SNFO 13 Ballistic_PPE.pdf

Southern Nevada Fire Operations (SNFO) STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES EQUIPMENT Effective date: Supersedes: BALLISTIC PPE 2/17/2016 N/A SOP# SNFO-13 Page 1 of 2 PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for the use of Fire Department Ballistic Personal Protective Equipment (BPP...

Southern Nevada Fire Operations (SNFO) STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES EQUIPMENT Effective date: Supersedes: BALLISTIC PPE 2/17/2016 N/A SOP# SNFO-13 Page 1 of 2 PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for the use of Fire Department Ballistic Personal Protective Equipment (BPPE). This procedure applies to all fire/rescue operations personnel. DEFINITIONS Hostile Mass Casualty Incident (HMCI): Any MCI where the cause of injuries is a suspected hostile act, such as a mass shooting or bombing. HMCI Warm Zone: Area(s) where law enforcement have passed through and swept for hostile threats. Personnel should operate under the pretense that a threat is not expected, but cannot be ruled out completely PROCEDURE 1. Ballistic PPE A. The fire department BPPE ensemble includes: One (1) Ballistic Vest (with front and back level IV ballistic plates), two (2) Fire/Medical identifiers, and One (1) Level IIIA Ballistic Helmet. 2. Proper Wear A. The ballistic vest should be adjusted to place the top of the frontal plate at the sternal notch (top of sternum). All straps should be secured and adjusted to prevent excessive movement of the vest. B. The ballistic helmet will be worn with the chinstrap secured and the ratchet adjusted to insure the helmet will remain in place. C. Safety glasses and medical gloves will also be utilized with Ballistic PPE. 3. Use A. BPPE is an additional safety tool that can be used by personnel at any time they feel it can provide protection from a perceived threat. B. BPPE shall be utilized by any personnel assigned to operate within the warm zone of a Hostile MCI. Southern Nevada Fire Operations (SNFO) STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES EQUIPMENT Effective date: Supersedes: BALLISTIC PPE 2/17/2016 N/A SOP# SNFO-13 Page 2 of 2 C. BPPE shall be utilized by personnel assigned to Force Protection or Transfer Teams at an Active Assailant incident, or other Hostile MCI. D. BPPE shall be utilized by personnel when deemed appropriate by an Officer on scene. 4. Maintenance A. Ballistic PPE will be stored inside the provided bag (2 sets per bag). This bag will be placed on each apparatus in a location easily assessable to personnel. B. Avoid dropping Ballistic PPE onto any hard surface. The ballistic plates can be damaged from significant impact. Report any damage to the plates, vests, or helmets through your chain of command. C. Ballistic PPE will be inspected per agency policy, but not less than monthly. Members should inspect for tears, cracks, buckle function, plate damage, strap condition, and helmet carriage status. D. If Ballistic PPE becomes contaminated; secure and report through your chain of command. They will arrange for pick-up, replacement and decontamination.