10 Response and SizeUp Mr J D Rawson

10 Response and Size-Up Mr. J. D. Rawson

10 Objectives (1 of 2) • Describe your role in ensuring safe and efficient response to an emergency scene. • Describe how to ride an emergency vehicle safely. • Describe how to dismount an emergency vehicle safely. Mr. J. D. Rawson 2

10 Objectives (2 of 2) • Describe how to shut off utilities. • Define and describe size-up. Mr. J. D. Rawson 3

10 Introduction (1 of 4) • Response – Series of actions that begin when a crew is dispatched to an alarm and end with their arrival at the emergency scene Mr. J. D. Rawson 4

10 Introduction (2 of 4) • Response actions include: – Receiving the alarm – Donning PPE – Mounting the apparatus – Transporting equipment and personnel to the emergency incident Mr. J. D. Rawson 5

10 Introduction (3 of 4) • Size-up – A systematic process of gathering information and evaluating the situation – Begins at alarm receipt – Continues during response – Includes initial on-scene observations Mr. J. D. Rawson 6

10 Introduction (4 of 4) • Incident commander (IC) and company officers responsible for obtaining information to manage the incident – Fire fighters are involved in the process of gathering and processing information. Mr. J. D. Rawson 7

10 Response (1 of 2) • Response begins with preparation for response. • Ensure that PPE is complete, ready for use, and in good condition. • Ensure PPE is in designated location. Mr. J. D. Rawson 8

10 Response (2 of 2) • SCBA – Conduct daily inspection at beginning of each tour of duty. • Recheck PPE and tools thoroughly after each emergency response. Mr. J. D. Rawson 9

10 Alarm Receipt (1 of 6) • Process begins when an alarm is received at the fire station. • Often a communications center dispatches individual units. • Most departments have both a primary and back-up method of transmitting alarms. Mr. J. D. Rawson 10

10 Alarm Receipt (2 of 6) • Radio, telephone, or public address systems are often used to transmit information. • Use of computer terminals and printers (rip and run) to transmit dispatch messages increasing. Mr. J. D. Rawson 11

10 Alarm Receipt (3 of 6) • Some fire departments use a system of bells to transmit alarms. – Outdoor sirens or horns may summon fire fighters in volunteer or rural departments. – Most volunteer fire fighters receive dispatch messages over pagers. Some pagers have a feature that allows the fire fighter to replay the last call. Mr. J. D. Rawson 12

10 Alarm Receipt (4 of 6) • Dispatch information will include: – Incident location address map number pre-incident plan number – Type of emergency FR, MVA, Structure Fire – Units due to response Engine 34, Squad 34, Pump 34 Mr. J. D. Rawson 13

10 Alarm Receipt (5 of 6) • Computer-aided dispatch systems often provide additional information. • Telecommunicator provides additional information when available. – Sent in dispatch messages to later-responding units or transmitted by radio while en route – Information can help in planning. Mr. J. D. Rawson 14

10 Alarm Receipt (6 of 6) • Response to alarm should be prompt and efficient. – Walk briskly to the apparatus. • Do not run. – Shut off appliances. – Wait until apparatus doors are fully open before leaving. Mr. J. D. Rawson 15

10 Riding the Apparatus (1 of 3) • Don PPE before mounting apparatus. • All equipment must be properly secured. • Be careful mounting apparatus. Mr. J. D. Rawson 16

10 Riding the Apparatus (2 of 3) • You must wear your seat belt and/or harness. • Noise produced by sirens can damage hearing. – Wear hearing protection if provided Mr. J. D. Rawson 17

10 Riding the Apparatus (3 of 3) • During transport, limit conversation. – Listen for instructions and additional information. • Consider factors that could affect the incident: – Time of day or night – Temperature – Location and type of incident Mr. J. D. Rawson 18

10 Emergency Response (1 of 2) • Fire apparatus driver must exercise caution while driving. • Never compromise safety for faster response time. • Fire apparatus drivers have special training. – Fire apparatus drivers must always consider the actions of other drivers first. Mr. J. D. Rawson 19

10 Emergency Response (2 of 2) • Personal vehicles – Fire fighters who respond in personal vehicles must follow laws, regulations, and SOPs. – Some areas allow volunteer fire fighters to use colored lights to request a right of way, but West Kelowna Fire / Rescue doesn’t. Mr. J. D. Rawson 20

10 Prohibited Practices • Do not ignore departmental SOPs. • Do not unfasten your seat belt. • Do not dismount until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. • Never stand while riding. • Do not hold onto a moving vehicle. • Do not ride on the rear step. Mr. J. D. Rawson 21

10 Dismounting a Stopped Apparatus • Ensure apparatus comes to a full stop. • Check for traffic before opening doors. • Check for other hazards present • Grab a handrail and step down. Mr. J. D. Rawson 22

10 Traffic Safety on the Scene • Be constantly aware! – Drivers may not see fire fighters. • Follow departmental SOPs for closing roadways. • Highways are very dangerous. – Use traffic cones or other devices. • Wear reflective vests over PPE. Mr. J. D. Rawson 23

10 Arrival at the Incident Scene • Fire fighters work in assigned teams. • Teamwork and discipline are essential. • Apparatus-responding fire fighters make up the crew assigned to that vehicle. • Independently arriving fire fighters report to IC to be assigned to a company or crew. Mr. J. D. Rawson 24

10 Freelancing • Dangerous practice of acting independently of command instruction • Unacceptable and is not tolerated • Freelancing can compromise fire fighter safety. • Do not respond to an emergency incident unless you have been dispatched. Mr. J. D. Rawson 25

10 Personnel Accountability System (1 of 3) • Used to track every fire fighter at every incident scene – Maintains an updated list of the fire fighters assigned to each vehicle or crew – Tracks each crew’s assignment Mr. J. D. Rawson 26

10 Personnel Accountability System (2 of 3) • Personal accountability tags (PATs) • Tag information may include: – – Name ID number Photograph Medical history Mr. J. D. Rawson 27

10 Personnel Accountability System (3 of 3) • Fire fighters deposit personal accountability tags in a location on the vehicle—WK F/R uses a velcro passport on vehicle dash. – Passports are collected from each vehicle and taken to the command post. • Fire fighters responding directly to the scene: – Report to the command post to deposit their PATs and get an assignment. Mr. J. D. Rawson 28

10 Controlling Utilities (1 of 2) • One of the first tasks that must be accomplished • Follow departmental SOPs which usually means officers or utility company agent disconnect. • Task often assigned to a certain company or crew. – However, all fire fighters should know how to shut off building utilities. Mr. J. D. Rawson 29

10 Gas Service (1 of 3) • Natural gas and Liquid Propane gas used for heating and cooking – Natural gas delivered through underground pipes – LP gas stored in a tank on premises or through underground pipes Mr. J. D. Rawson 30

10 Controlling Utilities (2 of 2) • Controlling utilities prevents: – Electrocutions of fire fighters – Gas explosions – Unnecessary water damage Mr. J. D. Rawson 31

10 Electrical Service (1 of 2) • Know what types of electrical drops and meters are in use in your area. • Work with utility companies for specific training. • High-voltage systems require electric company or trained personnel from premises to shut off electricity. Mr. J. D. Rawson 32

10 Electrical Service (2 of 2) • Call electric company to shut down power from a utility pole if: – Outside wires are damaged by fire – Working with ladders or aerial apparatus – Risk of explosion exists Mr. J. D. Rawson 33

10 Gas Service (2 of 3) • Usually a single valve for entire building • Often located outside building • May be in basement of older buildings Mr. J. D. Rawson 34

10 Gas Service (3 of 3) • Valve for LP gas system is usually located at the storage tank. – Often has a distinctive handle that indicates direction to turn to open or close valve – To close, rotate handle to fully closed position. • Do not reopen system—call in utility. Mr. J. D. Rawson 35

10 Water Service • Can usually be shut off by closing one valve at the entry point (curb stop) at property line. • There is usually also a valve inside the basement of the building where the water line enters. Mr. J. D. Rawson 36

10 Size-Up (1 of 2) • Process of evaluating an emergency situation to determine what actions need to be taken and what resources are needed to control an emergency • IC uses size-up to develop initial plan. • At major incidents, size-up might continue through several stages. • Ongoing size-up Mr. J. D. Rawson 37

10 Size-Up (2 of 2) • Fire fighters must understand: – How to formulate an operational plan – How to gather and process information – How this information can change plans during the operation • Fire fighters often asked to obtain information or report observations for ongoing size-up Mr. J. D. Rawson 38

10 Managing Information • Information must be continually reassessed to ensure action plan is still valid. • Two categories of information: – Facts – Probabilities Mr. J. D. Rawson 39

10 Facts (1 of 11) • Data elements that are accurate and based on prior knowledge, a reliable source of information, or an immediate, on -site observation • Initial dispatch information contains facts. – Location – Nature of the situation Mr. J. D. Rawson 40

10 Facts (2 of 11) • Based on facts, an officer makes expectations about the incident: – Whether a building is likely to be occupied or unoccupied – Whether the occupants are likely to be awake or sleeping – Whether traffic will delay the arrival of additional units Mr. J. D. Rawson 41

10 Facts (3 of 11) • Weather conditions – Snow and ice delays the arrival of fire apparatus. – Strong winds can cause rapid extension or spread of a fire. – High heat and humidity may cause heat casualties. Mr. J. D. Rawson 42

10 Facts (4 of 11) • Preincident plan (Preplans) – Provides details about a building’s construction, layout, contents, special hazards, and fire -protection systems Mr. J. D. Rawson 43

10 Facts (5 of 11) • Basic facts about a building can be observed upon arrival. – Officer considers the size, height, and construction of the building. – Action plan for a single-story, wood-frame dwelling is different than a steel-frame highrise tower. Mr. J. D. Rawson 44

10 Facts (6 of 11) • Age of the building is another fact to consider. – Building and fire safety codes change over time. – Balloon-frame construction can provide a path for fire spread. – Newer buildings use trusses. Mr. J. D. Rawson 45

10 Facts (7 of 11) • Plan for rescue and attack considers information about the building layout and stairways. • Special factors that will assist or hinder operations are identified. • Building occupancy is critical. Mr. J. D. Rawson 46

10 Facts (8 of 11) • Fire size and location dictate hose line placement, ventilation sites, and rescue priorities. – Direct observations are not complete. – Smoke can obscure view of fire and other factors. Mr. J. D. Rawson 47

10 Facts (9 of 11) • Inside fire fighters can use observations and sensations to work safely. – A crackling sound may indicate the seat of the fire. – Blistering paint could indicate the fire is in the walls. Mr. J. D. Rawson 48

10 Facts (10 of 11) • IC needs to gather as many facts as possible. – Company officers report observations to IC. – Each company has a unique view to report. – IC may request a reconnaissance report. • An inspection and exploration of a specific area Mr. J. D. Rawson 49

10 Facts (11 of 11) • Progress reports – Regular progress reports from companies working in different areas update information. – Enables IC to judge if an operational plan is effective Mr. J. D. Rawson 50

10 Probabilities (1 of 2) • Factors that can be reasonably assumed, predicted, or expected to occur, but which are not necessarily accurate • Use history and experience to predict future events. • Attack plan is based on probabilities. Mr. J. D. Rawson 51

10 Probabilities (2 of 2) • IC quickly identifies the probabilities that apply to a given situation. • Convection, conduction, radiation, smoke conditions, and fire conditions enable IC to predict fire extension. • IC also evaluates the potential for building collapse. Mr. J. D. Rawson 52

10 Resources (1 of 3) • All of the means available to fight a fire or conduct emergency operations – Requirements depend on the size and type of incident. – Availability depends on the capacity of a fire department. Mr. J. D. Rawson 53

10 Resources (2 of 3) • Basic resources are personnel and apparatus. • Firefighting resources are usually defined as the numbers of engine companies, ladder companies, special units, and command officers required to control a particular fire. Mr. J. D. Rawson 54

10 Resources (3 of 3) • Resources also include: – Water supply – Specialized equipment – Food and fluids for rehabilitation of fire fighters – Fuel for apparatus Mr. J. D. Rawson 55

10 Water Supply • Water supply is a critical resource. – In area without hydrants, water supply could limit operations. • Takes time to establish water supply from static source like a pond or lake--drafting • Limited amount of water can be delivered by tanker shuttle (south end of Gates Road) Mr. J. D. Rawson 56

10 Mutual Aid Agreements • Fire departments agree with surrounding jurisdictions to assist each other if a situation requires more resources than the local community has. • Kelowna’s ladder truck, Peachland’s or Kelowna’s fire boats. Mr. J. D. Rawson 57

10 Incident Action Plan (1 of 3) • Outlines the steps needed to control the situation – Based on information gathered during size-up – Revised and expanded during incident Mr. J. D. Rawson 58

10 Incident Action Plan (2 of 3) • Based on five basic fire-ground priorities: – Rescue victims. – Confine the fire. – Protect exposures. – Extinguish the fire. – Salvage property and overhaul the fire. Mr. J. D. Rawson 59

10 Incident Action Plan • • (3 of 3) Saving lives is the highest priority. Saving property is the remaining priority. Priorities are not separate and exclusive. Priorities guide the IC in making decisions. Mr. J. D. Rawson 60

10 Rescue • Always the highest priority! • Need for rescue depends on: – Type of occupancy – Time of day – Degree of risk to the occupants’ lives • Often the best way to protect lives is to extinguish the fire quickly. Mr. J. D. Rawson 61

10 Exposure Protection • Keep the fire from spreading beyond the area of origin or involvement. • Keep fire from spreading from structure of origin to an exposure (nearby building). • IC must sometimes weigh potential losses -protect exposures and let the “growop” burn rather than risk fire fighters’ lives. Mr. J. D. Rawson 62

10 Confinement • Focus on confining fire to a specific area. • IC defines a perimeter and plans operations so fire does not expand beyond the area. Mr. J. D. Rawson 63

10 Extinguishment • Depending on size of fire and the risk, IC mounts either: – Offensive attack – Defensive attack Mr. J. D. Rawson 64

10 Offensive Attack • Used with most small fires • Fire fighters enter structure, seek out seat of the fire, and overpower it. Mr. J. D. Rawson 65

10 Defensive Mode • Fire fighters are not in the building. • Heavy streams operated from outside • At times, fire is allowed to burn itself out. Mr. J. D. Rawson 66

10 Salvage and Overhaul (1 of 2) • Salvage – Removal or protection of property that could be damaged during firefighting or overhaul – Goal is to reduce smoke and water damage to structure and contents. Mr. J. D. Rawson 67

10 Salvage and Overhaul (2 of 2) • Overhaul – Process conducted to ensure the fire is completely out – Floors, walls, ceilings, and attic spaces are checked for signs of fire. – Debris is removed, turned over, and doused. Mr. J. D. Rawson 68

10 Summary (1 of 3) • Fire fighters must adhere to safe operating practices when responding to an incident: – Remain seated and wearing a seat belt. – Use caution when driving to ensure arrival on scene. – Be alert when dismounting on roadways. Mr. J. D. Rawson 69

10 Summary (2 of 3) • Fire fighters must understand how to sizeup an incident. – Size-up determines incident action plan. • Preparation for response begins long before an alarm is received. Mr. J. D. Rawson 70

10 Summary (3 of 3) • Specific actions taken are based on incident priorities: – Rescue victims. – Protect exposures. – Confine fire. – Extinguish fire. – Salvage and overhaul Mr. J. D. Rawson 71