WILLINGTON FIRE DEPT. INC. NO.1
__________________
CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT
____________________
RETIRED CHIEF
Copyright 2003 Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No.1 All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part without written consent from the Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No.1 is strictly prohibited
Revised 10/6/2003
The following “Standard Operating Procedures” are general practices and procedures to be followed by the Willington Fire Department Inc. No. 1 and its membership when responding to emergency situations and when performing duties related to line operations.
These policies and procedures are not only general guidelines and procedures governing operations, but provide step-by-step practices to be routinely followed. Diversion from these polices and procedures will occur only upon command of the Chief of the Department or a senior ranking officer in his/her absence.
It is the
responsibility of each department members to know the contents of this
manual and to adhere to all operational requirements and procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 2 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM PAGE 2-5
SECTION 3 APPARATUS RESPONSE PAGE 6-7
SECTION 4 APPARATUS PLACEMENT PAGE 8-9
SECTION 5 COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 10
SECTION 6 PERSONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PAGE 11-14
SECTION 7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PAGE 15-16
SECTION 8 USE OF A MEDICAL HELICOPTER PAGE 17-18
SECTION 9 EMERGENCY ENTRY PAGE 19
SECTION 10 VEHICLE EXTRICATION PAGE 20
SECTION 11 SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APP. PAGE 21
SECTION 12 VENTILATION PAGE 22-23
SECTION 13 HOSE LAY PRACTICES PAGE 24
SECTION 14 SALVAGE AND OVERHAUL PAGE 24
SECTION 15 GROUND LADDERS PAGE 25
SECTION 16 AMBULANCE OPERATIONS PAGE 26-27
SECTION 17 HAZARD MATERIALS OPERATIONS PAGE 28
SECTION 18 OPERATIONAL LINE OFFICERS PAGE 29
SECTION 19 GENERAL PRACTICES PAGE 30-31
SECTION 20 BOMB THREATS PAGE 32
SECTION 21 CHIMNEY FIRE OPERATIONS PAGE 33
SECTION 22 FIRE POLICE GUIDELINES PAGE 34
SECTION 23 CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS PAGE 35
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
SECTION 26 ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM PAGE 38
TOWN ADMINISTRATION PAGE 39
STREET NUMBERING SYSTEM PAGE 40
2-1.1 Incident command system will be activated during the following situations or incidents.
All fires (dispatched signal 50’s)
All motor vehicle accidents
All hazardous materials incidents
Any medical incident involving multiple ambulances
Any incident involving medical helicopters
All search and rescue or dive rescue operations
Any incident an officer deems necessary
2-2 INITIAL SETUP AND REPORTING
2-2.1 The first arriving officer at the incident will activate the incident command system. He/she shall designate the command post as “Willington Command”
2-2.2 The first arriving officer or apparatus shall perform initial size-up which should include the following:
Incident encountered – situation or condition
Special hazards and/or responses
Condition/whereabouts of victims (if known)
Extenuating circumstances
2-2.3 Incoming senior officers may assume command of the incident upon their arrival at the incident.
2-3 TACTICAL PRIORITIES
2-3.1 The incident commander shall establish a plan of attack based upon the situation and conditions encountered.
2-3.2 The incident commander shall direct the placement of apparatus with respect to the incident conditions.
2-4 ROLES AND TERMINOLOGY
2-4.1 COMMAND
Shall be established by the first arriving officer at the incident. He/she shall manage the incident and available resources. He/she shall determine the extent of the incident command system. (See exhibit 99-04)
SECTION 2: INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (continued)
2-4 ROLES AND TERMINOLOGY (continued)
2-4.2 OPERATIONS
Staffed when the span of control exceeds five direct reports to command position. (Excluding safety, information, liaison, and finance. Staffed if the incident commander feels it is in the best interest of the incident to do so.
2-4.3 SAFETY OFFICER
Staffed for all incidents
Reports directly to the incident commander
Shall not supercede the authority of the incident commander
Has the authority to cause immediate correction of situations an imminent hazard to members or the public.
Shall notify the proper authority when a non-imminent hazard is observed so corrections can be made through the chain of command.
Shall complete all exposure forms and turn them in to the Chief of the Department.
2-4.4 STAGING OFFICER
Shall be numerical in assignment and incrementing from a value of 1 if more than one is needed. (Staging 1, Staging 2 etc.)
Can be more specific (EMS Staging)
Staging will be broken into 2 levels (Level 1, Level 2)
Level 1 staging will be activated upon the arrival of the first apparatus. Additional units will stage a minimum 500 yards from the incident.
Level 2 staging will be activated during larger scale operations. Staging officers will be assigned to this function.
Level 2 staging replaces level 1 staging. Units in level 1 staging shall hold their position until reassigned by the incident commander.
Incoming apparatus shall report their arrival to the Staging Officer during level 2 staging.
The Staging Officer shall keep the incident commander informed of the available resources in staging in the event more resources are needed.
SECTION 2: INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (continued)
2-4 ROLES AND TERMINOLOGY (continued)
2-4.5 LIASON OFFICER
Provides an interface with other agencies working at large incidents.
2-4.6 FINANCE OFFICER
Responsible for all financial and cost analysis aspects of the incident.
2-4.7 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Formulate and release information to the public and or media after consultation with the incident commander.
2-4.8 SECTORS
Used for external points of reference or descriptions of tasks.
Shall be alphabetical and incrementing from the letter 1.
Roadside or command side shall be “Sector A”.
Increments shall proceed clockwise around the incident.
2-4.9 DIVISIONS
Used for internal points of reference or descriptions of tasks.
Shall be numerical and incrementing from the number 1.
Basement shall be designated “Division B”
Should be based on floor numbers and issued from the bottom up.
2-4.10 GROUPS
Used for specific tactical assignments
Terminology will be specific to the task. (Vent group etc.)
2-4.11 WATER SUPPLY
Assigned during large scale water operations
Shall be numerical and incrementing from the number 1.
Reports directly to the incident commander.
2-5 PROPERTY CONSERVATION
2-5.1 Property conservation shall be undertaken at all structural fires and any incident the incident commander deems it necessary. This could include exposure protection, salvage operations, removal and/or protection of personal items.
SECTION 2: INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (continued)
2-6 FIRE CONTROL
2-6.1 Command shall determine whether the incident conditions warrant an offensive attack or a defensive attack.
OFFENSIVE ATTACK
Structure Fires
Offensive attack to be used on any structure that is less than 50% involved.
Attack shall be from the unburned section to the burned section of the structure.
Proper ventilation shall be pursued prior to an offensive attack.
If the fire approaches 50% involvement the incident commander will set up apparatus in a defensive position.
Vehicle Fires
Offensive attack shall be pursued unless the incident commander feels the safety of the firefighters is compromised.
Brush/Woods Fires
Offensive attack pursued unless:
Incident commander feels the safety of the firefighters is compromised.
Involvement of a structure is imminent.
DEFENSIVE ATTACK
Structure Fires
Defensive attack will be used on any structure that is 50% or more is involved.
Exposures will be protected.
Master and large stream lines will be used.
All firefighters will be positioned a safe distance in the event of a building collapse.
Vehicle Fires
Defensive attack will be used with vehicles involving hazardous materials or flammable liquids and gases.
Unmanned master should also be a consideration.
Brush/Woods Fires
Defensive attack may be used to protect structures.
May be used during fast moving fires.
Setup will be ahead of the fire and units will wait for the fire to reach the defensive position.
SECTION 3: APPARATUS RESPONSE
3-1 RESPONSE DETERMINATION
3-1.1 Engine tank response will be determined based on the following guidelines:
All locations within our district south of Rt. 74 shall receive an Engine Tank from Station 213.
Rt. 74, Interstate 84 and all locations north of Rt. 74 shall receive an Engine Tank from Station 13.
The incident commander may alter this response determination if necessary to provide faster response to specific areas.
3-2 SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS
3-2.1 Fire Response
Engine Tanks
Service Units
Ambulance
Other units requested by the incident commander
3-2.2 Motor Vehicle Accidents
Ambulance
Service 113
Appropriate Engine Tank
Other units requested by the incident commander
3-2.3 EMS Response
Ambulance
Other units requested by the incident commander
3-2.4 Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Service 113
Ambulance
Appropriate Engine Tank
Other units requested by the incident commander
SECTION 3: APPARATUS RESPONSE (continued)
3-2 SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS (continued)
3-2.5 Hazardous Materials Response
Service 113
Appropriate Engine Tank
Ambulance
Other units requested by the incident commander
3-2.6 Water Emergencies
Ambulance
Service 113
Appropriate Engine Tank
Other units requested by the incident commander
3-2.7 Search and Rescue Response
Service units
Ambulance
Appropriate Engine Tank
Other units requested by the incident commander
Personnel only are to respond to searches in surrounding towns unless a unit is requested.
All personnel shall follow specific instructions given through dispatch regarding the location where they are to assemble.
SECTION 4: APPARATUS PLACEMENT
4-1 GUIDELINES
4-1.1 Apparatus placement shall be strategic and made by the incident commander based upon conditions of the incident.
4-2 SPECIFIC PROCEDURES
4-2.1 Structure Fires
First Engine Tank shall be strategically placed to allow for additional apparatus and operational tactics. (Aerial placement etc.)
Rescue apparatus shall be positioned to allow for easy access to equipment.
EMS units shall be placed in a safe area for medical care.
4-2.2 Vehicle Fires
Apparatus shall be positioned uphill/upwind of the incident.
EXCEPTION: Interstate 84 – To ensure safety to all Engine Tanks may be placed between the oncoming traffic and the incident if the incident commander deems it necessary.
4-2.3 Brush/Woods/Debris Fires
Apparatus shall be positioned with regard to safety at the direction of the incident commander.
4-2.4 Electrical/ Wires Down
Apparatus shall be positioned at a safe distance from the incident.
Rule of thumb: Two utility poles from the incident.
Apparatus shall be positioned with regard to safety at the direction of the incident commander.
SECTION 4: APPARATUS PLACEMENT (continued)
4-2 SPECIFIC PROCEDURES
4-2.5 Hazardous Materials Incidents
Apparatus shall stage at a safe distance and await further information.
Final placement shall be determined once is obtained with respect to materials referenced. (DOT Guidebook)
4-2.6 Motor Vehicle Accidents
Apparatus shall be positioned to ensure scene safety.
Service and Ambulance units shall be positioned for quick and safe access to all necessary equipment.
Whenever possible apparatus shall be positioned on the same side of the incident unless directed otherwise by the incident commander.
4-2.7 EMS House Calls
The ambulance shall be positioned nose out of the driveway whenever possible.
The incident commander shall position the ambulance with regard to personnel and patient safety.
4-2.8 Mutual Aid
Apparatus and or personnel shall contact the officer in charge of the incident when approaching for specific instructions or placement.
4-3 PERSONAL VEHICLE PLACEMENT
4-3.1 Guidelines
Personal vehicles shall be placed on the same side of the road as the incident to ensure proper placement of apparatus by the incident commander.
Under normal circumstances no personal vehicles are allowed on Interstate 84 with the exception of the Chief or incident commander.
During extenuating circumstances the incident commander may give specific instructions regarding placement of personal vehicles.
SECTION 5
COMMUNICATIONS
5-1 GUIDELINES
5-1.1 Personnel will use plain language when operating radio equipment.
5-1.2 Only codes and signals authorized by the Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service Inc. shall be used. (See exhibit 99-01)
5-1.3 Radio transmissions will be limited to emergency traffic only on all frequencies.
5-1.4 Willington Fire Department Inc. No. 1 will operate on the following frequencies:
A) 33.44 (TN)
B) 33.78 (TO)
C) 33.88 (TC)
D) 33.90 (TN)
5-1.5 Apparatus responding to an incident will sign on the air using a “53”.
5-1.6 First officer, first apparatus, highest ranking officer, and the ambulance shall be the only units to give a “63”.
5-1.7 Additional arriving apparatus shall report their arrival to command.
5-1.8 When an “83” is given, all units shall proceed with the flow of traffic and all warning devices shall be shut off.
5-1.9 When a “hold your position” command is issued all units shall proceed to the next safe pull off and await further instructions.
5-1.10 The incident commander will report all units back in service with the exception being the ambulance.
5-1.11 Required communication for the ambulance will be:
A) 53 – responding
B) 63 – on the scene
C) Enroute to the hospital (state which hospital)
D) 52 – off the air at the hospital
E) 71 – returning from hospital or scene
F) 73 – available for service
5-2 MUTUAL AID COMMUNICATIONS
5-2.1 All fire apparatus shall sign on using a “53” to the dispatch center and give a “63” to the incident commander as they approach the scene.
5-2.2 The highest ranking Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 line officer shall be the only officer to give a “63” to the incident commander.
SECTION 6 PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
6-1 OPERATION OF DEPARTMENT APPARATUS
6-1.1 The operation of Fire Department vehicles shall be limited to personnel that have been trained on their proper use.
6-1.2 Operators of Fire Department vehicles shall be at least 18 years of age and shall obtain a valid license for that class of vehicle.
6-1.3 Operators whose license is lost or suspended shall notify the Chief of the Department.
6-1.4 Operators of Fire Department vehicles shall be cleared to drive by an Officer and then the Chief of the Department.
6-1.5 Operators of Fire Department vehicles shall be directly responsible for safe operation under all circumstances.
6-1.6 The operator shall not move the vehicle until all personnel are seated and secured with seatbelts.
6-1.7 Riding on the tailboard or any other exposed position including on the outside of the vehicle is strictly prohibited.
6-1.8 Fire Department vehicles shall respond to all emergencies with lights and sirens unless instructed otherwise by the incident commander.
6-1.9 Fire Department vehicles shall not exceed the posted speed limit when responding to an incident.
6-1.10 Fire Department vehicles shall come to a complete stop at all stop signals and proceed with caution when it is safe to do so.
6-1.11 Fire Department vehicles shall slow down at all intersections and check all directions prior to proceeding.
6-1.12 Personnel shall follow the following procedures when backing up:
A) Avoid backing when possible
B) Do not rely on your back-up alarm
C) Always use a spotter
D) The spotter should be in sight at all times.
E) Keep the spotter in view
F) Back-up the apparatus slowly
G) Periodically check the front of the apparatus
H) At night, use all available lighting to assist you
SECTION 6 PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (continued)
6-2 OPERATION OF PERSONAL VEHICLES
6-2.1 Personnel responding to an incident in their vehicle shall obey all traffic laws set forth by the State of Connecticut.
6-2.2 Personnel responding to an incident shall be directly responsible for safe operation of their vehicle in all circumstances
6-2.3 Personnel responding to an incident may use their blue warning light as long as a permit is on file issued by the Chief of the Department.
6-2.4 Personnel responding to an incident shall use their headlights with their warning lights.
6-2.5 Personnel responding to an incident shall not proceed by the incident to go to the Station unless it is in the best interest of the incident to do so.
6-3 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
6-3.1 All apparatus shall be inspected weekly and after each use.
6-3.2 Any apparatus found to be unsafe shall be immediately removed from service until repaired.
6-3.3 Fire pumps on apparatus shall be tested annually as specified in NFPA 1911.
6-4 EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
6-4.1 All equipment on apparatus shall be inspected weekly and immediately after its use.
6-4.2 Any equipment found to be defective or unserviceable shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
6-4.3 All ground ladders shall be inspected and tested annually as specified in NFPA 1932.
6-4.4 All fire hose shall be inspected and tested annually as specified in NFPA 1962.
6-4.5 All portable extinguishers shall be inspected and tested annually as specified in NFPA 10.
6-4.6 All SCBA shall be inspected on a weekly basis and immediately after each use and the bottles shall be hydrostatically tested every 5 years. (3 years for aluminum bottles)
SECTION 6 PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (continued)
6-5 DEPARTMENT GOOD AND WELFARE
6-5.1 The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No.1 shall provide a department physician to adequately test each member to determine whether they are physically fit to perform firefighting duties. The cost will be covered by the fire department. Members wishing to use their own physician may do so at their expense with no reimbursement by the fire department. Results of all physicals shall be given directly to the Chief of the Department.
6-5.2 All members are required to annually receive a medical physical in accordance with OSHA regulations.
6-5.3 Each member’s birthday shall be designated as the common anniversary date.
6-5.4 The Chief of the Department may extend this period if special circumstances are present.
6-5.5 Any member not receiving their physical shall be deemed inactive and shall not respond to any emergencies until such physical has been completed.
6-6 VACCINATIONS
6-6.1 Personnel shall be offered vaccinations against contagious diseases in an attempt to limit their exposure.
6-6.2 The vaccinations shall be at no cost to any member.
6-6.3 Personnel who refuse the vaccinations shall sign a waiver releasing the fire department from any liability.
6-6.4 Personnel who refuse the waiver and the vaccinations shall be deemed inactive and the matter will be turned over to the Board of Directors for appropriate action.
SECTION 6 PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (continued)
6-7 AIR-BORNE/BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS
6-7.1 GUIDELINES
A) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 shall provide fire, rescue or medical services to the public without regard to known or suspected diagnosis of communicable disease in any patient.
B) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 shall regard all patient contacts as potentially infectious and shall observe universal precautions at all times and shall be expanded to include body substance isolation. (BSI)
C) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 shall provide personal protective equipment to all members at no cost to the member.
D) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 shall provide annual training to all members in air-borne/blood-borne pathogens.
E) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 members are required to attend annual training in air-borne/blood-borne pathogens. Members not maintaining yearly training shall become inactive until such training is obtained.
F) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 prohibits discrimination against any member for health reasons including infection and/or seroconversion with HIV or HBV virus.
G) The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No. 1 regards all medical information as strictly private. No member’s health information will be released without his or her signed written consent.
SECTION 7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
7-1 FIREFIGHTER / RESCUE (PPE)
7-1.1 The Willington Fire Dept. Inc. No.1 will issue at no cost to the member personal protective equipment.
7-1.2 Firefighter / Rescue personal protective equipment will include:
A) Helmet with eye protection
B) Bunker Coat
C) Bunker Pants
D) Bunker boots
E) Nomex hood
F) Gloves
7-1.3 Members shall keep their personal protective equipment in a constant of readiness.
7-1.4 Members who find their PPE is in questionable status shall bring it to the Chief’s attention promptly for inspection. If the PPE is deemed unsafe it will be removed from service.
7-1.5 Inspection of PPE shall be conducted at least twice a year.
7-1.6 Members are required to wear their PPE at all emergency incidents involving fires and accidents, and training exercises where appropriate.
7-1.7 Members responding to an incident without their PPE shall be reassigned to duties outside of the danger zone as soon as conditions allow.
7-1.8 At any incident requiring breathing apparatus each member in the danger zone shall have their PPE expanded to include self contained breathing apparatus. (SCBA)
7-1.9 Members shall use only PPE that is issued by the department. The Chief of the Department will clear all other equipment for use only after inspection.
SECTION 7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (continued)
7-1 EMS (PPE)
7-2.1 All medical personnel shall wear examination gloves on all medical incidents.
7-2.2 All medical personnel shall follow the rules and guidelines suggested by the blood-borne/air-borne pathogens guidelines for personal protective equipment. (PPE)
7-2.3 Medical personnel not adhering to these guidelines shall be asked to comply with these standard operating procedures or to remove themselves from the patient area.
7-2.4 Medical personnel working on a patient with extrication from a motor vehicle or similar incident shall wear personal protective equipment (PPE) equivalent to a firefighters personal protective equipment. (PPE)
SECTION 8 USE OF A MEDICAL HELICOPTER)
8-1 GUIDELINES FOR A REQUEST OF AN AIR AMBULANCE
8-1.1 The following mechanisms of injury may indicate a request for an air ambulance:
A) Falls from 20 feet or more
B) Apparent high speed impact
C) Pedestrian struck by a mot