” opening in a flashover condition. Roof Division is being driven off as you prepare to go inside. Coordination between Roof and Interior are critical for making decisions on offensive vs. defensive operations and the extent of interior commitment by engine companies. Radio communications are a necessity. Air is being drawn in rapidly in zero visibility and the heat is banking down. Oxygen is being fed into the fire. The temperature is rising rapidly and radiating downward. Your location will soon become untenable and require a rapid retreat. You can hear the fire burning above you but can’t see it. The sound of a burning building is very distinctive as it burns and comes apart. Lack of ventilation will allow a smoke layer to generate below the flame level reducing visibility to zero. This is an indication that members should retreat to a safer working location until conditions improve. 37 You realize you are working underneath a mezzanine. Mezzanines (and more recently facades) have been recognized as significant threats to the safety of firefighters. This is discovered in interior firefighting operations when a member attempts to open a ceiling with a pike pole only to discover that there is additional decking overhead. Often this decking is used for storage of materials above the office area. In addition, mezzanines are often constructed illegally and often use inferior construction techniques. Keep in mind that it would be unusual to find a mezzanine inside a rolling steel doorway. Consequently, rolling steel doorways should be utilized for interior operations, if possible. They are easier to see, offer a much larger exit and will normally not have a mezzanine or façade above them. If confronted with an interior rolling steel fire door (fusible link), make sure to block the door open so as to prevent accidental closure due to heat buildup. You feel uncomfortable. Listen to your instincts, they are generally correct. Your SCBA alarm bell sounds and you still haven’t found the fire. Time stamping an incident that involves interior operations at a working fire is very important. One of the most effective ways to time stamp is to recognize the amount of time it typically takes before your low air warning sounds. If in the 10 to 20 minutes it takes for this to occur you have been unable to find a working fire in zero visibility, serious consideration needs to be given to a change in tactics. In some cases, allowing additional ventilation to occur prior to entry will assist in locating the seat of the fire and identifying improved access. You flow water for several minutes and make no progress. Additional and/or larger lines larger lines are needed if insufficient GPM or water is not reaching the fire. You hear the sound of roof ventilation being conducted behind you. Conditions on the roof including lightweight construction may require the ventilation teams to initiate operations further from the seat of the fire. Coordination is critical to prevent ventilation holes from pulling the fire over the interior companies. 38 You are unable to communicate with the Incident Commander, or your Division or Group Supervisor. The Incident Commander has overall responsibility for both resource and situation status. If you are unable to communicate interior conditions and the status of your crew, or if you are unable to receive incident status information, you need to retreat to a safety zone until communication is established. You are working with unfamiliar members. Responsible officers must insure that any members not normally assigned to the company are familiar with all standard operating guidelines. This information needs to be passed on immediately upon reporting for assignment. LCES CONCLUSION “Only by each member continually evaluating, LCES, will we remain alert to the potentials that present themselves. It is the intent of this manual to raise the level of awareness at emergencies.” 39 21. THE NEED FOR RAPID INTERVENTION GUIDELINES NFPA 1500 mandates that Rapid Intervention be in place from the onset of all emergency operations within the Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere. This is initially accomplished via the “Two In/Two Out” rule. As incidents become larger and more complex, so does the need for additional resources beyond the “Two Out” to provide for our own safety. Rapid Intervention rescue operations are for our own members who are down, missing or trapped, at the scene of an emergency. These rapid intervention rescue operations are incident driven. Standard Operating Guidelines would vary depending on the conditions encountered. It is recognized that the incident conditions for Rapid Intervention could rapidly deteriorate. With this in mind, the most important aspects of Rapid Intervention are that they are conducted in a RAPID, yet safe manner. Rapid Intervention rescue operations are not intended to be overly complicated. The intent is to quickly locate and rescue firefighters that are down, missing or trapped. The Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG's) discussed in this Manual must become an integral part of every company's SOG's. The importance of having a Department-wide STANDARD when implementing Rapid Intervention operations is that members working on different companies on different days can act accordingly when challenged with this most critical assignment. In addition, members who are down, missing, or trapped at an incident, and who the rapid intervention mission are designed to rescue, will be familiar with the efforts that are being employed to affect their rescue. In some cases the trapped or injured firefighter may actually assist in their own rescue by anticipating the actions by Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) members. 40 22. GOLDEN TIME The need for Rapid Intervention being RAPID cannot be overemphasized. As members of a Rapid Intervention Company, your mission to rescue a firefighter victim will come without warning. Factors such as the time a member has been “on air” or a delay in the notification that a member is in need of rescue will significantly reduce the amount of time that Rapid Intervention Companies will have to affect a successful rescue. The Golden Time is that period of time that a down, missing or trapped member will have the greatest chance of survival if he or she is in need of rescue. Longer rapid intervention evolutions or even the slightest delay in deploying Rapid Intervention Companies could impact rescue attempts. The Golden Time and the fact that your rapid intervention mission will come without warning are the reasons that you must accept this mission seriously. Getting involved in the fire ground operations, not focusing on your mission, and not knowing Rapid Intervention Standard Operating Guidelines may jeopardize someone’s life! 41 23. COMPANY DISCIPLINE Company Discipline is an important factor in the overall management and effectiveness of the ICS and will prevent the need for Rapid Intervention rescue operations at an incident. When assigned the duties for Rapid Intervention staying together with members of your company, following the direction of company commanders and communicating conditions found, will assist in rescuing a member when called upon to do so. It is important to understand the principle of potential rescuers becoming victims. This phenomenon is seen in many technical rescues as well as ill-advised rescue attempts in swiftwater or on the fireground. When operating on the fireground and notification for Rapid Intervention rescue operations becomes apparent, company commanders or members in the immediate area of the situation should take whatever action is necessary to safely affect a rescue. Companies working nearby may have the best opportunity to affect a quick rescue. Firefighting efforts must intensify in the area that a member is believed to be down, missing, or trapped. Additional resources may need to be assigned to support fire suppression operations in addition to the RIC operations. Company Commanders who feel that their company can effect the rescue must take into consideration the following: your position, time "on air", the location of the member requiring rescue, and accountability for your company's actions to the Incident Commander or your immediate supervisor on the fireground. Do not become part of the rescue problem and endanger even more members, if others are in a better location or better equipped to safely rescue one of our members. This means that if your company has exited a structure because you have exhausted your air supply, you will not be able to safely enter that structure and conduct a viable search. This underlines the need to ready your safety equipment and maintain company integrity when you exit a structure because you do not know when your company may be called back into action. 42 24. THE RAPID INTERVENTION MISSION The rapid intervention mission can be separated into two categories. 1.) The first category is defined as the Standby Mode or preparation for Rapid Intervention as a precautionary measure (most frequent mode). 2.) The second category is the Deployment Mode or immediate rescue upon arrival at, or during the incident. 1. STANDBY MODE or preparation for rapid intervention – In this category of rapid intervention the resources assigned as a RIC have time to gather equipment, perform reconnaissance, and liaison with the Command Post. Company Commanders need to stay vigilant and be prepared to initiate a rescue mission at a moment’s notice. The same intervention configuration should apply in either rescue mission. The difference is in how much time you and your company will have to prepare for this most important mission. In this category of rapid intervention the resources assigned as RIC shall monitor the following radio channels: Incident Command Channel Incident Tactical Channel(s) Rescue Tactical Channel (if assigned and being used) Emergency Channel 6 2. DEPLOYMENT MODE or immediate rescue – Companies dispatched or assigned rapid intervention may find themselves involved in the immediate rescue of members upon arrival on scene of an incident. For this reason, the following RIC operations shall be followed and/or considered: The IC shall assign a Rescue Tactical Channel or the RIC shall request a Rescue Tactical Channel from the IC. All RIC members shall then monitor and initiate communications utilizing the Rescue Tactical Channel. A member of the RIC must monitor Emergency Channel 6. Note: If the member initiating the emergency traffic is only able to communicate on the Fireground Tactical Channel, a member of the RIC must monitor the Fireground Tactical Channel. An immediate plan must be in place for your RIC to be effective. 43 Companies assigned as RIC will not have the luxury of the time required gathering equipment or performing reconnaissance. The narrow window of survivability (Golden Time) will be in effect. Success may be dependent on the approximate location of the trapped member(s) being known. Companies must have a plan for the immediate tools needed to attempt a rescue. 44 25. RAPID INTERVENTION COMMUNICATIONS All members assigned rapid intervention responsibilities must have an operational radio and be thoroughly familiar with its operation. All radios must be turned on and members vigilant to all messages being broadcast. This is especially true with Channel 6, which is the designated emergency channel. Any communications occurring on this channel can be critical to the survival of one of our members. Therefore, officers must be cognizant of the experience level of the members on their crew and assign radio channel monitoring accordingly. If the need for monitoring additional channels is necessary, additional hand-held radios may be obtained from the command vehicles. With the assignment of a Chief Officer to a Rescue Group, location of deployed resources and monitoring radio communications when in the Standby Mode will be most effective if accomplished from the command vehicle, except at High Rise incidents where it is performed at staging. This chapter will cover two distinct procedures to follow when assigned as a Rapid Intervention Company/Rescue Group Supervisor: When assigned rapid intervention at an incident and in the “STANDBY MODE” (preparation for rapid intervention) the following radio channels shall be monitored: Emergency Channel 6 Fireground Tactical Channel RIC Channel (If assigned and being used) Command Channel – The utilization of a Command Channel is normally reserved for expanded operations When assigned rapid intervention at an incident and in the “DEPLOYMENT MODE” (immediate rescue) the following radio channels should be monitored: Rescue Tactical Channel (assigned by IC) Emergency Channel 6 Note: If the member initiating the emergency traffic is only able to communicate on the Fireground Tactical Channel, a member of the RIC must monitor the Fireground Tactical Channel. 45 26. EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR RAPID INTERVENTION Equipment considerations for Rapid Intervention Companies are incident specific. Equipment that is required for a particular rescue may not be needed for another mission. In some cases, trying to use equipment that is not necessary for the mission indicated may delay deployment of the Rapid Intervention Companies. This is especially true when responding into a known rescue situation. Only the minimum tools necessary to initiate a rescue should be taken. Practice and training in the different Rapid intervention scenarios will make equipment selection for different Rapid Intervention missions easier. Rapid Intervention Companies should consider the following tools and equipment for use, the list of considerations is not all encompassing; it is intended to be a starting point. It is the Department’s intent to constantly upgrade Rapid Intervention equipment and tactics. Company commanders shall ensure that the equipment is in a state of readiness and is appropriate for the potential rescue situation. Infrared Cameras Additional RIC Kits/Escape Canisters (Note: The RIC SCBA Kit consists of the following: Nylon bag with sling and carrying handles, 60 minute air bottle, 1 st stage pressure reducer w/20’ of intermediate pressure hose, facepiece, 2 nd stage regulator, 150’ of drop bag line, flashlight and Escape Canister.) Quartz lights to entrances and windows identified as possible exits. Apparatus rechargeable lights to entrances and exits of the structure. Lightweight forcible entry tools. (Hayward, Axe) Rotary saws. Drop bags Chalk Inside ladder (12’ or 14”) Pike Poles Lighted Rescue Lines Conditions permitting, a 1” rescue hoseline note: consider 2 ½” lines with straight tips to penetrate and knockdown the fire. Mattress Carrier Strobe Lights Cyalume© Light Sticks Extra air bottles Litter Basket (Litter can be used to carry up equipment to the Access point). 46 To reduce noise, consider electric fans used for air bags for ventilation when positive pressure ventilation is indicated and there is sufficient time available. In areas where noise is not a factor, consider water driven “typhoon” smoke ejectors. Equipment to be provided by the designated rapid intervention paramedic rescue ambulance: Gurney and Backboard Oxygen Defibrillator Trauma Box 47 27. STRUCTURE SIZE-UP CONSIDERATIONS FOR RIC There are a number of considerations for Incident Commanders and Rapid Intervention Companies in regards to rapid intervention structure size-up. These considerations can be broken down into three categories – a.) Enroute; b.) On scene (reconnaissance) and c.) Continuous size-up (throughout the incident). a. Enroute Considerations include: What is the incident TAC Channel? What is the dispatch assignment? Who has arrived on-scene? What is their assignment? What is the initial size-up? Who is the IC and where is the command post? This information can be documented on the tactical worksheet (F-666) enroute. Monitor the tactical channel to paint a mental picture of the incident. b. On-Scene Considerations include: Building Type – Is the structure ordinary construction, lightweight construction, un-reinforced masonry (URM) construction, or steel and concrete construction. Structure Size – How tall is the structure? Is the interior of the structure compartmentalized? Are there wide expansive areas of the interior? How are the floors numbered? Building Construction Features – Are the access points to the structure located under a fascia? Would ladders provide access to above ground areas (openable windows) better than interior stairs? Is the building a warehouse with the potential for mezzanines? Occupancy Use – Is the building a commercial occupancy that uses or processes hazardous materials (Placarded)? Or a high rise and/or a residential building where exiting occupants may hinder firefighter rescue efforts? In high- rise incidents, Rapid Intervention Companies should be located at the staging area, available for rapid deployment. Access Points – Rapid Intervention Operations may be assigned to multiple access points (Division A, B, etc.) Are access points adequate? Are additional ladders needed? Are there additional doors or windows that need forcible entry to provide for access or egress? Remember that access points are also egress points for firefighters. 48 Area of Fire Department operations - What portion of the building is involved? On what floors are fire department personnel working? Are there search and rescue operations underway for civilians that may place fire personnel at risk? c. Continous Size-Up: Is the incident/condition getting better or worse? Document assignment of additional resources and their location of operation. In what area of the building are Fire Department operations being conducted? Review the need for additional rapid intervention resources as the incident escalates and/or deteriorates. Identify additional building preparation necessary for rapid intervention operations (forcible exiting, ladders, etc.). What is the I.D. of the company or companies in need of rescue? Once the need for firefighter rescue is indicated, the Rapid Intervention Company commanders should obtain additional information. This information may be gathered concurrently while Rapid Intervention operations are under way. Obtain an accurate count of the number of people who are in need of rescue. What were the affected Fire Department members involved in or assigned to when a rescue became necessary? This may help determine their location: Time factor as to amount of air supply the affected members may have. Last reported location. Atmospheric or structural conditions in areas of potential rescue. It is important to remember that this information is vital, but the members of the Rapid Intervention Company that are outside the structure can gather this information while a rescue operation is underway. Do not delay rescue operations trying to find answers to these questions when all efforts should be focused on trying to find a missing or injured firefighter(s). 49 28. THE “TWO IN/TWO OUT” RULE OVERVIEW The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a set of compliance instructions regarding the number of firefighters required to be present on the fire ground prior to commencing an initial interior attack on a structure fire. This compliance notice known as "Two In/Two Out” requires a standby team of at least two members to be organized to back up the initial entry team of two members before they enter into an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere. Therefore, there must be at least four individuals on-scene at the incident to initiate interior firefighting operations. Conditions present during an advanced interior structural fire create an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere. Members operating in hazardous areas at emergency incidents shall operate in teams of two or more and be equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus. Team members shall be in communication with each other through visual, audible, and physical or safety guide rope in order to coordinate their activities. Communication between the two-member team making entry is not allowed by radio communication; therefore team members must be in close proximity to each other to provide assistance in case of emergency. Safety equipment must be immediately accessible for use by the outside team should the need for rescue inside the hazard area be necessary. Only one of the two backup personnel outside the IDLH atmosphere may be engaged in other duties. For example, an apparatus operator/engineer, incident commander, or technician aide (staff assistant), may fill a standby position. When a single team is operating in the hazardous area, the standby members shall be permitted to assist in the rescue of the initial team. The member involved in other duties may only be used if abandoning their task does not jeopardize the safety or health of any member onscene. No one shall be permitted to serve as a standby member when other activities to which they are engaged inhibit their ability to assist in performing a rescue, or are of such importance that they cannot be abandoned without placing other firefighters in danger. 50 Exception to operate with less than four members on-scene: Initial attack operations shall be organized to ensure that if upon arrival at the emergency scene, initial attack personnel find an imminent life-threatening situation where immediate action could prevent the loss of life or serious injury, such action shall be permitted with less than four personnel when conducted within risk management considerations specified above. Any such actions taken with less than four members on-scene shall be thoroughly investigated and a written report (F-225) shall be submitted to the Commander, Bureau of Emergency Services, who will advise the Fire Chief. 51 29. RAPID INTERVENTION FOR RESCUE OF MEMBERS The Department is required to provide personnel for the rescue of members operating at emergency incidents if the need arises. A rapid intervention company shall consist of at least two members and shall be available for rescue of a member or a company if the need arises. Rapid Intervention Companies shall be fully equipped with appropriate protective clothing, SCBA and any specialized rescue equipment that might be needed given the specifics of the operation under way. In the early stages of an incident, which includes the deployment of a First Alarm assignment, the rapid intervention company(s) shall be either: a) On-scene members designated and dedicated as rapid intervention companies; or b) On-scene members performing other functions but ready to redeploy to perform rapid intervention company functions. The re-assignment of any personnel shall not be permitted, as members of the rapid intervention company if abandoning their critical tasks(s) clearly jeopardizes the safety and health of any member operating at the incident. As an incident expands in size or complexity, which includes an incident commander's request for additional resources beyond the First Alarm assignment, at least one Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) shall, upon the arrival of the additional resources, be designated as a RIC. DEPARTMENT OPERATIONAL CHANGES The Department has modified the operations for the first arriving Engine Company at a structure fire to comply with OSHA requirements. To comply with this requirement, when the first arriving engine company arrives onscene by themselves, the officer, and one firefighter can advance a hose line into the structure, while the firefighter that laid the supply line and engineer operating the pump shall remain outside the hazardous atmosphere as standby members until another company arrives on-scene. Upon arrival of an additional company, on-scene members performing other functions outside the hazardous atmosphere must be ready to redeploy to perform a rapid intervention rescue. These members can be considered as standby members, if by abandoning their critical task(s) to perform rescue doesn't jeopardize the safety and health of any member operating at the incident. For example, an engineer supplying water to multiple fire attack hose lines inside the IDLH atmosphere shall not be considered as a standby member, the abandonment of this primary task could jeopardize the safety of other firefighters. 52 In a high rise incident, the initial company a minimum four-member fire attack team shall ascend to the reported fire. Two members of this team shall be used as fire attack and the remaining two members shall standby in the stairwell. In this situation, the company officer could be in the stairwell with another standby member while two members advance a hose line into the fire floor or the company officer could be part of the two-member fire attack team while two other members remain in the safe atmosphere. The incident commander shall provide back up for the initial fire attack team as soon as possible through the use of additional fire attack teams or companies in staging. At brush fires involving structures when an interior fire attack is being conducted utilizing full structure protective equipment and clothing, a two-member team shall be used as fire attack with two members remaining outside as standby members. Department Incident Commanders shall, as a minimum, designate at least one Rapid Intervention Company upon the arrival of additional resources above the original structure assignment. ADDITIONAL All company officers are reminded that the "Apparatus Roster System" is a key component for firefighter accountability for members assigned to each company. The accurate maintenance of this information on each apparatus is necessary for the Department to comply with "accountability" requirements in NFPA 1500 Standard. All officers shall assure magnetic nametags carried on the Department apparatus are updated whenever staffing changes take place. Each member shall assist in making the Department's overall accountability system as effective and accurate as possible. 53 30. RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY CONFIGURATION The following guidelines should be considered when assigning Rapid Intervention Companies; it is imperative that the Incident Commander remembers that these guidelines will vary depending on the complexity of the incident and conditions encountered. The initial assignment on scene of an emergency should consider: Members, or a company on-scene outside of the IDLH atmosphere available for reassignment to RIC. Over an initial assignment on scene of an emergency consider: Engine Company, Squad, or Light-force and Paramedic Ambulance as designated RIC from the requested additional resources. When more than one company is assigned to rapid intervention functions, assign an officer - preferably a Task Force Commander or Battalion Commander, as the Rescue Group Supervisor. Department procedure mandates the IC to designate a single resource, specifically for rapid intervention, on a request for any additional resources beyond the first alarm assignment. Department Incident Commanders shall, at a minimum, designate at least one Rapid Intervention Company upon the arrival of additional resources above the original structure assignment. If additional resources will be necessary to conduct a legitimate and safe operation, based on the above guidelines, the IC must request them. Just as a single resource is expected to be able to put a single firefighting line into operation at a fire, it is also expected that a single resource will put one RIC entry into operation. Normally, the company commander will lead the Rapid Intervention Company. The following configurations are recommended if you are the sole Rapid Intervention Company resource assigned: ENGINE, SQUAD, LIGHT FORCE RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY CONFIGURATION (4-6 Members) CAPTAIN RIC Leader FIREFIGHTER RIC Member (Infrared Camera Operator) FIREFIGHTER RIC Member ENG/AO RIC Member or Entry Control Member/Backup **see next page FIREFIGHTER (LF) RIC Member or Entry Control Member/Backup **see next page 54 NOTE: All “Entry Control Members” should be in full Turnouts and SCBA and prepared to assist the primary team if needed. Do not attempt to support more than one entry point. When a Task Force or Light Force and Engine is assigned RIC, with the TFC as the Rescue Group Leader, the following configuration is recommended: TASK FORCE or LIGHT FORCE AND ENGINE (9-10 Members) 2- RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANIES: CAPTAIN II Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor CAPTAIN I Engine RIC Leader ENGINEER RIC Member or *Entry Control Member/Backup FIREFIGHTER Engine RIC Member FIREFIGHTER Engine RIC Member APPARATUS OPERATOR Truck RIC Leader ENGINEER RIC Member or *Entry Control Member/Backup FIREFIGHTER Truck RIC Member FIREFIGHTER Truck RIC Member *It may be necessary to leave one member (of a four member team), at an entry point to assist the rapid intervention team with either lighting, monitoring (tether) or as a reference point (exit). The tenth member can assist the Rescue Group Supervisor as needed. Note: All Members should be in full turnouts with SCBA and prepared to assist the primary team if the victim is found. Team composition may be changed to reflect the knowledge and experience of the individuals involved. *It may be necessary to leave one member (of a four member team), at an entry point to assist the rapid intervention team with either lighting, monitoring (tether) or as a reference point (exit). 55 31. RESCUE CONSIDERATIONS Initially, all members assigned, as a Rapid Intervention Company shall have the following as a minimum: full protective clothing donned, SCBA with drop bag, 800 MHZ radio, flashlight and RIC Kit. Additionally, as the incident permits, the following personnel and equipment should be gathered and requested: (See figure 1 & 2) Additional RIC Kits- One Kit consists of one 1-hour bottle, Spare facepiece, 20’ of intermediate pressure hose with female/double-male fitting, 2nd stage regulator & hose, spare mask, 150’ of drop bag line and flash light). Additional Drop Bag(s) Additional Flash Lights Designated Tool(s) Designated entry procedure (hose fan, nozzle fan etc.) ALS resource and Medical Equipment Figure -1 Figure –2 RIC KIT For complex Rapid Intervention missions requiring specialized resources, the Incident Commander should consider requesting Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces or the staffed Urban Search and Rescue Company. In addition, consider the Heavy Rescue and Emergency Lighting. 56 Prior to lifting or pulling a downed firefighter, the following procedures should be accomplished if conditions permit: Shut down P.A.S.S. device and reset, (refer to manual of operation 6/3-01.01) Assess the firefighter for the following: Breathing/Conscious/Air Supply (can be quickly done by turning red bypass valve on second stage regulator in a counterclockwise direction past detent.) Figure –3 Figure -3 57 Make sure that the member’s waist strap is secured to the member’s waist, if not, try to reposition the waist strap so as to capture one leg. Figure -4 If the member is conscious but trapped, contact the Rescue Group Supervisor and depending on the time needed for extrication, connect the rescued member into the RIC Kit one-hour air supply, or buddy breathe. Have sufficient resources and an ALS resource at the exit portal for immediate ALS intervention and transfer of downed member to hospital. Figure -4 In cases where the location of the firefighter is unknown and initial rescue attempts have been unsuccessful in locating the lost firefighter, several options may be available such as a one inch-hose line, lighted life line, or drop bag. These options could prove beneficial in reducing the risk of rescuers under conditions with reduced visibility. Consider checking with Engineers near the entry point to gather information about companies working inside of structures. Engineers should be aware of the following information: What size lines are being utilized How far have the companies gone inside How long have the companies been inside What direction did company members go (based on firefighting lines or available information). How many personnel are on hose lines and which lines? (consider using chalk to list companies on the door or wall next to the opening identifying which lines they are on) It is the responsibility of all on scene Engineers to turn all apparatus pick-up lights and side mounted quartz lights on aerial apparatus towards the involved structure, to illuminate the potential openings of the building. If the first arriving companies have not done this act routinely, Rapid Intervention companies should request, through the IC, that this operation be completed. 58 32. RAPID INTERVENTION SEARCH TECHNIQUES As search and rescue operations go, the inherent urgency of searching for a lost or downed firefighter sets it apart from any other rescue operation. Although every firefighter would admit that search and rescue is a top priority, they would also admit that they seldom train on how to save one of their own. During most fire ground operations, search and rescue of a lost firefighter is a very rare occurrence. For this reason, it is mandatory that all firefighters practice the necessary techniques to develop a workable variety of SOG’s so that they may operate effectively as a company. When it is determined that a search and rescue operation is necessary, a well-coordinated and expeditious operation must be mounted immediately. Anything less is likely to be ineffective and potentially tragic. Any search and rescue operation should be preceded with a basic knowledge of the following factors: Structure (construction and layout) Fire (location and extension) Victims (number and location) Resources (personnel and equipment) SOPs (methods and training) Using these factors as a starting point, let’s review basic search and rescue techniques that should be considered, when appropriate, during a search and rescue operation. When entering a structure or room, three factors usually determine the path of search: Information gathered from IC and firefighting personnel. Location of interior fire attack lines, for last known location. Searching an area that is unknown for a potential victim by turning either left or right. The following methods can be used by search personnel while advancing through a structure. Although some of these techniques may never be used at an actual incident, they are submitted as examples of available options. At a minimum, they will definitely enhance search operations and will dramatically improve personnel expertise and teamwork. 59 Members wearing breathing apparatus have a tendency to enter areas so hazardous that their lives are in extreme danger. This is potentially the case for any Rapid Intervention Company initiating a rescue of a down, missing or trapped firefighter(s). Firefighters can do this because the breathing apparatus allows them to do so. In cases where locations such as basements, hospitals, X-Ray rooms, metro-rail tunnel and other known radio trouble areas present communication problems, RIC members should consider using signal lines for communicating. A standard set of signals is in use by this Department and shall be memorized by all members. TUGS CODE MEANING 1 O OK Everything all right (give frequently). 2 A ADVANCE Going ahead, wearer will pull line. Entry Control member lets line slide through hands. 3 T TAKE-UP Backing up, retreating, moving position. Entry Control member KEEPS SLACK OUT OF LINE. 4 H HELP EMERGENCY, assistance needed inside, send in Back-up Teams. If RIC members are utilizing a 1” line for search and rescue, this same signaling technique can be used with the hoseline as the line used for communicating. Signals should be pronounced and definite. A full swing of the arm helps to prevent signals from being confused with the jerking of the line caused by normal movement. 60 In-Line Position: Figure 1 illustrates how three search personnel can maintain contact with a reference point (wall-Orientated Right) while conducting a search. The first person (company leader) on the line is responsible for leading the company and maintaining contact with the wall. The company leader is also the person tethered to the outside with anchor line. Search and rescue personnel should maintain contact with each other to ensure company effectiveness and integrity. This can be accomplished by physical contact, voice, or tether. Figure -1 Parallel Position: Figure 2 illustrates how two personnel of a RIC have temporarily left their position, (wall-Orientate Right) to increase their area of search. This technique requires the company leader to remain in contact with the wall and the tether, which is anchored to the outside. To maintain contact, the RIC is using a tether. When using a tether, ensure that it provides constant contact between the company members, yet is easily detachable if necessary. Figure -2 Tether Between Personnel: There are four basic methods used to tether between personnel, utilizing the 12’ nylon strap. The first method Figure 3 is shown in the picture below. Utilization of a half-hitch around the palm of the hand, allows a person to grasp and release the tether as necessary. 61 Figure-3 Figure 4 The second method illustrates a half-hitch around each members wrists. This method is more secure and will leave your hands free to grasp or move objects in front of search company. Figure-4 62 The third method Figure 5 illustrates the use of carabiners to secure company members to the leader by D-rings when utilizing the hose fan method. Figure -5 The fourth method Figure 6 illustrates the use of carabiners to secure members to the leader by SCBA frame. The use of carabiners allows for a quick detachment should any of the RIC members

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