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WORTH COUNTY

FIRE DEPARTMENT

STANDARD

OPERATING

PROCEDURES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Section Number Page

Disclaimer 5

Preface 5

Mission Statement & Vision 6

Training Mission Statement 6

Introduction and Purpose 7

Section 100 – Administrative Title Section Number Page

Administration Definitions 100.01 8

Definitions 100.02 8

Media Relations 100.03 10

Resignations 100.04 11

Officers Election 100.05 11

Transfers 100.06 11

Code of Conduct 100.07 12

Obedience to Orders 100.08 12

Professional Relations 100.09 13

Personal Appearance 100.10 13

Call to Duty 100.11 14

Station Duty 100.12 14

Uniforms 100.13 15

Vehicles and Equipment 100.14 15

Visitors at Stations 100.15 16

Controlled Substances 100.16 16

Inappropriate Behavior 100.17 17

Outside Employment 100.18 18

Sexual Harassment 100.19 18

Use of Tobacco Products 100.20 18

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Owner Notification after a Fire 100.21 19

Section 200 – General Administration Title Section Number Page

On Duty Meals 200.01 20

Lost/Destroyed Equipment 200.02 20

Occupational Safety and Health Program 200.03 21

Daily Work Schedule 200.04 22

Evaluation of Sworn Personnel 200.05 23

Minimum Staffing 200.06 24

Minimum Company Standards 200.07 25

Fire Department Safety Officer 200.08 27

Fire Station Safety 200.09 28

Training 200.10 29

Training Classes 200.11 30

Hazardous Materials Training 200.12 30

Operating Hydraulic Powered Rescue Tools 200.13 31

Operating Power Saws 200.14 33

New Firefighters Drivers Training 200.15 35

Leadership Class 200.16 36

Multi Station Drills 200.17 37

Night Drills 200.18 37

Officers Training 200.19 38

Drivers Training 200.20 38

Radiology Training 200.21 39

SCUBA Training 200.22 39

Training Log 200.23 40

Drivers of Vehicles 200.24 40

Persons Riding in Motorized Vehicles 200.25 42

Emergency Response 200.26 43

Protective Clothing and Equipment 200.27 44

Rehabilitation 200.28 46

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Section 300 – Emergency Operations Title Section Number Page

Glossary of Terms 300.01 49

Operating at Emergency Incidents 300.02 50

Accountability 300.03 52

Incident Safety 300.04 54

Tactical Procedures 300.05 56

Water Rescue (Dive Team) 300.06 58

Emergency Vehicle Placement 300.07 71

Motor Vehicle Fires 300.08 73

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Extrications 300.09 75

Emergency Operations/Ventilation 300.10 76

Gas Leak/Flammable Liquid Response 300.11 77

Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)) 2 in/2 out 300.12 79

NIMS Incident Command 300.13 82

Incident Command 300.14 83

Size-up 300.15 94

Adverse Weather Operations 300.16 95

Wild-land Fire Management 300.17 96

Multiple Story Fire Operations 300.18 96

Civil Disturbance 300.19 98

Air EVAC (Medical Helicopters) 300.20 99

Confined Space Rescue 300.21 102

Trench Rescue 300.22 105

Ventilation 300.23 107

Response, Placement, Station Functions 300.24 109

Public Information Officer 300.25 111

Sprinkler & Standpipe 300.26 112

Hazardous Materials 300.27 113

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Section 400 – Emergency Response Title Section Number

Page

Emergency Response Policy 400.01

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Section 500 – Emergency Medical Title Section Number Page

General Patient Care 500.01 118

Deceased Persons 500.02 119

Section 600 – Communications Title Section Number Page

Radio Procedures 600.01

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Section 700 Appliance/Apparatus/ Equip. Title Section Number Page

Hydrant Testing/Flushing/Inspecting 700.01 123

Hose/Appliance Testing/Purchasing 700.02 123

Ground Ladder Testing/Purchase 700.03 123

Pump Service Testing 700.04 124

SCBA Annual Testing/Purchasing 700.05 124

Annual Testing Schedule 700.06 124

Disclaimer:

These Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) were developed for the Worth County Fire Department.

The Worth County Fire Department cannot guarantee that adherence to these SOP’s alone will result in a reduction of occupational injuries, illnesses, or exposures. However, the SOP’s can help provide part of the framework for a fire service occupational safety and health program, which can be designed to achieve this goal.

This Edition of the Standard Operating Procedures supersedes all previous editions.

Preface:

These SOP's were developed to guide members of the Worth County Fire Department.

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In the performance of their duties. They are based on the requirements in NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, and on professional publications, as well as appropriate federal, state, and local regulations.

First, the SOP’s remain to be a guide for which members should follow to make our service a success. Second, it allows the SOP’s to be recognized as the basis of general rules of conduct expected from all members.

It is the policy of the Worth County Fire Department to provide and to operate with the highest possible levels of safety and health for all members. The prevention of accidents, injuries, exposures, and occupational illnesses are goals of the fire department and shall be primary considerations at all times. This concern for safety and health applies to all members when contemplating a standard type of operation, either emergency or non-emergency in nature.

Mission Statement

The Worth County Fire Department is dedicated to safe guarding the lives, property, and environment of our communities through exceptional service in education, preparedness, prevention, and response to emergency incidents.

Vision

We are committed to present a superior emergency service organization that continually strives to improve the quality of service delivered to our customers, our citizens, visitors, and the businesses of our communities.

Training Mission

“To develop certified Officers and Firefighters who can deliver desired results rapidly and safely on the fire ground”

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Introduction and Purpose:

All Procedures and Policies are effective April 21, 2016 unless otherwise noted.

Presented in the following pages are Standard Operating Procedures, which are to be used by the fire service when contemplating a standard type of operation.

The purpose of this text is to establish behavioral procedures. This is to be used as a reference for questions concerning departmental procedures and expected behavior as a member of the fire department.

It must be pointed out, and stressed, that the most important rule of conduct is common sense. Because situations and circumstances are so varied in the fire service, certain rules and regulations of conduct cannot necessarily be followed in the strictest sense, but some must be altered according to the circumstances. These procedures are available to inform members of the direction their decisions and actions should follow.

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Administration

Section 100

WCFD SOP #100.01

Administrative Definitions

1. A manual containing the Department’s official SOP’s shall be located in

Each Station so that all members of the department will have access to

them.

2. Each Shift Leader shall also have a copy of the department SOP’s.

3. Each WCFD employee will receive a copy of the Department SOP and will

be required to sign a document acknowledging receipt of said SOP.

4. Definitions:

a. Memorandum: Consecutively numbered correspondence, generally

of an informational nature. Memos may address administrative

policies and alter or clarify routine practices but may not alter or

amend an item addressed in the SOP Manual. Memos shall be

posted for review, if appropriate, and shall be maintained in a

permanent file. Memos will be mailed or handed to senior officers

and shall then be their responsibility to disseminate to station

personnel.

b. Standard operating procedure: A written, numbered organizational

directive that establishes a standard course of action.

c. General orders: Consecutively numbered, written directives used to

amend or clarify a policy or procedure and for information of a

permanent nature. General orders shall be posted for review and

kept in a permanent file. Members shall be required to initial new

general orders to indicate that they have read the order.

WCFD SOP #100.02

Definitions

1. Absent without leave (AWOL): Failure to report for duty without securing

proper approval for leave in advance.

2. Acting: Serving temporarily in a position to which the member is not

ordinarily assigned, usually in a position of higher rank.

3. Appeal: The right of a non-probationary member to apply for review from

any order, dismissal, or suspension by the Fire Chief.

4. Chain of command: The line of authority from the Fire Chief through a

single subordinate, at each level of command.

5. Compensatory time: The period of time during which a member is excused

from active duty as compensation for hours worked in excess of the regular

tour of duty.

6. County: The physical area within the defined boundaries of the county.

7. Dismissal: The act of terminating the service of a member.

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8. Emergency callback: Callback to duty when emergency conditions require

additional personnel to mitigate the emergency.

9. EMS: Emergency Medical Service.

10. Fire code: Ordinance governing fire prevention as adopted by the County.

11. Funeral Leave: The period of time during which a member is excused from

active duty by reason of the death of an immediate family member.

12. Gender: Within this manual, the words “he” and “his” shall be construed to

refer to both genders.

13. His, Her, or his/her: constitute all genders meaning they are gender

neutral.

14. Immediately: The term “immediately” shall be construed to mean “as soon

as possible and practicable.”

15. Incompetence: The inability to satisfactorily perform one’s duties or

responsibilities.

16. Injury on duty leave: The period of time during which a member is excused

from duty by reason of being injured while on duty.

17. Inspection: The periodic exam of personnel, stations, or apparatus for

appearance, readiness, fitness for duty, and attention to duty according to

standards set out in the standard operating guides, policies and

procedures, general orders, and rules and regulations.

18. Insubordination: The willful disobedience of any order, lawfully issued by a

superior officer, or any disrespect, mutinous, insolent, or abusive language

toward a superior officer.

19. Length of service: The period of time starting from the date a member’s

employment begins until the present or until the date the member’s

employment ends.

20. May and should: The word “may” is permissive: “Should” is advisory. Where used, the word “should” implies that, while the procedure is not mandatory, it is in the best interest of everyone involved for the procedure to be followed.

21. Members: A collective term applied to all persons on the department.

22. Neglect of duty: Failure to give proper attention to the performance of one’s

duty.

23. Non-sworn employee: A civilian, non-uniformed employee.

24. On duty: A member is on duty during the period of time when he is actively

responsible for or engaged in the performance of his duties.

25. Off duty: A member is off duty on his days off and when on authorized leave and free of the responsibility of performing usual routine duties. Technically, a member is on duty at all times and may be subject to recall at any time.

26. Order: An instruction or directive, written or oral, issued by a superior officer

to a subordinate or group of subordinates in the course of duty.

27. Personnel: Fire department employees.

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28. Plural words: Within this manual, singular words include the plural and

plural words include the singular.

29. Probationary period: The initial six months (or other period of time) of new

appointee’s service, beginning with the date of employment.

30. Promotion: A change in a member’s employment status to a position of

greater responsibility or higher classification.

31. Rank: A grade of official standing. Each class of members of the

department constitutes a rank.

32. Ranking officer: The officer having the highest rank in grade for the longest

period of time, unless otherwise designated by competent authority.

33. Relieved of duty: A member generally is relieved of duty when under

investigation.

34. Reserve members: All persons in the department who provide

complementary staffing without formal compensation.

35. Resignation: The act of voluntary termination of a member’s service.

36. Retirement: Termination of a member’s active service by reason of

attainment of the statutory length of service and age requirements or

because of an incapacitating disability.

37. Shall and will: The words “shall” and “will” as used herein indicate that the

action referred to is mandatory.

38. Sick leave: The period of time during which a member is excused from

active duty by reason of illness or injury that prevents the member from

performing his duties.

39. Standby callback: A recall of off-duty members for standby duty in a station.

Used during emergency conditions or during periods of peak activity.

40. Senior officer: Any member with supervisory responsibilities, either

temporary or permanent, over members of a lower rank.

41. Suppression personnel: Members assigned to firefighting and emergency

medical service response duties.

42. Suspension: An action taken whereby a member is denied the privilege of

performing his duties as a consequence of dereliction of duty, breach of

discipline, misconduct, or violation of regulations.

43. Tanker: This is a water tender, not an aircraft.

44. Tense: Words used in the present tense include the future tense.

45. Tour of duty: The hours during which a member is on duty.

46. Workday: A tour of duty.

WCFD SOP #100.03

Media Relations

1. Statements to the media, news releases, and media campaigns must be

approved by the Fire Chief or other authorized person prior to their release,

except as provided below.

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2. An incident commander is authorized to provide the media with general

details concerning an incident.

3. Information pertaining to the cause and origin of an incident shall be

released only by Fire Marshal or his/her designated representative.

4. Only the County Human Resources Director shall release information

relating to personnel matters.

WCFD SOP #100.04

Resignations

1. A member is requested to provide at least two week notice of an intent to

resign from the department, to allow ample time to process the notice. The

fire chief may waive the notice requirement and allow the resignation to

become effective immediately on receipt of a member’s intention to resign.

2. Notice of resignation shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the

member’s immediate supervisor. The Supervisor shall forward the notice

up through the chain of command for processing.

3. A resigning member shall turn in all uniforms, pagers, keys, and other

property issued by the department. A member may be assessed a

replacement cost for any item that is not returned or is returned damaged.

WCFD SOP #100.05

Officers

1. The senior officer shall prepare Officers lists in December of each year for

the Station. The Officers lists shall be reviewed periodically to ensure it is

up to date.

2. The Officers lists shall classify members according to rank. Members shall

be listed by rank in descending order. Members shall be listed in their

respective rank by time in grade. The member in a respective rank for the

longest period of time shall appear at the top of the list for that rank

3. If two or more members of a given rank have the same time in grade, their

position on the seniority list shall be based on their respective dates of full-

time employment and if all else is the same, part-time employment will be

the deciding factor.

4. The seniority lists shall include each member’s date of employment and the date of the member’s most recent promotion.

WCFD SOP #100.06

Transfers

1. Every department member is subject to transfer as a result of departmental

reorganization or to meet operational needs.

2. A member who has received a mandatory transfer shall be given as much

prior notice as is practical to allow the member to make necessary personal

arrangements.

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3. When a member is transferred, all properly scheduled leave is transferred

with him/her, regardless of whether it becomes necessary to pay overtime

to maintain minimum staffing levels.

WCFD SOP #100.07

Code of Conduct

1. As a basic condition of membership, all members have an obligation to

conduct their official duties in a manner that serves the public interest,

upholds the public trust, and protects the department’s resources. To this

end, all members have the responsibility to:

a. Perform their duties to the very best of their abilities and in a manner

that is efficient, cost-effective, and meets the needs of the public.

b. Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in the conduct

of all department business.

c. Ensure that personal interest do not come in conflict with official

duties and avoid both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance

of conflicts of interest when dealing with vendors, customers, and

other individuals doing business or seeking to do business with the

department.

d. Ensure that all department resources, including funds, equipment,

vehicles, and other property are used in strict compliance with

department policies and solely for the benefit of the department.

e. Conduct all dealings with the public, county employees, and other

organizations in a manner that presents a courteous, professional,

and service-oriented image of the department.

f. Treat the public and other employees fairly and equitably, without

regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, national origin, political

affiliation, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other

factor unrelated to the departments business.

g. Report for duty at the appointed time and place, fully equipped, fit,

and able to perform assignments.

2. Officers shall set the example for other members and have a responsibility

to ensure that their activities and decisions pertaining to community

services, personnel actions, and the management of public funds are

consistent with the department’s policies and practices.

WCFD SOP #100.08

Obedience to Orders

1. Members shall read and become familiar with the department’s Standard

Operating Procedures. No plea of ignorance of the SOP’s will be accepted

as an excuse for any violation.

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2. Members shall promptly and willingly respond to the lawful orders of

superior officers or acting officers. Refusal to obey a lawful order shall

constitute insubordination. Obvious disrespect for or disruption of a

supervisor’s order likewise shall be deemed as insubordination.

3. Members shall abide by federal and state law, local ordinances and rules, and the department’s SOP’s, and rules of conduct. Members shall not be required to obey orders that are illegal or in conflict with the departments rules and SOP’s.

4. Members shall not publicly criticize or comment derogatorily to anyone

about instructions or orders received from a superior officer.

5. Supervisors and acting supervisors shall refrain from exceeding their

authority in giving orders. The wrongful or injurious exercise of authority is

prohibited.

6. Should a member receive an order that conflicts with a previous order, the

member shall notify the officer who issued the conflicting order and shall be

governed by the officer’s subsequent instructions?

7. Any member who is given an order he believes to be unjust, improper, or

contrary to the, SOP’s, or a federal or state law, or county policy, should

respectfully decline to obey the order and shall state the reason for doing

so. The member shall request that the supervisor of the person issuing the

order be contacted for instructions if the person issuing the order does not

rescind or alter the original order.

WCFD SOP #100.09

Professional Relations

1. Department members shall exhibit courtesy and respect to all officers and

acting officers.

2. Officers shall exhibit courtesy and respect to their subordinates and shall

treat all members in a fair and impartial manner.

3. Members shall treat one another with due courtesy and respect while on

duty.

4. Members are required to speak the truth at all times, whether or not under

oath, in giving testimony, in connection with official duties.

5. Members shall not make false reports concerning any department business

or the personal character or conduct of any member.

6. Members shall exhibit courtesy and respect to members of the public and

other county employees.

7. Members are required to give their name and rank whenever requested by

a member of the public.

8. Should a member have a complaint against a member of the public, he

shall forward the complaint in writing to the Station Officer in Charge.

WCFD SOP #100.10

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Personal Appearance

1. This rule applies to all members while on duty or officially representing the

department at a public meeting, training session, seminar, conference, or

other similar event.

2. Hair shall be kept clean and well groomed, shall not constitute a safety

hazard, and at no time shall interfere with the use of protective clothing or

equipment.

3. Members shall maintain proper personal hygiene while on duty.

4. Uniform and shoes (boots) shall be neat and shall conform to the

requirements set forth in SOP #100.13, Uniforms.

5. Beards and goatees are prohibited. Neatly trimmed sideburns and

mustaches are permitted provided they do not interfere with the proper

sealing of the breathing apparatus, use of protective clothing or equipment.

6. Members (uniformed) shall limit their use of jewelry to a wrist watch and a

wedding ring. These items shall not interfere with the proper use of

protective clothing or equipment. Earrings, ear studs, bracelets, neck

chains, and so forth are prohibited.

7. Male department members are prohibited from wearing earrings and ear

studs. Body piercings, that are visible to the public, are also prohibited.

WCFD SOP #100.11

Call to Duty

1. All members shall remain at fire scene or station until properly relieved of

2. Members shall attempt to attend all scheduled training and station

meetings.

3. Members will bring turnout gear to all training and station meetings.

4. To maintain essential services, the Fire Chief shall have the authority to

order members of the department to return to duty at times other than their

normal work period.

5. Members recalled to duty shall be compensated in accordance with county

policy. Compensation will begin from the time the employee reports for

duty.

6. Refusal to respond to a recall to duty shall be subject to disciplinary action.

WCFD SOP #100.12

Station Duty

1. Members will test all equipment and vehicles (checklist) at the beginning of

each shift and insure their apparatus and stations are clean and the

company is capable of responding to emergencies. Any equipment needing

repair will be reported to the senior officer in charge.

2. Crews are expected to turn out (respond) within two (2) minutes of receipt

of an alarm.

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3. Protective clothing shall be stored properly at the end of each fire call and

shall not be left on the apparatus.

WCFD SOP #100.13

Uniforms 1. Nothing may be worn that could constitute a safety hazard or be offensive

to another person on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, national

origin, political or social affiliation, race, religion, gender, or sexual

orientation.

2. All members shall wear the appropriate uniform while on duty.

3. Jacket and shirt picket flaps shall be buttoned at all times. Pockets shall be

free of objects that create bulges or that otherwise detract from a

professional appearance.

4. A member in uniform shall at all times wear a belt.

5. When wearing long sleeve uniform shirts, the sleeves shall be buttoned at

the wrist and shall not be rolled up.

WCFD SOP #100.14

Vehicles and Equipment

1. General requirements

a. Vehicles and equipment shall be maintained in a constant state of

readiness and available for complete and immediate use.

b. Members shall be responsible for the use and care of vehicles and

equipment assigned to them or entrusted to their care.

c. Members shall immediately report any loss, damage, or malfunction

of apparatus or equipment to the member’s Senior Officer. Senior

Officer will provide written request for purchase order number for

repairs or small purchases from county purchasing. Damage,

destruction, or loss due to the member’s negligence may result in his

being required to make restitution. Disciplinary action also may be

taken as appropriate.

d. Members shall return vehicles and equipment issued to them or

entrusted to their care immediately on separation from service.

e. A member required to drive a vehicle owned or operated by the

department shall possess an appropriate and valid driver’s license.

f. Members shall drive in a safe and prudent manner and shall obey all

applicable federal, state, and local traffic regulations when driving or

operating department owned or operated vehicles.

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g. Members shall properly wear safety restraint devices whenever

driving or riding in a vehicle owned or operated by the department.

h. Members shall not use tobacco products while driving vehicles

owned or operated by the department.

2. Use of department vehicles

Vehicles owned or operated by the department shall be used for county

business only. County business means any authorized work or activity

performed by a member on behalf of the county.

3. Injuries and property damage

Any accident or collision involving damage to any vehicle or property or

injury to any person shall be reported immediately to the appropriate law

enforcement agency and to the member’s senior officer. A drug/alcohol test

will be conducted immediately after being released from the accident scene

and the test will be conducted on the driver and/or ground guide with a

Department Officer present. A Workman’s Compensation first report of

injury form will be completed as soon as possible. This form must be

completed within 24 hours of the incident, with a copy provided to the

County personnel officer.

WCFD SOP #100.15

Visitors at Stations

1. Members are permitted to have visitors at station between 5:00 p.m. and

9:00 p.m.

2. Visitors are not permitted to enter a station sleeping area or locker room.

3. Visitors are not allowed to enter a workshop or apparatus bay unless

properly escorted by a department member.

4. When escorting visitors in an apparatus bay, members shall not allow

children to play on, around, or with emergency apparatus or equipment

unless carefully and closely supervised.

5. Visitors are expected to abide by department rules and regulations while at

the fire station or other work sites.

6. Minors shall at all times remain under the supervision and control of an

adult.

WCFD SOP #100.16

Controlled Substances

1. The use of alcoholic beverages, debilitating drugs or any substance that

impairs physical or mental capabilities while on duty is strictly prohibited.

2. Off-duty consumption of alcohol that reflects negatively on the department

or that impairs a member’s ability to perform his job is prohibited. Members

who have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system (body) shall not

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be recognized as fit for duty, and shall be immediately removed from duty,

and shall face the appropriate disciplinary action.

3. All members are subject to the County Drug Testing Policy.

WCFD SOP #100.17

Inappropriate Behavior

The following activities are prohibited by members on duty:

1. Unlawful behavior, gambling, noisy or quarrelsome conduct, and lewd or

indecent activity.

2. Possession of a firearm or other deadly weapon unless the member is

authorized by the Fire Coordinator to carry such a weapon.

3. Threats or acts of physical violence against members of the public,

coworkers, other department employees, or county employees.

4. Sexual activity to include the possession or use of printed or audiovisual

material that is sexually offensive.

5. Abusive behavior, hazing, or harassment of co-workers or members of the

public.

6. Use of department supplies, tools, and materials to clean or repair personal

vehicles or property.

7. Alterations or modification of vehicles, apparatus, buildings, computers, or

items of equipment owned or operated by the department without the Fire

Chiefs authorization (or his designee).

8. Acceptance or solicitation of gifts, rewards, or fees for services incidental to

the performance of one’s duty. In addition, no member shall be required to

make a donation to any person or organization as a condition of

membership.

9. Campaigning for or against any elected (or seeking election) official.

10. Recommending or endorsing specific products, trade names, or

businesses.

11. Conducting personal business or performing any activity for which the

member will receive any form of compensation from anyone other than the

county.

12. Making personal phone calls that disrupt you daily duties or assigned tasks.

13. Publicly criticizing the official actions or orders of a senior officer. Nor may a

member publicly speak disrespectfully of the department or its members.

14. Recommending or endorsing specific products, trade names, or

businesses.

15. Making a false statement in any official communication or in conversation

with another member or citizen.

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16. Performing any act or making any statement, oral or written, about one’s

coworkers, intending to destroy morale, good order, or working

relationships with coworkers.

17. Displaying insolence or indifference or evading duty during an emergency

incident. Any member found to be guilty of this offense shall be relieved of

duty immediately.

WCFD SOP #100.18

Outside Employment

1. Members who wish to accept employment with another agency or

organization in addition to their regular duties with the department must first

obtain written authorization from the Fire Chief.

2. Employees shall forward such a request in writing to the Fire Chief. The

request shall describe the work to be performed and the approximate

number of hours per week that the employee wishes to work.

3. Outside employment shall not interfere with an employee’s ability to

satisfactorily perform his duties with the department.

4. Approval to work outside the department may be rescinded if an employee

fails to satisfactorily perform his duties with the department.

WCFD SOP #100.19

Sexual Harassment

1. Unwanted or unsolicited verbal or physical harassment of members by

supervisors or coworkers will not be tolerated. Supervisors shall promptly

correct such behavior should it occur.

2. If a member informs an Officer or coworker that his language or behavior is

offensive and such conduct continues, the member immediately should

report the situation to the Fire Chief.

3. Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken against a member found guilty

of harassing a fellow member as directed in the Sexual Harassment Policy

found in the Worth County Personnel Policy Manual.

4. All members shall comply with the County’s Sexual Harassment Policy

found in the Worth County Personnel Policy Manual.

WCFD SOP #100.20

Use of Tobacco Products

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1. Buildings and structures owned and operated by the department have been

designated smoke-free workplaces. Smoking is not permitted inside a

building or structure owned and operated by the department.

2. While tobacco products may be used outside buildings and structures in

smoking areas designated by the Fire Chief, member shall properly dispose

of cigarette butts and other waste products.

3. Members using smokeless tobacco products shall refrain from spitting on

sidewalks, parking lots, and other paved surfaces used by other members.

4. Containers must be sealed and disposed of properly. At no time should

containers be placed on tables, desks or other areas visible to the public.

WCFD SOP #100.21

Owner Notification after a Fire

1. Worth County Fire Department shall notify owner(s) of any structure that

has been involved in a fire in a timely manner. Notification shall be made as soon as possible after the incident has been mitigated.

2. Responding Officer shall make every attempt to notify the owners of

structures that have been involved in a fire.

3. In the event the owner(s) is not present while the department is on scene, written notification shall be placed in a prominent location at the structure advising the owner(s) to contact the department for information pertaining to the fire.

4. If notification is not possible, the appropriate information will be passed to

the county Chief.

5. Contact will be made within 2 hours of the incident whenever possible. If contact cannot be made within 24 hours, the Fire Chief shall be immediately notified.

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General Administration

Section 200

WCFD SOP #200.01

On Duty Meals

I. Scope

This standard regulates the procurement of groceries and meals by on-duty shift

personnel.

II. General Guidelines

1. Ideally, meals should be planned at the beginning of each shift. The

following guidelines shall apply:

a. Personnel may travel in their assigned apparatus to and from a

grocery store or restaurant located within their respective district.

They may not travel outside their district to obtain food unless they

are returning from an assignment outside of their district.

b. The company shall remain in service at all times and properly park

their vehicle in a designated parking space. At no time shall a

vehicle park in a fire lane or other restricted space.

c. Crew integrity shall be maintained at all times. Crewmembers shall

maintain radio contact with dispatch.

d. Members entering the store or restaurant shall be required to wear

an appropriate uniform.

Exceptions:

a. A Company may stop at a convenience store to purchase

refreshments when returning to the station from an alarm, inspection,

training, or other department-sanctioned activity. The store must be

generally along the normal route of travel.

b. It will be permissible for the member to wear a T-shirt in lieu of the

uniform shirt when returning from an alarm or training session.

2. Explorers and other “ride-along”:

a. Explorers and other observers riding on an apparatus will be expected

to comply with these rules.

III. Responsibilities

1. The shift officer shall be responsible for strictly enforcing the provisions of

this procedure.

2. Each member will be expected to strictly observe the provisions of this

procedure and will not be excused in the event that an officer is not present.

WCFD SOP #200.02

Lost/Destroyed Equipment

I. Scope

This standard sets forth the requirements for reporting the loss or destruction of

equipment owned or operated by the department.

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II. Reporting Procedure

1. On discovery that a piece of equipment has been lost, damaged, or

destroyed, an employee shall record his findings on the Report of

Equipment Lost or Destroyed Form and forward it through the chain of

command to the Fire Chief.


a. It is the responsibility of each officer to maintain all equipment assigned to

his station and apparatus in a constant state of readiness. To facilitate this

process, each apparatus is to be inspected and inventoried at each meeting

and after each incident during the process of returning the apparatus to

service.

b. It is the responsibility of every member of the department to properly use

and maintain the equipment assigned to him.

IV. Accountability

a. The deliberate or willful misuse, theft, loss, damage, or destruction of any

tool, equipment, or other device owned by the department or other agency

or private individual will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

b. As part of the disciplinary process, the individual(s) responsible for the loss

or destruction may be required to reimburse the department for the costs to

repair or replace the equipment.

WCFD SOP #200.03

Occupational Safety and Health Program

I. Scope

This standard establishes an occupational safety and health program for the

department. It was developed to:

1. Provide a safe working environment for the members’ of the department.

2. Work towards satisfying the requirements of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program.

II. Policy Statement

It shall be the policy of the department to operate at the highest possible level of

safety and health for all its members.

To this end, the department shall:

1. Make every reasonable effort to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

2. Give primary consideration to the prevention and reduction of accidents,

injuries, and occupational illnesses.

3. Take the appropriate corrective action to avoid repetitive occurrences of

accidents.

4. Provide training, supervision, written procedures, program support, and review

for all of its activities.

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Safety and health is the responsibility of every member. Therefore, each member

shall:

1. Cooperate, participate, and comply with all of the provisions of the occupational

safety and health program.

2. Promptly report acts and conditions that are unsafe or unhealthy and that pose a

threat either to members or to others.

3. Maintain a level of mental and physical fitness that enables the member to safely

perform his assigned tasks.

Officers shall be responsible for enforcing the requirements of the occupational safety

and health program and for ensuring that each member under their command

complies with the provisions of the occupational safety and health program.

WCFD SOP #200.04

Daily Work Schedule

I. Scope

This standard regulates the daily activities of personnel assigned to fire station

duty.

1. Daily Schedule

The following tasks shall be performed every shift, and incident volume and

weather permit:

Time: Daily Activity:

0630 Report for duty (senior officers meet to pass down pertinent

information)

0650—0700 Shift briefing

0700 Shift Change

0700—0800 complete apparatus & equipment checklist (Any malfunctions

and/or discrepancies shall be reported to the senior officer,

NLT 0830)

0900---1000 Physical Training (NFPA 1500 recommends at least an hour

of Physical Training each shift.)

1000—1130 complete routine equipment maintenance duties as assigned

1130—1300 Lunch

1300—1700 Company training, per-fire plans, smoke detector program,

hydrant testing.

Hose testing and other scheduled activities as determined by

the senior officer

1700—2000 unstructured activities

2000—2030 Nightly station duties

2300 Hrs. Station secured

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0600 Hrs. Wake up—all personnel will be out of bed NLT 0630 Hrs.

a. Breaks may be taken as time and activities permit.

b. Watching television is permitted during the meal times and as permitted.

c. Monitoring the Weather channel during times of possible severe weather is

permitted.

d. Televised training and relevant videotapes are permissible at the senior

officer’s discretion.

e. Abnormally high incident volume may necessitate additional rest periods,

as determined by the senior officer.

II. Assigned Tasks

In addition to routine apparatus/equipment checks and general housekeeping

activities, the following tasks are to be completed as incident volume and weather

permit if needed:

Day Task

Monday Major clean-up station

Tuesday Major clean-up apparatus

Wednesday Major clean-up apparatus

Thursday Major clean-up apparatus

Friday Major clean-up outside station

Saturday …

Sunday …

WCFD SOP #200.05

Evaluation of Sworn Personnel

I. Scope

This standard was promulgated to:

1. Formally communicate the goals and objectives of the department to each

member and to discuss the member’s individual role in the accomplishment of

those goals and objectives.

2. Improve the performance and productivity of each member.

3. Identify each member’s need for additional training and education.

4. Document in writing each member’s performance and identify corrective actions

that a member might be required to make so as to improve his performance.

II. Evaluation Process

1. His immediate supervisor shall conduct a formal written evaluation of each

member’s performance once each year in accordance with the County policy.

2. The evaluation will be recorded on the county’s Annual Employee Performance

Review Form.

3. During the formal evaluation process each member shall be counseled by his

immediate supervisor with respect to his individual progress and development.

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The supervisor shall note any area of concern and shall discuss the steps that the

member should take to correct a problem or deficiency if there is any. A summary

of the discussion should be on the member’s evaluation form.

4. A member may disagree with any portion of the evaluation and shall be allowed to

record his comments in the section reserved for such.

5. On completion of the review process the member shall sign the form. This

signature only signifies that the individual has read the evaluation.

6. The Fire Chief will have the original signed evaluation form placed in the member’s

permanent personnel file. Only the member is allowed to have a copy of the

evaluation.


1. Supervisors shall be responsible for completing a formal written evaluation of the

performance of each member under their supervision at least once each year.

2. Members shall be responsible for participating in a formal written evaluation of

their performance by their supervisor and for correcting all concerns that may be

identified in the evaluation process.

3. The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the final review of each evaluation form and

ensure placement in the permanent personnel files.

WCFD SOP #200.06

Minimum Staffing

I. Scope

This standard regulates the daily, routine staffing of fire stations and apparatus by

sworn personnel. The fire Chief may suspend the provisions of this procedure

whenever special circumstances warrant. This standard was promulgated to:

1. Establish guidelines that are intended to provide the community with the

highest quality fire service possible within the parameters of the

department’s budget.

2. Minimize the health and safety risks of personnel by assembling a sufficient

number of personnel at every incident to bring the incident to a safe and

satisfactory conclusion.

II. Staffing Guidelines

1. A minimum of two (2) personnel shall be on duty at all times. Any deviation

from this standard must be approved by the Fire Chief.

2. To ensure compliance with this standard, the senior officer (shift supervisor)

on duty shall be responsible for maintaining staffing levels at prescribed

minimums. To fulfill this responsibility, the shift supervisors shall have the

authority to assign, move, or transfer personnel as necessary. Part-time

members should be used to supplement minimum staffing wherever

possible.

3. Either the Fire Chief or the Assistant Chief will be on call at all times but will

not count as part of the minimal staffing requirement.


The senior officer shall:

25

1. Be accountable for the location and duty status of all personnel assigned to

his respective shift. This shall include all personnel who may be

temporarily assigned to his shift.

2. Ensure that a daily staffing report is generated.

IV. Sworn personnel shall:

1. Not leave their assigned duty post until they are properly relieved. Any

member who leaves an assigned duty station prior to being relieved by the

on-coming staff shall be considered AWOL.

V. Scope

This policy applies to Department In-Service Driver Training. It was promulgated to

establish a uniform policy for recording training hours, personnel and instructors.

VI. General

All in-service training shall be recorded on a Department Training Log

VII. Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the senior officer to oversee and ensure that all new

personnel receive a minimum of 60 hours operators Training prior to these

personnel operating this department's emergency vehicles.

VIII. Objectives

Emergency Callback

Whenever operational conditions are such that additional personnel are required,

one or more off duty personnel may be called back to duty.

1. Emergency callbacks shall be initiated as follows:

a. On the request of an incident commander, all off-duty personnel shall

be paged by dispatch and requested to return to duty.

b. During periods of high activity, off-duty personnel shall be paged to

return to duty to staff reserve apparatus.

2. Unless otherwise advised, all personnel answering an emergency callback

shall respond to their assigned station. These personnel shall advise the

senior officer of their availability upon arrival at their station. Dispatch will

relay this information to the incident commander.

3. All off-duty personnel responding directly to an incident, shall report to the

Incident Commander for assignment. At no time shall any member begin

any task without authorization form the incident commander.

WCFD #200.07

Minimum Company Standards

I. Scope

This standard establishes minimum standards of performance for fire and rescue companies. It was promulgated to maintain the proficiency of fire and

26

rescue companies by establishing a program for the annual evaluation of company-level skills.

11. General

l. This standard establishes a series of evaluations for fire and rescue operations. These evaluations simulate tasks commonly performed during routine incidents. Each company is required to be able to perform all of these evolutions within the allotted time frame.

2. Each company shall be evaluated in November of each year to ensure that the company can meet the prescribed minimum standards.

Ill. Responsibilities

l. Shift Supervisors: Each shift supervisor shall train with his respective shift on a regular basis. He is responsible for the performance levels of his assigned shift and his shift shall be capable of successfully performing all of the evolutions contained within this standard.

2. Assistant Chief: The Assistant Chief shall evaluate each company annually on these minimum company standards and shall forward the results of these evaluations to the Fire Chief. The Assistant Chief shall assist any company whose performance level is below standard and shall schedule companies for reevaluation when necessary.

3. Fire Chief: The Fire Chief shall require all companies to be evaluated on an annual basis and personally review the results before submitting results to Standards and Training.

IV. Evaluation Procedures

l. Company evaluations are based on performance and time standards.

a. The department has established a maximum time limit to properly complete each evolution.

b. Performance is measured by observing the correct procedures and techniques established by the department.

c. Safety in all phases of an evolution is a prime consideration and shall not be compromised for speed.

d. If possible, the annual evaluation will take place at a site selected to simulate realistic fire ground conditions, such as abandoned buildings, or training towers.

e. During the annual evaluations, the evolutions will simulate actual emergency operations. This means that the company members will wear full protective clothing and SCBA.

f. Members will be evaluated on standards designated by Standards and Training. The results shall be recorded on the Minimum Standards Evaluation Form.

27

g. There are established time and performance standards for each evolution. Performance errors (task errors) will be assessed as additional time and will be added to the actual time taken to complete the evolution. A company whose total time (actual time plus errors) exceeds the time standard will be scheduled for reevaluation of that evolution. The evaluator may fail any company that commits serious safety violations or whose performance is unsatisfactory.

h. Members that do not successfully complete an evolution will be re-tested within 30 days. If the member fails the retest, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

WCFD SOP #200.08

Fire Department Safety Officer

I. Scope

This standard establishes the position of Safety Officer. It was promulgated to assign

the responsibility for the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Program to the

senior officer at each station.

II. General

The Fire Chief has appointed the senior officer at each station to serve as the

department’s Safety Officers.

a. The department’s Safety Officers shall:

i. Acquaint themselves with the provisions of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, and NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer.

ii. The Safety Officer shall ensure that records are maintained as specified in Chapter 2 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program to include:

1. Fire department safety and health standard operating

procedures

2. Periodic inspection and service testing of apparatus and equipment 3.

Periodic inspection and service testing of personal safety equipment

3. Periodic inspection of fire department facilities.

4. Ensure that all SCBA cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested within the

periods specified by the manufacturers and the applicable governmental

agencies and shall be inspected daily as part of the meeting apparatus

check-in.

iii. Manage the department’s occupational safety and health program.

b. The duties of the department’s Safety Officers shall include but not be limited to:

i. Identifying safety and health hazards and developing plans to correct them.

Immediately correcting situations that create an imminent hazard to the

members of the department.

ii. Serving as incident Safety Officers.

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iii. Maintaining records of accidents, occupational deaths, injuries, illnesses, and

exposures and providing analysis and reports to the Fire Coordinator as

directed.

iv. Providing safety training, bulletins, and posters for all members.

v. Performing other duties as specified in NFPA 1521 or as directed by the Fire

Coordinator.

WCFD #200.09

Fire Station Safety

I. Scope

This standard establishes safety regulations to be followed by members assigned to a

fire station.

II. General

1. Fire stations shall comply with all applicable health, building, and fire code

requirements.

2. Senior officers are designated as safety officers for the station they represent and

the department as a whole and shall perform all duties that are expected from a

NFPA Safety Officer.

3. Floors shall be kept clean and free from obstruction. Slippery substances such as

water, oil, and other fluids shall not be allowed to accumulate on a floor surface

and shall be mopped up as soon as practical.

4. All tools and equipment shall be maintained in a clean and serviceable condition

and shall be returned to their proper places immediately after use.

5. All flammable and combustible liquids and gases shall be stored in the station’s

flammable liquid cabinet. The cabinet shall be maintained in a clean and orderly

manner and shall be kept free of obstructions.

6. Prior to each use, all electrical equipment such as extension cords shall be

inspected to prevent the possibility of shock or electrocution.

7. Proper care shall be exercised when using any chemical product, pesticide,

solvent, or other harmful or toxic substance.

8. Caution shall be exercised when using a ladder for cleaning, painting, etc.

9. All smoke detectors, extinguishers, exit signs, and other safety equipment shall be

maintained in proper working order.

10. Running inside the station is prohibited.

11. Fire stations shall be locked and secured whenever the station is unattended, if

possible, without causing delay in response to emergency calls.

12. Apparatus will not be left running in the engine bays. Move the apparatus outside

to let them run, due to engine exhaust.


1. Members shall strictly adhere to all safety regulations.

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2. Senior officers and Officers shall be responsible for maintaining their stations in a

safe and healthy manner and shall promptly correct any deficiencies.

3. The senior officer shall inspect each fire station at least once during each six-

month period. The inspector(s) shall check the stations for compliance with all

applicable codes and safety standards. The inspection shall be conducted using

the County Inspection Report Form. A copy of the form will be forwarded to the fire

Coordinator.

a. If possible, corrections should be made immediately.

b. If necessary, a re-inspection shall be scheduled prior to concluding the

inspection.

WCFD SOP #200.10

Training

I. Scope

This standard applies to all training conducted by or for the department. It was

promulgated to:

1. Prevent occupational accidents, deaths, injuries, and illnesses.

2. Ensure that all members are able to properly perform their assigned duties

in a safe manner.

II. General

1. The department shall provide training and training opportunities to its members to

update them on new practices and techniques and to help them maintain

individual skill levels.

a. Sufficient training shall be scheduled each calendar year to allow members to

maintain their firefighter certifications.

b. This scheduled training may be from this department, the Georgia Public

Training Center, or any other similar agencies.

c. A minimum of (10) four-hour training annually will be required for firefighters.

d. Senior Officers will obtain a minimum of 8 hours of Department Officer Training

annually.

e. Each member shall be required to receive a minimum of 20 hours of night

training annually.

2. All emergency medical training shall be approved by the Fire Chief and shall be

taught by a certified instructor.

3. All fire suppression and rescue training shall be approved by the Fire Chief and

shall be conducted under the supervision of an instructor.

4. All training involving live-fire exercises shall be conducted in compliance with the

provisions of NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions and EPD

Revisions.

5. Each member shall be responsible for maintaining his fire skills at a level sufficient

to retain the certifications required for his job and to meet the established

minimum standards of performance.

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6. Officers shall ensure that all members under their command maintain their

certification and skill levels.

WCFD #200.11

Training Classes

I. Scope

This policy applies to Departmental Training. It was promulgated to establish a uniform policy for recording training hours, personnel and instructors.

11. General

All in-service training shall be recorded on a Department Training Log.

111. Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Shift Supervisor to take roll and place information for all In-Service Training on the Training log. ALL students shall be required to sign this form as well as the Instructor. The Assistant Fire Chief and or Training Officer shall maintain a on each firefighter. Courses taken at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center or similar facilities shall be recorded as well.

IV. Objectives

All training will be objective based. It will be recorded, including date, credit hours, name of instructor and subject.

WCFD SOP #200.12

Hazardous Material Training

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Hazardous Materials Training. It was promulgated

to establish a uniform policy for achieving and maintaining Hazardous Materials

Training.

II. Responsibilities

All members shall be required to attend an (6)-hour GEMA Hazardous Materials

annually.

III. Objectives

All training will be objective based. It will be recorded, including date, credit hours,

name of instructor, and an objective number listed from the Georgia NPQ Student

Manual and/or the appropriate NFPA Manual and/or Essentials of Firefighting Manual

(4th Edition) and/or GEMA Haz-Mat First Responder Manual.

31

WCFD #200.13

Operating Hydraulic Powered Rescue Tools

I. Scope

This standard mandates safety guidelines to be followed while operating a hydraulic-powered rescue tool. It was promulgated to:

1. Prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths that might result from the misuse or improper operation of hydraulic-powered rescue tools.

2. Prevent damage to hydraulic-powered rescue tools that might result from misuse or abuse.

Il. General

1. Members are responsible for knowing how to properly and safely operate hydraulic powered rescue tools.

2. Officers shall train the members under their command too properly and safely operate the hydraulic-powered rescue tools assigned to their apparatus.

3. An officer shall immediately stop any unsafe improper operation of a hydraulic powered rescue tool and make the adjustments and corrections necessary to safely accomplish the assignment.

4. Members shall inspect and crank the hydraulic-powered rescue tools assigned to their apparatus at the beginning of each tour of duty and after every use to ensure that they are functioning properly. Tools found to be unsafe or malfunctioning shall be removed from service and tagged as to the nature of the problem. Tools removed shall be immediately reported to the shift supervisor.

5. Members shall check the fluid levels in each tool to ensure that each are properly filled. Spare fuel cans carried on the apparatus shall also be kept full at all times.

Ill. Operating Procedure

1. Before operating a tool, always inspect the tips to make sure that the appropriate tips are being used and that the retainer pins, if used, are in place.

2. Place the power unit as level as possible, connect the hoses, but do not start the power unit until the tool operator gives the command to do so.

3. Remember that it takes two people to operate the tool: one person to operate the tool and another person to operate the power unit.

32

4. To start the power unit, place one foot on the bottom of the roll cage to help stabilize the unit. Hold the cage with one hand and pull the recoil starter cord with the other hand. Take care not to pull the cord out too far. The start-up sequence is as follows: a. Move the choke to the closed position. b. Pull the recoil starter until the engine pops. c. Move the choke to run. d. Pull the recoil starter cord. e. Repeat the sequence if the engine fails to start. f. To stop the power unit, use your hand to engage the kill switch. Do

not use your foot. g. When refueling the tool, always use the appropriate fuel type and

take care not to spill fuel on a hot surface. Note: the pitch of the power unit will normally change prior to running out of .fuel.

IV. Safety Precautions:

l. Full protective clothing, including ear and eye protection, shall be worn while using a hydraulic-powered rescue tool during actual rescues as well as training exercises.

2. Ear and eye protection, approved safety shoes or boots, and any other item of protective clothing that is appropriate shall be worn while operating a tool for the purpose of inspection or maintenance.

3. Always work on the outside of the tool. Never insert your hands or other parts of your body between the jaws tips of the tool.

4. Cover and protect the victim, and always explain to him what you're doing, if possible.

5. When bleeding or disconnecting a hose, place a rag over the coupling to prevent fluid from spraying on anyone.

6. If fluid comes in contact with any exposed skin area, be sure to wash it off immediately.

7. If a fluid spill does occur, immediately clean any floor area or painted surface to prevent a fall or damage.

8. Always remember to make the required hose connections prior to starting a power unit. Hose should be laid out in such a manner as to prevent damage from sharp objects, vehicles, etc.

9. Likewise, always stop a power unit prior to disconnecting a hose.

10. Do not use the shears to cut a steering column or any piece of metal with a free end, since it may become a projectile, Shears are designed to create a

33

compression fracture rather than to cut. Always remember to cut at a right angle.

11 At a motor vehicle accident, always have a charged hose line or fire extinguisher to protect against the possibility of a fire.

12. Rotate personnel to avoid fatigue.

13. Rest the tool on your thigh and always maintain body balance.

14. Guide and hold the tool; do not force it. Don't strain against the tool; rather, work with it.

WCFD #200.14

Operating Power Saws

I. Scope

This standard establishes guidelines for the safe and proper operation of power saws. It was promulgated to:

1 Prevent accidents, injuries, or deaths that might result from unsafe operation or improper use of a power saw.

2. Prevent damage to a power saw that might result from unsafe operation or improper use.

11. General

1 Members shall be responsible for knowing how to properly and safely operate the power saws used by the department.

2. Officers shall train the members under their command in the safe and proper use of the power saws assigned to their apparatus.

3. Any member shall immediately stop any unsafe or improper use of a power saw and shall take the appropriate action necessary to correct the situation.

4. Members shall inspect each power saw carried on their apparatus at the beginning of each tour of duty and after each use to ensure that they are clean, functioning properly and safe to operate. Any power saw discovered to be unsafe or malfunctioning shall be removed from service and a memo generated as to the nature of the problem. Tools removed shall be immediately reported to the shift supervisor.

34

5. Members shall also be responsible for ensuring that saws are properly fueled and those spare fuel containers are full of the correct gas/oil mixture and in the proper place on the apparatus.

Ill. Operating Procedures

1. Always carry a power saw with the engine stopped or the electrical power disconnected. The blade should be carried to the front with the muffler away from your body.

2. Always keep both hands on the control handles, using a firm grip with your thumbs and your forefingers encircling the handles.

3. Make sure of your footing prior to operating a saw.

4, Always turn off a saw when it is unattended.

5. Have a plan of action before placing a saw into operation. The plan should include:

a. The location and sequence of the cuts and openings. b. Wind direction — consider its effects on exposures and personnel. c. Escape routes at least two means of egress.

6. Always place the safety guard in the proper position for the use intended before operating the saw.

7. Remember that power saw operations are safest when cutting on a horizontal surface near the ground level or on a vertical surface at or below waist level.

8. Operating a power saw above chest height is extremely hazardous and should not be attempted as a normal course of action. This type of operation should be conducted only under the direct order and supervision of an officer. The officer ordering this operation shall first consider the value to be gained vs. the extreme hazard to personnel.

9. The use of a power saw from a ladder shall only be done if no other alternatives are available.

10. Do not operate a power saw close to a highly combustible or flammable material due to the possibility of ignition from sparks.

11 Do not operate saws in flammable or explosive atmospheres.

12. When operating a power saw, avoid placing side pressure or twisting the blade. Never force the saw. If too much pressure is applied to the blade, the hazard of blade breakage (carbide tipped) or shattering (aluminum oxide or silicon carbide discs) is increased. A blade that breaks or shatters

35

during cutting operations may cause serious injury to the operator or bystanders.

13. The saw cut should only be as deep as necessary. Deep cuts may weaken supporting beams and lead to collapse. The experienced operator will know when he has reached a beam by the sound and feel of the saw.

14. If conditions permit, scrape gravel and debris from the cutting path to reduce the danger of injury from flying chips and loose materials.

IV. Safety Precautions

1. A member who operates a power saw at an emergency incident or during a training session shall wear full protective clothing, including both ear and eye protection.

2. A member who operates a power saw for the purpose of inspecting or maintenance shall wear ear protection and safety shoes or boots.

3. When operating a power saw, all clothing shall be close fitting and completely buttoned to prevent an accident due to moving belts, gears, chains, blades, etc.

4. Do not operate a gasoline-powered saw with a fuel leak. Remove the saw from service.

5. Do not restart a saw in a small-enclosed space after refueling.

V. Fueling and maintenance

1. Power saws shall be kept clean and in good serviceable condition. 2. The cutting wheel, chain, or blade shall be examined at the beginning of

each tour of duty and after each use for nicks or defects. These items should also be checked for tightness and shall be kept clean and properly lubricated. Defective items shall be replaced.

4. Ensure that abrasive saw blades do not become contaminated with petroleum-based products. Such contamination may dissolve the resin that is used to bond the blade; thus causing the blade to shatter when used. New blades should be stored in plastic bags to ensure cleanliness.

4. When fueling a power saw: a. Always turn the engine off. b. Make sure to use the proper fuel mixture. Many saws require a

specific fuel and oil mixture. c. Wipe off the saw to remove any spilled fuel before starting.

WCFD SOP #200.15

New Firefighters Drivers Training

36

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department In-Service Driver Training. It was promulgated to


II. General



It is the responsibility of the senior officer to oversee and ensure that all new

personnel receive a minimum of 60 hours operators Training prior to these personnel

operating this department's emergency vehicles.

IV. Objectives




(4th Edition) and/or VFIS Emergency Driver/Operator Course.

V. General Requirements

a. It is required that all new members shall receive 60 hours of Drivers Training.

These firefighters will not be allowed to operate a fire vehicle solo, until all 60

hours of drivers training is completed. Training shall be conducted at area

approved by Fire Coordinator. Classes will cover all Vehicle Operation Skills and

Driving, Pump Operations, Emergency Equipment Familiarization, and a written

and driving test will be administered covering all required DOT equipment,

resource information, DOT Hazardous Chemical Handbook, and local and state

laws that apply, as outlined in the VFIS program.

b. Members who successfully complete the Georgia Fire Academy Emergency

Vehicle Operators Course may use those training hours towards the completion of

the required initial 44 hours. Additionally, members may use Emergency Vehicle

Operators Course as a portion of their annual continuing driver's education.

However, all new members shall still be required to successfully complete the

written and skill sections mentioned in part one above.

WCFD#200.16

Training Classes (Leadership Class)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Departmental Leadership Training. It was promulgated to


II. General



It is the responsibility of the senior officer to take role and place information for all In-

Service Leadership Training on the Training log. ALL students shall be required to

sign this form as well as the Instructor. The Department Training Officer shall

37

maintain a Training Log on each Firefighter. Courses taken at the Georgia Public

Safety Training Center or similar facilities shall be accepted as well.

IV. Objectives




(4th Edition).


All officers shall be required to attend a minimum of two (2) hours per year

Leadership/Officer Training.

WCFD #200.17

Training Classes (Multi Station Drills)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Multi Station Drills. It was promulgated to establish

a uniform policy for recording training hours, personnel and instructors.

II. General



It is the responsibility of the senior officer to see that multi Station drills are conducted

with a minimum of four (8) hour monthly. All members shall participate in these drills.

IV. Objectives




(4th Edition).


It is required that all firefighters will participate in these drills monthly each year.

These classes will cover Company Operations, Vehicle Operations, Pump

Operations, Emergency Equipment Familiarization, all required DOT equipment,

resource information, and the location of the DOT Hazardous Chemical Handbook.

Training will also cover the special skills that will be needed to manage operations.

WCFD #200.18

Training Classes (Night Drills)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department in Service training. It was promulgated to establish


II. General



38

It is the responsibility of the senior officer to take role and place information on the log.

ALL students shall be required to sign this form as well as the Instructor. The

Department Training Officer shall maintain a Training Log on each Firefighter.

IV. Objectives




(4th Edition).


It is required that all firefighters will participate in night training semi-annually. These

classes will last a minimum of four (4) hours each.

WCFD #200.19

Training Classes (Officers Training)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Departmental Officers Training. It was promulgated to establish


II. General



It is the responsibility of the senior officer to take role and place information for all In-

Service Officer Training on the Training log. ALL students shall be required to sign

this form as well as the Instructor. The Department Training Officer shall maintain a

Training Log on each Firefighter. Courses taken at the Georgia Public Safety Training

Center or similar facilities shall be accepted as well.

IV. Objectives




(4th Edition).


All officers shall be required to attend a minimum of an eight (8) hours class on

Officers Training to be held semiannually.

WCFD #200.20

Training Classes (Drivers Training)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department in Service Driver Training. It was promulgated to


II. General



39

It is the responsibility of the senior officer to oversee and ensure that all personnel

receive the required Drivers/Operators Training.

IV. Objectives

All training will be objective based. It will be recorded, including date, credit hours, name of instructor, and an objective number listed from the Georgia NPQ Student Manual and/or the appropriate NFPA Manual and/or Essentials of Firefighting Manual (4th Edition) and/or VFIS Emergency Driver/Operator Course.


1. It is required that all members shall receive four (3) hour quarterly of continuing

Drivers Training. Training shall be conducted at location designated by senior

officer. Classes will cover all Vehicle Operation Skills and Driving, Pump

Operations, Emergency Equipment Familiarization.

2. Members who successfully complete the Georgia Fire Academy Emergency Vehicle Operators Course may use those training hours towards the completion of the required continuing Drivers Training.

3. All new recruits shall complete senior officer’s driver evaluation before operating department vehicle.

WCFD #200.21

Training Classes (Radiology Training)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Radiological training. It was promulgated to


II. General

All in-service training shall be recorded on a Department Training Log (See Enclosure

14).


It is the responsibility of the Shift Supervisor to take role and place information on the

log. ALL students shall be required to sign this form as well as the Instructor. The


IV. Objectives




(4th Edition).


1. Each Firefighter must attend a minimum of three (3)

hours annually.

WCFD SOP #200.22

Training (SCBA)

40

I. Scope

This standard applies to all members who are required to use self-contained breathing

apparatus (SCBA) as part of their normal duties. It was promulgated to:

1. Maintain individual proficiency in the use of SCUBA

2. Prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths that might result from exposure to a

hazardous atmosphere.

II. Training and Evaluation

1. Each member of the department required to use SCUB as part of his normal

duties shall receive periodic training on the proper use of SCBA. Training shall be

based on the requirements of MFPA 1404, Standard of Fire Department Self-

Contained Breathing Apparatus Program. Each member shall be evaluated on an

annual basis to ensure that he is proficient in the use of SCBA. As part of their

evaluation they must be able to identify the components, limitations,

communication methods, face-piece fit test, don and operate the equipment

proficiently while wearing full protective clothing.

WCFD #200.23

Training Classes (Training Log)

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department in Service training. It was promulgated to establish


II. General

All in-service training shall be recorded on a Department Training Log (See Enclosure

14).


It is the responsibility of the senior officer to take role and place information on the log.

ALL students shall be required to sign this form as well as the Instructor. The


IV. Objectives

All training will be objective based. It will be recorded, including date, credit hours, name of instructor, and an objective number listed from the Georgia NPQ Student Manual and/or the appropriate NFPA Manual and/or Essentials of Firefighting Manual (4th Edition). V. General Requirements

1. Each Reserve Firefighter must attend a minimum of 4 hours of training each

month.

2. Those firefighters in the state pension fund must meet the requirements of training set forth by the state pension board to remain in the pension fund.

WCFD #200.24

Drivers of Vehicles

I. Scope

41

This standard applies to all members who drive or operate a motorized vehicle owned

or used by the department. It was promulgated to:

1. Establish minimum standards for members who are allowed to drive or operate a

motorized vehicle.

2. Establish minimum safety regulations for the operation of a

motorized vehicle.

II. General

1. Driver’s license:

a. No personnel in this department under the age of 21 will drive a vehicle for

emergency or nonemergency response.

b. ALL members of the department shall have a valid driver’s license that is

appropriate for the types of vehicles that they are allowed to operate.

c. All members shall furnish proof of their possession of a valid license anytime

that they are requested by a supervisor to do so.

d. Senior officer shall check the driver’s license of each member under their

command during their first Training Meeting in January and July to determine

that each member possesses a valid license.

e. Members shall report any change in the status of their license to their senior

officer. The senior officer shall forward this information to the fire coordinator

through the normal chain of command.

f. Any member who has his license suspended shall notify his senior officer

immediately and shall not be allowed to drive or operate a vehicle until his

license has been restored. Failure to possess a valid driver’s license may be

cause for termination.

g. ALL new members shall be required to successfully complete a driver’s training

course prior to driving department vehicles.

2. No member shall be allowed to drive or operate a vehicle unless he has

successfully completed the senior officer drivers training program or is a student

driver under the supervision of a qualified driver.

3. All vehicles shall be operated in a safe and prudent manner, and all drivers shall

comply with all traffic laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the

department.

4. No driver shall move a vehicle until all persons in it are in an approved riding

position and are properly secured.

5. Drivers responding to emergencies shall comply with the provisions of SOP

#200.16, Emergency Response.

6. A driver shall not back a vehicle unless his view is clear and unobstructed.

Apparatus shall not be backed unless there is at least one spotter to the rear of

the apparatus to assist in the operation.

7. Drivers shall not exceed the posted speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour at

any time.

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1. Drivers shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of their

vehicle in all situations.

2. When a driver is under the direct supervision of an officer, the officer shall be

responsible for the actions of the driver.

3. The fire department Senior officer’s shall monitor the status of all the members of

the department to ensure that all those who drive and operate vehicles have had

the proper training, possess valid driver’s licenses, and are insurable.

4. Drivers shall be responsible for ensuring that all of their vehicles’ safety equipment

is functioning properly and that their vehicles are safe to drive prior to operating

them.

IV Accidents

1. Any accident or collision involving damage to any vehicle or property or injury to

any person shall be reported immediate3ly to the appropriate law enforcement

agency and to the member’s supervisor. A first report of injury form will be

completed as soon as possible if any injuries were sustained in the accident or

collision. This form must be completed within 24 hours of the incident, with a copy

provided to the Department Fire Chief.

2. Any driver involved in an accident shall be tested for substance abuse as soon as

possible following the accident.

3. The supervisor shall notify the fire Chief whenever an accident involves an injury, a

fatality, or major damage to a vehicle.

WCFD #200.25

Persons Riding in Motorized Vehicles

I. Scope

This standard shall apply to all persons riding in or on a motorized vehicle owned or

operated by the department.

II. General

1. No one shall be allowed to ride in an apparatus unless he is a member of the

department or has obtained special permission to ride as an observer (such

as Explorers). Observers must complete the Authorization to Ride an

Apparatus Release.

2. Persons riding in or on a motorized vehicle shall observe the following:

a. All persons shall be seated in an approved riding position and shall be

secured by a seat belt anytime the vehicle is in motion.

b. Riding on the tailboard, running board, or other exposed position is strictly

prohibited.

c. Standing while riding is prohibited.

d. At no time shall anyone dismount a vehicle while it is still in motion.

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e. All persons riding on an apparatus that requires ear protection shall wear the

ear protection devices provided while the vehicle is in motion and whenever

the audio warning devices are in use.

III. Responsibility

1. It shall be the responsibility of each member to comply with the provisions of

this standard.

2. Drivers shall not operate their vehicles unless everyone on board is in

compliance with the provisions of this standard.

3. Senior officers and Officers shall be strictly accountable for enforcing the provisions of this standard and shall correct any violations that are observed.

WCFD #200.26

Emergency Response

I. Scope

This standard applies to the driver of an emergency vehicle owned or operated by

the department while responding to an incident. It was promulgated to establish

safety procedures during emergency responses.

II. Categories of Response

1. Emergency: Those incidents that pose a significant risk to life or property.

Emergency response requires the use of all audio (siren and air horn) and visual

(lights) warning devices. These devices must be in use during the entire duration

of the response unless the response is downgraded to a nonemergency by a

competent authority. The initial response to the following types of incidents shall

be considered emergencies:

a. A reported fire in a structure.

b. A reported fire outside of a structure that involves the potential destruction of

property or poses a risk to human or animal life.

c. All categories of emergency medical incidents except non-life-threatening

incidents.

d. Responses to a man-made or natural disaster involving the destruction of

property and the potential for injury and death.

e. Fire alarms until confirmation is received that an actual emergency exists.

2. Non-emergency: Those incidents that do not pose a significant risk to life or

property. Audio and visual warning devices shall not be used during non-

emergency response unless ordered by a competent authority to upgrade the

response to emergency status. The initial response to the following types of

incidents shall not be considered to be emergencies:

a. Medical incidents where a patient does not have a life- threatening condition.

b. Public service calls to assist the public when there is no immediate threat to life

or property.

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c. Shift Supervisors have the authority to authorize emergency response to

locations as they deem necessary.

III. Response Procedures

1. Apparatus and vehicles engaged in non-emergency response shall obey all

applicable traffic safety rules and regulations and shall not exceed the posted

speed limit.

2. Apparatus and vehicles engaged in emergency response shall at all times govern

their response by the traffic, the weather, and road conditions present at the time

of response.

3. The maximum speed of travel shall not exceed posted speed limits by more than

10 mph.

4. During an emergency response, drivers shall bring their vehicles to a complete

stop for any of the following:

a. When directed by a law enforcement officer.

b. Stop signs.

c. Red traffic signals.

d. Negative right-of-way intersections.

e. Blind intersections.

f. When the driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic in an intersection.

g. When other intersection hazards are present.

h. When encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights.

5. Drivers shall proceed through an intersection only when the driver can account for

all lanes of traffic in the intersection.

6. Drivers shall bring their vehicles to a complete stop at all unguarded railroad

crossings and shall not cross the tracks until determining that it is safe to do so.

IV. Responsibilities

1. Drivers shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of their

vehicle in all situations.

2. When a driver is under the direct supervision of an officer, the officer shall assume

responsibility for the actions of the driver and shall be responsible for immediately

correcting any unsafe condition.

WCFD #200.27

Protective Clothing and Equipment

I. Scope

This standard applies to all members required to work in hazardous environments.

It was promulgated to establish procedures for the use of protective clothing and

equipment to reduce the risk of illness, injury, or death that might result from a

member’s exposure to a hazardous environment.

II. General

1. Each member shall wear protective clothing and use equipment appropriate for

the hazards to which he is exposed.

45

2. Each member shall properly maintain the protective clothing and equipment that

have been issued to him and that are carried on the apparatus to which he has

been assigned.

3. Each member shall clean his structural protective clothing at least once every six

months and every time it is contaminated.

4. Any equipment or protective clothing that is found to be unsafe or inoperable shall

be removed from service immediately, and forwarded for repair.

II. Structural Firefighting

2. Each member assigned to fight structure fires shall be issued protective clothing

and equipment that comply with all applicable NFPA standards and local

requirements.

a. These items shall include:

1. Helmet NFPA 1972

2. Boots NFPA 1974

3. Gloves NFPA 1973

4. Coat/Pants NFPA 1971

5. SCBA face piece NFPA 1981

6. Hood NFPA 1971

3. No alterations shall be made to protective clothing without the approval of the Fire

Coordinator.

4. Each member operating within a perimeter designated as hazardous by the

incident commander or the incident safety officer shall wear his full protective

clothing in the prescribed manner. The incident commander or the incident safety

officer shall determine when and if it is safe to remove some or all of the clothing.

IV. SCBA

1. All self-contained breathing apparatus used by the department shall comply with

NFPA 1981 Standard on Open Circuit Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for the

Fire Service.

2. All personnel shall use SCBA while working in areas where:

a. The atmosphere is hazardous.

b. The atmosphere is suspected of being hazardous.

c. The atmosphere may rapidly become hazardous.

3. Members wearing SCBA shall always work in teams of at least two members

each.

4. SCBA and spare cylinders shall be kept on each apparatus and be available for

immediate use.

5. SCBA shall not be removed until the incident commander or the incident safety

officer has determined that the atmosphere is no longer hazardous and that CO

levels are less than 50 ppm.

6. A personal alert safety system (PASS) device that complies with NFPA 1982 shall

be assigned to each member (or on each SCBA) and shall be activated whenever

the SCBA is in use.

46

7. Everyone shall receive periodic training on proper use of SCBA. Training shall be

based on NFPA 1404 - Standard on Fire Department Self-Contained Breathing

Apparatus Program.

V. Responsibilities

1. Each member shall inspect protective clothing and equipment issued to him and

assigned to his apparatus at 1st training meeting of each month. Each member is

responsible for cleaning, care, and maintenance of his clothing and equipment and

for obtaining repairs or replacement items.

2. Officers shall inspect protective clothing and equipment issued to the members

under their command during the first training meeting of each month to ensure that

all items are being properly maintained and are functioning properly.

3. The incident safety officer shall be responsible for ensuring that all members operating within the hazardous perimeter of an incident are properly attired and using the appropriate protective clothing and equipment. Any member who is in violation of this procedure shall be ordered to promptly leave the hazardous area.

WCFD #200.38

Rehabilitation

I. Scope

This standard applies to all emergency operations and training exercises where

strenuous physical activity or exposure to heat or cold creates the need for the

rehabilitation of personnel. It was promulgated to:

1. Prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths that may result from excessive fatigue.

2. Establish procedures for medical evaluation and treatment, food and fluid

replenishment, and relief from extreme climactic conditions during emergency

operations and prolonged training exercises.

II. Definitions

1. Level 1 rehabilitation: Situations of short duration. The incident commander may

elect to use rehabilitation supplies from an apparatus on the scene or may call a

rehab unit to the scene. Typically in Level 1 rehab, the crews are not rotated and

the incident or training exercise has a limited duration.

2. Level 2 rehabilitation: Situations that require a major time and personnel

commitment. Examples include a major fire or a lengthy training exercise in which

the firefighter’s health and safety must be addressed.

III. General

1. The Incident Command shall evaluate the circumstances at each incident and shall make early, adequate provisions for the rest and rehab of all members working at the scene. These provisions include:

a. Medical evaluation

b. Treatment and monitoring

c. Food and fluid replenishment

d. Mental rest

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e. Relief from extreme climactic conditions and other environmental factors

present at the incident.

f. Incident Command shall send personnel to rehab as required.

2. During prolonged incidents, strenuous training sessions, and periods of extreme

heat or cold, the INCIDENT COMMAND shall request that a rehab unit be

assigned to the scene and shall appoint a rehab officer to manage the

rehabilitation of the firefighters.

3. The Rehab Log shall be completed by the rehab officer at all Level 2 incidents.

The log shall be submitted to the INCIDENT COMMAND to be attached to the

incident report, and it shall be included in the incident critique. Level - 2 rehab

shall include the provisions of EMS at the ALS level in the rehab sector.

IV. Rehabilitation Sector

1. The rehab sector should be placed in a location that allows members to physically and mentally rest and recuperate from the stress, pressure, and demands of the emergency operation or training evolution.

2. The rehab location should also be located far enough away from the incident

scene to allow members to safely remove their protective clothing and SCBA.

3. The rehab sector should be located in an area that provides suitable protection

from prevailing environmental conditions. If possible, the sector should be in a

cool, shaded area during hot weather and in a warm, dry area during cold

weather.

4. Members in the rehab sector should not be exposed to exhaust fumes from

apparatus, vehicles, and motorized equipment, including those involved in the

rehabilitation sector operations.

V. Procedures

1. The establishment of a rehab sector shall be considered during the initial planning

stages of an emergency response. The climactic or environmental conditions of

the emergency scene should not be the sole justification for establishing a rehab

sector. Any activity or incident whether emergency or nonemergency, that is large

in size, long in duration, and labor intensive will rapidly deplete the energy and

strength of personnel.

2. Climactic or environmental conditions that indicate the need to establish a rehab

sector include a heat index above 95 degrees F or a wind-chill index below 20

degrees F.

3. Forty-five minutes of work time is generally recommended as an acceptable level

of work prior to mandatory rehabilitation.

a. Members having worked through two full 30 minute rated SCBA cylinders, or

for 45 minutes, shall be rotated to the rehab sector for rest and evaluation.

b. In all cases, an objective evaluation of a members fatigue level is the

appropriate criterion for determining if rest is required. Rest periods for

members in the rehab sector shall be at least 10 minutes or longer.

c. Crews sent to rehab should be replaced by fresh crews from the staging

sector. Crews released from the rehab sector should be rotated to the staging

48

sector prior to returning to work. This procedure ensures that fatigued

individuals do not return to work before they are rehabilitated.

4. Members should not be removed from a hot environment and placed directly into

an air-conditioned environment because the body’s cooling system may shut down

in response to the external cooling. An air-conditioned environment is acceptable

only after a cool down period at ambient temperature with sufficient air movement.

5. EMS personnel at the advanced life support level will be provided at each incident.

EMS personnel (paramedics) will evaluate the vital signs and physical condition of

members as they are rotated through the rehab sector.

a. EMS personnel will determine whether a member will be allowed to return to

work, remain in rehab, or receive further medical treatment and be transported

to a medical facility for further evaluation.

b. Continued rehabilitation consists of the ongoing monitoring of vital signs, rest,

and fluid intake. Medical treatment for a member whose signs and symptoms

indicate potential problems will be provided in accordance with local medical

control procedures. EMS personnel will be aggressive in determining that

potential medical problems exist.

VI. Responsibilities

1. All officers shall monitor the condition of each member working under their

command and shall ensure that adequate steps are taken to provide for each

member’s safety and health. The incident command system is to be used to

request that a crew be relieved and for the reassignment of fatigued crews.

2. During periods of hot weather, crewmembers are encouraged to drink water or Gatorade ® throughout the workday. During any emergency incident or training evolution, all members shall advise their supervisor when they believe their level of fatigue or exposure to heat or cold is approaching a point that could affect them, their crew, or the operation in which they are involved. Each member shall also monitor the health and safety of the other members of his crew.

49

Emergency Operation

Section 300

WCFD #300.01

Emergency Operations/Glossary of Terms

I. Scope

This standard lists and defines common terms used by operations personnel to

manage fire control and rescue incidents.

II. Definitions

1. All clear: The primary search has been completed.

2. Command post: The location at which the primary command functions are

executed. The incident commander and other support personnel as required, man

the command post.

3. Incident commander: (IC) The person with overall responsibility for a particular

incident. The person will use the radio term Command and may use a

geographical identifier when multiple operations occur – e.g., “Main Street

Command.”

4. Rural water supply – terminology

a. Attack unit: Usually the first piece of fire apparatus on the scene, the attack

unit sets up hose lines to fight the fire. It can consist of more than one unit if

necessary.

b. Drafting: Using a pump to lift water from a supply source, such as a pond,

ditches, or dump tank.

c. Fill site: The location where the tanker trucks go to get loads of water, such as

a hydrant, or a draft site.

d. Rural fire: More than 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant.

e. Tanker: A fire truck used primarily to carry large quantities of water for rural firefighting. Also know as a water tender.

f. Tanker shuttle: Using several tank trucks to transport water from a supply

source to the fire scene.

5. Working fire: A fire that will require considerable effort to extinguish and may

require an additional response of apparatus, such as water tenders in rural

operations.

6. Sector: A smaller, more manageable unit of command delegated by the

INCIDENT COMMAND to provide management and command for specific

functions or geographical areas. Sectors shall be designated as Sector 1, 2,3, etc.,

and shall be assigned on a clockwise basis. For high-rise operations, the sector

above the fire shall be designated before the sector below and be numbered

according to the floor number. For example, if a fire were on the second floor of a

four-story building, the sector above the fire would be sector three. Other sectors

may be designated by location or function, such as roof, interior, rehab, etc.

50

7. Sector commander: A person in charge at a given area of the fire ground. The

sector commander shall be assigned by the INCIDENT COMMAND and

coordinate operations through the command post.

8. Staging area: That location where incident personnel, apparatus, and equipment

are assigned in an available status. The staging officer shall coordinate activities

through the command post.

9. Support officer: An aide assigned to the INCIDENT COMMANDER and normally

located in the command post. The INCIDENT COMMANDER may require all

activities such as water supply, staging, etc., to be coordinated through the

support officer.

WCFD #300.02

Operating at Emergency Incidents

I. Scope

This standard applies to members operating at an emergency incident. It was

promulgated to:

1. Prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths that might result from an unsafe act

while members are operating at an emergency incident.

2. Define the minimum personnel requirements for the safe conduct of

emergency scene operations.

II. Procedures

1. No member shall commence or perform any firefighting or rescue function or

evolution that is not within the established safety criteria of the department.

a. Activities that present a significant risk to the safety of a member shall be

limited to situations where there is a potential to save endangered lives.

b. It is unacceptable to risk the safety of a member when there is no chance of

saving lives or property.

c. In situations where the risk to a member is significant, activities shall be limited

to defensive operations.

2. Members operating in hazardous areas at emergency incidents shall operate in

teams of two or more. Team members operating in hazardous areas shall be in

constant communication with each other through visual, auditory, or physical

means or through the use of a safety guide rope so as to coordinate their

activities. Team members shall remain in close proximity to each other so as to

provide assistance in case of emergency.

3. An interior firefighting effort at a working structural fire shall not take place until a

minimum of four (4) firefighters are present.

a. When only four (4) firefighters are present, two (2) members shall work, as a

team in the hazardous area and two (2) members shall remain outside the

hazardous area and be available for entry into the hazardous area if assistance

or rescue is required.

51

b. A working fire is described as a fire that requires the use of a 1-½ inch or larger

attack line and the use of SCBA.

4. The standby members shall be responsible for maintaining a constant awareness

of the number and identity of the members operating in the hazardous area, their

location and function, and their time of entry. The standby members shall remain

in radio, visual, voice, or signal line communication with the team.

5. One standby member shall be permitted to perform other duties outside of the

hazardous area, such as serving as an apparatus operator or incident

commander, provided that constant communication is maintained between the

standby member and the members of the team in the hazardous area.

a. The assignment of personnel to other duties shall not be permitted if the

abandonment of their assignment would jeopardize the safety and health of

any firefighter working at the incident.

b. The assignment of personnel to other duties shall not be permitted if their

assignment inhibits their ability to assist in or perform a rescue.

c. Standby members shall have full protective clothing and SCBA available to

them as defined in the department SOP on Protective Clothing and Equipment.

6. Exception: Rescue operations may be undertaken prior to the assembly of four

firefighters if there is an imminent life-threatening situation and immediate action

could prevent the loss of life or serious injury. No exception shall be permitted

when there is no chance of saving lives.

7. When a team is assigned to or begins operating in the hazardous area, the

Incident Command shall designate at least one rapid intervention team (RIT) to

stand by in the event that a rescue becomes necessary.

a. The RIT shall consist of at least two members. The team shall have full

protective clothing and SCBA available to them as defined by department SOP

on Protective Clothing and Equipment.

b. During the initial stages of an incident, the RIT may be used to perform other functions provided that team is immediately available to perform a rescue if so required.

c. As an incident grows in complexity, the number of RIT’s shall be increased

proportionately and shall be dedicated solely to this responsibility.

8. At least one ambulance shall be requested to standby and be available to treat

injuries and to provide transport if necessary.

9. Apparatus shall be used as a shield against oncoming traffic whenever possible.

III. Emergency Communications

1. The term Mayday shall be used by anyone on the scene who becomes aware of

or is involved in a life-threatening situation.

2. The term emergency shall be used by anyone on the scene who needs to

communicate an urgent message.

3. During Mayday or emergency traffic conditions, all other incident radio traffic shall

immediately stop.

IV. Responsibilities

52

1. It shall be the responsibility of each member to fully comply with the provisions of

this standard.

2. Officers shall be responsible for keeping their crews together and for ensuring that

they do not expose their crews to unnecessary risks.

3. The INCIDENT COMMAND shall be responsible for ordering sufficient resources

to ensure that all emergency incident functions are performed as safely as

possible.

WCFDP #300.03

Accountability

I. Scope

This standard applies to members operating at an emergency incident. It was

promulgated to provide a structured approach for tracking all members operating at

an emergency scene.

II. Purpose

This procedure identifies a system for firefighter accountability. The purpose is to

account for all firefighters, at any given time, within a small geographic area, within

the “hazard zone” of an incident. Use of the system provides enhanced safety for all

individual firefighters, and provides the incident command organizational staff an

improved means to track and account for all personnel working in the hazard zone.

The hazard zone is defined as an area that requires a SCBA or in which a firefighter is

at risk of becoming lost, trapped, or injured by the environment or structure. This

includes, but is not limited to, a structure reported to be on fire and the area in close

proximity to the structure during exterior operations.

Accountability involves a personal commitment to work within the safety system at an

incident.

• Command shall maintain an accurate tracking and awareness of where

resources are committed at an incident.

• Command is responsible for including accountability as a major element

in strategy and attack planning, and must consider and react to any

barriers to effective accountability.

• Sector Officers shall maintain an accurate tracking and awareness of

crews assigned to them. This requires the Sector Officer to be in his/her

assigned area and maintain close supervision of assigned crews.

• All crews will work for Command or Sectors – FREE -LANCING IS NOT

ALLOWED.

• Crews arriving on scene should remain intact for all intents and

purposes. A minimum crew size will be considered two (2) members;

and radio communication is required for each crew.

• All crews entering the hazard zone must be supervised by an officer or

other assigned higher ranking individual.

53

• All crews will enter together, stay together, and come out together.

Reduced visibility and increased risk will require very tight togetherness.

If a radio fails while in the hazard zone, the crew will exit unless there is another

working radio with the crew. An attempt to secure a replacement radio should be

made.

IX. Lost/Missing Firefighters

An absent member of any crew will automatically be assumed lost or trapped in the

hazard zone until otherwise determined safe. Company Officers shall immediately

report any absent members to Sector Officers or Command. Reports of missing

firefighters require Command to request the next greater assignment or alarm.

Command shall next initiate an immediate roll call (PAR) of all companies assigned to

duty in the hazard zone. Command shall also send the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

to the last reported working area of the lost firefighter to begin a search.

Simultaneously with these actions, Command shall adjust on-scene strategies to a

priority Search and Rescue effort.

X. Roll Call

1. A roll call is a systematic method for reporting to command that all members

operating at an incident are accounted for. It should be conducted periodically

throughout an incident to ensure that all members are safe and accounted for.

2. A roll call should be conducted:

a. When changing from an offensive to a defensive mode.

b. When an unexpected or catastrophic event occurs, for example in the case of

flashover, back draft, or structural collapse.

c. After an emergency evacuation.

d. At the first report that a member is missing.

e. When a fire is declared to be under control.

f. At the discretion of command. A localized report may also be conducted by a

sector officer.

3. On receipt of an order to conduct a roll call:

a. Company officers or crew leaders shall confirm that their personnel are

accounted for and shall notify their sector officer.

b. Sector officers shall notify Command when all of the members under their span

of control have been accounted for.

c. The roll call is completed when everyone has been properly accounted for.

This includes staff support assigned to a sector or to command.

d. Dispatch shall repeat the announcement and give the correct time. The

Incident Command shall record the time on the incident worksheet.

e. Unless directed otherwise, operations will continue while the report is being

taken.

XI. Lost or Trapped Member

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1. In the event that one or more members cannot be accounted for, a roll call shall be

requested immediately by the member or officer who believes that a member is

missing.

2. If a member cannot be accounted for during a roll call, he will be presumed lost

until he can be accounted for.

3. An attempted rescue will become the top priority at the incident and sufficient

resources shall immediately be assigned to conduct the rescue effort.

4. As soon as all members have been positively accounted for, the rescue effort shall

be suspended.

XII. Emergency Communications

1. The term emergency shall be used by anyone on the scene who needs to

communicate an urgent message.

2. The term Mayday shall be used by anyone on the scene who becomes aware of

or is involved in a life-threatening situation.

XIII. Emergency Evacuation

1. When it is unsafe to continue emergency operations, Command shall order a rapid

and complete evacuation from the hazardous environment.

2. An evacuation may be initiated by anyone at the incident, but the order to

evacuate must be transmitted through the established chain of command to

ensure that everyone can be accounted for.

3. The order to evacuate shall be transmitted as follows: “Interior Sector to Command, emergency! Evacuate the building immediately!”

4. Command shall immediately order everyone to evacuate the hazardous environment. Example: “Main Street Command, emergency! All units evacuate the building immediately! Repeat, all units evacuate the building immediately!”

5. All companies and each sector shall acknowledge the order to evacuate.

6. Apparatus operators (all), upon hearing the order to evacuate, will sound

air/electric horns continuously for a period of 15 seconds.

7. Command shall conduct a roll call after everyone has acknowledged the order to

evacuate.

8. The order to evacuate can only be halted or reinitiated by Command.

WCFD #300.04

Incident Safety

I. Scope

This standard sets forth the minimum requirements for operations at emergency

incidents as related to the safety and health of responding personnel.

II. General Incident Safety Requirements

1. The INCIDENT COMMAND shall ensure an adequate number of responding

personnel to safely conduct the incident operations. Operations shall be limited to

those that can be safely performed by personnel available at the scene.

2. The Fire Department shall assign personnel for the rescue of members operating

at emergency incidents. The composition and structure of Rapid Intervention

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Teams (RIT) shall be permitted to be flexible based on the type of incident and the

size and complexity of operations.

3. When probationary (or non-certified) personnel are working at an incident, more

experienced officers or members shall provide direct supervision.

4. Personnel operating in hazardous areas, shall work in teams of two (2) or more

and shall maintain contact through visual, audible, physical contact, safety guide

ropes, electronic or other means to coordinate activities, and shall remain in close

proximity of each other to provide assistance in the event of an emergency.

Personnel shall maintain communications with supervisory/safety personnel who

are not operating in the hazardous areas.

5. At least one (1) individual shall be assigned to remain outside the hazardous area

and maintain an awareness of operations inside the hazardous area. This person

does not necessarily need to be totally committed to this function only (i.e. pump

operator).

6. When personnel are operating in positions or performing functions that involve an

immediate risk of injury, qualified ALS personnel shall be standing by with medical

equipment and transport capability readily available.

III. Specific Incident Safety Requirements

1. When personnel are operating in an area that places them in potential conflict with

motor vehicle traffic, the following procedures shall be followed:

a. Apparatus shall be positioned to protect personnel from oncoming traffic while

directing exhaust emissions away from the incident area.

b. Vehicle warning lights shall remain activated until leaving the scene.

c. Personnel shall wear protective clothing with reflective material while on scene.

2. Drivers shall utilize at least one (1) spotter; positioned at the rear of the apparatus

anytime the vehicle is backing up.

3. De-energizing electrical hazards shall be limited to the operation of breakers. Fire

department personnel will not remove electrical meters, either residential or

commercial.

4. Emergency incidents involving machinery or elevators shall require the posting of

an individual to prevent the unexpected activation or energizing of equipment or

machinery.

5. Areas or zones identified as hazardous to either civilians or emergency response

personnel should be conspicuously marked. Yellow tape with black lettering that

reads FIRE LINE DO NOT CROSS shall be utilized to identify non-accessible

areas. Place the tape around the incident perimeter as directed by the INCIDENT

COMMAND or the Investigator.

IV. Emergency Retreat Procedure

The emergency retreat procedure has been established to enable personnel to be

quickly withdrawn in the event of a potentially dangerous or rapidly deteriorating

situation, such as building collapse, cave in, explosion, a plume cloud shift, BLEVE, or

hostile actions (snipers etc.).

1. Procedure:

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a. Any officer or fire rescue personnel who become aware of a life-threatening

situation may initiate the Retreat by use of the following radio transmission:

“EMERGENCY RETREAT” - “ALL PERSONNEL RETREAT” -

“ALL PERSONNEL RETREAT”

b. Following this transmission, the person initiating the retreat will report directly

to “Command” as soon as possible, to detail the situation deemed to be life

threatening.

c. Apparatus operators (ALL), upon hearing the emergency retreat transmission,

will sound air/electronic horns for fifteen (15) seconds.

d. Upon hearing the emergency retreat transmission, alert tone, or air horn signal,

ALL personnel at the scene of an emergency will, without delay, report to a

safe area designated by “Command” or other designated safe area (such as

the area of the command post) for Personal Accountability Report (PAR).

Command Officers will return to the command post. Immediately following the

procedure, “Command” will have control over the radio channel, to confirm

PAR. All units will refrain from radio traffic unless contacted by “Command”.

The emergency retreat can be halted or reinitiated only by “Command”.

WCFD #300.05

Emergency Operations/Tactical Procedures

I. Scope

This standard shall regulate the management of all emergency incidents to which the

department responds. It was promulgated to:

1. Establish rules and procedures to manage fire control and rescue activities.

2. Produce standard and predictable fire control and rescue results.

II. Goals and Objectives

1. It shall be the goal of this department to prevent fires through public safety

education and to save lives and property.

2. In pursuit of this goal, it shall be the policy of this department to:

a. Do no harm! Take no action that will cause further injury to a person or

intentionally damage property.

b. Be safe! Always obey all the safety rules and procedures promulgated by the

department.

c. Be nice! Always treat each other and members of the public with respect.

III. Operational Priorities

Three priorities must be addressed at every incident to which the department

responds. These priorities are discussed below in order of importance.

1. Life safety/rescue:

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a. Primary search: It shall be standard procedure to extend a primary search in all

involved and exposed occupancies that can be entered safely. The completion

of the primary search process is reported using the standard radio reporting

term “All clear”.

b. Rescue efforts: Extend rescue efforts in the following order:

1. The most severely threatened.

2. The largest number of people.

3. The remainder of the fire area.

4. The exposed areas.

c. Firefighter safety: Due to the hazardous nature of firefighting, the safety of

firefighters is of primary importance. Therefore, the following safety rules are to

be observed:

1. All persons involved in firefighting or other hazardous situations shall wear

full protective clothing and SCBA. No one, regardless of rank, shall enter a

hazardous atmosphere without SCBA.

2. The INCIDENT COMMAND and sector commanders shall be responsible

for persons operating in hazardous locations and shall make sure that all

personnel are accounted for.

d. Victim recovery: The fire department shall conduct a secondary search after

the fire is out and shall assist in the recovery of all fire victims. On recovery, the

appropriate authorities will be notified, and at no time shall the names of

injured or deceased firefighters be mentioned on the radio (to include radio call

signs).

e. Safety officer: At least one member will be assigned as safety officer (if

needed) by the INCIDENT COMMAND at a working incident. This will

generally be the senior officer. The safety officer shall have the authority to

correct any violations of established safety SOP’s. Following the incident, all

violations shall be reported to the INCIDENT COMMAND in writing.

2. Fire control:

a. It is standard procedure to attempt to stabilize fire conditions by extending,

wherever possible, an aggressive, well-placed, and adequate interior

(offensive) fire attack effort and to support that aggressive attack with whatever

resources and action that may be required to reduce extension and to bring the

fire under control.

b. Initial attack efforts must be directed toward supporting primary search and

rescue operations.

c. Fire streams are to be operated only on fires, not into smoke.

d. The following operations are to be initiated at every incident:

1. Size-up.

2. Rescue/life safety.

3. Exposure protection.

4. Confinement.

5. Extinguishment.

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6. Property conservation.

e. Write off property that is lost and protect exposed property based on the most

dangerous direction of spread. Always attack structure fires from the unburned

side! Do not continue operations in positions that are essentially lost.

f. Fire stream management:

1. It is the responsibility of each engine company to provide its own

uninterrupted, adequate supply of water. “Provide” does not necessarily

mean to lay a supply line, but rather to get an adequate, reliable supply of

water into the pump by whatever means available.

2. When in doubt, lay hose. The company officer may make this decision.

Remember that it is better to pick up a dry line that wasn’t used than to

need a line that wasn’t laid out.

3. Factors relating to the type of line pulled:

a. Size.

b. Placement.

c. Speed.

d. Mobility.

e. Supply.

4. Booster lines shall not be pulled as the first line on working structure fires or

automobile fires. Hose lines of 1-½ inches shall be the minimum size

pulled.

5. Operate heavy streams, if necessary, but not when an interior attack is

taking place. Do not combine interior and exterior attacks. Before heavy

exterior streams are operated, the INCIDENT COMMAND shall notify all

personnel via the radio.

6. Shut nozzles down when necessary. Do not operate into ventilation holes!

Also, do not apply water to the roof in a mistaken effort to extinguish fire.

3. Property conservation:

a. After rescue and fire control considerations, it shall be standard procedure to

commit whatever fire ground resources are required to reduce loss to an

absolute minimum. All members are expected to perform in a manner that

consistently reduces loss during fire operations.

b. Property conservation activities shall include but are not limited to:

1. Prompt interior and exterior fire ground lighting. 2. Proper ventilation.

(mechanical & natural)

3. Salvage.

4. Overhaul.

5. Proper fire stream management.

c. If necessary, the INCIDENT COMMAND shall call for fresh or additional personnel to complete property conservation activities.

WCFD #300.06

59

Emergency Operations/Water Rescue

WCFR Underwater Search and Recovery Team

I. Scope

The purpose of this SOP is to provide guidelines for the utilization of the Underwater

Search and Recovery Team. Diving is very hazardous. Its unusual demands require a

high degree of both physical and psychological fitness. It also requires continual

updating of diving techniques and recovery procedures. A diving team member’s

safety must be insured at all times. The officers assisting on the surface, therefore,

must be familiar with all the required procedures. This Standard Operating

Procedures shall apply to all member departments/agencies, involved with or

requiring underwater operations.

II. Responsibility

The primary responsibility of the Underwater Search and Recovery Team is to provide

expert diving support rescue operations and law enforcement.

1. Qualifications:

a. Divers must be experienced swimmers

b. Divers must be SCUBA certified by an accredited organization, or in the

process of obtaining their certification.

2. Duties of the Dive Team:

a. Rescue and/or recovery of drowning victims.

b. Search and recovery of criminal evidence.

c. Recovery of various types of stolen property and vehicles.

3. Command Responsibility:

a. The first Dive Team member to arrive at the scene of a water rescue or

underwater recovery will be in command of the scene until he/she is relieved

by the Dive Supervisor or Dive Team Commander,

b. Once the Dive Commander arrives on scene the authority to direct the dive

operations rests entirely on his/her.

i. Assume complete control of the situation with the ranking officer

maintaining control if the outer perimeter.

ii. Officers of a higher rank may make suggestions and/or assist in any

manner deemed necessary, but may not actively direct the dive operation.

iii. Officers of a higher rank than the Dive Team Commander are required to

take command only if, in their judgment, the situation had deteriorated to

the point where there is imminent danger to the Dive Team, bystanders, or

other Department personnel.

4. Procedures for requesting the Dive Team:

In the event an officer is dispatched to the scene of a drowning accident,

submerged vehicle or other situation that requires the services of the diving team,

they shall:

a. Investigate Situation:

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i. Advise Central Dispatch of the situation and request the team be

dispatched.

ii. Have witnesses available for interview upon arrival of divers.

iii. Secure area and maintain crowd control.

b. Provide Information Concerning:

i. Nature of the search (rescue/recovery)

ii. Weather conditions

iii. Water conditions

iv. Available roads leading to the dive site

5. Duties of Dive Team Members:

a. Maintain all diving equipment in working condition

b. Clean all equipment immediately after each dive.

c. When damage to a team member’s personal equipment occurs, as a result of a

department diving activity, that equipment will be repaired at the city’s expense

if the damage or loss was not a result of negligence.

d. At no time will Dive Team members act in an official capacity, outside of the

county limits, without prior permission from the Dive Team Commander.

e. Each Team member shall be able to operate any equipment connected with

diving operations.

f. Team members shall show professionalism at all times and shall abide by all

department rules as defined in the WCFR Standard Operating Procedures.

6. Duties of the Dive Team Commander or Diver in Charge:

a. Upon request for divers the Dive Team Commander shall:

i. Determine the number of divers need for the operation

ii. Make sure the proper personnel are notified as to the situation

iii. Develop and implement a plan of operation I

iv. Directs activities of all water operations at the scene, including those not

directly connected with the team (e.g., other divers, media, dragging

operations).

v. Maintain and fill out dive team logs after each dive.

vi. Have all air tanks filled for future use.

vii. The Diving Supervisor/Dive Master will remain in scene at all times. He/She

will be in charge of the operations once on scene.

viii. No diver will enter the water at any time unless accompanied by another

diver, or a Rescue Diver is available. Personal safety is a priority at all

times.

7. Operational Guidelines

a. Pre-arranged Search

I. Divers will meet at a pre-arranged place at the discretion of the Dive Team

Commander or the Dive Supervisor.

b. Emergency Operations:

i. Divers will proceed directly to the scene.

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ii. No diver will enter the water until a clear plan of action has been

established.

iii. Divers will at all times operate within the depth and time limits for

underwater activities as set forth in the Stand No Decompression Tables.

iv. Divers will not exceed the depth of 50 feet without approval from the Dive

Supervisor.

v. Divers have the right to refuse to dive, for any reason, at any time, without

fear of repercussion.

vi. Team members, as a whole, will make the final decision on whether or not

to dive, given the circumstance and the situation.

8. Emergency Procedures

a. Diving Accidents

i. The Team Commander or Dive Supervisor will be notified as soon as

possible of any accident involving a dive team member.

ii. After the diver has received the required on-scene emergency aid, if

required, shall be transported to the nearest facility for treatment. All details

of the accident/injury shall be recorded and given to the Dive Team

Commander.

iii. The nearest hospital with a hyperbaric chamber is Chandler Hospital (912)

692-6000.

III. Training

Dive training will be conducted on a monthly basis. The Dive Team Commander will

insure in water training is conducted quarterly as a minimum. In order to maintain a

status as an active diver, the diver must attend (1) one water session per quarter

(required). A skills check off will be conducted annually on all divers (required). Any

diver failing the skills exam will be moved to a support only function. If the diver fails

to attend the required training, he will be moved to a support only status (see Diver

Status). As soon as the diver completed the required training they will be moved back

to an active diver status.

1. Skills:

a. 200 yard swim

b. 10 minute water tread

c. 30 ft. underwater swim

IV. Incident Commander

In actual calls or emergency situations where the Dive Team is required, the Dive

Team Commander will be the incident commander. His/her duties will include but are

not limited to:

1. Provide for the safety and welfare of the Dive Team

2. Remove persons who are endangering the safety of the Dive Team

3. Rapidly evaluate conditions

4. Provide continued command

5. Review Diving Supervisor’s operation plan, make changes as needed

6. Request and assign additional personnel

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7. Coordinate with outside agencies

8. Maintain control of all activities in and around the water

V. Diving Supervisor

For every dive, the WCFR Underwater Search and Recovery Team shall designate

one diver as the Diving Supervisor. He/She will be in a location at the dive site where

he/she can oversea the entire operation. The Diving Supervisor shall be responsible

for:

1. Coordination: Diving shall be coordinated with other known activities in the vicinity,

which are likely to interfere with dive operations:

2. Briefing: The dive team members shall be briefed on:

a. Dive objective

b. Any unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to effect the safety of

the diving operation

c. Any modification to diving or emergency guidelines necessitated by the specific

diving operation

d. Report any physical problems or adverse physiological effects including

symptoms of pressure related injuries.

e. Diver operation debriefing.

3. Dive Planning: Planning of a diving operation shall include considerations of the

safety and health aspects of the following:

a. Diving Mode (Rescue/Recovery)

b. Surface and underwater conditions and hazards

c. Air supply

d. Equipment needed for operation

e. Dive Team assignments

f. Decompression schedules and altitude corrections

g. Entry and exit guidelines and Emergency guidelines

4. Depth: The maximum depth for dives will be 50 feet. Any dive requiring a depth

greater than 50 feet must first be approved by the Dive Supervisor.

5. Air: No Dive Team member will start a dive with less than 2500psi of air in their

tank. All Divers will stop their dive when the air in their tank reaches 500psi.

6. Down Time: For normal weather and water conditions, the maximum down time

for a diver will be 30 minutes. In cold water situations this time will be reduced, by

the Diving Supervisor, prior to anyone entering the water.

7. Tender Support: the line tender will signal the diver to come up after the first ten minutes to check the water conditions and air consumption. If wither are at an extreme, modifications to the dive operation may take place.

8. When to Dive: The time of day and weather conditions as well as the mode of

operation (rescue vs recovery) will dictate this. As a general guideline, we will not

dive at night while in recovery mode. In extremely bad weather conditions, we will

only dive if the Dive Supervisor and the Divers agree that diving will be safe and

only if the operation is in rescue mode.

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9. Hazardous Conditions: The Dive Team will not dive in hazardous materials or in

hazardous conditions as defined by the Dive Supervisor.

10. No-Dive Situations: The Dive Team, as a whole, will determine if the dive

conditions are too dangerous to perform a dive operation. If a dive operation is

already underway, the Dive Team can cancel the operation at any time if the

conditions require a No-Dive.

VI. Scene Evaluation

A successful dive operation depends on an accurate, detailed Scene Evaluation. All of

the following steps must be taken prior to any diver entering the water.

1. En route

a. Nature of the call

b. Water conditions

c. Other Dive Team members notified

d. Weather

e. Other agencies needed

f. Shore or boat search

2. Rescue/Recovery

a. Rescue – the Dive Team will operate in this mode when there is a chance to

save a human life (within one hour of the emergency call, “the golden hour”). If

during a rescue the operation extends beyond the “golden hour” the Dive Team

will switch into the recovery mode.

b. Recovery – the Dive Team will operate in this mode when the goal is not to

save a human life, or after one hour of emergency call.

3. Risk/Benefit Factor

a. Every operation must have assigned risk/benefits (is the risk worth the pay

off?)

b. Subjective in Nature

c. Ninety percent (90%) of Public Safety Diver deaths occur in recovery mode

because of improperly judged risk/benefit factors.

4. Last Seen Point – This is the primary objective when conducting dive operations.

Without a Last Scene Point or physical evidence that suggests a Last Scene

Point, reasons to enter the water are rare.

a. Determination of Last Scene Point

i. Witness interviews

ii. Reference points and objects

iii. Physical evidence

b. Location of Body

i. Victim sinks directly to the bottom in most instances

ii. Will be within a radius of the Last Scene Point equal to the depth of the

water.

c. Witnesses

i. Interview is critical

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ii. Family members should be kept together and informed

iii. Young witnesses are best interviewed by females

iv. Keep witnesses separated during interviews

v. Be compassionate

vi. Always obtain name, address, and phone number of witnesses

d. Reference Points

i. Take witnesses to the exact location where they saw the incident

ii. Don’t use distance estimations, use reference points (divers can be a

reference point)

People tend to exaggerate distance

e. Scene Sketch

i. Must have in every operation

ii. Content

1. Last Scene Point

2. Significant landmarks

3. Measurements and angles

4. Areas covered in search pattern

VII. Pre/Post Dive Check List

1. Pre-Dive Check List

a. Determine Rescue/Recovery Mode

b. Starting pounds per square inch (PSI)

c. Minimum PSI before Diver is required to surface

d. Maximum depth allowed

e. Maximum bottom time in reference to decompression tables

f. Review line signals

g. Review procedures for Dive in trouble

h. Review procedure for found object

i. Equipment safety check

j. Dive knife

i Pressure gauge

ii Regulator and octopus operational

iii Weight belt on properly (right hand release) with proper weight

iv BCD inflator operational via Air on!!!!!!!

2. Post-Dive check List

a. Report any physical problems, symptoms of decompression sickness or air

embolism

b. Report any obstruction encountered underwater

c. Report air pressure to time keeper

d. Perform an equipment check and report any problems

e. Log the dive and turn in a copy to the Dive Supervisor.

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f. All persons on compressed air will remain awake and in the company of

another person for 30 minutes prior to leaving the scene.

VIII. Search Patterns

1. Rescue Diver

a. ALWAYS HAVE A SAFETY DIVER

b. Suited up and ready to dive

c. In boat or at the water’s edge next to tender

d. Must be experienced diver

2. To be Effective:

a. Start at a known point, cover known area, end at a known point

b. Allow for clear communications

c. Adaptable to different environments

d. Sophisticated or expensive equipment not needed

e. Ability to mark location of found object

f. Adaptable to different size objects

g. Simple enough to explain to untrained personnel in emergency situations

h. Does not require large amount of manpower

i. Can be run from shore or boat

j. Allows for buddy diving or one up one down

3. Necessary Equipment

a. Line

i. ¼ inch braided polypropylene line (ski rope)

ii. 600 feet in 200-foot lengths

b. Stuff bags

c. Tender

d. Timekeeper

i. Watch

ii. Compass

iii. Slate

e. Marker buoys

f. Search pattern weight (deep water

operations)

4. Line signals

a. Tender to diver

i. 1 pull – Are you OK?

ii. 2 pulls – Stop, Change directions

iii. 3 pulls – Surface

iv. 4 pulls – Stop! Danger!

b. Diver to Tender

i. 1 pull – I/m OK

ii. 2 pulls – More line

iii. 3 pulls – Found object

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iv. 4 or more pulls – SEND HELP

5. Conditions determining type of search pattern

a. Visibility

b. Depth

c. Bottom contour

d. Number of Divers

6. Rescue Diver should be the most skilled diver

7. One diver is better than two in some search patterns because often time’s two

divers get tangled up among themselves and the ropes. Also two divers stir up the

water twice as fast as a single diver.

8. Patterns: Diver holds the hand closest to the tender (inside hand) and turns to the

inside.

a. Sweep

i. Most versatile

ii. Up to 200 feet possible

iii. Always begin at the Last Scene Point

iv. Tender lines up ends of arks with landmarks or compass points

v. Avoid allowing diver to go ‘shore to shore’, hard on divers ears

vi. If deep drop-off’s, search drop-off’s first, then shallow water

b. Parallel

i. Used for large clear areas

ii. Good for close to shore but poor last scene point

iii. Diver and Tender move together, parallel to each other

iv. Works well at face of dams

v. Good for large objects, large area

vi. Tender can walk along shore or remain stationary

vii. Diver swims parallel to shore and tender until the line ‘snags’ object

c. Boat based

i. Used when Last Scene Point is more than 200 yards off shore

ii. Shallow water (15 feet or less) just as in shore based search

iii. Deep water – needs line connecting to anchoring system (search pattern

weight)

d. Tender duties:

i. Assist diver in suiting up

ii. Review pre-dive check list

iii. Control divers search (in poor visibility search pattern will overlap)

1. Tension on line

2. Communication

3. Direction: Must remain in a fixed position (except in parallel/snag

searches)

iv. Read lines for distance (mark loops in line)

e. Time Keeper Duties

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i. Record Diver and Rescue Diver ‘s PSI

ii. Record the time diver entered and exited the water

iii. Record time, and azimuth that object was found

iv. Record all measurements and angles

f. Divers duties:

i. Locate object

ii. Preserve evidence

iii. Maintain contact with tender

iv. Keep tension on line

v. Surface when air is 500psi

vi. Use proper procedure for recovery of victims and/or

evidence.

IX. Victim Retrieval

1. Rescue Mode

a. Diver

i. Signal tender

ii. Follow the contour of the bottom back to shore. DO NOT immediately

surface with victim. b. Tender

i. Mark line with double loop

ii. Advise Dive Supervisor

iii. Note Reference points

iv. Keep slack out of line

v. Alert medical personnel to stand by

2. Recovery Mode

a. Diver

i. Signal tender

ii. Tie search line to object

iii. Conduct a search of the area

iv. Follow line back to surface, review strategy for recovery

v. Complete investigation (body location, conditions, etc.)

vi. Place object in proper container (body bag), Tupperware container, etc.)

while still in water.

b. Tender

i. Tie double loop in line

ii. Maintain diver control

iii. Get compass reading off line

iv. Keep slack out of line

3. Body Condition:

a. Usually prone, semi-fetal position

b. Rigor mortis – stiffening of muscle tissue (buildup of lactic acid)

c. Rigor mortis – cooling of body (1.5 degrees per hour)

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d. Postmortem lividity – blood settles in points closest to bottom – if not death

may have occurred on surface.

e. Trauma – look for signs

f. Body re-float, factors in

i. Water temperature

ii. Depth

iii. Type of water

iv. Marine life

v. Clothing

vi. Food eaten

X. Vehicle Recovery

1. Rescue Mode

a. Look for signs

i. Tire tracks

ii. Debris

iii. Air bubbles

iv. Oil and gas slicks

b. Severe accidents decrease possibility of cold water near drowning recovery

c. Tow truck is essential

d. Do not use HURST rescue tool underwater

e. Remove victim (s) as soon as possible (may require pulling entire vehicle from

water first)

f. Air pockets in vehicle are rare

g. Most vehicles will float 40 seconds to 1 minute

h. If water is deeper than length of vehicle, vehicle tends to “turn turtle” (vehicle

on its roof)

i. Watch for jagged metal ( in current-approach from downstream)

2. Recovery Mode

a. Once vehicle is found, use two divers to verify position and condition

b. Investigation

i. Is the key in the ignition?

ii. Are the lights on? iii. Is the vehicle in gear? iv. Has the gas pedal been

tampered with?

v. Remove papers from visor, side pouches, glove boxes to prevent being

washed away

vi. Preserve fingerprints when possible, caution handling steer wheel, rear

view mirror, door handles, etc.

vii. Diver should avoid entering submerged vehicle.

c. Removal of vehicle is best with heavy duty nylon webbing (chains or cables are

difficult for divers to handle)

d. Divers and all others remain clear of area, and cable from tow truck, when

vehicle is being removed.

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e. Automobile Recovery - check list – see enclosure #1

XI. Underwater Investigation

1. Finding Evidence

a. Over collect

b. Photograph before collecting if possible

c. Make scene sketch

i. Baseline method

1. Solid straight line

2. run line on land out into water to point parallel to evidence

3. Measurement taken at 90 degrees to line

ii. Triangulation method

1. Two separate permanent points on shore

2. Measurement from each intersects at location of

evidence.

iii. Rectangular method

1. Grid pattern

2. Two stationary points on land

3. Lines run from point and parallel to each other

4. Connecting line runs to reach line past evidence

2. Removing Evidence

a. Preserve evidence whenever possible

b. Avoid plastic bags especially around victims hands

c. Clothing, fabric and particles should be placed on clean, dry paper and air

dried.

d. Don’t leave wet clothing or fabric in plastic bags

e. Unfold papers underwater

f. Firearms CAN discharge underwater, keep pointed away from team members.

XII. Family, Media and other Agencies

1. Family

a. One Dive Team member or designee should be in charge of the family

b. Keep them together and informed

c. Be honest

d. Be compassionate

e. Use victim’s first name

f. If another day is needed to search, arrive at least one hour before family

g. Switch from rescue to recovery mode subtly – use hand signals

h. Use body bag underwater whenever possible

i. Body should be viewed by family at morgue or hospital – NOT at the scene.

2. Media

a. Have Dive Team Spokesman (should know dive team protocols and

operations). This will usually be the Incident Commander or his/her designee. If

Public Affairs Officer is present, he/she should speak to the media (after

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speaking with the Incident Commander). All other persons should refrain from

speaking with the media.

b. Keep media in one area, out of immediate area of the dive operation

c. Keep them informed

d. Do not Alienate unnecessarily

3. Other organizations

a. Must have a good working relationship

b. Dive Team Commander will coordinate with other organizations for assistance.

XIII. Boat Usage

1. The use of a boat and when to launch it will be the decision of the Dive

Supervisor.

2. The motor on the boat will not be run in area where divers are in the water

3. Everyone in the boat will have a personal flotation device.

4. A Dive Flag will be up and displayed while divers

are in the water

5. Check-off on the boat will involve: Launching,

driving, docking, etc. XIV. Emergency Care for

Rescuer/Victim

1. As soon as a victim or victims have been recovered, the Dive Tem will turn the

victim over to EMS for care. If EMS has not arrived on the scene, the Dive Team

will initiate immediate care to the patient as appropriate to medical standards.

2. Local guidelines for near-drowning and cold water near-drowning should be

followed.

3. Diver Emergency Care

a. In the case that an accident happens to a member of the Dive tem, all

operations, will stop until the Diver is removed from the water. Once this takes

place, the Diver should be treated immediately. After treatment for the Diver,

the rescue attempt may continue, after meeting with all divers to insure the

accident does not happen again. In the event that the Dive Team is in recovery

mode, considerations will be given into either terminating the dive or giving

everyone a long break.

XV. Equipment

The Dive Team will use all possible equipment to make an effective rescue. This

equipment will be serviced yearly to ensure proper service. If during training or an

actual call any equipment fails, it should be taken out of service immediately and

brought to the attention of the Dive Supervisor.

The County will be responsible for the cost of the hydrostatic “hydro” test of the air

tanks (required every 5 years), the

Visual Inspection Program (VIP) test (required annually), BCD

inspection/recertification (required annually), and the County will assume full

responsibility for all non-negligent damage that occurs either during training or on an

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actual rescue/recovery dive. Each individual diver will be responsible for all other

maintenance and upkeep of the equipment.

The members will have the following equipment as standard:

1. 1 ea. BCD – can be weighted, but must have quick dump

2. 1 ea. 1st/2nd Stage

3. 1 ea. Compass

4. 1 ea. Depth gauge

5. 1 ea. Pressure gauge

6. 2 ea. Mask

7. 1 ea. Snorkel

8. 1 ea. Set Fins

9. 1 ea. Wet suit 0 5mm

10. 1 ea. Pair of Gloves

11. 1 ea. Set of booties

12. 1 ea. Hood

13. 1 ea. Knife

14. 1 ea. Search Light

15. 1 ea. Small light – backup

16. 1 ea. Tank 8OCU (minimum) – with boot

17. 1 ea. Weight Belt with adequate weight

18. 1 ea. Equipment bag

This equipment is required for each diver.

XVI. River Vs. Lake – Operation

River – any body of water that is moving, either slow or swift.

Lake – any body of water that is completely surrounded by land.

The Dive Team will handle both river and lake operations. Each location will be

treated as the surrounding conditions warrant.

1. River Diving

a. River Diving requires special training when the current is moving faster than 2

mph. In that case, only divers who are trained in swift water rescue will be

allowed to attempt any rescue operations.

b. Any Dive Operation will require at least one diver in an environmental

protection suit (wet suit) downstream with a throw rope. This diver will be

responsible for recovering any Dive Team member that falls into the water and

requires help.

2. Lake Diving

a. Most lake dives can be run from a shore based operation. In that case, there

will be at a minimum Diver, Rescue diver, line tender, time keeper, and Dive

Supervisor for each area searched.

XVII. Communication

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1. Communication on the scene is very essential. This communication will include

verbal as well as radio and hand signals. When using verbal or radio

communication special care should be taken in what is said due to the people

around and the people monitoring and scanners.

2. Whenever possible, restrict radio communications to public information type traffic.

This would be the type of information that does not matter if everyone hears. In the

case of some confidential data deliver the message in person is at all possible.

3. Hand signals are very important on the scene. It allows the rescuers to

communication over long distances, and without sensitive information being

disseminated. When using hand signals, the signal is given and the receiver

repeats the signal to insure that the message is properly understood.

4. Line Signals are the only link from the surface to the diver. All divers will review

the line signals with the tender prior to going underwater.

WCFD #300.07

Emergency Operations/Emergency Vehicle Placement

I. Scope

This standard regulates the placement and positioning of emergency vehicles at fire control and rescue incidents.

Il. General Rules for Positioning Emergency Vehicles

1. Apparatus function shall regulate placement. The first-arriving companies should position themselves to maximum advantage and go to work. Later-arriving units should place themselves in a manner that builds on the initial plan and allows for expansion of the operation. However, at no time shall apparatus be positioned in a manner as to place it in an unnecessarily dangerous position.

2. Apparatus that are not being used should be staged in an uncommitted position that will not congest the incident site and non-essential lights turned off.

3. Then placing or positioning an emergency vehicle at an incident, consider the following items:

a. Leave an access lane open down the center of the street. b. Do not park in such a manner as to make the emergency vehicle an

exposure. c. At fires, attempt to position the apparatus away from heat, smoke,

and guard against building collapse. d. Do not allow the apparatus to become trapped. Allow adequate room

to reposition the apparatus if necessary. e. Beware of overhead power lines. f. Use hose and equipment off of the pumping apparatus at the

immediate scene to maintain better control and so as to not strip from all of the apparatus.

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g. When necessary, an officer shall be assigned to stage apparatus and deploy them per the Incident Commander's request.

h. Do not park too close to another emergency vehicle. Allow sufficient room to deploy hose lines and to remove ladders and other equipment from the vehicles.

4. The first-arriving Engine Company at a fire should normally proceed just past the front of the fire. ("Front" does not necessarily mean the front of the building. It may mean the area of heaviest involvement or primary access.)

5. Position the engine to use its deck gun, floodlights, etc. Take care to leave room for truck or support companies. If the building has a wide frontage, position the engine at the entrance that provides the best access to the fire.

6. Unless otherwise directed, the second arriving Engine Company at a working fire should establish a water supply. If nothing is showing, the second arriving engine should stage at the nearest hydrant (if available) and await orders especially if the first-arriving engine did not lay hose.

7. Truck companies should initially stage in such a position as not to congest the incident scene.

8. Additional arriving companies should stage near the scene and await orders from the INCIDENT COMMANDER or the Staging Officer. Companies should only commit when ordered to do so. These companies should report the number of personnel in their respective companies, as well as their staging location. Example: "Engine 12 is staged one block south with two personnel."

Ill. Medical incidents

1. Additional arriving companies, if the fire department arrives before the medic unit, leave clear access for the medic unit and do not block the incident site.

Due to the danger of oncoming traffic at Motor Vehicle Accidents, park the apparatus so

as to provide a barrier for emergency personnel.

WCFD #300.08

Emergency Operations/Motor Vehicle Fires

I. Scope

This standard was promulgated to ensure the safety of members involved in

suppressing motor vehicle fires.

II. General Procedures

1. It is impossible to completely identify all of the problems that might be encountered

while extinguishing such a fire. Nevertheless, some commonalties do exist, and

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the general procedures of this standard should be followed when combating a fire

in a motorized vehicle.

2. The INCIDENT COMMAND should always remain cautious and assume the worst

until he can be certain that conditions are safe.

3. The first priority at the scene of a vehicle fire is rescue. The INCIDENT

COMMAND must assume that someone is trapped in the burning vehicle until

having ascertained that all of the occupants of the vehicle have been accounted

for and are out of the vehicle.

4. While firefighter safety is always a priority, if a rescue can be effected on a viable

patient, the rescue of the entrapped person shall take priority. Therefore, the

second priority is the safety of the firefighters, rescue workers, and spectators. If

spectators are present, have them removed to a safe distance. Do not place

firefighters and rescue workers in harm’s way unnecessarily. Remember; do not

risk a lot for a little.

5. It is important to have the flow of traffic controlled. The need to minimize the

disruption of traffic in heavily congested areas must be balanced by the need to

provide for the safety of firefighters and rescue workers. Whenever possible, have

law enforcement direct traffic away from the incident.

III. Qualifications

1. All responding personnel shall be at minimum, a Georgia Basic Firefighter,

Module I, certified firefighter.

2. Only approved personnel shall respond to vehicle fires.

IV. Response to Calls

1. Standard Operating Procedures regarding personal protective equipment will be

followed.

2. The passenger in the apparatus shall handle all radio transmissions, read maps,

and serve as the Incident Commander (IC) for the incident until relieved by a

senior officer or more qualified member.

3. Upon arrival, the operator shall park the apparatus up-wind and away from

possible exposure to contaminants from the incident.

4. The IC will give an appropriate scene size-up and request additional manpower

and equipment as needed.

5. Wheel Chocks will be placed on all WCFD apparatus when in park.

6. The apparatus operator shall put the apparatus in-service and begin to deploy

necessary hose lines. The minimum hose line used by the Hinesville Fire

Department on vehicle fires shall be a 1 ½” attack line.

7. Tires on the vehicle involved in the fire shall be chocked prior to start of

extinguishment.

8. The IC will be the nozzle man. He will complete extinguishment, salvage and

overhaul on the vehicle. He will also gather appropriate information on the vehicle

and owner. The information, if available, to be gathered is as follows:

a. Owner’s name, address and telephone number

b. Year, make and model of the vehicle, and

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c. Tag number and vehicle identification number.

V. Minimum Staffing

1. Minimum staffing for apparatus shall be two (2) as outlined in the Emergency

Response Procedures for the

WCFD.

VI. Procedures

1. Fuel spills

a. A fuel tank may be punctured during an accident or may fail during a fire,

thereby causing a spill or runoff. Take precautions to contain the spill and

prevent environmental damage. If the fuel has not ignited, take steps to

minimize the chance of ignition.

b. A variety of fuels are used in motor vehicles. Of particular concern are LNG

and LPG. A leak involving either of these fuels poses special problems, as

does the possibility of a fuel tank rupture due to flame impingement. It is critical

that these vessels be cooled during a fire.

c. Do not turn your back on a burning vehicle, and keep charged hose lines

available after extinguishment in the event of re-ignition.

d. Prohibit smoking.

e. Prevent sparking from tools, saws, etc.

VII. Recommendations

Traditionally, the motor vehicle fire has been considered by firefighters to be routine,

perhaps even boring. A reexamination of our attitudes and perceptions is in order.

Vehicle fires are increasingly dangerous, and firefighters should not become

complacent about them.

WCFD #300.09

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Extrications

I. Scope

This standard regulates the response to and procedures to be taken at Motor Vehicle

Accidents and Extrications.


1. Qualifications

a. All firefighters responding to motor vehicle accidents (MVA) must have

completed and passed a Georgia certified First Responder class, or higher,

and have had a state extrication class on equipment carried on the apparatus.

Personnel shall NOT be considered “certified” until the Fire Officer has their

certifications on file.

b. Only approved rescue personnel shall respond to incidents. Personnel shall be

deemed “approved” by the Fire Coordinator.

c. All personnel will follow procedures for “universal precautions”.

2. Response to Calls

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a. For all calls to Motor Vehicle Accidents and extrications, this department will

utilize the vehicle designated by the Chief as the extrication apparatus.

b. Standard operating procedures regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)

will be followed.

c. The passenger in the unit will handle all radio transmissions, read maps, and

serve as the Incident Commander until relieved by a senior member of the

department or a member that is more qualified.

d. Upon arrival the apparatus operator shall park the apparatus in a manner so as

to provide a barrier between oncoming traffic and the MVA. The operator shall

then begin to prepare the needed tools and equipment for use.

e. All fire department personnel will follow appropriate safety procedures set forth

in the WCFD Department’s Standard Operating Procedures.

3. Minimum Staffing for Extrications

a. Minimum staffing for Motor Vehicle Accidents shall be two (2) qualified

personnel.

b. Extrication calls outside of the WCFD service area will be responded to by the

before mentioned designated extrication apparatus. The passenger of the

vehicle will be the IC until relieved by the department that services that area.

WCFD #300.10

Emergency Operations/Ventilation

I. Scope

This standard applies to incidents involving structures, 01' where the prompt removal of smoke, heat, and other products of combustion are necessary to quickly and safely extinguish the fire.

II. General

l. Prompt and efficient ventilation is necessary to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of smoke, heat, and other contaminants within structures.

2. If unchecked, smoke and heat contribute to property damage and can injure and kill those who become trapped.

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3. Smoke and heat also hinder firefighters in their efforts to perform search and rescue operations as 'Well as suppression.

4. Therefore, it is the policy of this department to provide prompt and proper ventilation in all buildings in which smoke, heat, or other products of combustion are present unless otherwise ordered by the Incident Commander.

III. When to ventilate

1. Ventilation shall always be performed whenever:

2. Heat, smoke, and other products of combustion are present. 3. Hose crews cannot effectively make an interior attack due to excessive

heat and poor visibility. 4 Heat, smoke, and other products of combustion block escape routes for the

occupants of the structure. 5 Manpower permits.

III. When performing ventilation, the following safety precautions should be observed:

1. Read the smoke. Observe conditions that might indicate that the potential for flashover or back draft is present.

2. Never direct hose streams into ventilation openings.

3. Always have charged hose lines in place prior to beginning ventilation.

4. Maintain communications.

5. Wear full protective clothing and SCBA.

6. Always consider structural soundness.

7. Exercise caution whenever using power saws, axes, and other sharp instruments.

8. Remember that improper ventilation techniques may contribute to fire spread.

IV. Types of Ventilation

1 Natural: Accomplished by making use of wind currents. Open the building on the leeward side to allow the smoke to escape, then open the windward side to provide fresh air currents.

2. Mechanical: Use of electric or gasoline powered fans or blowers to evacuate smoke from a building.

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1. Negative pressure: Exhaust smoke from the building.

2. Positive pressure: Blow fresh air into the building to force the smoke out.

3. Horizontal: Generally inflicts less damage to the building than vertical ventilation, since it is typically accomplished through available portals such as doors and windows.

4. Vertical: May also take advantage of natural building features, such as skylights, shafts, and rooftop stairways. Many times, the only option is to cut ventilation openings into the building itself.

WCFD #300.11

Gas Leak/Flammable Liquid Response

I. Scope

This standard regulates the response to and procedures to be taken at Gas

Leak/Flammable Liquid Incidents.


1. Arrival at Scene (gas leak – non liquid):

a. The first arriving Engine shall position itself at a minimum of 200’ upwind from

the leak. Note:

200’ may not be sufficient for propane tanks.

b. Remaining units shall stage at a safe distance and wait for an assignment.

c. A department officer and one firefighter will advance to the area of the gas leak

to determine:

1. Size of leak

2. Source of leak

3. Type of substance leaking

d. The driver/operator and remaining firefighters shall prepare for suppression or

protection assignments.

e. Command or department officer will advise what additional resources are

necessary.

f. If a gas leak is reported within a structure:

1. All units will stage at least 600’ away, upwind. A department officer and one

firefighter will investigate.

g. Any evacuation, if necessary, will be based upon:

1. Size of leak

2. Type of material

3. Type of container

4. Reading from gas detectors

h. Hazard zones shall be established, when necessary. These hazard zones will

be monitored utilizing gas detectors.

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i. Any personnel working in hazard zones shall be in full protective gear including

SCBA.

j. Control ignition sources in the area of the leak, when possible.

2. Arrival at Scene (flammable liquid leak)

a. The first arriving Engine shall position itself upstream/upwind from the liquid

leak.

b. Remaining units shall stage at a safe distance and wait for assignment.

c. A department officer and one firefighter will advance to the area of the leak to

determine:

1. Size of leak

2. Source of leak

3. Type of material leaking

d. The driver/operator and the remaining firefighters shall prepare for suppression

or protection assignment.

e. All personnel working in the hazardous area must wear full protective clothing

including SCBA.

f. Evacuation, if necessary, shall be based upon:

1. Size of leak or spill

2. Type of material

3. Type of container

4. Reading from gas detector

g. Hazard zones shall be established.

h. Control ignition sources, when possible.

i. Restrict product run off into storm sewer, drains, and drainage systems when possible to safely do so.

WCFD #300.12

Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) 2 in/2 out

I. Scope

To establish procedures for rapid rescue of firefighters who are lost/missing,

trapped, or injured while working in a hazardous environment, in accordance with

NFPA 1500.

NOTHING IN THIS SECTION IS INTENDED TO PRECLUDE FIREFIGHTERS FROM

PERFORMING EMERGENCY RESCUE ACTIVITIES BEFORE AN ENTIRE TEAM IS

ASSEMBLED ON THE FIRE GROUND.

Firefighters operating in hazardous areas shall operate in teams of two (2) or

more. Team members operating in hazardous areas shall be in communication

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with each other through visual, audible, or physical means, or by use of a safety

guide rope, in order to coordinate their activities. Team members shall be in

close proximity to each other to provide assistance in case of an emergency.


1. When incident operations involve interior structural firefighting, any DLH

(immediately dangerous to life or health) atmosphere, or any other hazardous

operation, a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) shall be assigned.

2. The INCIDENT COMMAND shall assign a RIT from units dispatched on the initial

alarm, or request an additional unit to respond and perform RIT functions. The

INCIDENT COMMAND shall ensure that sufficient equipment/personnel are

enroute/on-scene to properly staff a RIT.

III. Staffing

1. A RIT shall consist of a minimum of two (2) personnel and shall be available for

rescue of personnel if the need arises.

2. The composition and structure of a RIT shall be permitted to be flexible based on

the type of incident and the size and complexity of operations. The INCIDENT

COMMAND shall evaluate the situation and the risks to operating teams and shall

provide one or more RIT’s commensurate with the needs of the situation.

IV. RIT’s – Function and Responsibilities When assigned to a RIT, the team leader (ranking FF/officer) shall report to the INCIDENT COMMAND. Group leader will coordinate a staging location with the I.C.

1. RIT members shall be in full PPE V. RIT equipment

a. As a minimum, shall consist of:

I Portable radio

Ii Forcible entry tools

Iii Hand lights

b The RIT should also consider:

i Assorted ropes

ii Spare SCBA and masks (for rescue of downed firefighters)

iii Preplans or access plans

iv Other equipment deemed necessary by the INCIDENT COMMAND, or the

group leader.

VI. RIT Group Leader Responsibilities

1. The person designated as the RIT group leader shall obtain a briefing from the

INCIDENT COMMAND and maintain radio contact at all times.

2. Recon the building as a group:

a. Where is the fire? Where is it going? How is it going to get there?

b. Secondary means of ingress/egress?

c. Are there any types of security bars, gates, etc.?

d. Roof type?

e. Number of doors and windows? Locations?

3. Recon nearby apparatus:

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a. Location and availability of closest Engine Company to be used for additional

hose lines, if necessary.

b. Location of nearby vehicles with specialized equipment if necessary.

4. Develop a plan and ensure all members of the group understand it.

5. Maintain control of the group. Do NOT allow freelancing.

6. Monitor progress of working companies’ on-scene and their locations.

VII. RIT Group Member Responsibilities

1. Maintain contact with the group leader. NO FREELANCING

2. Recon the situation/building with the group leader or as directed by the RIT leader.

3. Stay alert. Look, listen, and try to envision what is going to happen.

4. Have assigned tools/equipment in a ready state. Be prepared to get involved.

5. Be mentally prepared. Fight the urge to get involved in firefighting or incident

mitigation. You are the firefighter's safety net.

6. Know the plan. Understand the plan explained by the RIT leader. Know your part.

7. Stay focused on rescue!

VIII. Secondary Functions of the RIT (prior to deployment)

1. Any function on the outside of the structure, that may enhance rescue:

a. Placement/positioning of ventilation fans.

b. Secondary egress ladder

c. Opening doors, etc.

2. No action may be taken to detract from the groups primary responsibility –

RESCUE

3. SCBA must not be used to accomplish secondary tasks.

IX. RIT Deployment Phase

1. The INCIDENT COMMAND or Operations will activate the RIT when it is

determined that a firefighter is lost/missing, trapped, or injured. The INCIDENT

COMMAND or Operations will use the term “URGENT” to announce pertinent

radio information.

2. Consideration will be given to the assignment of a separate radio channel two (2)

for the RIT dependent on the situation and radio traffic.

3. The INCIDENT COMMAND will immediately initiate a Personnel Accountability

Report for all on-scene units.

4. Additional resources will be considered. A stand-by-medical unit (ALS) will be

required for each missing firefighter.

5. The Safety Officer, Operations Officer, and Command shall continually assess the

structural stability of the building.

6. Anticipate media attention when radio traffic announces lost/missing, trapped, or

injured firefighter(s). Ensure a PIO is in place and has the facts.

7. When the RIT is deployed, a replacement group will need to be staffed and staged

for deployment.

X. RIT Responsibility

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The RIT shall be responsible for maintaining a constant awareness of the number and

identity of members operating in the hazard area, their location and function, and time

of entry. The RIT shall remain in radio, visual, voice or signal line communication with

the entry team. Any RIT group member shall be located near the point of entry of the

interior team. The RIT shall be wearing full PPE. RIT group members shall be

permitted to perform other duties outside of the hazard area, such as apparatus

operator or INCIDENT COMMAND, provided that:

1. Constant communication is maintained between the RIT member(s) and the

entry team.

2. These other duties of the RIT member(s) will not inhibit the ability to provide

rapid intervention to the entry team.

3. Abandoning the other duties will not jeopardize the safety and health of any

firefighter.

The assignment of any personnel to the RIT shall not be permitted if, by abandoning their critical task(s) to provide emergency intervention, they clearly jeopardize the safety and/or health of ANY firefighter working at the incident. If, upon arrival at the emergency scene, the initial responding personnel find an imminent life-threatening situation, the officer (or FF) in charge shall evaluate the situation to determine the level of risk involved in attempting the rescue. Risk factors to be evaluated include:

1. The location, stages and size of the fire.

2. The capabilities of on-scene resources.

3. The ability to effect a rescue, given the previous two factors.

If the officer (FF) in charge determines that the rescue attempt involves an acceptable

level of risk, such rescue shall be permitted with less than four personnel assembled

on the scene. The officer (FF) in charge SHALL notify incoming companies PRIOR to

making entry under this exception.

XI. Definitions

Structural Firefighting: The physical activity of fire suppression, rescue, or both,

inside of buildings or enclosed structures which are involved in a fire situation

beyond the incipient stage.

Imminently Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): An atmosphere that poses an

immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would

impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.

Life-Threatening Situation: A situation involving conditions that could reasonably

be determined to cause serious injury or loss of human life, where immediate

action by responders could prevent serious injury or loss of life.

WCFD #300.13

NIMS Incident Command

I. Scope

Command procedures are designed to meet federal guidelines and provide a practical

framework for management of field operations while ensuring the safety of personnel

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and effective integration of the efforts of the responding companies. These

procedures are based on the Model Procedures Guide for Structural Fire Fighting,

First Edition, and Fire Protection Publications.

II. Establish

Command shall be established by the first arriving fire or rescue officer or acting

officer on any scene that requires the commitment of more than two (2) units, unless

command has already been established by a prior arriving unit. For incidents that

require the first on-scene officer to commit to a function position, i.e. (fire attack,

investigation, triage, etc.), he/she shall then transmit the following: “Command is

passed”. This alerts the next due officer to establish “Command”. Both parties shall

confirm the passing of command.

III. Transfer and Termination

“Command” may be transferred for a variety of reasons, but may be transferred only

to an officer of equal or greater rank. “Command” may not be transferred to an officer

of lower rank until the incident has been declared “under control”. A senior ranking

officer may assume “Command” if, based on the size or severity of the incident

he/she determines it would be more appropriate for an officer of greater rank to

function as the Incident Commander, or if he/she determines that the current situation

would be better served by reassigning the command function.

Subsequently arriving senior officers of the department having jurisdiction of the

incident shall exercise one of the following three (3) options:

1. Act as an official observer, in which case no action shall be taken, within the

framework of the Incident Management System.

2. Report to “Command” and place themselves under his/her direction for

assignment.

3. Relieve the existing “Command” and establish themselves as “Command”.

“Command” is terminated when one of the following conditions are met:

1. The incident is operationally resolved and no further action is being

taken.

2. The number of companies operating at the scene is reduced in

number to less than two (2). Termination of “Command” takes place

when the current “Command” officer notifies dispatch (Central) that

“Command is terminated” and all companies are advised of

command termination.

IV. Incident Commander

The Incident Commander is responsible for incident activities/operations, including the

development and implementation of strategic decisions, and for approving and

ordering the release of resources.

Critiques should be held as soon as possible. The INCIDENT COMMAND shall

schedule and preside over the critique, which should include (as much as possible) all

companies, personnel, and/or managers. Large multi-agency critiques will be

presided over by the Operations Chief or the Fire Chief.

The objectives of the critique are:

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1. To review the incidents course of events

2. To identify key roles within the operation

3. To evaluate the strategies and/or tactical plan for effectiveness

4. To identify lessons learned

Critiques shall be conducted in a positive, learning environment.

WCFD #300.14

Incident Command

I. Scope

Command procedures are designed to provide a practical framework for management of field operations while ensuring the safety of personnel and effective integration of the efforts of the responding companies. These procedures are based on the Model Procedures Guide for Structural Fire Fighting, First Edition, and Fire Protection Publications.

Il. Establishment

Command shall be established by the first arriving fire or rescue unit on any scene "Command" is established by radio transmission of the unit's identity coupled with the words " . . . is

Command". Once identified, the Officer shall use the radio designation "Command", i.e. ("Main Street Command to Central"). The "Command" Officer is responsible for requesting additional assistance, assignment of on-scene and arriving units, and decisions of strategy aimed at resolving the incident. The on-scene location of "Command" shall be a position that allows observation of the incident while making "Command" highly visible to other units. Units on scene shall direct communications to "Command" and "Command" shall maintain on-scene communications with dispatch (Central).

III. Command Role

"Command" is the art of directing, ordering, and/or controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal agency, or delegating authority. "Command" is the focal point for all on-scene determinations on a strategic level. "Command" shall identify all "working incidents", and establish/assign an Incident Management System as needed to meet the demands of the incident. "Command" shall determine whether fire attacks are to be offensive or defensive, and shall develop an appropriate plan using the strategic priorities of life safety, incident mitigation and property conservation for incident mitigation, and shall direct on-scene efforts accordingly. "Command" shall communicate with on-scene companies, managers, or sections when established. For "working" or multiple alarm situations, "Command" shall establish a formal command post, utilizing a staff vehicle or other unit not placed in a function position. "Command" shall determine when the incident is resolved, releasing units and downgrading operations.

IV. Strategic Level includes but is not limited to

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l. Determine strategy

1. Establishment of overall objectives

2. Setting priorities

3. Development of an action plan

4. Obtaining/assigning resources

5. Predicting the outcome and planning for future events

6. Assigning specific objectives to tactical level units

V. Command Devices

Several items provided for "Command" to improve or facilitate the functions of "Command" are identified below, with their usage.

Command Vests: Reflective vests identify the wearer's function within the Incident Management System. A complete set of vests shall be carried by the Shift Supervisor, and by the department Chiefs. The officer that has assumed the position of "Command" shall wear the "Command" vest at any time he/she is out of the command post unit and at all times on incidents requiring a second or greater alarm where identification is needed. Command staff, section, branch, division, group or sector vests shall be worn by the personnel assigned to those roles at all incidents requiring a second or greater alarm. Managers involved in actual firefighting activities, i.e. (interior, fire attack group, ventilation group, etc.) shall not be required to wear vests. Command Worksheets: Used by "Command" or his/her assistant to track and record units and activities on-scene. Worksheets shall be used at all working incidents and attached to the incident report for the permanent record.

VI. Transfer and Termination

"Command" may be transferred for a variety of reasons, but may be transferred only to a member of equal or greater rank. "Command" may not be transferred to a member of lower rank until the incident has been declared "under control". The senior ranking officer will assume "Command" upon their arrival "on-scene" but not until he/she actually arrives.

Command Officers from other departments shall make themselves available to "Command" for assignment or consultation. If a transfer of "Command" is to take place, the following guidelines shall apply ensuring a formal transfer and the maintaining of continuity of incident control.

The senior officer assuming "Command" shall notify the existing Command Officer of their intent to do so in a "face-to-face" meeting, unless this is impossible due to circumstances or conditions. The officer being relieved shall brief the officer assuming command on the following:

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1. General situation status. 2. Primary problem or fire location and the current conditions and

probabilities.

3. Current effectiveness of the operation in place and a review of the tactical worksheet.

4. Established strategic objectives.

5. The assignment and deployment of operating companies.

6. The resources located in staging and/or rehabilitation.

7. Safety consideration.

All rules for the establishment of "Command" shall apply to transfer. The new "Command Officer" shall advise dispatch (Central) of the change. Any changes in established strategic or tactical priorities shall be communicated to all companies operating at the incident. The most senior officer assuming command at any incident shall be responsible for signing the incident report. The response and arrival of higher-ranking officers should serve to strengthen the management of the incident, but not detract from a centralized "Command". Arrival of senior officers in of itself does not constitute a transfer or sharing of "Command".

"Command" is terminated when one of the following conditions are met:

1. The incident is operationally resolved and no further action is being taken.

Termination of "Command" takes place when the current "Command" officer notifies dispatch (Central) that "Command is terminated" and all companies are advised of' command termination.

VIl. Command Section Functions and Roles

Complex emergency situations may exceed the capability of one officer to effectively manage the entire operation. It may be necessary to divide the responsibilities through the use of branches, divisions, groups, and sectors to reduce the span of control of "Command" into more manageable units, allowing "Command" to communicate with assigned principle individuals rather than individual companies.

The following are guidelines for common terminology and functions of the Incident

Management System. Each incident is different and may require the use of a small part of an Incident Management System or the entire concept. This procedure will provide an array of major functions, which may be selectively implemented according to the needs of the situation.

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VIll. Incident Commander

The Incident Commander is responsible for incident activities/operations, including the development and implementation of strategic decisions, and for approving and ordering the release of resources.

IX. Safety Officer

1. A Safety Officer shall be designated or considered at all incidents involving high risk to personnel. These incidents include, but are not limited to:

• Working structure fires • Haz-Mat operations • Technical or special rescue • Extrication involving displacement of vehicle components • Large scale or live fire training evolutions • Structural collapse of potential collapse

2. The Safety Officer shall report directly to the Incident Commander.

3. The Safety Officer is responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and/or unsafe situations or practices and developing measures for assuring personnel safety. The Safety Officer is authorized to exercise emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe operations when immediate action is required and shall notify the Incident Commander at the earliest possible moment of the circumstances warranting such action.

4. The Safety Officer shall ensure that adequate rehabilitation provisions are available when needed and that the Rehab Sector provides appropriate medical screenings before returning personnel to incident operations.

5. The Safety Officer shall not be assigned to any operation or function not directly related to personnel and scene safety.

X. Public Information Officer

The Public Information Officer is responsible for information related to the incident and the release of that information to the news media and other appropriate agencies or organizations.

XI. Liaison Officer

The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for representatives from other assisting and cooperating agencies, i.e. (Red Cross, law enforcement, public works, etc.).

Xll. Operations

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The role of the Operations Section consists of many different areas. As a unit of the general administrative staff, the Operations Section is responsible for the management of all operations directly applicable to the primary mission. It is the responsibility of the Operations Section to activate and supervise organizational elements in accordance with the incident command plan and to direct and execute these elements. The Operations Section shall also direct the preparation of unit operation plans, request and/or release resources and suggest expedient changes to the overall incident commander.

1. Roles and Responsibilities of the Operations Section

Manage incident tactical activities Coordinate activities with the Incident Commander Implement the Incident Action Plan Assign resources to tactical level areas based on tactical objectives

and priorities Build an effective organizational structure through the use of

branches/divisions/groups/sectors Provide tactical objectives for branches/divisions/groups/sectors Control staging Determine needs and request5 additional resources Consult with and inform other sections and the Incident Command

Staff as needed

2. Staging

The Staging Officer is responsible for managing all activities within the staging area. The Staging Officer reports to the Operations Section or Planning Section when activated.

3. Rehabilitation (Rehab)

The Rehabilitation Officer is responsible for managing all activities within the Rehab area. The Rehab Officer reports to the Operations Section or the Logistics Section when activated.

a. The Rehab Officer shall:

Find and establish an appropriate area for rehab within the following criteria: out of the way, safe from the incident, protected from the weather, with access for rehabilitation units.

Communicate the location of rehab to “Command” Obtain liquid refreshments, oxygen supplies, ice packs, and

an EMS unit capable of advanced life support (Paramedic). Observe personnel and watch for exhaustion, injuries, or

stress problems.

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Ensure that personnel drink fluids, cool off and have vitals checked. (Supply oxygen as needed). “Command” shall be notified of personnel relieved.

Maintain a list of personnel that are moved through Rehab. Keep supplies ahead of demand. Rotate crews back to staging after they have been fully

rehabilitated.

XIV. Branches

The Branch Manager shall report to the Operations Section when activated. It is the responsibility of the Branch Manager to implement an assigned portion of the Incident Management Plan, assign resources within the branch and report progress of Control Operations and the status of resources within the branch. Branch is an organizational level having function/geographic responsibility for major segments of incident operations. The branch level is organizationally between section and division/group/sector•. Branch designation shall be determined by Command's needs.

XII. Divisions

The Division Manager shall report to the Operations Section or Branch Manager when activated. It is the responsibility of the Division Manager to implement an assigned portion of the Incident Management Plan, assign resources within the division and report on the progress of Control Operations and the status of resources within the division. Divisions are geographical and are typically interior/inside in nature. Designation shall be determined by Command's needs.

XV. Groups

The Group Manager shall report to the Operations Section or Branch Manager when activated. It is the responsibility of the Group Manager to implement the assigned portion of the Incident Management Plan, assign resources within the Group, and report on the progress of Control Operations and the status of the resources within the Group. Groups are generally functional in nature. Designation shall be determined by Command's needs.

XVI. Sectors

The Sector Manager shall report to the Operations Section, Branch Manager, or Division Manager when activated. It is the responsibility of the Sector Manager to implement the assigned portion of the Incident Management Plan, assign resources within the sector and report on the progress of Control Operations and the status of the resources within the sector. Sectors are generally geographical in nature and are considered the smallest increment of dividing a geographical area. Designation shall be determined by Command's needs.

XVII. Task Force

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A group of any type of resources, with common communications and a leader, temporarily assembled for a specific mission. Task Forces shall report to the Operations Section, Branch or Division Managers when activated.

XVIII. Branch/Division/Group/Sector

Branch/Division/Group/Sector Manager procedures provide an array of major functions, which may be selectively, implemented according to the needs of a particular situation. This places responsibility for the details and execution of each particular function on a Branch/Division/Group/Sector Manager. The primary function of the officer working, as a "Manager" is to direct the operations of the crews assigned in his/her Branch/Division/Group/Sector. Officers will advise their Branch/Division/Group/Sector Manager of their progress and requests. The Branch/Division/Group/Sector Manager will then give requests to "Command",

XIX. Examples of geographical assignments are

Branches, Divisions, Side 1,2,3,4, roof, interior, exposure, floor, etc.

XX. Examples of Function Groups are

Branches, Extrication, Ventilation, Attack, Medical, etc.

When establishing a Branch/Division/Group/Sector, The INCIDENT COMMANDER will assign each manager:

Tactical objectives A radio designation (Roof Division, Side 2, Attack Group, Ventilation Group,

Division 3, Haz-Mat Sector, etc.). The identity of resources assigned.

All Branch, Division, Group, and/or Sector Managers shall ensure that the following protocols are adhered to:

Keep in contact with Command (through the Operations Manager if established), work within the strategic and tactical goals set by "Command" and terminate freelancing activities.

Complete objectives assigned by Command. Account for all assigned personnel. Ensure operations are conducted safely. Monitor work progress. Request additional resources as needed through Command/Staging. Provide Command with essential and frequent progress reports. Re-allocate resources within the Division/Sector/Group. Ensure that Search and Rescued is complete within assigned areas. Maintain the safety of the crews within the sector and enforce proper safety

practices.

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Advise ‘Command”, (through the Operations Manager if established), of progress, current conditions, and needed resources; and notify “Command” when objectives are met.

Control fire stream applications in their respective sectors and coordinate fire attack with the adjacent sectors.

Request rotation of personnel and crews when indicated by the physical condition of personnel in their assigned sector.

Command must be advised immediately of significant change, particularly those involving the ability or inability to complete an objective, hazardous conditions, accidents, structural collapse, etc.

XXI. Geographical Sectoring 1. Incident sites, or the primary structure at structure fire incidents shall be

identified by geographical areas to easily identify specific areas.

Side 1 The address front of the structure. If no address side is obvious, “Command” shall designate side 1.

Side 2 The exterior part of the structure directly to the left of side 1 and opposite of side 4.

Side 3 The exterior part of the structure directly to the left of Side 2 and opposite of Side 1.

Side 4 The exterior part of the structure directly to the left of Side 3 and opposite of Side 2.

2. Exposures:

Exposure A The exposure directly across from Side I

Exposure B The exposure directly across from Side 2

Exposure C The exposure directly across from Side 3

Exposure D

2. Other areas:

The exposure directly across from Side 4

Roof the top most exterior of the structure

Interior the inside of the primary fire structure

Command may assign other geographical locations or sectors as needed by using a reference point.

XXII. Planning

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The Planning Section is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information about the development of the incident, and the status of resources. Information is needed to understand the current situation, predict the probable course of events, and prepare alternate strategies for the incident.

Planning is responsible for but not limited to the following:

Evaluating current strategy and planning future strategic goals for/with

Command Maintaining resource status and accountability Refining and recommending any needed changes to plan with Operation

input Evaluating incident organization and span of control

Forecasting possible outcome(s) Evaluating future resource requirements

Utilizing technical assistance as needed Evaluating tactical priorities, specific critical factors, and safety Gathering, updating, improving, and managing situation status with a

standard systematic approach Coordinating planning needs with outside agencies Planning for incident demobilization Maintaining incident records

XXIII. Logistics

The logistics section is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials to support units assigned to the incident.

Logistics is responsible for, but not limited to the following:

Providing for medical aid for incident personnel and managing Rehab

Coordinating immediate critical incident stress debriefing function Providing and managing any needed supplies and equipment Forecasting and obtaining future resource needs (coordinate with Planning

Section) Providing for communication plans and any needed communications

equipment Providing fuel and needed repair for equipment Obtaining specialized equipment or expertise per Command Providing food and associated supplies Securing any needed fixed or portable facilities Providing for other logistical needs requested by Command Supervising assigned personnel

XXIV. Assignment

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"Command should begin to assign the appropriate sectoring, under the following

circumstances:

When "Command" foresees a situation, which will eventually involve a number of companies (or crews) beyond his/her capability to directly control.

When "Command" can no longer effectively manage the number of companies (crews) currently involved in the operation.

When companies are involved in complex interior operations.

When companies are operating from tactical positions over which "Command" has little or no control.

When the situation demands close company control because of structural conditions hazardous materials, heavy fire load, etc.

The most fundamental level of assigning resources shall be used on working structure fires requiring the commitment of the first alarm companies. This may consist of one (l) officer inside the structure (interior, fire attack, etc.) and one (l) officer outside the structure at either the point of attack access or on an assigned Side of the structure by "Command". All officers shall use the appropriate location designation as his/her radio identification. Example: Interior Attack Group to “Command”

XXV. Section Officers Geographical/Function Managers

Each "Section, Branch, Division, Sector, or Group Manager" shall be responsible for the tactical deployment of the units and resources assigned to that "Section, Branch, Division, Group, or Sector" and for communicating its needs and progress to "Command".

"Section, Branch, Division, Group or Sector Managers" should follow the following protocols:

Use Sector, Branch, Division, and Group or Sector designation in ALL radio transmission. i.e.: (Roof Sector to... Ventilation Group to... Attack Group)

"Managers" must remain mobile enough to stay with the companies that they are supervising.

Routine communications with a manager shall be made via non-radio modes, whenever possible.

XXVII. General Guidelines for "Command" Application:

Freelancing by personnel, officers, companies and/or managers will not be tolerated. Offenders will be removed from the operation to ensure safe conditions for others.

“Command” alone will determine be utilized. All managers, companies, and personnel shall adhere to the established strategies.

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Orders from "Command" take precedence over all others and shall be carried out without delay, unless immediate and extreme danger to public and/or personnel would result. “Command” will be advised of any delay and reason for the delay. All personnel at an incident have a responsibility and obligation to communicate changing conditions or hazardous situations, through their Company Officer or Manager, to "Command".

Communication discipline at an incident must be maintained in order to achieve a safe and effective operation. The chain-of-command shall be honored and all nonessential communication kept to a minimum.

All other applicable SOP’s should be followed to ensure standardized operations. Deviations must be reported to “Command”

“Command” shall communicate to dispatch (Central) and all units on-scene the following progress marks, based on reports from Sectors and following the strategic/tactical plan.

"Command" established with an offensive or defensive strategy Working fire or working incident Water on fire (upon the first application) Water supply established (upon completion of an uninterrupted supply

source) Primary search complete (with either “all clear” or the number of victims

found) Ventilation indicated (when first ventilation progress is seen) Exposures protected (if applicable) Fire knocked down Secondary search completed (with either “all clear” or the number of

victims found) Situation under control (when the units on scene can handle the

situation and no further escalation is indicated and the majority of the hazard is abated)

Patients transported (if applicable) Fire out (when “heavy overhaul is completed) “Command” is terminated (as per SOP)

Critiques should be held as soon as possible. The INCIDENT COMMANDER shall schedule and preside over the critique, which should include (as much as possible) all companies, personnel, and/or managers. Large multi-agency critiques will be presided over by the Operations Chief or the Fire Chief.

The objectives of the critique are:

To review the incidents course of events To identify key roles within the operation To evaluate the strategies and/or tactical plan for effectiveness To identify lessons learned

Critiques shall be conducted in a positive, learning environment.

WCFD #300.15

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Size-up

I. Scope

In order to initiate the evaluation of an incident, the first arriving company will transmit

a size-up as soon as possible after arrival. Size-up serves to advise other responding

units of the expected situation, and to advise command officers and central dispatch

of the nature of the incident.


1. Structure Fire/Automatic Alarms:

a. Unit designation (unit arriving on scene)

b. A brief description of the incident situation (i.e., building type, occupancy)

c. Obvious conditions (working fire, location of fire, fire conditions (room and

contents, fully involved) any evacuation in progress, exposure potential )

d. Declaration of initial strategy (offensive, defensive, rescue, etc.)

e. Any obvious safety concerns

f. Assumption, identification, and location of Command

g. Initial action planned

h. Requesting of, release of, resources as required

2. Medical Emergencies:

a. No size-up is necessary unless multiple patients are involved.

3. Vehicle Fires:

a. Type and /or size of the vehicle, portion of the vehicle involved in fire, and

any exposure problems

4. Brush/Woods/Trash fires:

a. Size of the fire, specific location (if possible), direction of spread and

exposures

5. Motor Vehicle Collisions:

a. Number of vehicles involved, degree of damage (light, moderate, and

heavy), road blockage, number of injuries

6. Extrication:

a. Describe the scene, number of patients, and degree of the entrapment 7.

Aircraft:

b. Size and type of aircraft, fire conditions, evacuation, entrapment, planned

actions 8. Miscellaneous:

a. Describe the situation – any special hazards (Hazmat, wires down, structural failure, gas leaks, etc.), any information that would assist Command and/or dispatch

b Give an IDEAL Size-up (Identify unit, Describe what you see, Explain what you plan to do, Assume command, and Let incoming units know what you want them to do or where you want them to go.

WCFD #300.16

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Adverse Weather Operations

I. Scope

This SOP provides guidance for companies encountering severe weather conditions

during field operations. Company officers should use discretion to alter their functions

should conditions change rapidly.

1. Heavy Rain:

a. Heavy rain should not have any effect on fire/rescue functions except that extra

care should be taken while driving, and to protect patients/fire victims from the

weather.

2. Lightning:

a. Lightning storms are common in our response area and are encountered

frequently by fire/rescue units. Personnel not actively involved in emergency

operations should remain inside apparatus or structures during periods of

lightning. Aerial operations should be halted during lightning conditions, and

the use of ladders should be limited to Life Safety purposes only.

3. Wind:

a. Sustained wind conditions can be very hazardous. At sustained wind speeds

above 35 MPH, aerial operations should be halted.

b. Sustained wind speeds above 50 MPH, only critical fire/rescue operations

should be undertaken, and all vehicles with high profiles and lightweight should

not be used.

c. At sustained wind speeds of 70 MPH or higher, all fire/rescue units should

remain in shelter.

d. Personnel operating outside in sustained wind conditions above 30 MPH will

wear helmets and full turnout gear to protect from flying debris.

4. Hail:

a. When encountering hail conditions, all personnel will wear full protective

clothing, and company officers shall use discretion to determine if personnel

should seek shelter.

5. Tornadoes:

a. When a tornado or funnel cloud is observed in the field, companies should

move away from it at right angles to its direction of travel, if possible. If

proximity to the tornado prevents escape, the apparatus shall be abandoned

and personnel should seek shelter and keep together.

b. If a tornado is observed while in quarters, personnel should mount the

apparatus and move away as indicated above, if it can be done safely, and

time permitting.

6. Flooding:

a. Company officers must exercise considerable judgement and discretion

relative to personnel safety when encountering flooded areas. In rapidly

moving water more than two (2) feet deep, personnel shall use a lifeline and

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wear approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs). Particular care should be

used to avoid run-off areas, drains, open manholes, and ditches.

b. Also, extreme caution should be used when traversing flooded areas, or areas

with rapidly moving water, in vehicles.

7. General:

a. Any severe weather conditions should be reported immediately to dispatch and

the senior officer on duty. Safety of personnel and the general public must be

the first priority of officers commanding units in the field.

b. Damage to equipment and/or apparatus due to weather must be reported

immediately, and documented.

8. Hurricanes:

a. See WCFR Fire Department Hurricane LEOP

WCFD #300.17

Wildland Fire Management

I. Scope

Priorities for fighting wildland fires differ from structural firefighting.

1. Wildland firefighting priorities are:

a. Protection of life (firefighter, civilian)

b. Protection of property

c. Fire Containment

WCFD #300.18

Multiple Story Fire Operations

I. Scope

This procedure shall act as a guide for operations by the Fire Department in dealing

with fire or smoke conditions in structures more than two stories in height. These

procedures are based on the Model Procedures Guide for high-rise Firefighting, First

Edition, Fire Protection Publications.

1. Arrival at incident:

a. All units shall follow SOG’s for Size-up and Incident Management.

b. Any fire showing or the encountering of a body of smoke shall result in at least

a second alarm being called.

c. The first arriving Engine or Truck (operating as an engine) Company shall

proceed to the reported fire or smoke floor in full turnout gear and SCBA, and

shall have with them forcible entry tools. A utility rope and/or lifeline rope shall

also be taken whenever possible.

d. The second arriving Engine Company shall stand by at the nearest hydrant

and await instructions.

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e. The first arriving Truck Company shall place and set up to provide access to

the fire floor or egress from above the fire floor, if so indicated by conditions.

Otherwise, the first arriving Truck Company is to establish initial control of

evacuees, or function as directed by Command.

f. The INCIDENT COMMAND shall follow the Incident Management SOG.

Command shall be established preferably at a visible exterior location.

g. Subsequent arriving Chief Officers shall consult with Command. Command

shall remain at the ground level. Chief Officers shall assume positions as

assigned by Command.

h. Subsequent arriving units shall stage, unless they receive an assignment from

Command.

2. General Considerations:

a. Fire environment; fire floor location, building construction, and unreliable water

supply dramatically increase operational problems in high-rise buildings. The

fire environment is severely affected by:

1. Slab construction

2. Heavy, sealed windows

3. Intense heat and smoke 4. Limited means of ventilation 3. General

Operations:

a. Determine the fire floor location as soon as possible. Locate the fire.

b. Determine floors on which smoke has been reported.

c. Simultaneously, or when possible, begin the process of controlling

evacuation.

d. When present, gain control of buildings systems:

• Elevators

• HVAC systems

• Communications equipment

• Fire pumps

e. Staging for firefighting operations shall be just off a designated stairwell

one floor below the fire floor, or as designated by Command.

f. At no time shall any fire department personnel assigned to suppression

functions proceed into the fire structure without full protective clothing,

including SCBA.

g. With the exception of emergency traffic, communications between

Command and the fire floor shall take priority over all other

communications.

h. Confine and extinguish the fire.

i. Deploy hose lines on the floor above the fire to control extension, as

needed.

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j. Serious incidents will require a large commitment of personnel and

equipment because of extensive logistic problems and a need for

frequent personnel changes.

4. Evacuation:

a. Evacuation, if necessary, shall be in the following priority:

• Fire Floor

• Floor above the fire floor

• Top floor of structure

• Other floors, working downward from the top floor.

b. Command shall designate a medical sector and all evacuees shall be directed

to that location where EMS personnel shall check for injuries.

c. Elevators shall not be used for evacuation of occupants, unless authorized to

do so by Command.

WCFD #300.19

Civil Disturbance

I. Scope

Upon initiation of any moderate to large scale civil disturbance, the following

procedures are to be considered in the decision making process when responding to

fire and rescue related emergencies.

1. Philosophy:

a. Fire department personnel and/or equipment are not to be used for disturbance

control, or combative intervention against any perpetrators.

b. At all times, decisions are to be made in the interest of reasonable degrees of

safety for responding personnel and equipment, balanced against the

department’s responsibility to the public for emergency fire response.

2. Operations:

a. Response/Staging

1. Warning lights, sirens, and horns are not to be used normally in responding

within impacted areas.

2. The staging of fire/rescue units is anticipated in order to provide Command

with an opportunity to evaluate the safety and security considerations for

fire/rescue personnel.

3. All fire/rescue mutual aid units assigned to the incident(s) or in the staging

area(s) are to be fully informed of situations as they develop. The safety of

mutual aid units will receive the same priority as HFD units.

4. Responding units shall not knowingly travel through high-risk areas while

enroute to emergency/non-emergency calls.

5. Request to use a fire station for law enforcement staging and/or command

post, or the use of fire department apparatus, must be approved by the Fire

Chief or his designee.

b. Tactical

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1. Where appropriate, a heavy stream application followed by a rapid

withdrawal may be used for fire suppression. This should be based on

reasonable judgement and evaluation of the relative loss/risk factors which

shall be used in determining if a fire should be fought or not.

2. As attaching supply lines to a hydrant would impede the immediate

withdrawal of units, the use of hydrants will be with the expressed

permission of the I.C.

3. Equipment:

a. Where practical, backup equipment may be used to prevent damage to

first line fire apparatus.

b. Tools and devices that could be used as weapons against fire/rescue

personnel shall be kept inside the vehicle compartments for safety.

c. At all times, full protective equipment shall be worn.

WCFD #300.20

AIR EVAC (Medical Helicopters)

I. Scope

This standard defines the parameters of the department's response to AIR EVAC

Landings. It was promulgated to establish procedures to be followed by the

department for AIR EVAC Landings.

II. General

1. Response to this type of location is done as a courtesy and is not a requirement. If

another call is received requiring the engine company to respond they my clear

and will advise central they are responding to the other call and leaving the

location they are at. Should an actual emergency occur either in flight or during

landing/take off it will be required that an Engine Company be at the location.

2. This includes landing pads at hospitals and airports.

3. Vehicle position shall be in a manner that will protect the crew should an aircraft

accident occur.

4. No hand lines are to be pulled or hydrant connections are to be made prior to aircraft landing. Only exception would be to wet down the landing zone area to help eliminate dirt and debris from flying and creating a hazard. If this is done all lines will be pulled back to the engine and out of the landing area prior to aircraft attempting to land.

III. Responsibility

1. Safety, Coordination and Operation of Scene Flights

a. Notify Communications Center of Need for Air Medical Transport

i. First Responders my request Aircraft be placed on standby but cannot

request an actual scene flight. This request can only come from the EMS

crew. If the EMS crew asks that you call for them because they are busy

with patient care, this is acceptable.

b. Patient Considerations

i. Notify if hazardous materials are involved.

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ii. Patient weight – aircraft lift capacity is decreased in hot weather.

Select Landing one (LZ) location at or near incident site.

ii. Personnel involved in firefighting/rescue operations at scene shall wear

turnout gear and helmet at a minimum.

iii. 100’ X 100’ minimum at night and 50’ X 50’ daytime preferably 100’ X 100’

or larger anytime. This can vary according to aircraft size. LZ shall be

clear of obstructions/overhead wires.

iv. Less than 10 degrees slope.

v. Roadway, school, parking lot, or field.

vi. Use GPS locator and give Latitude, Longitude (deg, Min, Sec) Example: N 81° 31.4 by W 31°86.5, would be read as 81 degrees 31 minutes 4 seconds North and 31 degrees 86 minutes 5 seconds west.

vii. If GPS is unavailable give street or highway and closest Cross Street. The

pilot can get approximate latitude/longitude from that.

d. Select Ground Contact & Radio Frequency

i. Incident Commander will inform central they are the point of contact for

the aircraft. IC will be the point of contact for any communications with the

aircraft.

ii. If command is not known at the time, central gives scene information to

Aircraft.

iii. Frequencies – FIRE, EMS and HEAR can be used to communicate with

the air ambulance.

2. Before the Helicopter Arrives

a. LZ Inspection

i. Clear of debris and unsecured materials

ii. Brush, grass no taller than knee high.

iii. If the ground is dusty it can be wet down to stop most of it from

creating a dust cloud from the rotor was and affecting landing and

takeoff.

b. Prepare an LZ brief description

i. Note overhead wires, light standards, radio towers, fences,

obstructions, or other hazards in relation to compass bearings (N, S,

E, and W).

ii. Note surface winds and visibility.

c. LZ Safety and Security

i. Maintain a 100’ perimeter for bystanders, from aircraft arrival to

departure.

ii. Personnel protective equipment (vision and hearing protection)

should be utilized.

iii. A hand line is not required for helicopter landing or takeoff and

should not be pulled for that purpose. All personnel will go to safe

location (i.e., behind engine) during landing and takeoff of aircraft.

d. LZ Lighting Issues

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i. Emergency vehicle lights assist in noting location

ii. Flares are okay if not a fire hazard due to the helicopter downwash.

Chemical light sticks are also acceptable but must be secured to

something that will not move.

iii. Do not spotlight overhead hazards or shine any lights in the

direction of the aircraft.

e. Brief the pilot prior to arrival, noting locations of known hazards in the LZ

area.

f. Remain in two-way radio contact throughout landing.

g. Be prepared to call off landing if LZ or helicopter approach becomes

unsafe.

3. While in the LZ

a. Do not approach the helicopter until the rotor blades have stopped or

directed by the crew.

b. Approach the helicopter only from the front, (or side if appropriate to the

model of helicopter) in view of the pilot and as directed by the flight crew.

c. Never approach from behind.

d. Do not walk around the tail, even when aircraft is shut down.

e. Maintain the LZ security and light restrictions at all times.

f. Review known hazards with the pilot before aircraft departure.

4. Helicopter Departure

a. Clear all ground personnel away from the helicopter before engines start.

b. No one may approach after engines are started.

c. Re-establish two-way radio contact with pilot and confirm the LZ is secure.

d. Notify the pilot immediately if an unsafe situation develops.

5. LZ Brief Example

“Central #, this is (LZ Command).

The landing zone is a (roadway, school, parking lot, field), surrounded by (street

trees, buildings, fences), approximately (dimensions), marked by (strobes, lights,

flares, cones).

Obstacles and hazards in the area are (wires, light standards, radio towers,

fences) to the (note in each compass direction).

Clearest path of approach is from the (direction).”

6. Landing Zone Safety

a. Have designated landing zone contact.

b. Do not approach the helicopter unless signaled by the pilot or crew.

c. When signaled, walk slowly toward the helicopter. Do not hold anything

above your head.

d. Remove your hat and other loose articles.

e. Always approach or leave from the front (or side if appropriate to the model

of helicopter) in view of the pilot. Never approach from behind.

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f. No one is permitted within 20 feet of a moving rotor system unless

otherwise directed by the pilot.

At no time will personnel approach or go near the tail rotor of the helicopter.

g. No smoking at any time or within 100 feet of the aircraft.

h. No running within 50 feet of the aircraft.

i. No loose articles allowed near the aircraft.

j. Flat surface, 100’ X 100’ is preferred.

k. No obstacles near the landing zone, such as wires, trees, fence rows, etc.

l. When the helicopter has landed on a slope, always approach and depart

the helicopter on the downhill side.

m. NEVER walk downhill toward the helicopter, not should you walk uphill

away from the helicopter.

n. No vehicles, including ambulances or police cars, within 20 feet of the

aircraft.

o. Due to rotor down wash, debris will be blown around during landing and

take offs. Always protect your eyes and the eyes of the patient.

p. In compliance with FAA Regulations, the pilot is the final authority for any

safety of flight issues, including, but not limited to accepting a flight,

selection of a landing zone, continuation or cancellation of a flight due to

weather, loading and curing of equipment, or any other issue relevant to the

operation of the helicopter.

WCFD #300.21

Confined Space Rescue

I. Scope:

Historically, across our nation, many rescuers have lost their lives attempting to

unsafely rescue other fatalities located in confined spaces. Facilities and

businesses that have confined spaces are required to provide on-site rescue

capabilities according to OSHA. Our department should only be called to assist

private industry with rescue operations if they are performing their job properly.

OSHA will likely thoroughly investigate all accidents in confined spaces so it is

imperative that operations be safely conducted and recorded. As an example,

companies are required to have a retrieval device set up prior to conducting work

in a confined space.

II. Operations:

Confined space operations shall comply with NFPA 1670 Chapter 7 Confined

Space standards.

III. First Arriving Unit:

The first arriving officer should establish command and begin a size-up. Command

should then assess the situation and request assistance from the Jesup Fire

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Department to assist us with their confined space rescue teams. Command shall

request an ambulance to stand by on the scene.

IV. Size-up:

Command must make a careful size-up before deciding on an action plan. It may be

necessary to take immediate action to make a rescue, but this should only be done if

there is equipment available that limits the risk of Fire Department personnel.

V. Action Plan:

Based on the initial size-up and any information available, Command will have to

formulate an action plan to deal with the situation. Many times individuals will want

action taken that could risk the lives of the rescue personnel. The Action Plan Should

Include The Following:

a. Isolate the scene and establish “Hot” (working), “Warm” and “Cold” zones

b. Remove all “un-trained rescuers to the cold zone”. This may require assistance

from a police agency

c. Find a responsible party or a witness to the accident

d. Locate the confined space entry permit or any other available information about

the space

e. Determine the number of victims and their potential location if possible

f. Determine the length of time the victims have been down and their potential

survivability.

g. Determine if the situation is a rescue or recovery operation

h. Determine what potential hazards are associated with the confined space involved

(hazardous materials, low oxygen levels, engulfment hazards, etc.)

If the victim is attached to a body harness and retrieval line, the rescuers may lift the

victim from the confined space area. Caution must be used if it is determined that the

victim is viable and further injury may occur during the rescue. Conditions may allow

further medical treatment be provided to the victim before removal from the confined

space. A body harness, seat harness, or wristlets may be lowered to an uninjured or

slightly injured victim for removal from the space.

VI. Safety:

Specific hazards to be aware of in a confined space:

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a. Possible oxygen deficiency or enrichment

b. Possible concentrations of flammable gas or vapors

c. Deficiencies in lighting

d. Very tight spaces

e. Temperature – heat

f. Unexpected ignition sources

g. Engulfment hazards

h. Energy sources (electric, steam, air, hydraulic)

To provide adequate support for confined space incidents, a minimum ratio of 2:1

personnel shall be provided. For every person working in the confined space, there

shall be 2 personnel outside and available to assist. A stand-by rescue team with a

1:1 ratio shall be provided for emergency assistance to the team working in the

confined space. This team shall be assembled and equipped for emergency

response. The team shall be equipped with SCBA and ready to enter the confined

space if needed. The officer in command shall appoint a safety officer. All personnel

entering confined spaces shall use breathing apparatus unless it is determined

through recognized air monitoring procedures that the space is free of hazards and

sufficient oxygen levels are present. Either self-contained or airline supplied breathing

apparatus may be used, depending on the situation. Personnel shall not remove face-

pieces or take any other action to compromise the effectiveness of their breathing

apparatus while inside the confined space atmosphere. The firefighters rescue

harness must be worn under the SCBA. The free end of the lifeline shall be affixed

outside the confined space in a manner to prevent it from being pulled inside.

Protective clothing shall be worn as required by the situation, depending on an

evaluation of the hazards and the products that may be inside the confined space

atmosphere. When feasible, the officer in command should establish a Ventilation

Sector to begin operations directed at providing fresh air and/or exhausting

contaminated air from the confined space. Any electrical or mechanical equipment

taken inside the confined space, including lighting equipment, shall be an explosion

proof type, when any flammable hazard is suspected. When ventilating a confined

space containing flammable vapors or gases, ventilation must consider the

concentration in relation to the flammable limits. Time awareness shall be maintained

for each member in the confined space. Awareness of the expected exit time for each

individual based on air supply at the time of entry shall be kept. A warning at the

predetermined time will be given to begin exit procedures. Warning will be provided by

radio or other communication systems to team members. Lifelines shall be used

unless they cannot be safely used. The lifeline shall be tied to the firefighter’s rescue

harness and not his breathing equipment.

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VII. Communications:

The entry team(s) shall maintain constant radio communications with the officer in

command. Should radio communications fail or not be used, communication shall be

maintained with the lifeline. The following rope signals will be used to communicate

basic messages:

a. 1 pull on rope - O OK

b. 2 pulls on rope - A Allow slack

c. 3 pulls on rope - T Take up slack

d. 4 pulls on rope - H Help

When using rope to communicate, remember the word O-A-T-H.

Post-Incident Report:

Have all personnel involved document their observations and actions on the fire report

or a supplemental report.

WCFD #300.22

Trench Rescue

I. Scope:

Most Trench Operations should be handled under the Confined Space Rescue

Standard Operating Guidelines. Like Confined Space Rescue, trench work by

contractors must be performed safely with adequate shoring material and rescue

equipment. The main goal of the Incident Commander shall be to prevent additional

injuries to by-standers and rescue personnel.

This Standard Operating Guideline is intended to provide an overview of Command

and control of a trench rescue operation. The department will act in its capacity under

NFPA 1670 Awareness Level Standards.

II. First Arriving Unit:

1. Establish incident command structure. Incident Command should be established

immediately upon arrival at the scene to coordinate and control bystanders, other

workers, and any specialized agencies that may be utilized. Remember that the

Incident Commander is responsible for all people on the scene and victim(s) fellow

workers may have to be managed to prevent further injuries.

2. Position apparatus no closer than 300 feet to the scene, walk to the collapse site.

3. Establish off-site staging area for other responding apparatus.

4. Shut parked apparatus off if possible.

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5. Request mutual-aid resources from the City Of Sylvester.

III. Size-up:

Command must make a careful size-up before deciding on a commitment. It may be

necessary to wait for additional resources before taking any immediate action.

Citizens and co-workers will want immediate action taken to rescue victims, but this

may cause an undue risk to Fire Department personnel. The objective of the size-up

is to identify the nature and severity of the immediate problem and gather sufficient

information to formulate a valid action plan. A trench rescue incident requires a

more cautious and deliberate size-up than most fire situations.

If the victim(s) is yelling or speaking, their breathing is likely adequate. Death by

suffocation can occur within 4 - 6 minutes, so in many cases, the victim that is totally

buried is not likely to be a viable patient upon arrival of the fire department.

IV. Action Plan:

1. Establish a Safety Officer

2. Establish an outer perimeter circle (Cold Zone)

A. Eliminate sources of vibration out to 500 feet from the collapse site

B. Identify witnesses to incident

C. Identify the job foreman and engineer if on site, or the phone number of the

engineer in charge

D. Determine availability, quantity and size of shoring material on site

E. Determine the time when the accident occurred

3. Establish an inner perimeter circle (Hot Zone)

A. Establishing an incident inner perimeter circle, a minimum of 100 feet around

the trench collapse site. Complete outlining of the inner perimeter circle with

fire-line tape and establish an entry/exit point into the collapse site

B. Approach site from the narrow end of the extrication

C. Conduct a visual inspection of the trench walls to determine type of soil

involved in the trench collapse

D. Attempt to identify the victim(s) location

1. Determine if available on site shoring material is of sufficient quantity and

size

2. Identify the number of victims

3. Establish the victim(s) condition if possible. (Do not enter any trench over 4

feet deep without adequate shoring for any reason.)

E. How is the victim trapped? (Rescue vs. Body Recovery

1. Totally buried

2. Depth buried

3. Trapped by utilities, if so notify proper utilities

4. Establish and maintain contact with victim(s) if not totally buried.

V. Incident Control:

1. Immediately get non-entrapped personnel out of the trench.

2. Place a ladder in the trench at the short end to assist non-injured victims out of the

trench.

2. Confirm notification of proper utilities

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3. Begin clearing and leveling site for ground pads utilizing

A. Fire and rescue personnel (leaving apparatus in staging area)

B. Construction personnel to assist at ground level gathering lumber, hand

digging moving spoil piles, and moving excess construction materials away

from emergency site, etc.

4. Ground pads need to be installed ahead of the work areas. Personnel shall not

walk around the trench site without ground pads in place.

5. The location of any tension cracks shall be immediately transmitted to the IC and

the Rescue Safety Officer.

VI. Safety:

1. Trench collapse usually occurs because of:

A. Lack of shoring

B. Shoring not properly installed

C. Shoring being constructed of improper sized materials

D. Placing the spoil pile too close to the edge of the trench

E. Placing supplies too close to the trench

F. Allowing operating equipment, construction operations, blasting or moving

traffic to cause vibrations near the trench

G. All such operations within 300 feet of the trench should be stopped.

2. Emergency response vehicles shall park at least 300 feet away from the Trench H.

Ground pads (4 X 8 sheets of plywood) or ladders should be placed adjacent to

the trench wall to protect rescuers working around the trench I. It is imperative

the Safety Officer work closely with the IC to ensure the safety of all personnel

working in and around the trench site

3. Air monitoring devices, rescue harnesses, SCBA, rescue rope and protective

equipment as outlined in the Confined Space Rescue

4. Standard Operating Guidelines shall be utilized

VIII. Use of Non-Fire Department Personnel:

In some cases, it may be advantageous to use non-Fire Department personnel to

evaluate hazards and perform certain functions for which they would have particular

experience, ability or equipment. This practice should only be conducted under the

supervision and direction of a qualified trench rescue team.

IX. Post-Incident Report:

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS TRENCH RESCUE

Have all personnel involved document their observations and actions on the fire report

supplemental report.

SOG #300.23

Emergency Operations/Ventilation Practices

I. Scope

109

This policy was developed to provide guidance in ventilation practices for personnel at the scene of a fire. It is intended to explain the different options available in ventilating a structure, after the decision to do so has been made by the INCIDENT COMMANDER

Il. Positive Pressure Ventilation

l. To use positive pressure ventilation effectively:

a. COVER THE ENTRANCE OPENING. The cone of air issued by the positive pressure fan must completely cover (seal) the entrance opening. This ensures that the interior atmosphere is not forced back through the entrance opening.

b. REGULATE THE EXHAUST OPENING. Exhaust openings should measure between three-fourths (3/4) and one and three-fourths (1 3/4) the size of the entrance opening.

c. CONTROL THE FLOW OF AIR. If air is forced through an opening and is controlled and/or directed to an exhaust opening without being diverted to various other openings, heat, smoke, and fire gases will be efficiently removed in a minimal amount of time. "OPENING UP" a structure will not facilitate a successful positive pressure operation.

111. Vertical Ventilation

1. There is-no rule-of-thumb in selecting the exact point at which to open a roof except, "AS DIRECTLY OVER THE FIRE AS SAFELY POSSIBLE". Many factors will have a bearing on where to ventilate, such as:

a. Existing openings such as sky lights, shafts, etc. b. Type of construction c. Wind direction d. Roof sag

2. After considering the type of building, the location and extent of the fire, manpower and tools have been moved to the roof, safety precautions have been observed, and a place has been selected to ventilate, the ventilation crew should: a. Coordinate with ground and attack crews through Command b. Note the existence of obstructions or weight on -the roof c. Have a charged hose line on the roof d. Secure a secondary means of escape e. Utilize existing roof openings whenever possible f. Cut one (l) large hole rather than several small holes g. Exercise care in making the opening so as not to cut main structural

supports h. Work with the wind at their back 01' side i. Extend a blunt object through the opening to break out the ceiling

III. Horizontal Ventilation

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1. Structures which lend themselves to the application of horizontal ventilation include: Residential fires in which the fire has not involved the attic.

a. Attics in residential structures, which have louvered events at the gable ends

b. Involved floors of multi-storied buildings

3. Horizontal ventilation can be performed two ways: naturally or mechanically a. Natural ventilation is making use of wind currents. Open up on the

leeward side to allow the escape of gasses, and then open up on the windward side to provide fresh air replacement.

b. Mechanical ventilation uses smoke ejectors or hose streams to accomplish the same effect as wind currents.

4. Companies assigned to ventilation shall keep Command advised on the progress of ventilation as well as when the operation is complete. Any problems or delays shall be communicated to Command immediately.

SOG #300.24

Response, Placement, and Company Functions

I. Scope:

This SOP provides guidance for units as they respond and position for operations at emergency scenes. It also establishes the primary assignments for units to begin work prior to "Command" becoming fully functional.

11. Response:

The first due unit will respond in "emergency status"(warning devices activated) to all emergency dispatches. Additional units will proceed with flow of traffic until notified by on scene unit. Units responding from quarters shall clear the station within two (2) minutes from time of dispatch. When in emergency status, apparatus shall follow the quickest route possible and maintain a safe speed considering the conditions and posted speed limit; personnel shall remain seated and wear provided restraints. Drivers shall use the utmost care and pay extra attention to safety when moving. Responding units shall maintain radio contact on the appropriate channel with dispatch and advise when in route and when on-scene. Units shall not contact "Command" while in route to request assignment. Arriving first alarm units shall follow standard placement assignments (Level I staging) unless advised by "command" to do otherwise. Second and greater alarm units shall stage at a remote site from the scene (Level 2 staging) and notify the Staging Officer (if established) or "Command" of location and status. All Level 2 staged units should be at the same location. Personnel shall stay with their respective units in staged status until given an assignment through the Command system. Units not used in the function positions (pumping, laddering, lighting, etc.) shall be parked out of the way and warning lights off.

Ill. Standard Placement (Level 1 Staging)

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Upon arrival at the scene units shall position their vehicles based on standard practice, maximum effectiveness and safety. Placement of units at situations other than fire alarms, structure fires and smoke investigation will be covered in other incident-specific SOP's.

First arriving Engine Company — Unit shall be placed at the front of the fire structure, slightly to one side (to allow Truck placement), or in the best position based on size-up factors to begin suppression or investigation activities.

First arriving Truck Company — Unit shall be placed at the front of the structure and out of the way of other in-coming units.

Second arriving Engine Company — Placed in a position to provide a water supply upon the direction of either "Command" or first arriving Engine.

First arriving Command Unit — Placement shall be in a position to afford a view of the structure and suppression area if possible and safe. Visibility of "Command" unit to other operating units is important.

First arriving Ambulance/Rehab Unit — Placement shall be in a location that will provide easy access to Personnel/patients, while ensuring that their placement will not interfere with units providing suppression, rescue, investigation, and similar activities, awaiting direction from "Command".

NOTE: Companies assigned to Rapid Intervention shall maintain readiness and visual contact with "Command" or Sector/Division Officer.

Subsequent arriving support, staff, or command units shall be placed away from function areas and out of the way of access. If possible, all units should be placed on the same side of the street or in a position that maintains an open access lane large enough for apparatus to get into or out of the function area. Size-up factors may indicate the need for the first unit on the scene or "Command" to direct incoming units to other than standard placement.

IV. Staging

Staging is established either by "Command" or by the first arriving unit (unassigned) in route as part of a second alarm. A large area (safe and secure, if possible) shall be identified at least 600 ft. from the function area for the assembling of incoming units, prior to assignment by "Command". The first arriving unassigned unit is responsible for either assuming staging or passing staging to another unit. The next unit must acknowledge receipt of assignment. The Staging Officer shall maintain a list of units and personnel, control ingress and egress from staging, and communicate with "Command". Individual units in staging shall not communicate with command.

V. Standard Company Functions

In order to coordinate initial efforts on-scene, the following standard functions and priorities are assigned by Company. These standard functions are to be carried out automatically by the assigned Company until alternative assignments or stop orders are issued by "Command".

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First Arriving Engine

1. Size-up or investigation —on scene report- establish command

2. Forcible entry (if required)

3. Search and Rescue (if manpower allows for the protection of search team with a suppression team).

4. Placement of initial attack line(s)

Second Arriving Engine

l. Locate and establish initial water supply

2. Provide manpower to supplement secondary attack lines or rescue operations

3, Support sprinkler and standpipe operations if applicable

First arriving Truck

1. Size-up for ventilation method.

2. Assist in search and rescue (if requested)

3. Prepare and position personnel to effect ventilation and communicate readiness to "Command"

• First arriving Ambulance

l. Stand by for assignment from "Command"

2. Maintain visual contact with scene and anticipate a possibility of patients

All other units shall stage and await assignment from "Command'.

All companies shall be prepared to assume alternate duties, assignments or roles, depending on size-up factors and direction from "Command". When possible, companies shall keep personnel together and function as a team. A team will consist of a minimum of two (2) personnel. A Company deviating from standard functions shall communicate the intent to do so to "Command".

WCFD #300.25

Public Information Officer

I. Scope:

113

Command will be responsible for the management of public information on the fire ground. As soon as practical, after basic fire and rescue operations have been established, Command will assign a Public Information Officer, as needed. The first arriving staff officer on the scene, if not needed to take command or is not assigned a tactical function by Command, will be assigned as the Public information Officer.

The PIO will obtain needed information from Command and will begin to gather other pertinent information as required. Command will designate the location of the Public Information Sector so as to provide access to the command post, but not interfere with operations.

The PIOs radio designation shall be "Information".

The PIO shall be responsible for requiring all media representatives to remain in the Designated Public Information Sector location, so as not to interfere with the fire ground operations, and to ensure their safety.

If media personnel create a safety problem or hinder operations, they should be requested to move, in a positive manner, avoiding confrontations where possible.

The policy of the Worth County Fire Department shall be to cooperate with the media only through the Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Chief unless permission is received.

SOG #300.26

Sprinkler and Standpipe Operations

I. Scope

It shall be the philosophy and practice of the Worth County Fire Department to use built-in private fire protection systems whenever possible or practical.

l. Sprinkler System Operations:

a. The second arriving Engine shall be responsible to position at the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and secure a water supply.

b. The Officer (or acting officer) on the second arriving Engine shall assign one firefighter to locate the main valve and insure that it is open.

c. The second arriving Engine will advise Command when they are ready to initiate charging the FDC, and shall await Command's order to do so. The FDC shall be charged to 150 psi when activated.

d. The FDC shall always be charged by a minimum of two (2) 2 1/2 " supply lines.

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e. The system should remain charged until ordered shut down by Command.

2. Standpipe System Operations:

a. The second arriving Engine shall be responsible to position at the FDC and secure a water supply.

b. The Officer (or acting officer) on the second arriving Engine shall assign one firefighter to locate the main valve and insure that it is open.

c. The second arriving Engine will advise Command when they are ready to initiate charging the FDC, and shall await Commands order to do so. The FDC shall be charged to 150 psi when activated.

d. The FDC shall always be charged by a minimum of two (2) 2 1/2" supply lines.

e. The system shall remain charged until ordered shut down by Command.

f. Interior attack teams shall use fire department hose in conjunction with standpipe outlets. Fire department personnel shall not use in-house hose lines.

3. General:

a. Engines should avoid using hydrants that are connected to the private system, so as not to steal water supply from the system (when possible).

b. Private fire pumps should be checked early in operations to insure proper operation and their status reported to Command.

SOG #300.27

Hazardous Materials Incident Response

I. Scope

This standard defines the parameters of the department's efforts to manage the hazardous materials problem within the community. It was promulgated to establish guidelines to be followed by the department for managing an incident that involves a hazardous material.

II. General

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1. The fiscal resources of this department do not allow the department to operate beyond the first-responder operational level as defined by NFPA 472, Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents.

2. At the operational level, members are responsible for protecting people, property, and the environment from the effects of a hazardous material. Members will operate in a defensive role to contain the incident and prevent a release of a hazardous material from spreading.

111. Responsibility

1. The first arriving officer at an incident involving hazardous materials shall report the following information to Dispatch:

a. The exact location of the incident

b. The type and quantity of the materials involved, if known.

c. The extent of damage and the number and types of injuries.

d. The name of the carrier if a vehicle is involved.

e. Any other pertinent information such as the hazardous material entering the storm drain or sanitary sewer system.

2. The first arriving officer shall also request any additional resources that may be needed, establish Command, and begin securing the incident scene to prevent additional injuries or contamination.

3. The area shall be evacuated if necessary. This function should be turned over to the police once sufficient law enforcement resources arrive on the scene.

4. Dispatch shall provide the Incident Commander with the temperature, wind speed and direction, and humidity as soon as it is possible to do so.

5. Additional resources shall be requested from MCLB Albany.

6. The incident commander's objectives will be containment and stabilization. Final extinguishment and cleanup of incidents that exceed the capabilities of the department will be the responsibility of the private vendor who responds to the incident.

Ill. Operations

1. There are three recognized levels of response:

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a. Level I: The least serious and within the capabilities of the department. Evacuation, if required, will be limited to the immediate area. Example: a gasoline or diesel spill.

b. Level Il: Beyond the capabilities of the department, a Level Il incident requires the service of a formal Haz Mat Response Team. Examples: the rupture of a pipeline or a fire with the threat of a BLEVE.

c. Level Ill: The most serious type, requiring resources from public and private agencies. It will require a large-scale evacuation and implementation of the jurisdiction's Emergency Operations Plan. Example: an incident that extends across jurisdictional boundaries.

2. Operations will either be defensive or offensive.

a. Defensive operations focus on confinement without directly contacting the hazardous materials creating the problem.

b. Offensive operations focus on aggressive actions on the material, container, or process, and they may result contact with the materials. Offensive operations will not be conducted unless the incident commander can determine that the risk is worth the benefit.

3. Personnel will not be allowed to enter the warm zone or the hot zone without the proper level of training and personal protection.

4. Personnel will not be permitted to leave the warm zone or the hot zone without undergoing proper decontamination.

5. The Safety Officer will appoint a medical surveillance team (First arriving Med. Unit). The team will be responsible for monitoring members for indicators of toxic exposure effects, including:

a. Change in complexion, skin discoloration.

b. Lack of coordination.

c. Changes of demeanor.

d. Excessive salivation, papillary response.

e. Changes in speech pattern.

f. Headaches.

g. Dizziness.

h. Lured vision. Cramps.

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j. Irritation of eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.

6. Any member exposed to a hazardous material shall complete a Hazardous Materials Exposure Form. A copy of the form shall be placed in the member's medical file.

7. The Incident Commander shall also appoint a Rehab Officer. The Rehab Officer shall establish a rehab sector. Members shall be rotated through the rehab sector in accordance with the department SOG/SOPs.

Note:

Members who are trained to the level of Haz-Mat Tech may assist established Haz-Mat Regional Response Agencies Teams, so long as they DO NOT go beyond their individual level of training and are under the supervision of the established agency.

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Emergency Response

Policy

Section 400

FCFD #400.01

Emergency Response Policy

I. Scope

The following policy was developed to establish a uniform response to

emergencies.

1. Structure Fires

1st out

- Two (2) Engine Companies – Fire Attack

-Brush truck

- Search & Rescue, Protect Exposures, and Ventilation

When you arrive on scene prior to receiving an assignment, the senior officer/firefighter will report to the Incident Command to receive assignments. All other firefighters will stage and wait at the apparatus for their assignments.

2. Passenger Vehicle Fires

Engine (with Extrication Equipment)

(Unless a structure is exposed, then a full Structure Fire response is

required).

3. Commercial Vehicles over six (6) wheels

Engine Company

4. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Extrication vehicle

5. Brush and Woods Fires

Brush Truck (engine if more water needed – not to leave maintained roads)

If more than a minimal effort is required for extinguishment, protect exposures

and call for Georgia Forestry.

6. Fire Alarms

A FULL response will be sent, as if it were called in as structure fire.

7. Haz-Mat

Engine (Ft Stewart Hazmat Team will be notified)

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8. Medical Assist (1st Responder)

The designated 1st Responder Vehicles shall respond with medically

trained Firefighters.

9. Mutual Aid

Any requests for Mutual Aid can be made by the requesting department.

Emergency Medical

Services

Section 500

WCFD #500.01

Emergency Medical Services/General Patient Care

I. Scope

This standard shall apply to all members who provide prehospital care or treatment.

It was promulgated to establish procedures for members to follow when in contact

with a patient.

II. General

1. The general guiding principle of the department is to do no harm. Therefore,

members shall always render whatever treatment is necessary, appropriate, and

consistent with their level of training. Members, regardless of higher training

levels, shall respond/provide patient care at the level of a First Responder unless

otherwise directed by the responding ALS ambulance crew, who in essence shall

be assuming direct responsibility for your authorization to act in your higher level.

2. All patients shall be treated with care and respect regardless of their age, gender,

race, sexual orientation, medical condition, or ability to pay for the services

rendered.

3. Each patient shall receive a thorough evaluation to determine his condition. Of

immediate concern are:

a. Airway and respiratory maintenance.

b. Circulation.

c. Control of bleeding.

d. Stabilization of fractures.

4. The department will recognize a “Do Not Resuscitate” order if the patient’s

physician is present or a DNR form is readily available and has been properly

executed.

5. Clothing and personal property shall not be removed from a patient unless it

interferes with proper treatment. The patient’s modesty and right to privacy shall

be strictly observed. Any search for identity shall be witnessed, preferably by a law

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enforcement officer. All valuables removed from the patient shall be turned over to

a family member, the police, the ambulance crew, or the hospital, and should also

be witnessed if possible.

WCFD #500.02

Emergency Medical Services/Deceased Persons

I. Scope

This standard contains procedures for members to follow when a patient is obviously

deceased or has been declared to be deceased by a competent authority. It was

promulgated to:

Establish procedures to assist members in determining whether resuscitation efforts

should be undertaken. Provide procedures to follow when a patient is obviously

deceased or has been legally declared to be deceased by a competent authority.

II. Resuscitation Procedures

1. The decision to begin resuscitation efforts shall be based on the departments

SOP’s. As a general rule, resuscitation efforts shall begin unless one or more of

the following conditions exist:

a. The patient is declared to be deceased by a competent authority.

b. Law enforcement official declares the incident to be a crime scene and is

willing to take full responsibility for preventing the resuscitation effort.

c. An evaluation of the patient’s condition reveals one or more of the following:

1. Decapitation.

2. Decomposition.

3. Rigor mortis.

4. Visual massive trauma to the brain or heart conclusively incompatible with

life.

2. Additionally, resuscitation efforts shall not be undertaken at incidents involving

mass casualties, hazardous materials, or terrorist activity if so warranted by a

patient’s condition, a lack of resources, or if the level of risk is unacceptable.

3. Should there be any doubt as to whether or not to resuscitate, begin CPR

immediately.

4. Once begun, do not discontinue resuscitation efforts unless:

a. CPR was initiated prior to your arrival and the patient’s condition is

obviously incompatible with life and would fit into one of the categories

listed in Section 3.A., above.

b. The rescuers are too exhausted to continue their efforts.

c. Ordered to discontinue by a competent authority.

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d. A DNR (do not resuscitate) order is present and satisfies the departments

SOP’s.

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Communications

Section 600

WCFD #600.01

Communications/Radio Procedures

I. Scope

This standard establishes procedures for the use of two-way radio communications

and associated equipment. It was promulgated to promote the most efficient and

effective use of the radio communications system.

II. General

It is the responsibility of all personnel to remain in radio contact with dispatch while

they are on duty. Dispatch shall be notified whenever there is a change in your

location or status.

III. Restricted Activities

1. The radio system is designed for emergency communications and those activities

that support the accomplishment of the departments’ mission. Therefore, a

number of subjects are inappropriate when using the system. Common sense and

good judgement should always be the user’s guide when deciding the

appropriateness of a message.

2. Personnel who use a two-way radio should realize that the radio does not afford

the user the same level of privacy as when making a telephone call.

3. The following items are inappropriate and should never be broadcast over a two-

way radio:

a. Any term that would be offensive to someone of another race

or gender. b. Profanity.

c. Any discussion of an athletic event or political contest.

d. The name of an injured or deceased firefighter.

e. Business of a personal nature.

IV. Terminology

1. The Department uses the Georgia 10 codes and plain speech.

2. The department also uses the 24-hour clock rather than the traditional 12-hour

clock. The 24-hour clock is often referred to as the military clock. All references to

time used in two-way radio communications will be expressed in the 24-hour

format. For example, 9:00 A.M. is expressed, as 09:00 hrs. (Pronounced zero nine

hundred hours).

V. Sending and Receiving Messages

1. To ensure that a radio message will be clear and understandable, the user of a

two-way radio should observe the following practices:

a. Always speak in a conversational tone and at a moderate speed.

b. Speak directly into the microphone. While speaking, keep your lips

approximately 1 to 2 inches from the microphone.

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c. Remain calm. Always speak distinctly and clearly, pronouncing each word

carefully.

d. Avoid lengthy discussions, be clear and to the point.

e. Use ordinary conversation strength. If surrounding noise interferes, speak

louder, but do not shout.

2. Message format:

a. Identify the unit or function sending the message, as well as the unit or function

to whom the message is being directed.

Example: “Engine 15 to Wayne County.”

“Wayne County to Engine 15, go ahead.”

b. Use procedural words and phrases whenever possible.

c. Use phonetic spelling when using words or terms that might be difficult to

understand or may be spelled a variety of ways.

3. Eliminating common errors:

a. The most common error committed by a user of a two-way radio is short

keying. This is caused when a radio operator attempts to transmit a message

before the repeater has time to engage. This practice chops off the first part of

the message.

b. To correct the problem, the user should press the transmit button and delay his

message for 2 to 3 seconds. This delay allows the repeater time to engage. An

experienced operator should be able to hear the repeater engage.

VI. Clear Text

Words & Phrases Application

Affirmative Yes

Call by phone Self-explanatory

Clear Understood

Clear of the scene Assignment completed, returning etc.

Disregard Cancel present assignment/message

Emergency Term used to gain control of the radio channel to

report an emergency.

En route Responding to a destination

In station Indicates a unit is in a station

In service Available for a call

Loud and clear self-explanatory

Negative No

On scene has arrived at the scene

Out of service unit is unavailable to respond to a call

Received Understood

Repeat Self-explanatory

Report Provide a status update of the incident

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Resume normal traffic Channel is cleared for normal use

Return to Self-explanatory

Respond, responding a unit should proceed to/is proceeding to

Stand by Stop transmitting

Unreadable Radio signal is unclear.

All other radio users shall refrain from using that channel until the channel is cleared.

Emergency traffic only

Radio users will confine all transmissions to an emergency in progress.

Use the ICAO (international Civil Aviation Organization) phonetic alphabet to clearly

identify each letter of the alphabet.

A Alpha H Hotel O Oscar V Victor

B Bravo I India P Papa W Whiskey

C Charlie J Juliet Q Quebec X X-ray

D Delta K Kilo R Romeo Y Yankee

E Echo L Lima S Sierra Z Zula

F Foxtrot M Mike T Tango

G Golf N November U Uniform

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Appliance/Apparatus/ Equipment Testing

Section 700

WCFD #700.01

Hydrant Testing/Flushing/Inspecting

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Hydrant Testing. It was promulgated to establish

a uniform policy for recording water flow.

II. General

All stations shall flow test the dry hydrants in their district once yr. report same to

fire coordinator on a department training sheet.

III. Procedure

Tests shall be conducted yearly. The procedure consists of back flowing hydrant then

flowing same for ten minutes.

`

WCFD #700.02

Hose/Appliance Testing/Purchasing

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Hose/Appliance Testing/Purchasing. It was

promulgated to establish a uniform policy for purchasing hose and recording water

flow. II. General

1. All new hose purchased shall be constructed and designed in accordance with

NFPA 1961 Standard on Fire Hose.

2. Each new section of fire hose shall have an acceptance test conducted prior to

placing hose into service. This acceptance test shall comply with NFPA 1962

Standard for the Care, Use, and Service Testing of Fire Hose Including Couplings

and Nozzles.

3. Annual service testing of all fire hose and appliances shall be in accordance with

NFPA 1962.

4. All hoses shall be tested at 250psi for five (5) minutes.

5. All appliances and nozzles will be tested at 250psi for five (5) minutes.

WCFD #700.03

Ground Ladder Testing/Purchase

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Ground Ladder Testing/Purchasing. It was

promulgated to establish a uniform policy for purchasing ladders and annual

service testing. II. General

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1. All new ladders purchased shall be constructed and designed in accordance with

NFPA 1931 Standard on Design of and Design Verification Tests for Fire

Department Ground Ladders.

2. All ladders shall be inspected and tested as required by NFPA 1932 Standard on Use, Maintenance and Service Testing on Fire Department Ground Ladders.

3. Annual service testing of ground ladders shall be in accordance with NFPA 1932 Standard on Use, Maintenance and Service Testing on Fire Department Ground Ladders.

WCFD #700.04

Pump Service Testing

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Pump Service Testing. It was promulgated to

establish a uniform policy for annual Pump Service testing.

II. General

1. All Pump Service Testing shall be in accordance with NFPA 1911 Standard for

Service Tests of Fire Pump Systems on Fire Apparatus.

2. Service tests shall be completed annually and whenever major repairs or

modifications to the pump or any components of the apparatus that is used in

pump operations have been made.

3. Annual tests will be conducted in a timely manner by all shifts.

WCFD #700.05

SCBA Annual Testing/Purchasing

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department SCBA Annual Testing/Purchasing. It was

promulgated to establish a uniform policy for annual SCBA Testing. II. General

1. NFPA 1983 Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System Components.

2. Section 2-2. of NFPA 1983

WCFD #700.06 Annual

Testing Schedule

I. Scope

This policy applies to Department Annual Testing Schedule. It was promulgated to

establish a uniform policy for annual testing.

II. General

January SCBA flow test and face piece testing

February Hydrant inspections

March Hydrant inspections

April Pump service

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May Hose

June Open

July Open

August Haz-Mat Refresher Course

September Firefighter performance evaluations

October Radiology Refresher & NFIRS

November Ladder testing

December Open

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