GORE FIRE DEPT. CHATTOOGA COUNTY GA.
GORE S.O.P.
GORE FIRE DEPT.
DRIVER S.O.P.
This standard applies to all Firefighters who drive or operate a motorized vehicle owned or used by the Department. It was promulgated to:
A. Establish minimum standards for Firefighters who are allowed to drive or operate a motorized vehicle.
B. Establish minimum safety regulations for the operation of a motorized vehicle.II. APPLICABILITYIII. RELATED DIRECTIVES
NFPA 1500 and 1002 IV. DEFINITIONS
NONE
V. ATTACHMENTSNONEVI. PROCEDURE
A. (General)1. Driver’s license:
a. All fire apparatus drivers shall have a valid driver’s license .
2. For the purposes of this standard, motorized vehicles shall be divided into two categories: Category one and Category Two.
a. Category One vehicles are those vehicles used primarily for fire suppression purposes and that have a gross vehicle weight (gvw) that exceeds 11,000 lbs.
b. Category Two vehicles are those vehicles that have a gvw of 11,000 lbs. or less and are primarily used for support services.
3. No Firefighter shall be allowed to drive or operate a Category One vehicle unless he has successfully completed the Department’s driver training program or is a student driver under the supervision of a qualified driver.
4. 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.
5. No driver shall move a vehicle until all persons in it are in an approved riding position and are properly secured.
6. Drivers responding to emergencies shall comply with the provisions of SOP, Emergency Response.
7. A driver shall not back a vehicle unless his/her 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.B. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Drivers shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of their vehicles in all situations.
2. When a driver is under the direct supervision of a Department Officer, the Department Officer shall be responsible for the actions of the driver.
3. 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.C. ACCIDENTS
1. The Department Officer shall immediately notify his supervisor and the appropriate law enforcement agency if he is involved in an accident. All reports and information concerning the accident shall be forwarded to the Station Chief.
2. The Station Chief shall notify the State Fire Marshall’s office whenever an accident involves an injury, fatality, or damage to a vehicle.
RESPONDING TO EMERGENCY CALLS1. General Concerns:
At all times, extreme caution should be used while responding to emergency calls. The risk to the member as well as to the general public is increased by the use of lights and sirens in the response to an emergency call.
2. Prior to Response:
The driver accepts the responsibility of a safe and ready to respond vehicle.
All vehicle doors, loose equipment and other items carried on the apparatus are to be properly stowed, secured or closed to insure safe transport to and from the emergency scene.
All persons riding on the apparatus are to be secured in their seats with their seat belt fastened prior to the apparatus moving.
The driver should know the location and directions providing for the most efficient route to the emergency call, and be familiar with detours, traffic patterns and other conditions that will affect the response to the emergency.
The driver should use the most efficient route to the emergency unless otherwise directed.
When responding from within the fire station, the bay door shall be fully opened prior to moving the apparatus through the doorway.
The driver should ensure that the driveway is clear prior to exiting the building and proceeding to the emergency.
The emergency lights and siren should be activated when leaving the fire station and while enroute until arrival on the scene of the emergency.
During periods of extremely light traffic or late night responses the use of the siren in residential neighborhoods may be exercised with due regard to the public.
Keep in mind the constant need for other drivers and pedestrians need to hear and see the responding apparatus.
3. During the Response:
The driver should use extreme caution while responding to the emergency.
According to Georgia Traffic Code, traffic should pull off to the right and allow the emergency responding apparatus to pass on the left.RAILROAD CROSSINGS
1. General Concerns:
Grade level railroad crossings provide a location for a high frequency and severity of accidents.
Do not drive into the railroad crossing area, marked by the white stop lines, unless you are able to completely cross the tracks and clear the white line on the other side.
When stopped by a railroad crossing, leave ample room in front of the vehicle for gates to lower and in the event that you must maneuver the vehicle to respond to a call.
2. General Guide:
Obey traffic law.
Fire Department vehicles shall not go around lowered gates at any time.
The law prohibits the crossing of grade level tracks while the gates are lowering or are in the down position and/or the signals are activated.
Choose an alternative route to the call.
When stopped by an activated railroad signal crossing, notify dispatch of the delay.
Keep dispatch informed while you are delayed and at the time you are free of the crossing.
During emergency response and no alternative route option, follow safety SOP guidelines. TRANSFERRING PUMPS INTO GEAR
Introduction:This policy establishes a guideline for placing pumping apparatus into pump gear.
These guidelines shall be used whenever placing a piece of fire apparatus with an automatic transmission into pump gear.TRANSFERRING PUMPS:
1. Bring an apparatus to a complete stop.
2. Put transmission into neutral.
3. Set parking brake.
4. Move pump shift control switch from ROAD to PUMP, pausing in the NEUTRAL position.
5. Note: If the green OK TO PUMP light does not go “on,”
a. Move transmission lever back into neutral position
b. Place pump shift control switch to road position.
c. Shift transmission lever into reverse momentarily and back to neutral.
d. Restart pump engagement procedure.
6. Shift transmission to drive (D).
a. Green PUMP ENGAGED and OK TO PUMP lights should be on.
b. Speedometer MUST show some value of road speed (usually 10 –15 mph).
CAUTION: DO NOT LEAVE THE CAB IF THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT SHOW SOME VALUE OF ROAD SPEED.
7. If the apparatus moves, place the transmission in neutral and repeat steps 4-6.
8. If the pump does not transfer automatically after three (3) attempts, transfer the pump manually.
9. After leaving the cab, block the rear wheels.
***If while at the pump panel the apparatus begins to move, immediately depress the red emergency button on the throttle control on the pump panel to bring the engine to idle speed, then move the gear shift to the NEUTRAL position.
HOSE LOADS, TESTING, CAREThe following SOP’s shall be considered as standing orders for fire apparatus hose.
The hose carried on the apparatus shall be loaded, tested and cared for as follows:HOSE TESTING
All new hose shall be tested before being put into service, after repairs have been made, and at least annually.
No hose shall be allowed to be in service without passing the annual test.
When testing hose, refer to the testing chart for time and pressures to be used.
Personnel observing the test shall lay out the hose to allow a clear view of the hose from the left side of the hose lay, starting at the testing source.
Personnel shall use extreme caution when approaching hose at its testing pressure.
When a problem arises, stop testing, make the needed adjustments and start the test over.
NFPA makes these recommendations and they shall be strictly adhered to.
Hose testing will be conducted on an annual basis per NFPA recommendation.
When the hose testing has been completed, record the results on master sheet.PRECONNECTS
All pre-connected cross lays shall be loaded using the flat method with 200 feet of 1 3/4 inch hose.
The #1 front cross lay shall be loaded to allow deployment to the driver side.
The #2 front cross lay shall be loaded to allow deployment to the passenger side.
Fog nozzles shall be set at 125 gpm.REAR HOSE BEDS
All apparatus shall have 300’ of 2 ½” hose loaded in the left rear hose bed with 300’of 2 ½” hose loaded on top, connected to the left rear port.
The 2-½ inch shall be loaded in a flat load.
In the center left rear bed, 600’ of 3-inch hose shall be a reverse lay, loaded in flat method as to allow for easy deployment.
Keep the couplings to the back of the hose bed so they do not have to make a turn in the process of being deployed.
In the right rear bed, 600’ of 3-inch hose shall be a forward lay, loaded in flat method as to allow for easy deployment.
Keep the couplings to the back of the hose bed so they do not have to make a turn in the process of being deployed.ESTABLISHING WATER SUPPLIES-MUNICIPAL
1. The attack engine should establish a water supply with 3” diameter hose as soon as possible.
2. Where 2.5” hose lines are used for supply, a minimum of two hose lines will be used.
3. Auxiliary or pony suction inlets should not be used as a primary source for connecting supply lines of an engine if possible.
4. Prior to connecting to a fire hydrant the engineer will open and flush the hydrant from the largest port available.
5. The residual pressure of a municipal water supply system should not be taken below 10 psi.
6. A hydrant connection will consist of placing a 2 ½” gate valve on the hydrant and using the 5” steamer to connect the 5” supply line.
7. Should the second engine be required to reverse lay the supply line, its tools and equipment should be removed from the apparatus and left near the fire scene.
8. During periods of low water pressure and or when high volume flows will be required at the fire scene, a pumper should be placed at the hydrant to insure sufficient water to the fire scene. Every available outlet on the fire hydrant should be used to maximize available water supply.
9. Fire hydrants are color coded as per NFPA. The following colors are used to indicate the tested
flows:
Red = <500 gpm
Orange = 500-1000 gpm
Green = 1000-1500 gpm
Blue = >1500 gpm FOAM USAGE
TACTICAL GUIDELINES FOAM OPERATIONS Firefighting foam is used when water alone is inadequate.OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Hose Lay:
2 ½ inch hose supplying the inductor then no less that 100’ of 1 ½” hose after the inductor. Length of
2 ½ inch may be changed to fit the incident. It is a critical factor that no more than 200' of 1.5" may be used.Hydraulics:
For correct proportioning of the foam, 200 psi is needed at the inductor.
Nozzle flows are to be 95 gpm.
Total engine pressure is F.L. of the 2 ½ inch flowing 95 gpm (3 psi per 100') + 200 psi at the inductor.
All other variables have been calculated into this equation. Safety:
Any time a foam line is put into operation a second protection line is needed, this line is to be of ample length and maneuverability to protect the personnel utilizing the foam line. Tactical:
No foam operation should begin until an adequate supply of foam is on hand.
Five gallons of foam proportioned at 3% will yield 1328 gallons of aerated foam in 2 min. at the correct pressures if all the equipment is functioning properly.
6% proportioning will deliver 664 gallons of aerated foam in 1 min. with the same limitations.
COLD WEATHER OPERATIONSFire pumps are to be kept wet when outside temperatures are below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Apparatus outside that is parked or staged for any reason must circulate water through the pump as soon as possible to prevent freezing.
When the apparatus has arrived back in quarters the operator must:
Place the pump into gear momentarily to verify it turns.
Remove all discharge and intake caps to inspect for freezing.
Do not force valves/drains.
If freezing is observed, place portable heaters near the pump to thaw it as soon as possible.
PLACING APPARATUS BACK IN SERVICE
All apparatus shall be placed back into full service immediately after each response.
The operator shall insure the apparatus is response ready by checking the following:
· Fuel level
· Fluid levels
· Water tank level
· SCBA full and stowed properly
· All portable tools and equipment cleaned and refueled
· Radios on proper channel
· Disposable equipment restocked
· Vehicle cleaned as needed
· Maintenance paperwork completed as needed
GORE FIRE DEPT.
First Response S.O.P.
I. Purpose to provide general procedures and guidelines for first arriving companies at Technical Rescue Incidents.II. Procedures
(General)Position apparatus safely.
Gather information for the Technical Rescue Team; for example, location of victims, number of victims, other immediate hazards.
Determine what additional resources are needed.
Designate a safe staging area
Establish Incident Command.
Locate and retain a knowledgeable person on the site if possible.III. Trench Rescue and Confined Space
All personnel should be aware that trench collapse and building collapse are dynamic situations and further collapse may occur at any time. Entrapment in other confined space areas can pose other risks such as explosion from vapors, chemical hazards, and/or lack of oxygen.
Do not enter a trench or confined space.
First in companies shall position with consideration of the potential danger of further collapse or chemical hazards.
Establish hot, warm, and cold zones.
Prevent entry and shut down all heavy equipment to prevent further collapse.IV. Rope Rescue Incidents
Rescue via rope is the option of last resort.
Determine if another means of rescue is possible; for example, windows or aerial ladder.
Contact the victim and determine the individual's level of cooperation.
Inform the victim of the rescue plan and what actions he or she will need to assist with.
Assist in gaining access to rescue area.
This is a new policy on this subject matter.
GORE FIRE DEPT.
Hurst Hydraulic Rescue Tool System S.O.P.
I. Purpose to establish a standard operating guideline for the use of the Hurst Rescue Tool system. II. Scope
All fire department personnel. III. Responsibilities
It is the responsibility for all fireground officers to have a working understand the operation of the Hurst Rescue System and be able to apply that knowledge to various rescue scenarios, using the system tool in a safe but efficient manner.
It is the responsibility of all firefighters to have a working understand the operation of the Hurst Rescue System and be able to place the system in operation in safe and efficient manner. IV Background
The Hurst Rescue System provides adds an added dimension in rescue allowing great forces to be used to cut, sever, displace or spread various components of a vehicle allowing the removal of entrapped occupants from a vehicle.
V. Procedures
1. All personnel who respond to motor vehicle accidents will have a working understanding of the setup, use and operation of the Hurst Rescue System. Training is provided “in house” and department personnel are encouraged to attend out service training related to vehicle rescue.
2. Only personnel who have been trained in the use of the Hurst Rescue System will be permitted to operate the system.
3. The tactic operation of the Hurst Rescue Tool will under the direction of an officer or acting officer at the scene of an accident or in training. Tactical decisions will be based upon all factors at the scene of the incident and made in concert with patient care priorities.
4. When the determination is made to place the Hurst Rescue Tool System in operation, the following will be considered:
Appropriate placement of the power unit away and preferable uphill and upwind of the wreckage. The operator the power plant will check the scene for potential sources of ignition and any other hazards.
The operator of the power plant will remain in contact with the power plant thorough out the operation of the being able to shut the plant down, shut off or activate the flow of hydraulic fluid to the tools.
He or she will maintain visual contact with operator of the rescue tool(s) at all times.
When setting up the system, the officer in charge of the Hurst Rescue System evolution will insure all hoses are appropriately connected to the manifold.
The vehicle will be stabilized prior to using the HRT on the wreckage.
Hydraulic tools will be under the control of one individual at a time.
All personnel involved in any aspect of the Hurst Rescue Tool operation will be in full protective clothing.
Additional personnel should be utilized to assist in the operation.
This may include keeping hydraulic lines free from the wreckage, removal of trim or glass prior to using the tool.
A charged hose line will be placed utilized for the protection of the vehicle occupants.
5. Upon return to the station following an incident or training exercise involving the use of the Hurst Hydraulic Rescue system, the officer in charge will insure all necessary preventative maintenance is performed including, but not limited to:
Inspection and cleaning of all hydraulic lines and connections.
This will include a thorough review looking for cuts, abrasions, or other imperfections that may be cause for the lines to fail. All lines will be cleaned, coiled and returned to the apparatus.
All tools, including cutters, spreaders and ram will be inspected and cleaned.
All light film of WD-40 will be placed on the tools once they have been cleaned.
The power plant will be thoroughly inspected.
This inspection will insure all fluids (oil, gas and hydraulic fluid) are full.
Any equipment that appears to be defective should be taken out of service.
The appropriate officer in the chain of command should be notified and corrective action taken.
This is a new policy on this subject matter. GORE FIRE DEPT.
Incident Command System
I. Purpose To establish a procedure manage all emergencies using the incident command system.
II. Scope
All fire department personnel within the chain of command will operate under the incident command system. III. Responsibility
The Fire Chief is responsible for the management of all emergency incidents. In his absence, the next ranking fire ground officer will assume command of the incident.
All fire ground officers are responsible to understand the incident command system and assume the appropriate role within that system.
Firefighters are responsible to adhere to the procedures established within this policy.
IV. Background
The effective functioning of emergency services at incidents requires clear decisive action on the part of an Incident Commander.
This procedure identifies the standard operating guidelines to be employed in establishing command and operating a Command Post.
It also fixes responsibility for the command function and its associated duties on one individual at any time during the operations.
The Incident Commander is responsible for the command functions at all times. As the identity of the Incident Commander changes, through transfers of command, this responsibility shifts with the title.
The term "Command" in this procedure refers jointly to both the person and the function.
Identity of the Incident Commander will be as per Chain of Command.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
1. The Fire Chief will be the Incident Commander at all incidents within each respective municipality.
2. The Assistant Chief will be the Incident Commander at all incidents until such time as the Fire Chief arrives on seen.
3. One of the Captains will be the Incident Commander until such time as any of the above arrive.
4. The firefighter riding officer on the first arriving apparatus will be the Incident Commander until such time as any of the above arrive.
5. Captains and fire fighters riding the officer position on the apparatus will be responsible for fire ground authority as assigned by the Incident Commander (search, rescue, ventilation, overhaul, water supply, etc.)
V. Procedures
Command procedures are designed to accomplish the following:
1. Fix the responsibility for Command on a certain individual through a standard identification system depending on the arrival sequence of members, companies, and officers.
2. Insure that strong, direct, and visible Command will be established as early as possible in the operation.
3. Establish an effective framework outlining the activities and responsibilities assigned to Command.
4. Provide a system for the orderly transfer of Command to subsequent arriving officers.
5. Command is responsible for four basic fire ground objectives:
a. Providing for the safety and welfare of fire fighting personnel.
b. Removing endangered occupants and treat the injured.
c. Confining and extinguishing the fire.
d. Conserving property after fire control is achieved.
Command is responsible for the following functions as required by the circumstances of the situation.
a. Assume and confirm Command and take an effective position.
b. Rapidly evaluate the situation (size-up).
c. Initiate, maintain, and control the communications process.
d. Identify the overall strategy, develop an attack plan, and assign units.
e. Develop an effective fire ground organization.
f. Provide continuing Command within the framework of standard operating
guidelines.
g. Coordinate the transfer of Command as required.
h. Request and assign additional resources as required.
i. Return companies to service and terminate Command.
All of these functions are responsibilities of Command, whether or not Command is transferred from one individual to another.
The first five (5) functions must be addressed immediately from the initial assumption of Command.
VI. ESTABLISHING COMMAND
The first officer to arrive at the scene SHALL assume Command and remain in command until relieved by a ranking Incident Commander or until the incident is terminated.
Exception: See PASSING COMMAND
VII. Initial Report
The individual assuming command shall transmit a brief initial radio report including:
1. Unit identification on the scene, confirming assumption of Command and location. (i.e. 301 Chief on the scene assuming Gore Street Command.)
2. Building description (occupancy, size, arrangement, construction, and address).
3. Obvious fire conditions.
4. Action taken (brief description).
5. Any obvious safety concerns.
Radio Designation
The radio designation "COMMAND" will be used once command has been established.
On a incident, the incident location (i.e. "Gore Street Command") may be utilized.
This designation will not change through the duration of the incident.
VIII. COMMAND OPTIONS
In cases when the initial arriving Incident Commander is an officer, efforts should automatically be directed towards establishing a Command Post and fulfilling the listed Command functions.
The establishment of a Command Post is a priority at all working incidents.
The location of the Incident Commander clearly identified will make command more effective.
When command is initially assumed, the Incident commander must decide on an appropriate commitment for responding resources which will usually fall into one of three general modes listed below.
1. Nothing Showing Mode:
These situations generally require investigation by the first arriving engine while holding staged units at a distance. Do not cancel responding units until situation is confirmed!
Normally the Incident Commander should go to check while utilizing a portable radio to command the incident.
2. Fast Attack Mode:
Situations which require action to stabilize the situation, such as interior fires in residences, apartments, or small commercial occupancies, require that the Incident Commander quickly decide how to commit resources. Where a fast interior attack is critical, utilization of the portable radio will permit the necessary involvement in the attack without neglecting Command responsibilities.
This mode should not last more than a few moments and will end with one of the following:
(a) Situation is stabilized.
(b) Command is passed to next arriving Incident Commander.
(c) A chief officer arrives and command is transferred.
(d) Situation is not stabilized and the Incident Commander must withdraw to the exterior and establish a Command Post.
3. Command Mode:
Situations that require a strong command by virtue of the size of the fire, the complexity or type of occupancy, or the possibility of extension require strong, direct, overall Command from the outset.
In such cases, the Incident Commander will initially assume a Command position and maintain that position until relieved via the Chain of Command.
Tactical work sheet should be utilized to assist in managing these situations.
The Incident Commander assuming Command has a choice of modes and degrees of personal involvement in the attack but continues to be fully responsible for the identified tasks assigned to the command function.
In all cases, the initiative and judgment of the Incident Commander are of great importance. The modes identified are not strict rules but general guidelines to assist the Incident Commander in planning appropriate actions.
VIIII. PASSING COMMAND
In certain situations it may be advantageous for the first arriving Incident Commander to "Pass Command" to the next arriving.
This is indicated when the initial commitment of the first arriving resources requires their involvement in operations (i.e. a large building or an immediate rescue situation), and the next arriving Incident Commander is on the scene or close behind.
The initial arriving Incident Commander will give an initial on scene radio report and advise that Command will be passed. The initial arriving driver or officer retains responsibility for Command until the next unit arrives and acknowledges the transfer.
Dispatcher will confirm that the next unit assumes Command.
X. TRANSFERS OF COMMAND
Within the chain of command indicated above, the actual transfer of command will be regulated by the following procedures:
1. The Incident Commander assuming Command will communicate with the person being relieved by radio or preferably face-to-face on arrival.
2. The person being relieved will brief the Incident Commander assuming Command indicating the following:
A. General situation status
1. Fire location, extent, conditions
2. Effectiveness of control efforts
3. Safety considerations including name of safety officer
B. Deployment and assignments of operating resources
.
C. Appraisal of needs for additional resources at that time.
The person being relieved should review the Tactical Work Sheet or Command Board with the command officer.
The Command Board or Tactical Work provides the most effective framework for Command transfer as it outlines the location and status of resources in a standard form that should be well known to all members.
The Incident Commander should eliminate all unnecessary radio traffic while responding unless such communications are required to insure that Command functions are initiated and completed.
This requires the person initially in command to give a clear on-scene report and continue to give updated progress reports as needed.
The arrival of a ranking Incident Commander on the fire ground does not necessarily mean Command has been transferred to that officer.
Command is transferred only when the outlined communication functions have been completed.
The response and arrival of additional officers on the fire ground strengthens the overall command function.
All officers will exercise their Command prerogative in a supportive manner that will insure a smooth transition and the effective ongoing function of Command.
The person relieved of Command will be utilized to best advantage by the officer assuming Command.
In cases where an individual is effectively commanding a tactical situation and is completely aware of the location and function of operating companies and the general status of the situation, it may be desirable for that person to continue as Incident Commander.
In these cases, the arriving ranking Incident Commander may assume a supportive role in the overall command function.
XI. COMMAND FUNCTION
It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander to develop an organizational structure, using standard operation procedures to effectively manage fire ground operations.
The development of the organizational structure should begin with the implementation of the initial tactical control measures and may continue through a number of phases, depending on the size and complexity of the particular situation.
The objective must be to develop the command organization at a pace which stays ahead of or even with the tactical development of resources.
The basic configuration of a Command structure includes three levels:
* STRATEGIC LEVEL - overall incident command
* TACTICAL LEVEL - direction of divisions and groups
* TASK LEVEL - unit activities
The Strategic Level involves the overall command of the incident and includes establishing major objectives, setting priorities, allocating resources, predicting outcomes, determining the appropriate mode of operations (offensive or defensive) and assigning specific objectives to Tactical Level Units.
The Tactical Level includes intermediate level officers directing activities toward specific objectives.
Tactical Level officers include officers, in charge of grouped resources operating in assigned areas or providing special function at the scene of an incident. The accumulated achievement of tactical objectives should accomplish strategic level objectives.
The Task Level refers to those activities normally accomplished by individual units or specific personnel.
Task Level activities are routinely supervised by company officers.
The accumulated achievement of Task Level activities should accomplish tactical objectives.
The most basic structure for a routine incident involves only two levels.
The role of Command combines the Strategic and Tactical levels.
Units report directly to Command and operate at the Task Level.
In more complex situations, Command should group units to work in sectors.
The sector officers operate at the Tactical Levels, directing the work of several groups and units or performing specialized functions as requested by Command. Command continues to operate at the Strategic Level, determining and directing the overall strategy to deal with the incident.
XII. COMMAND POST ORGANIZATION
As the fire ground organization grows in complexity, the Incident Commander may implement an additional intermediate level within the Command Post.
Additional Operations Officers may be assigned to subdivide responsibilities within the Command Post.
The Incident Commander may assign any available individuals to function as Operations Officers.
XIII. OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS
|
