Oak Lawn Fire Department Engine Company Operations PDF

ENGINE Company Operations Page 1 of 27 1.0 OBJECTIVE To define the roles of the Engine Company at an incident within the Oak Lawn Fire Department (OLFD). 2.0 POLICY It is critical that all members of the OLFD understand the expectations of the Engine Company to ensure a coordinated response to al...

ENGINE Company Operations Page 1 of 27 1.0 OBJECTIVE To define the roles of the Engine Company at an incident within the Oak Lawn Fire Department (OLFD). 2.0 POLICY It is critical that all members of the OLFD understand the expectations of the Engine Company to ensure a coordinated response to all incidents by all responding companies. 3.0 DEFINITIONS 3.1 1st Line. The initial fire attack hose line that provides for a base for confining and extinguishing the fire, allows occupants to evacuate via the stairs and allows members to proceed above the fire for search. 3.2 2nd line. An attack hose line that is of similar size and capacity as the 1st hose line, for use in supporting or augmenting the 1st hose line’s fire attack. 3.3 Backup line. A hose line of greater size and capacity for use in protecting the position and egress of the 1st and 2nd attack lines. 4.0 RESPONSIBILITY 4.1 Chief Officers and Company Officers will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of this SOG. 4.2 Chief Officers and Company Officers will conduct Company School to ensure that all members under their command understand this SOG. 4.3 It is the responsibility of all members to have a thorough knowledge of this SOG. 5.0 PROCEDURE 5.1 SOG Quick Briefs 5.1.1 TACTICAL MISSION OF AN ENGINE COMPANY The main tactical mission of the Engine Company Operation is to put into operation a hose line(s) for an immediate coordinated (Vent & Enter) fire attack to confine & extinguish fire. 5.1.2 ENGINE COMPANY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Obtaining a positive water source -Hose lead-outs -Confinement & Extinguishment - Water supply to fire protection systems - Water supply to fire apparatus - Search and rescue -Extrication scene protection Page 2 of 27 5.1.3 POSITION / RADIO SIGNATURE Officer Driver Pipe / / / Engine # or “111” Engine # Driver Engine # Pipe Hydrant / Engine # Hydrant / TOOL ASSIGNMENTS / Portable radio, TIC, and Light (Officers tool) / Portable Radio / Portable radio, pipe (in hand) or a hand Pump/Pressurized water extinguisher. / Portable Radio, 6-8’ Pike Pole and Irons. 5.1.4 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DUE ENGINE ASSIGNMENTS 1ST Due Engine: Upon arrival, position the engine according the best vantage point to lead out hose lines and secure a hydrant (when possible) regardless of the occupancy or size of the structure. 2nd Due Engine: Typically the 2nd Due Engine apparatus will position for the best vantage point to secure a second hydrant, provide the first engine a supply line if needed, and/or lead out fire attack hose lines. 3rd Due Engine: The 3rd Due Engine can be assigned to fire attack, back-up, relief, or RIT operations and/or support a Fire Suppression System. 5.1.5 Offensive Fires: The 2nd Due Engine can expect to relieve the company on the first hose line, assist with the 1st hose line, lead out a back-up hose line, or lead out a 2nd attack line. The 3rd Due Engine can expect to lead out a 2nd or 3rd hose line, assist the operation of the 1st or 2nd hose line, provide relief, assume a RIT assignment, or support a Fire Suppression System. 5.1.6 Defensive Fires: The 2nd and 3rd Engines can assist with water supply and heavy caliber hose lines and appliances to confine the spread of fire. Page 3 of 27 Mission of an Engine Company 5.2 The Engine Company is responsible for the confinement and extinguishment of fires. The purpose of this guideline is to provide for an organized, coordinated, safe, and efficient plan of operation in accomplishing that goal. Tactical Mission of an Engine Company 5.3 The main tactical mission of the Engine Company operation is to put into operation a hose line(s) for an immediate coordinated (Vent & Enter) fire attack to confine and extinguish fire. Once the Engine is supported (e.g. ventilation, forcible entry, laddering, etc.), and operating their hose line(s), other operations such as primary search and examination for fire extension can take place. Engine Company Functions and Responsibilities 5.4 The mastery of all the functions and responsibilities is very challenging and requires continuous training and strong skill-sets. These functions include: • • • • • • • • • • • Life Safety Size Up Apparatus placement Pump operation Forcible entry Locate fire Communications Hose lead-outs Search and rescue Obtaining a positive water source Water supply to fire protection Page 4 of 27 • • • • • • • • • • • Water supply to fire hydrants Drafting of water Standpipe operations Confinement & extinguishment Overhaul Lighting Salvage Utilities hydrant Extrication scene protection Rapid intervention operations Elevator rescue systems 5.5 Recommended topics to be covered during Roll Call: • • • • • • • • • • 5.6 Riding position and tool assignments as per the Daily Field Roster. Assure proper helmet shields and Passports are in place. Scheduled apparatus maintenance. Modified response routes. Weather and road conditions. Road construction or detours. Meals. House duties. Brief officer drill (e.g., 10-minute drill on pre-connect lead outs). Review guidelines, procedures, orders, and any other official information. Engine Company Roll Call Riding Position Assignments • • • • Officer Driver Pipe (located behind the Officer) Hydrant (located behind the Driver). The Riding Assignments are placed on a Daily Field Roster for emergency scene accountability. 5.7 Riding Position Engine Company Tool Assignments • • • Officer Driver Pipe • Hydrant Portable radio, Thermal Imaging Camera, and (Officers tool). Portable radio. Portable radio, Pipe (in hand) or a Hand pump/pressurized water extinguisher. Portable radio, 6-8” Pike pole and Irons. It shall be noted that these tools assignments are only guidelines and are to be altered according to any specific needs such as building construction types or specific tasks. Page 5 of 27 5.8 Radio Assignment and Signatures • • • • Officer Driver Pipe Hydrant “Engine 2 Officer”or 121 “Engine 1 Driver” “Engine 2 Pipe” “Engine 1 Hydrant” Examples “Interior from Engine 2” “Engine from Engine 1 Driver” “Engine 2 Pipe from Engine 2” “Engine 1 from Engine 1 Hydrant” The portable radio assignment and signature is for efficient and effective accountability measures. The correlation of the company member to the company name and number and a company riding position will relate to assigned tools and company function(s). 5.9 Engine Company Apparatus and Personal PPE Checks The apparatus and associated equipment will be thoroughly checked and inspected at the start of each shift by the Driver with the assistance of other company personnel. Personal items to be checked and inventoried at shift change include: • • • • • • • • • Protective clothing. S.C.B.A. Portable radio and radio batteries. Thermal Imaging Camera. Full hand pump and/or charged extinguisher(s). Apparatus cell phone. Proper helmet shield insert. Passport Accountability tags. Other equipment as per department/district policy. All personnel assigned to an Engine Company must be familiar with both the operation of and location of all tools, equipment, and hose beds carried on the apparatus. Page 6 of 27 5.10 Engine Company Operations - General Response Guidelines to Structural Fires Size-Up for Engine Companies is different from that of Truck Companies. This is simply due to the mission of each company being different. An Engine Company Officer may see a 2-story house with fire showing out of the 1st floor front windows, and quickly look to the 2nd floor windows and rear of the house to assess the volume and location of the fire to determine the amount of hose and water needed along with a point of entry, while a Truck Company officer will see the same scenario but will quickly look to the 2nd floor windows, the rear, and the roof with the idea of ventilation to support the engine operations and search opportunities. 5.10.1 Size-Up If first on the scene, provide an initial size-up indicating: (SHOPS size-up) Size up examples: 1st Engine “Engine 2 is on the scene, Westbound - nothing showing on a 3 story ordinary constructed multiunit 200 by 50; we will be investigating”. “Engine 1 is on the scene, Northbound, we have a working fire on a 2 story frame single family. We will be leading out for an interior attack”. Page 7 of 27 5.10.2 Fireground frequency assignments The Command Officers and Battalion Commanders will carry two portables; one to monitor the main FIRE frequency, and one to monitor Fireground White. The company Officer also has the option of leaving their portable radio on SCAN if there is a need to monitor the main FIRE frequency as well. Note: Use of an alternative Fireground frequency may be required and all assignments should be adjusted accordingly. • • • 5.11 The Drivers of fire suppression and medical apparatus will keep their portable radios on the main FIRE frequency at all times unless directed to switch to Fireground White by their respective company Officers or Incident Commander (IC). The company Officers, Pipe position, Hydrant position, Search position, and ambulance attendant will keep their portable radios on Fireground White at all times. For EMS incidents, having the ambulance attendant on Fireground White allows an Officer on the fire apparatus approaching a scene to find out what equipment the ambulance needs brought into the call over Fireground White rather than the main FIRE frequency. Basic responsibilities and positioning for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Due Engine companies 5.11.1 1st Due Engine Responsibilities The 1st Due Engine Company is charged with and responsible for the initial tactics of confinement and extinguishment of fire. If the first due ambulance joins the interior firefight, the Battalion Chief must be notified so a replacement ambulance can be requested. During interior firefighting operations, the Engine Company Officer shall report directly to the command Interior Position (once in position). Leading out and operating hose lines is the primary function of an Engine Company. All personnel must realize the importance of the initial hose line stretched at a structural fire. More lives are saved at fire operations by the proper positioning and operating of hose lines than by all other lifesaving techniques available to the firefighting forces. The majority of structural fires are hydrant led and extinguished by this initial line. Page 8 of 27 Engine Company Responsibilities: • Locate, position, and secure a primary hydrant. • Put into operation an adequate size hose line to initiate confinement and extinguishment. • Supply the building fire protection system. • Cover exposures. • Supply large caliber devices (e.g., aerial pipe, deck gun, etc.). 5.11.2 1st Due Engine - First Hose line The 1st line is placed between the fire and any persons endangered by it. This is accomplished by leading out the first hose line to the primary means of egress, usually the front or rear doors, or main stairway. This tactic: • • Provides a base for confining and extinguishing the fire. Allows occupants to evacuate via the stairs. • Allows members to proceed above the fire for search. In most cases the first line is stretched to the location of the fire. The purpose of this line is to protect the primary means of egress for occupants evacuating the building and to confine and extinguish the fire. If it is determined there is no life hazard in the building, the 1st line is positioned between the fire and the most severe exposure. The most severe exposure does not necessarily mean where the fire is likely to spread. Lines must be lead out to protect life first and in the absence of a life hazard, the 1st line should be placed to protect the greatest amount of property. When positioning a hose line to protect an exterior exposure, it should be positioned so that the stream can be used alternately between operating on the exposure and the fire. When using streams to protect exposed buildings, the water should be applied onto the building’s surface for best results. Page 9 of 27 The general rule for estimating the number of lengths in the fire building is: 1 length per floor + 1 length for the fire floor. 5.11.3 1st Due Engine Positioning Upon arrival, position the 1st Due Engine to affect a hose lead-out and also provide 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, tree’s, and many other challenges, but it is vitally important to attempt to accomplish this positioning. Generally not correct positioning CORRECT 1ST due Eng. Eastbound DIVISION ‘A’ ‘D’ ‘B’ FIRE BUILDING DIVISION ‘C’ Page 10 of 27 EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ 5.11.4 1st Due Engine (Reverse Lay) For a reverse lay lead-out, the initial Engine position while hose lines are dropped, should be past the fire building enough to allow the 1st Due Truck room position behind the Engine. If the aerial ladder is needed, the positioning of the aerial turntable at either corner of the fire building, or at a specific window or balcony may be necessary. Having the room to position the aerial will require that all other apparatus remain as clear from the front of the building as possible. Once the hose is dropped from the Engine bed to the ground, the Engine can Reverse Lay to the hydrant allowing more room for the Truck Company and all other apparatus (e.g. 2nd Due Engine, Squad, 2nd Due Truck, RIT, EMS, etc.). 1ST due Eng. Eastbound Ground ladders DIVISION ‘A’ ‘D’ FIRE BUILDING ‘B’ DIVISION ‘C’ Page 11 of 27 EXPOSURE BUILDING B 5.11.5 1st Due Engine (Back Stretch Supply Line) For a Back Stretch Supply Line, the 1ST Due Engine position is past the fire building and an available hydrant and enough to allow the 1st Due Truck room position behind the Engine. If the aerial ladder is needed, the positioning of the aerial turntable at either corner of the fire building, or at a specific window or balcony may be necessary. Having the room to position the aerial will require that all apparatus remain as clear from the front of the building as possible. DIVISION ‘C’ Once the hose is dropped from the engine bed to the ground, the Driver can Back Stretch a hydrant supply line to the available hydrant rather than reverse laying to the next available hydrant. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO MOVE FORWARD ENOUGH for all other apparatus positioning (e.g. 2nd Due Engine, Squad, a 2nd Due Truck, RIT, EMS, etc.). 1st due Eng. Eastbound GROUND LADDERS DIVISION ‘A’ ‘D’ FIRE BUILDING ‘B’ DIVISION ‘C’ Page 12 of 27 EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ 5.11.6 1st Due Engine positioning (Pre-connect) It is important, when possible, to pull past the building to allow enough room for the Truck Company to position in front of the building. In most cases where a pre-connect line is used (e.g. one room house fire) the need for the aerial ladder will not be used. Area reserved for 2nd Due Engine Area reserved for 1st Due Truck 1st Due Eng. DIVISION ‘A’ FIRE BUILDING Once hose lines are pulled onto the street, it is important to move them to the curb or onto the parkway to not block other vehicles entering the fire scene. 1st Due Eng. DIVISION ‘A’ FIRE BUILDING Page 13 of 27 5.11.7 2nd Due Engine Responsibilities • Locate, position, and secure a second hydrant. • Relay water to the 1st Due Engine, as needed. • Supply the building stand-pipe, if required. • The 2nd Due Engine Driver is to remain near the apparatus and remain available to provide a 2nd water source if needed, assist the 1st Due Engine Driver, assist with communications, additional supply lines, assist the 2nd Due Truck with the set up / operation (e.g., PTO, outriggers, etc.) of the 1st Due Truck if needed, etc. • Relieve the 1st Engine Company on the 1st hose line. • Back-up the 1st hose line with a 2nd hose line. • Position a 2nd hose line for confinement. • Supply large caliber devices (e.g., aerial pipe, deck gun, etc.). • Perform Truck Company operations (e.g., L-O-V-E-R-S-U etc.) when necessary. 5.11.8 2nd Due Engine – 2nd Hose line. For consistency of deployment, the following terms should be standardized: “2nd line”: an attack hose line that is of similar size and capacity as the first hose line, for use in supporting or augmenting the 1st hose line’s fire attack. “Backup line”: a hose line of greater size and capacity for use in protecting the position and egress of the 1st, and 2nd attack hose lines. Unless otherwise ordered, the 2nd hose line is placed to support the first line. This tactic is used for the following reasons: • • To provide a back-up to the first hose line in case of a burst length in the first hose line. To provide a 2nd line to be used simultaneously with the 1st hose line if fire conditions warrant. Page 14 of 27 • If the 2nd line is not needed on the fire floor, it can be advanced to the floor above. The 2nd hose line must have sufficient length to cover the floor above. • 5.11.9 2nd Due Engine Positioning 2nd due Eng. Westbound 1st due Eng. Eastbound BACK DOWN INTO FIRE SCENE GROUND LADDERS The 2nd Due Engine will generally attempt to position to secure an alternate hydrant. This may OFTEN require the 2 Engine to back down into the fire scene. 2ND due Eng. Westbound 1ST due Eng. Eastbound GROUND LADDERS DIVISION ‘A’ EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ FIRE BUILDING Page 15 of 27 Two sources of water supply (when possible, given non-hydranted areas, frozen hydrants, etc.) should a standard of operation. The 1st and 2nd Due Engine’s generally should attempt to independently secure two separate sources of water supply. A proactive practice in supplying any fireground with a positive water source for maximum water supply from a hydrant is to have the Engine positioned at the hydrant. This positioning will also allow room for Truck and Squad companies in providing an aerial ladder(s), ground ladders, lighting, and other types of equipment that can be difficult to obtain if not positioned close to the fire building. 5.11.10 1st Due Engine positioning with multiple apparatus. For every possible street scene variable (e.g., parked cars, snow, narrow side streets, double-parked cars, etc.), there is an impact on apparatus positioning can be detrimental or helpful depending on the variable and the experience of the company officers (and Shift Commander). When the street width will permit, the aerial will be able to position next to the Engine (with consideration to aerial ladder jack spread). Squad Westbound 1st Due Trk GROUND LADDERS 2nd Due Eng. 1st Due Eng. DIVISION ‘A’ FIRE BUILDING EXPOSURE BUILDING ‘B’ Page 16 of 27 5.11.11 3rd Due Engine Company Operations The 3rd Due Engine may be assigned by the IC to fire attack, a back-up line, water supply or RIT operations. The 3rd engine may be assigned to other tasks as dictated by the type of fire and/or fire building involved at the incident. 5.12 Engine Company Operations - Single-Family and Townhome Fires 5.12.1 Due to the constant life hazard in such buildings, it is important for the Engine Company to receive immediate assistance from the 1st Due Truck or Squad Company in evaluating the fire conditions and any risks (e.g., rescue, spreading fire, hazardous materials, mantraps, air consumption, etc.). Coordinated fire attack is imperative using vent and enter tactics is imperative . 5.12.2 Determine the direction and position of the primary water source as soon as possible to determine the best position past the front of the fire building. 5.12.3 Officer will size-up building and fire conditions and determine the fire attack. 5.12.4 Driver will exit the cab and assist the lead-out at the back step or the side (pre-connect) of the apparatus. 5.12.5 The Officer and Pipe positions are to operate with full PPE to lead-out, charge, position, and operate the 1st hose line. 5.13 Engine Company Operations – Apartment, Commercial, and Industrial Building Fires 5.13.1 Due to the size and occupancy type of larger such buildings it is important for the Engine Company to receive immediate assistance from the 1st Due Truck or Squad Company in evaluating the fire conditions and any risks (e.g., rescue, spreading fire, mantraps, air consumption, etc.). Page 17 of 27 Particular to commercial and industrial buildings, an important tactical rule of thumb is: If you cannot operate on the roof, you should not operate under the roof. The dependency that the Engine will have upon an effective Truck operation being able to evaluate the condition of the roof is vital as they advance their line. 5.13.2 Determine the direction and position of the primary hydrant as soon as possible to determine the best position past the front of the fire building. 5.13.3 Officer will size-up building and fire conditions. 5.13.4 Driver will exit the cab and assist the lead-out at the back step or the side (pre-connect) of the apparatus. 5.13.5 Connect to the standpipe system if available and needed. 5.13.6 A 2 ½” hose line should be considered as the preferred INITIAL attack hose line for fires in Commercial & Industrial occupancies. 5.13.7 The Officer and Pipe position will operate with full PPE to lead-out, charge, position, and operate the 1st hose line. 5.13.8 For Apartment, Commercial, and Industrial Building fires, the 2nd Engine is recommended to combine and operate with the 1st Due Engine (attack hose line) and remain as a cohesive unit until otherwise assigned. Page 18 of 27 5.13.9 During the fire attack, it is imperative for the any Engine Company be assigned a Truck or Squad Company for support operations and to remain together as a cohesive unit unless certain conditions demand their separation (e.g., rescues, a back-up hose line, etc.). 5.14 Engine Company Operations – Activated Fire Alarms Investigation and Smoke Investigations 5.14.1 The Engine Company must respond to activated fire alarms as though the alarm had activated for a confirmed fire. In doing so, the Investigation Mode will require that all apparatus positioning, PPE, tools and equipment, and deployment of personnel to be preparation for locating an actual fire. 5.14.2 As such, companies will presume that a fire is likely until such time that a fire company, or Officer determines otherwise and reports his/her findings. 5.14.3 Determine the direction and position of the primary hydrant as soon as possible to determine the best way to position the engine. 5.14.4 Officer will size-up building and any possible fire conditions. 5.14.5 All tools (including hand pump) are to be deployed with personnel. 5.14.6 Upon investigation, if the Officer finds that the activation was false or malicious, or the smoke condition was unfounded or minor in nature, it is within the authority the officer to immediately contact Oak Lawn Central to return the Battalion Commander(s) and any other companies responding, and provide a brief radio report of the findings. Page 19 of 27 5.15 Engine Company Operations – Extrication Incidents 5.15.1 Extrication scene priorities (e.g., traffic lane blockage, fire, vehicle stabilization, request for additional assistance, etc.) will dictate any initial actions by the first arriving company. Generally, the Engine Company should be charged with the responsibility of scene protection and fire suppression to assure the greatest amount of safety for the rescuers and victim(s). 5.15.2 It is important for the Truck Officer to communicate and coordinate extrication operations with the Engine Officer. The IC shall assign the Truck Officer as the officer-in-charge of the extrication operation. 5.15.3 The Truck Officer will continuously assess risk levels by monitoring proper use of PPE, scene fire protection, proper use of all tools, traffic hydrant, and any other hazards that arise unique to the incident. 5.15.4 A 1 ¾” hose line with a combination pipe set on partial fog and an ABC extinguisher shall be in position and charged anytime the hydraulic tools are in use unless otherwise determined by the IC. For incidents with a greater flammable hazard as determined by the Engine Officer and/or IC may require a positive water source, an additional and/or larger hose line. Page 20 of 27 Page 17 of 24 (if needed) Page 21 of 27 The engine should attempt to pull PAST the possible to allow for the apparatus accident scene whenever with the full complement of extrication tool and lighting to Page 18 of 24 have full scene access. In this example to facing Westbound from the accident scene allows hose to be taken off the hose bed as needed easily for additional hose lines or supply lines. A supply lime can also be used on the hydrant if available and needed. Truck Co (If needed) Page 22 of 27 5.16 Engine Company Operations - Vehicle Fires 5.16.1 Safety precautions. • • • • • • Inherent dangers of a burning vehicle. Approaching and passing traffic during extinguishment. Possible electrical hazards. At the discretion of the Company Officer, dependent upon circumstances, battery cables may be cut. Possible air bag deployment. Unknown hazardous items stored in the passenger compartment, storage compartments, and trunk area (e.g., medical oxygen bottles, explosives, radioactive items, etc.). Hybrid vehicle batteries. Since hybrid vehicles utilize a lot of electrical power, a malfunction could cause electric jolts of more than 500 volts, which can be fatal. 15.16.2 Size-up. • Officer to determine extent of the fire. • Most small contained fires in vehicles can be extinguished effectively and safely with a hand pump or extinguisher. • Well involved vehicle will require a 1 ¾ inch pre-connect. • Officer to determine safest approach for extinguishment based on: • a) Position of the burning vehicle. b) Direction and closeness of passing traffic. Overall volume of water needed will be based on: a) Type of vehicle burning (compact car as opposed to moving van). b) Extent of fire. c) Spillage of fuel. d) Magnesium parts involved. e) Hazardous materials being carried on the vehicle involved Page 23 of 27 5.16.3 Engine apparatus positioning. When possible, the Engine should pull past the vehicle fire approximately 100-feet and be uphill and upwind if possible. This will allow for a safe distance between the apparatus and fire scene. Additional apparatus (when needed) will attempt to position at an inward angle at a safe distance ahead of the vehicle fire to protect the fire scene and firefighting operations. If available OAK LAWN FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 21 of 24 NORTH WEST EAST SOUTH Page 24 of 27 5.17 Engine Company Operations – Elevator Rescues (when an Engine Co. is requested) 5.17.1 Elevator rescues can be very dangerous to both the victims and firefighters. In addition to being very dangerous, rescue operations involving damage to elevator components can be very costly. In many cases, elevator rescue responses are false or resolved prior to arrival. There are elevator rescues can involve serious situations with panicked and/or ill victims who require immediate removal requiring additional personnel and equipment trained on elevator rescue given the response of an Engine and a Truck Company. • Determine the location of the stalled elevator car. • Determine the need for rescue. • Request building management immediately in the event further mechanical advice is needed, any damage is required, and securing the outof-service elevator system. 15.17.2 Coordinate efforts for rescue. • Request Medic Unit (if needed). • De-energize elevator bank. • Communicate with victim(s). • Use hydraulic bypass to drop car to 1st floor if necessary. • Open hoist way doors. 15.17.3 Safety. • Utilize PPE pants, gloves, and helmet w/ eye protection. • Never enter the hoist way shaft fully or even partially. • De-energize the elevator bank or whole system if necessary (Lock out/tag out). • Do not attempt to restore elevator system once the rescue is complete. Page 25 of 27 5.18 Engine Company Operations – Rapid and Extended Firefighter Rescue Operations 5.18.1 Firefighter Rescue Operations - Assignment. Due to the versatility an Engine Company and the inventory of tools and equipment carried on the apparatus, the assignment or re-assignment to firefighter rescue operations at a serious fire or emergency incident can be expected. 5.18.2 Firefighter Rescue Operations – Leadership. One the most important components of firefighter rescue and rapid intervention operations is the craft of leadership. Rapid intervention experiences and training to date have proven that very strong leadership must prevail. Such leadership is identified as leadership in extremis. When a firefighter sends a “Mayday” distress call and fire conditions are worsening is when a company officer will have to move the firefighter rescue operation into position while committing to an incident action plan. 5.19 Firefighter Rescue Operations - Rapid Intervention Operations The Engine Company can be assigned to a ‘rapid’ intervention operation at any time during a fire. A rapid intervention will generally occur within immediate reach of the victim requiring immediate disentanglement, direction out of building, rapid removal out of the building, etc. 5.20 Firefighter Rescue Operations - Extended Operations 5.20.1 The Engine can be assigned to an ‘extended’ rescue operation which is any type of firefighter rescue operation requiring a Rescue Group Officer, multicompany operation, a rope assisted search operation, shoring, multiple casualties, etc. 5.20.2 The Engine Officer must understand the nature and complications of the rescue and be prepared to provide fire suppression protection for the rescue operation in addition to working with the available tools/equipment in the squad inventory that will best serve the rescue operation. Page 26 of 27 5.20.3 Rescue of firefighters that are missing, lost, trapped, out of air, disorientated, or injured. 5.21 5.22 Firefighter Rescue Operations – Deployment Action Plan (Acronym: ‘L I P’) • CONFIRM the “MAYDAY” • L OCATION OF “MAYDAY” INCIDENT • I DENTIFY COMPANY (S) & VICTIM (S) • P ROBLEM (low air, collapse, entanglement, lost, missing, etc. • DEPLOY (location, multiple victims, structural & fire conditions.) • RIT SUPPORT (hose lines, ladders, spec. tools, rope, additional search) Firefighter Rescue Operations – Rope Assisted Search Procedures (RASP) 5.22.1 Interior search operations for missing or lost firefighters may require a rope assisted search procedure. The Engine Co. members must be proficient in these procedures and capable of rapidly deploying according to trained RASP exercises. 6.0 EXCEPTIONS None 7.0 REFERENCES None 8.0 APPENDICIES None Page 27 of 27