I-9 - NFPA Standards - 2014

conditions. The primary emphasis is on avoiding the independent commitment of companies to tasks or positions that conflict with the incident commander's objectives. Once the initial command responsibilities are completed, the incident commander should begin to obtain progress reports from operating units and evaluate efforts. The initial action plan should then be revised or refined as necessary. The convergence of many units at the scene of an incident, particularly units that are not part of a planned response system, can cause major problems. Procedures should be established on a regional basis to provide for orderly response when major incidents occur. All responding multiple alarm companies should gather in a specific area designated by the incident commander. This formal staging area should be located away from the emergency scene in order to provide adequate space for assembly of all response apparatus. The first officer to arrive in this designated location should automatically assume control of the staging area. This officer should maintain an accurate log of available companies and, when requested to by command, should verbally assign companies to report to specific sectors or divisions or for specific functions with instructions on where and to whom to report. A.4.5.1.1 Fire department SOPs should define operational procedures for the passing of or transferring of command. Command should never be transferred to an individual not on the scene. The arrival of senior officers on the scene does not result in an automatic transfer of command. The identity of incident command could change during the course of an incident, but the continuity of responsibility and accountability should be maintained. On a typical first alarm assignment, the chain of command is usually transferred on the arrival of a chief officer. The officer being relieved should be prepared to provide the superior with an assessment of the general conditions and tactical priorities, such as the location of companies that are assigned, the identity of companies available for assignment, and the need for additional resources. The situation faced by a company officer assuming initial command of an incident dictates an operating mode in each case. The basic options available to that officer are as follows: (1) Investigation Mode. If fire is not evident, the first arriving company officer investigates while all other units stand by in staging mode or positions. The company officer assumes command responsibility. (2) Initial Attack Mode. The first arriving company officer assumes command responsibility while leading an initial rapid attack to stabilize the situation. This mode is effective where fast action is critical and will control the situation quickly. (3) Command Post Mode. The first arriving company officer identifies the large, complex situation and assigns resources while setting up a command post operation from the outset. In each case, the company officer assuming command is fully responsible for the identified tasks assigned to the command function. The degree of personal involvement in tactical actions varies in each mode. A.4.6.3 RIC members should have the fire fighters' personal protective ensemble and protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, and any specialized rescue equipment that could be needed for the specifics of the operation underway as required by NFPA 1500. A.4.8.1 Where applicable, the mutual aid agreement should include automatic responses on first alarms (automatic aid). This concept contemplates joint response of designated apparatus and personnel on a predetermined running assignment basis. Mutual aid concepts should be considered on a regional basis. In an effective mutual aid arrangement, each fire department should retain reserves of personnel and apparatus. Traditionally and legally, overall command of the incident is vested with the senior officer of the jurisdiction experiencing the emergency. Some areas use consolidated dispatching to coordinate the response of fire companies to assist an outside fire department. The management of responses can be made easier by utilizing computerization, running cards, and other advance planning. A.4.9 An emergency medical services (EMS) system is defined as a comprehensive, coordinated arrangement of resources and functions that are organized to respond in a timely, staged manner to medical emergencies, regardless of their cause. The term system can be applied locally or at the state, provincial, or national level. The following are the fundamental functions of an EMS system: (1) System organization and management (2) Medical direction (3) Human resources and training (4) Communications (5) Emergency response (6) Transportation (7) Care facilities (8) Quality assurance (9) Public information and education (10) Disaster medical services (11) Research (12) Special populations A.4.9.1 See requirements as outlined in NFPA 1710. A.4.9.2 In addition to the resources provided by the fire department to meet these response criteria, other community resources should be considered. The initial treatment could be enhanced by other means, including citizens trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or self-help instructions from trained communications personnel. The plan for delivering basic life support should include consideration of these alternatives. A.4.10 Special operations incidents can include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Rope rescue including high angle (2) Water rescue (3) Trench/collapse rescue (4) Confined space rescue (5) Extrication rescue (6) Air/sea rescue (7) Urban search and rescue (USAR) (8) SWAT (special weapons and tactics team) operations The specific role of the fire department in responding to special operations incidents should be outlined in the community's emergency management plan. This plan defines the scope of activities and responsibilities assigned to the fire department and the level of service that is provided in each area.