This is the html version of the file http://www.fredericktownfire.com/uploads/7/3/1/1/7311763/fredericktown_sog_31010.docx.

Google automatically generates html versions of documents as we crawl the web.

Fredericktown

Fire Department

Standard Operating Guidelines

and Training Manual

Revised and accepted, April 2010

Fredericktown

Fire Department

The intent of this Standard Operating Guidelines and Training Manual is to provide an administrative, operational, and training framework to better manage emergency response personnel. It is designed to create a systematic approach to teach and provide guidance for firefighting, emergency medical services, emergency operations, training, and all other activities of the Fredericktown Fire Department. The objective is to ensure that all personnel are aware of the accepted administrative and operational guidelines established by the Fredericktown Fire Department to successfully run the organization through leadership and to extinguish fire and handle other emergencies that we are called upon to manage. Proper utilization of this manual will improve firefighter safety by providing a better accountability of personnel, improved resource utilization, and increased tactical effectiveness through a knowledge based approach. Through training and application of this manual the Fredericktown Fire Department strives to better protect and serve the residents of the Fredericktown community, and all those entrusted with our care and expertise.

Chief John Clark

Mission Statement

Fredericktown Fire Department

The mission of this organization is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of our community, the Fredericktown Fire Department, and our mutual aid response areas with the highest quality by providing constant professional fire protection, rescue services, emergency management, and public safety programs.

We will accomplish this through a systematic delivery of education through fire prevention awareness, and proactive initiatives that focus on eliminating acts and/or practices that can cause fire. We will provide properly trained personnel and working equipment to suppress fire, perform basic extrication functions, and rescue operations.

Standard Operating Guidelines

Table of Contents

Section I Administrative

I-1 Introduction

I-2 Chain of Command

I-3 Command Staff

I-4 Classification of Firefighters

I-5 Application Process

I-6 Conduct and Core Values

I-7 Discipline

I-8 Equal Membership Opportunity

I-9 Anti-Harassment Policy

I-10 Complaint Policy

I-11 Alcohol/Drug Policy

I-12 Department Confidentiality Policy

I-13 Media Guidelines

I-14 Attendance at Functions

I-15 Personal Grooming Policy

I-16 Uniforms

I-17 Fire Investigations

I-18 Privately Owned Vehicle Policy

I-19 Accident Reporting Procedures

I-20 Line of Duty Death Policy

Section II Safety

II-1 General Safety Issues

II-2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

II-3 SCBA Policy

II-4 Respiratory Protection Program

II-5 Accountability Guidelines & Policy

II-6 Seatbelt Policy

II-7 Infection Control Policy

II-8 Safe Apparatus Driving Policy

II-9 Emergency and Non-Emergency Responses

Section III Operations

III-1 Incident Command System

III-2 Responding to Dispatches

III-3 Apparatus Response Guidelines

Section III Operations (cont.)

III-4 Riding Assignments (Under Construction)

III-5 Hydrant & Drafting Guidelines

III-6 Fire Attack Guidelines

III-7 Ventilation Guidelines

III-8 Forcible Entry

III-9 Fire ground Search and Rescue

III-10 Vehicle Extrication

III-11 Service Calls and Miscellaneous Fires

III-12 Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)

III-13 Ground Ladder Operations

• • III-14 Radio Guidelines

  • III-15 Mutual Aid Guidelines

  • III-16 Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

Section IV EMS Operations

IV-1 EMS Operations

• • IV-2 First Responder Protocol (Under Construction)

  • IV-3 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Policy

Section V Special Operations

• • • • V-1 Hazardous Materials

      • V-2 Confined Space Rescue

      • V-3 Helicopter Operations

Section VI Training

VI-1 Training Requirements & Expectations

VI-2 Required Firefighter Training

VI-3 Driver Training & Requirements

Section VII Equipment Testing & Maintenance

VII-1 Monthly Apparatus & Equipment Checklists

VII-2 Equipment Testing Policy

Appendix

1 Definitions

2 Explorer Rules and Regulations (FUTURE)

3 Emergency Apparatus Qualifications

4 Competency Course

5 Apparatus Qualification Sheets

6 Vehicle Accident/Loss Investigation Report

7 Hose Maintenance

8 SCBA Maintenance

9 High Pressure Breathing Air System Operating Procedures

10 Infectious Exposure Form

11. Department Library

12. Radio Frequencies

Section I

Administrative

I-1 Introduction

I-2 Chain of Command

I-3 Command Staff

I-4 Classification of Firefighters

I-5 Application Process

I-6 Conduct and Core Values

I-7 Discipline

I-8 Equal Membership Opportunity

I-9 Anti-Harassment Policy

I-10 Complaint Policy

I-11 Alcohol/Drug Policy

I-12 Department Confidentiality Policy

I-13 Media Guidelines

I-14 Attendance at Functions

I-15 Personal Grooming Policy

I-16 Uniforms

I-17 Fire Investigations

I-18 Privately Owned Vehicle Policy

I-19 Accident Reporting Policy

I-20 Line of Duty Death Policy

Section I-1

Introduction

All information and directives contained within the Fredericktown Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines and Training manual herein shall be consistently applied, unless ordered to the contrary by the Chief of the Department and/or in specific circumstances, by the Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Safety Officer, Acting Officer, or other Incident Commander. These guidelines will be employed at all times by all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel.

It is the responsibility of all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and to employ these principles and practices whenever acting in the performance of their official duties.

It is the responsibility of all Fredericktown Fire Department Officers to supervise and command their subordinates within the guidelines and principles contained within these Operating Guidelines.

Periodic review and revision of policies and operational Guidelines is recognized as necessary. Frequent review and updating of these Operating Guidelines is encouraged.

These Operating Guidelines cannot be expected to provide a solution to every question, problem, or scenario that may arise in an emergency service delivery system. It is expected, however, that these guidelines will be sufficiently comprehensive to cover, either in a specific or general way, the majority of operational and administrative activities faced by the Fredericktown Fire Department.

The existence of these written guidelines is not intended to limit any member in the exercise of sound and mature judgment or initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations that may arise in the fire service. Much by necessity must be left to the training, experience, initiative, integrity, and discretion of the members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

AREA OF COVERAGE

The Fredericktown Fire Department provides coverage for the City of Fredericktown and six surrounding districts.

Hwy OO north to Coppermine’s road.

72 East to J hwy

72 West to and including BREC and MAC

Junction City

Cobalt Village

Village Creek

These six districts are on a membership fee based program. See Appendix 12

Section I-2

Chain of Command

All personnel within this Department will show proper respect to and promptly obey the Chain of Command, both during emergency incidents, departmental activities, and in regards to administrative matters. Respect for the ranks of officers is essential for both administrative and operational efficiency. All firefighters and officers are required to be familiar with the Incident Command System and to work within its parameters through the termination of all incidents.

No firefighter, officer, or other member of the Fredericktown Fire Department shall initiate contact with any other local, regional, State, or Federal officials with regard to any business or situation regarding the Fredericktown Fire Department unless they have advised the Chief through the chain of command. If any member desires to discuss any Fredericktown Fire Department issues with any other local, state, or federal officials, then he/she is duty bound and required to utilize the proper chain of command and advice and notify a superior officer or Chief first. After the Chief is advised of the situation, the Chief will decide if the issue is appropriate for presentation to the other officials. If the issue is of a personal or sensitive matter or involves officers, then the firefighter may consult directly with the Assistant Chief, however, the use of Chain of Command is encouraged.

In the event that no ranking officer is available, seniority according to membership shall be the determining factor in rank. With the absence of a ranking officer, the Driver of the apparatus shall be the OIC, assuming that no other more senior firefighter is available.

All Firefighting personnel will be assigned a Sergeant at Arms to report to. This shall be the first link in the chain of command, followed by the Assistant Chief, and lastly the Chief.

All officers will also be designated as training officers. They will be required to teach a class at least 2 months per year.

Fredericktown Fire Department

Command Staff

Section I-3

Command Staff

The Command Staff shall serve as the representatives of the Fredericktown Fire Department. The Command Staff shall consist of the Lieutenant, Captains, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief.

The Command Staff shall serve as an advisory committee to the Fire Chief in areas concerning personnel discipline, recognition, promotion, recommendations, along with departmental policy and guidelines, operation and efficiency of departmental programs, and other decisions that may affect the Department as a whole.

Training is a vital mission of our department. These positions are considered collateral in nature and may be held in conjunction with another position. While they carry the responsibility of an officer, they are not officer positions. They report directly to the Assistant Chief.

The Fire Chief shall have the final authority on all policies and guidelines.

Elections are held on the first meeting in December for all positions with the exception of Chief.

The voting does not go into effect until January 1.

Section I-3

Command Staff

Fire Chief

.1.The Chief of the Department shall be responsible for the administration and control of all functions of the Department, subject to the control of the City Council of the City of Fredericktown.

2. He/she shall have full knowledge of the meaning and intent of Missouri State Statutes and of the Ordinances of the city of Fredericktown where they pertain to the efficient function of the Department.

3. He/she shall be overall responsible for the proper management, discipline, and training of all personnel.

4. He/she shall approval the tools, appliances, and equipment of the Department and the manner of care and use.

5. He/she shall adopt suitable measures to put into effect the policy, Rules and Regulations, practices and procedures necessary for the efficient operation of the Department.

6. He/she shall prescribe the specifications and manner of wearing of the uniform and protective clothing of the Department.

7. He/she shall make such inspection and investigations as may be necessary to keep informed of conditions within the Department.

8. He/she shall supervise and control the distribution of supplies necessary for firefighting and maintenance of the Department.

9. He/she may suspend or dismiss from the service any member of the Department for cause in such a manner as provided by the rules of the Fire Department.

10. He/she shall have direct responsibility of personnel placement (assignment).

11. He/she shall recommend to the Council the purchase of equipment and apparatus for the extinguishments of fires and for saving lives, and must submit plans to the Council for any expansion of the Department, either for personnel or equipment, in ample time for an orderly implementation.

• • • • FIRE CHIEF PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

      • Prior to an Officer being promoted to Fire Chief, the following requirements must be completed:

• • • 1) Minimum of ten (10) years firefighting experience

    • 2) Minimum of five (5) years as an Officer

    • 3) Approval of the City of Fredericktown after a positive recommendation of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

Section I-3

Command Staff

Assistant Fire Chief

1. The Assistant Chief shall be second in command, and in the absence of the Chief, shall assume control of the Department and perform the duties and exercise the power incidental to the Office of Chief of the Department, in such order or precedence as may be indicated.

2. They shall execute their duties in accordance with general rules of conduct pertaining to their rank and shall enforce within their command specific rules applicable by reason of the assignment.

3. They shall supervise the application of policy, Rules and Regulations, practices and procedures of the Department, and the efficiency and equalization of personnel within their command.

4. They shall respond to alarms and special calls in accordance with requirements and Department policy, and shall command and direct operations unless relieved by the Chief of the Department.

5. They shall keep such records as are necessary to insure efficient operation of their command. They shall keep a record of activities while on duty so as to properly apprise the Chief of the Department on matters essential to the Command.

6. They shall supervise the fire prevention inspection program of designated occupancies within their command, and shall establish pre-incident planning procedures deemed necessary by the Chief of the Department.

7. They shall witness drills and training sessions, make investigations, heed evidence of neglect or inefficiency, and take necessary action to correct any deficiencies in their command, as required.

8. They shall, when a hazardous condition of more than minor importance is reported to the Fire Department, promptly supervise an inspection of the premises with the proper person or persons, and shall decide what action is indicated according to Department policy.

9. They shall be particularly judicious of their operation at an emergency, and keep uppermost in their mind, the safety of members under their supervision.

10. They shall be responsible for the proper management, and the efficient functions of the Department, as prescribed by the Chief of the Department.

• • • • ASSISTANT CHIEF PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

      • Prior to an Officer being promoted to Assistant Chief, the following requirements should be completed:

• • • 1) Minimum of five (5) years firefighting experience.

    • 2) Minimum of three (3) years as a Company or Chief Officer.

    • 3) Proficient in oral and written communications

    • 4) Voted in by simple majority of Department members with all ties broken by the Chief of Department, according to Roberts Rules of Order.

Section I-3

Command Staff

Captains

1. A Captain shall be a member of the Chief’s Staff to which he is assigned. All Captains and Lieutenants shall command a Company or other minor subdivision of the Department.

2. They shall operate in accordance with the general rules of conduct pertaining to their rank and shall enforce within their command, specific rules applicable by reason of the assignment.

3. They shall apprise all members of their command of all Orders and District communications, and impart any additional information or instruction necessary for the efficient operation of their command.

4. They shall be thoroughly familiar with their assigned duties and the topography and characteristics of their alarm.

5. They shall respond with members under their command to all alarms and special calls as dispatched, and when first to arrive, shall normally assume command of operations until properly relieved by a superior Officer.

6. They shall, when performing at fires or other emergencies, be particularly judicious in laying lines, placing ladders, spotting equipment, calling for assistance, and in other operations necessary for the preservation of life and property.

7. They shall see that all apparatus and Department equipment assigned to their command are properly cleaned, cared for and protected.

8. They shall instruct and train members of their command at intervals established by Department Policy so that efficiency and coordination of their command are maintained at high standards.

9. They shall assign properly qualified members of their command as Drivers or Engineers and shall designate other properly qualified members to act in their place during their absence.

10. They shall prohibit the presence of intoxicated or otherwise disorderly persons in or about the Quarters at any time.

11. They shall have the authority to recommend suspension from duty, any subordinate members for a flagrant violation of the Rules and Regulations, and shall repot in writing and submit through channels to the Chief of the Department, all details of the incident.

12. They shall, with the approval of the Chief or his designee, designate a member of lower rank to act in their place in their absence.

13. They shall not permit apparatus to be driven at a rate of speed, or when turning corners, or when crossing street intersections, that may cause an accident. The Company Officer will be held responsible for the speed of the apparatus. When approaching a stop sign or signal while responding to an emergency alarm, they will proceed with caution, sounding the vehicle siren and with emergency light(s) flashing. They will insure the driver obeys all traffic rules when returning to quarters from an alarm. When using the air horns, the Company Officer shall be careful not to over use them to the point of adversely affecting the vehicle’s air braking system.

14. They shall inspect the entire fire station and outside grounds for the purpose of assuring that these entire premises are in a presentable condition.

15. They shall report on Department form, any and every accident, collision, or the like, resulting in loss of life, or injury to persons or damage to personal, private or public property, however slight in connection with the operation of the Fire Department unless advised differently by a superior Officer. A police report will be made on all accidents involving another vehicle, no matter how minor. They shall immediately refer to Department Policies to determine if immediate drug testing of the Department Driver(s), Equipment Operator(s) or other persons is indicated or required.

16. Under circumstances of emergency, such as intoxication, willful refusal to obey orders, or such behavior that the interests of the Department would suffer by their remaining on duty, the Company Officer shall have the authority to suspend any member of their Company and prefer charges immediately to the Chief’s Office.

17. They shall obtain the following information if, while responding to, at the scene, or returning from an emergency scene, a firefighter or civilian sustains burns or injury; Name, Address, Phone Number, Sex, Age, Date of Birth, Race or decent, and the extent of injury and how it occurred. This information shall be incorporated into the incident report.

18. If a member of the Department has lost or mislaid any tool, implement, or any Fire Department property; the Officer shall report this to the Chief’s Office.

19. When the apparatus is returned to quarters from its place of repair, the Company Officer shall immediately inspect same, ensuring that it is ready for duty.

20. They shall examine the nozzles, hose, extinguishers, and all equipment on the apparatus after every run, noting any damaged or lost equipment. The Officer shall be held responsible for any damage to apparatus, loss of tools and all other equipment.

21. They may, when returning from an alarm, require one to drive the apparatus at various times in order that said Driver may get practice which otherwise would be obtained in the absence of the regular driver or in a training session.

23. Every Company Officer, whenever notified by telephone, or otherwise, that a fire hydrant in their district is out of service, shall notify the water department and all other officers.

24. When responding to emergency incidents it appears necessary for the first pumper to lay a big line (2-1/2” or larger), this is to be done without any hesitation. However, if the first pumper has not laid a big line, and is using the Booster or Pre-connects, the second Company will at the indication of apparent fire upon arrival, automatically lay a big line to back-up the booster tank of the first pumper and lay out additional supply and attack lines as needed unless ordered to do otherwise.

25. The Company Officer shall perform such other duties as the Chief of the Department or his designee may direct.

• • • • CAPTAIN PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

      • Prior to a firefighter or Lieutenant being promoted to a Captain, the following requirement

      • Should be completed:

• • • 1) Minimum of three (3) years fire fighting experience

    • 2) Voted in by simple majority of Department members with all ties broken by the Chief of Department, according to Roberts Rules of Order.

Command Staff

Lieutenant

LIEUTENANT PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Lieutenant will have same orders as Captains.

Prior to a Firefighter being promoted to a Lieutenant, the following requirements should be completed:

• • • 1) Minimum three (3) years fire fighting experience

    • 2) Will be required to enter the fire reports into the NFRIS system in a timely manner.

    • 3) Voted in by simple majority of Department with ties broken by Chief according to Roberts Rules of Order.

Sergeant at Arms

Sergeant-at-Arms - The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms is to preserve order at all meetings and to assist the officers in any way required. He or she will be required to attend the officers meetings as a voice of the department members.

• • • 1) Minimum of two (2) years fire fighting experience.

    • 2) Voted in by simple majority of Department with ties broken by Chief of Department according to Roberts Rules of Order.

- FIRE DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN

I. Function: Fire Department Chaplain (Serving on a Volunteer basis)

The Fire Department Chaplain serves in a volunteer capacity at the discretion of the Fire

Chief. The Chaplain will maintain a crisis ministry to assist department members,

members’ families and civilians in coping with the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects

of personal tragedy. The Chaplain will be a person of faith, ministering to all people

regardless of the particular faith or value system.

II. Guidelines:

A. Position requires minimal supervision and extensive independent judgment.

Instruction will be in the form of oral or written direction from the Fire Chief as to the

broad objectives to be accomplished. General directions from time to time may also

be received from the Incident Command at a disaster scene.

B. Special Conditions:

The Fire Department Chaplain position is a volunteer position and does not qualify for

employee compensation or benefits of any kind. The Chaplain will assume all personal

liability in the performance of his or her duties and not hold the City of Fredericktown liable

in the event of any accident or mishap while performing the duties of his office.

ALL OFFICERS

1. All officers shall be responsible for the enforcement of discipline and the promotion and maintenance of efficiency of their commands and shall consider in their commands to measure up to the high standards of Department requirements.

2. They shall put into effect the authorized policies, regulations, practices, procedures and guidelines of the Department.

3. They shall, when in charge at the scene of a fire or emergency, have full power and authority to direct the operations of extinguishing the fire, take necessary precautions to prevent the spread thereof, and in the course of such operations, prohibit the approach to such fire by any person, vehicle, vessel, or think, and to remove or cause to be removed and kept away from such fire, any vehicle, or think and persons not actually and usefully employed in the extinguishments of such fire or the preservation of life and/or property in the vicinity thereof.

4. They shall cause all injurious fires to be extinguished with the least possible danger to life and property, prevent unnecessary water and smoke damage, and take proper precautions to leave the premises in as safe a condition as practicable to do so.

5. They shall be held responsible for the correct notations in journals of all orders, directives, and other information having general application to the operation of their commands, and appraise their relief’s of occurrences and happenings incidental to their tours of duty.

6. They shall preserve all orders, notices, communications, and records pertaining to the operation of their respective units, until the purpose of such records have served.

7. They shall be responsible for the completeness, accuracy, and dispatch of all reports for which they are concerned; refrain from intercepting or unnecessarily delaying any reports or communications in transit, and where such reports involve questions of policy, forward them to the Chief.

8. They shall equalize the personnel of their commands as far as practicable and report personnel deficiencies to their Commanding Officer so that efficient operation of the Unit will not be jeopardized.

9. They shall take all precautionary measures to prevent the exposure of members to unnecessary danger while on duty.

10. They shall be just, dignified, and firm in their relations with subordinates; seeing that good order and proper discipline are maintained.

11. They shall require subordinates to comply with all orders, regulations, practices, procedures and guidelines of the District, and applicable Federal, State, County and Municipal Laws.

12. They shall relinquish to a Superior Officer, to be exercised at their discretion, any authority, which they may have held as a subordinate.

13. They shall have a thorough knowledge of the regulations governing personnel relative to rights, privileges, and disciplinary actions.

Section I-4

Classification of Firefighters

Apparatus Driver

All personnel shall be instructed in the safe operation of all moving Fire Department apparatus from one place to another. Only trained and qualified individuals with the following criteria met shall be considered Drivers:

1. Be at least 21 years of age to qualify.

2. Possess a valid State of Missouri Driver’s License.

3. Be approved for driver training by firefighter’s immediate Lieutenant with the support from the other Officers, as documented in Appendix 3. Final certification will be granted by the Fire Chief using Appendix 3.

4. Successfully complete all requirements of this SOG and attending Fredericktown’s Driver Classroom Training conducted in-house (as scheduled).

5. Successfully pass Competency Course (Appendix 4).

6. Complete or have been enrolled in a Fire Fighter I/II course of instruction.

7. Have completed probationary training, the required Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), and be approved by the Fire Chief for driver training.

Requirements

1. Apparatus Operators shall, under the Company Officer, have the responsibility for care and maintenance of engine driven apparatus; they shall be held responsible for its good condition and shall see that the apparatus is kept clean and in good order so that it will be ready for service at any time.

2. They shall ensure that the fuel tank and radiator are kept full at all times; that there is the proper amount of lubrication oil in the crankcase, and also that the wearing parts are well lubricated at all times. Particular attention to this rule shall be given to the brakes and the brake assembly.

3. They will be held responsible for the care and proper running of the engine and shall not allow damage to it through freezing, racing, or any other preventable cause.

4. They shall see that the engine, aerial ladder and pumps and all moving parts are kept clean and free from road dirt.

5. Operators shall check their apparatus in accordance with Department policy and if repairs are needed, notify their Company Officer who shall immediately advise the Chief on proper form.

6. They shall ensure that all suctions, hydrant connections, feed hose, etc., are in good order and ready for instant use; also that the apparatus is supplied with the proper tools. They shall examine the nozzles, hose, extinguishers, and all equipment on the apparatus after every run.

7. A driver shall exercise great care and caution in starting and stopping the apparatus. They shall at no time start from a standstill with what might be construed as rush or a jump; but, shall cause the apparatus to gain momentum gradually before attempting to shift from first to intermediate gears, and shall at the time not have the engine racing when starting. In bringing the apparatus to a standstill, they shall, at all times when conditions allow, control the speed of same so that it can be brought to a stop by coasting in gear, instead of using the brakes in such a manner as would cause the wheels to lock and slide along the pavement or cause the apparatus to skid.

8. The Apparatus Driver will be held responsible for the speed of the apparatus. When approaching a stop sign or signal while responding to an emergency alarm, they will SLOW DOWN, proceed with caution, sounding the vehicle siren and with emergency light(s) flashing. When using the air horns, they shall be careful not to over use them to the point of adversely affecting the vehicle’s air braking system. They shall, when responding to an alarm, get the apparatus to the scene with the least possible delay, but shall at all times ensure that the apparatus is under control. When turning a corner, and passing through a crowded street or where traffic is heavy, they shall cause the apparatus to be slowed down to a speed consistent with safety until all danger of a collision or accident has passed, then they may resume their former safe speed. It is to be expressly understood at no time shall a driver violate a traffic rule or regulation on the return from an alarm, the repair shops, or the like.

9. They shall, when it becomes necessary to back the apparatus, do so only after having been convinced that it can be done with safety, after receiving a signal from the lookout person who shall be stationed at or near the rear of the apparatus.

10. They shall not leave the apparatus unattended while the engine is running unless by direct order of an Officer.

11. They shall not drive across or over hose lines unless absolutely necessary, i.e., lying out hose and then shall exercise caution. Every private vehicle shall be warned not to cross over a line of hose.

12. They shall, when laying a hose at a fire, keep as close to the curb as possible and away from the center of the street. When taking suction at a hydrant, they shall keep the apparatus as parallel to, and as close to the curb as possible when practical in order to prevent the blocking of traffic and other emergency apparatus. When parking at emergency scenes or taking suction from a hydrant, apparatus operators shall not drive off the roadway or onto private driveways unless ordered to do so by the Company Officer. Aerial operators shall position the apparatus in a safe and proper location for ladder operations.

13. They shall at no time, unless ordered otherwise, when taking up a hose at a fire, cause the apparatus to be within the fire lines, or cross over hose that is still in use at the fire.

14. Operators of pumpers and aerials shall be held to special responsibility for the following items of information:

A. Correct position of discharge gates on pump. (Discharge p.s.i.)

B. Methods of engaging pump gears, and difference between volume (parallel) and pressure (series) drive.

C. Maximum revolution of engine, and when to drive pump on volume or pressure side.

D. Correct control of automatic relief valve, and the reading of gauges on shutting down and opening up of lines.

E. How to get pump to draft water, the importance of having suction side of pump airtight, positions of discharge gates and shut-off on pipes. Reading of compound gauge, care of cooling system, positions of pump gear control lever, emergency over-rides, control of pump pressure and holding water in pump on complete shut-down of lines, position of strainer in static water source.

15. They shall report on Department form, any and every accident, collision, or the like, resulting in loss of life, or injury to persons or damage to public or private property, however slight, for which their apparatus may have been involved with or any equipment damaged or destroyed assigned to their apparatus.

Being designated Apparatus Driver shall be considered as an ultimate complement to the firefighter selected and shall be considered the highest firefighting accomplishment achieved. Only the most senior and responsible firefighter achieves this milestone.

The Apparatus Driver shall meet all criteria established in this Standard Operating Guideline and successfully complete all requirements set forth in Standard Operating Guideline Section IV-4.

Section I-4

Classification of Firefighters

Firefighter

Upon successful completion of the six month long probation period and with approval for full membership by the officers, the member shall be classified as a Firefighter. The Firefighter shall possess the skills and knowledge to perform and carry out orders given on an incident scene as they relate to basic firemanship, equipment operation and function, care and maintenance of equipment.

DUTY REQUIREMENTS; MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING:

A. Every member of the Fire Department shall, in each and every year, perform at least sixty (60%) percent duty annually, which shall include attendance at alarms, drills and meetings.

B. Members on probation will be required to maintain the 60% level during their 6 month probation period.

C. A member in good standing is one who has maintained such sixty (60%) percent attendance for the previous fiscal year.

D. The fiscal year shall be January 1st to December 31st

E. Any member not achieving the 60% mark will be given a 3 month period to obtain the rating. If rating cannot be achieved without a good reasoning, member may be excused from department.

F. Each member shall have no more than Three (3) unexcused absences from meetings per year. At this time the individual will be reviewed by the officers and may be removed from the active roster.

G. To keep from receiving an unexcused absence a member must contact an officer to explain why you cannot attend the meeting.

The Firefighter shall function under the direction and supervision of a Company Officer (CO) or an Officer in Charge (OIC) and refrain from “free-lancing”.

The Firefighter shall abide all Fredericktown Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines, rules, and regulations.

The Incident Command System is an extremely important tool of the fire service. The Firefighter shall have a good understanding of this system and how to work under it as it relates to this department. National Incident Management System training will be completed during probationary period which provides firefighter with the foundation of the Incident Command System structure and its operation.

Chain-of-command is expected to be followed in all administrative and operational matters that relate to Fredericktown Fire Department operation and function. All ranks are to be used in on-scene operations in the public view; however, in the private sector of the department this is not necessary, but advisable. See Chain-of-Command SOG (Section I-2) for further information.

MINIMUM STAFFING

I. Regulates the routine staffing of fire apparatus. The provisions of this procedure may be

Suspended by the Fire Chief or their designee whenever special circumstances warrant.

A. Establish guidelines that are intended to provide the community with the highest

quality fire service possible within the parameters of the department’s budget.

B. Minimize the health and safety risk 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

A. A maximum of 20 personnel can be on the roster. Any deviation from this

standard must be approved by the Fire Chief or, the city of Fredericktown upon approval.

Section I-4

Classification of Firefighters

Probationary Firefighters

Upon approval of Command Staff and meeting all Fredericktown Fire Department application requirements, all new members become Probationary Firefighters. During this typically six month period, Probationary Firefighters are expected to learn the duties and fulfill the responsibilities expected of a Fredericktown Firefighter. They are also required to complete the initial phases of their fire service training as detailed in Section VI-2.

Exemplary attendance at alarms, training sessions, and work details and fundraisers is demanded of Probationary Firefighters. Likewise, a positive attitude and high level of maturity are expected.

The Probationary Firefighter shall abide all Fredericktown Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines, rules, regulations and bylaws.

After their initial six months with the Fredericktown Fire Department, Probationary Firefighters will meet with the Officers and Chiefs and their assigned mentor for an in-service review of their performance to date. This interview will provide an opportunity to evaluate training progress and attitude, as well as address any problems or concerns. The Chiefs and the Probationary Firefighters’ mentors, however, are expected to point out inadequate performance or attendance issues early on, rather than wait for the six-month in-service evaluation.

Should a Probationary Firefighter fail to meet the training, alarm response, or attendance expectations, the Fire Chief can choose extra training be accomplished or a six-month extension of the probationary period. Should these deficiencies persist during the extended probation, the Probationary Firefighter will be asked to resign or may be terminated by the Fire Chief.

METHOD of FILLING VACANCIES

I. Whenever a vacancy exists, the appropriate person or persons shall be appointed to the department.

Personnel shall be hired as follows:

A. Must be 18 years of age.

B Name must first be brought in front of department.

C. Will attend the next available officers meeting, if agreed upon will be brought back to department for final approval.

D. Will be on probation for first six months.

• • 1. Will not be allowed to drive during this time.

  • 2. Will not be allowed to do any actions that he/she has not first been trained to do.

Will be required to have been enrolled in a firefighter one and two course within the first two years of being on department

Section I-4

LEFT BLANK

Section I-5

Application Process

All prospective members must submit a complete application to the Fire Chief and have an active member of the Fredericktown Fire Department in good standing serve as a mentor. The firefighter or officer acting as sponsor should know the applicant reasonably well and be prepared to speak on their behalf before the fire company’s monthly meeting. If no known sponsor is available, each applicant may proceed in the application process.

In addition to below guidelines, the applicant must meet the minimum criteria to be considered for membership into the Fredericktown Fire Department and probationary firefighter status:

• • 1. Minimum age of 18

    2. Reside within the fire district of Fredericktown Fire Department (exceptions shall be awarded by the Chief).

    3. Physically and mentally capable to perform the duties of a firefighter.

    4. Complete an application form for review and approval by the Chief and command staff.

    5. Be of good moral character

    6. Must not be convicted of any felony charge

    7. Valid Driver’s License

    8. Be a US Citizen or resident alien

The procedure for applying to become a Probationary Firefighter with the Fredericktown Fire Department is as follows:

1. A Driver’s License and Criminal background check will be submitted through the State of Missouri. The Fredericktown Fire Department reserves the right to deny membership to applicants who have a history of arson and/or other felony.

1. Applicant should be in good physical health and should receive clearance from their personal physician stating that the prospective firefighter is physically able to fulfill the duties of a structural firefighter as per NFPA standards.

1. During the application orientation process, the candidate will be expected to adhere to all guidelines as any other Probationary Firefighters (Section I-4).

1. The Chiefs and officers will meet with the applicant to discuss the duties, responsibilities, and expectations of a firefighter. Issues to be addressed will include the applicant’s motivation, ability to make the necessary time commitment, probationary period expectations, and comfort with operating as part of a fire service organization. The differences between the Fredericktown Fire Department and the association will be explained, along with the training requirements and expectations. Responsibilities of all firefighters and officers as employees of the Fredericktown Fire Department and expectations in terms of personal conduct on and off the fire ground will be explained to the candidate.

1. A mentor will be assigned to work with the applicant through the completion of their probationary period.

1. The application will be submitted to the membership present at an appropriate department meeting for its approval and acceptance.

At this point the applicant will become a Probationary Firefighter and will be issued copies of Fredericktown Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines, By-Laws, and other items as determined by the Fire Chief. Personal protective equipment, pager and Handheld radio will be issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief during the probationary period.

Section I-6

Conduct and Core Values

All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner at all times. The actions, appearance, and comments of personnel are a reflection of the entire Fredericktown Fire Department and may make a lasting impression in the minds of the public served. It shall be embedded into our department that people are our most important asset. While embracing this philosophy, Fredericktown Fire Department core values are: Professionalism, Pride, Integrity, Commitment, Compassion, Camaraderie, Concern, Caring and Tradition.

In addition to above values, all personnel should be aware that anytime they are wearing their uniform or other Fredericktown Fire Department apparel they are seen as representatives of this department and county, and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Fredericktown Fire Department policies. No Fredericktown Fire Department personnel shall corruptly use or attempt to use their official position, or any property or resource which may be within his trust, or perform their official duties, to secure a special privilege, benefit, or exemption for himself/herself or for others.

Section I-7

Disciplinary Action

Purpose: To provide disciplinary guidelines for management to use, as needed, to all the Fredericktown Fire Department personnel.

Scope: All members of the Fredericktown Volunteer Fire Department are expected to follow the rules, regulations, standard operating guidelines, and the orders of all officers of the department. As a group of volunteers, it is expected that all members will have a very high degree of self discipline and proper conduct and that disciplinary guidelines from within the department itself will rarely be needed and will be executed as a last resort. In the event that an individual does not conduct himself or herself as expected, the Officers and Chiefs of the department are expected to follow the guidelines set forth in this set of guidelines. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense any of the less severe guidelines may be skipped. Serious offenses may result in immediate termination from the department.

This policy is not intended to supersede a mature, common sense approach in resolving personal differences, but intended to enforce and respect policies, orders, and decision-making that is critical to Fredericktown Fire Department’s mission and reputation.

Policy:

A. The establishment and maintenance of discipline is the responsibility of all officers. Officers' treatment of their subordinates shall be impartial and without prejudice. Favoritism or unjust discrimination of duties or orders will not be tolerated.

B. No unfair advantage shall be taken of a subordinate because of their obligation to obedience. Orders of retaliation or nagging will not be tolerated.

C. Officers shall see that all SOGs are enforced.

D. Officers shall strive to adjust differences or disputes between their subordinates.

E. Charges must be preferred for any offense of a serious nature, but minor or mere technical infractions of the rules should be corrected, either on the spot or privately when advisable. These types of infractions, generally speaking, shall not be made the subject of charges unless repeated or persisted in.

F. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into account, but alleged ignorance or misunderstanding of rules will not be accepted as an excuse. Previous conduct, good or bad, will be taken into account in determining the repercussions.

G. Whenever firefighter performance, attitude, work habits or personal conduct on the job falls below a desirable level, supervisors shall inform the firefighter promptly and specifically of such lapses and give counsel and assistance as appropriate. A reasonable period of time for improvement shall be allowed before initiating disciplinary action.

H. In some instances a specific incident may justify severe disciplinary action in and of itself. However, the action to be taken depends on the seriousness of the incident and the whole pattern of the firefighters past conduct and performance.

Procedure: It is not the intent of this policy to be an absolute list of infractions that are disciplinary in nature. However, most common disciplines are documented within these guidelines.

A. All charges shall be made in writing and signed by the individual preferring the charges.

B. Charges shall be brought for the following violations:

1. Violation of any rule, regulation or lawful order of a superior officer.

2. Inefficiency or incapacity in the performance of duty.

3. Neglect of duty.

4. Reporting to station or emergency call under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

5. Drinking any alcoholic beverage or taking drugs that might incapacitate an

individual while on duty.

6. Refusal to obey orders.

• • 8. Careless or reckless operation of a motor vehicle (privately owned or departmental).

9. Speaking disrespectfully to or of any officer or person connected with the fire

department.

10. Making a false report or statement.

11. Conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline such as: gambling; disorderly

behavior; provoking or harmful mischievous conduct; quarreling,

threatening, fighting or assaulting; creating discrediting public spectacle;

unnecessary disturbance; meddling with Fredericktown property or belongings of

others; hazing or similar acts.

12. Thievery. The taking of property belonging to the department or an individual

is a serious charge and will not be tolerated.

C. No charges shall be brought unless it is believed the charges can be proven.

D. Charges and complaints brought against a person of higher rank by members of

the department shall be in writing to the next highest ranking officer above the person that the charges are being brought. Such charges and complaints shall be signed by the individual bringing them.

E. Any officer or member of the department charged with an offense shall plead either "guilty" or "not guilty".

F. Any officer or member charged with an infraction of departmental rules shall have the right to answer the charges against him/her and face his/her accuser(s) if he/she so desires.

Types of Disciplinary Action

A. Oral Reprimand - Shall consist of an oral statement of reprimand made to the member. A written record of this oral statement shall be made and kept in the member's personnel file in the fire department records for a period of one (1) year. The record shall be signed by officer in charge and member.

B. Written Reprimand - Shall consist of a written statement of reprimand delivered to the member, a copy of which shall be placed in the member's personnel file in the fire department records and shall become a permanent part of his/her records. The record shall be signed by officer in charge and member.

C. Suspension - Shall consist of a written notice to the member to the effect that he/she is suspended from participating in any emergency calls and/or Fredericktown activities for a specified number of days upon grounds stated in the notice. Any member who is arrested and charged with a felony may be removed during the period between arrest and the end of the trial. During this period he or she may be considered in a leave of absence for personal reasons. The record shall be signed by officer in charge and member.

D. Reduction of Position/Demotion in Rank - Shall consist of a written notice to the member to the effect that his/her position/rank within the department and the grounds for the action. The seriousness of the infraction will, in most cases, determine this action. An example would be a reduction from officer status to firefighter. A copy of this notice shall be placed in the members personnel file. The record shall be signed by officer in charge and member.

E. Dismissal - Shall consist of dismissing the member from the Fire Department after written notice to that effect is given to the member and shall state the grounds thereof.

F. Dismissal Alternative - Commonly called a "Decision Day", this alternative to dismissal consists of a conference between the Command Staff and the employee to review the history of the problem and to ask the member’s intentions to work within the rules. If the members intentions are to work within the rules, he/she is then advised to take a determined amount of days off (not responding to station for any reason), and use the time to decide whether he/she will correct the problem and continue working or quit. If the firefighter commits to work within the rules, the supervisor writes a letter to the member which makes a record of the agreement reached between them and the consequences of failure to live up to the agreement. Both sign the agreement and both retain copies of the agreement. The firefighter then returns to active status. This alternative is normally in lieu of a suspension. At the end of the suspension period, “decision day” is allowed. When two (2) years have elapsed after the agreement, and there have been no failures, the written agreement may be destroyed, depending of infraction. However, the infraction will become a permanent part of his/her records. If the member decides to quit, process the termination.

Section I-8

Equal Opportunity

All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are considered, in essence, to be Fredericktown employees, and as such are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the Fredericktown Equal Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policy at all times. That policy is as follows:

It is the policy of the Fredericktown Fire Department to provide equal employment and advancement opportunity and to administer its personnel practices without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criterion or circumstance. Fredericktown Fire Department prohibits and will not tolerate any such discrimination or harassment.

Fredericktown Fire Department is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect, dignity and fairness. Each individual has the right to work in an environment that is free of discriminatory practices, including harassment, as such; the following guidelines pertain to all personnel.

Equal Opportunity

Fredericktown Fire Department provides equal opportunity for all applicants and members. Fredericktown Fire Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, and sexual orientation, marital or veteran status. This policy applies to all areas of membership including recruitment, training, promotion, and social and recreational programs.

It is prohibited for Fredericktown Fire Department to fail or refuse to make a member, to separate membership, or to otherwise discriminate against any person with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of membership (including training) because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status. Likewise, it is prohibited to limit, segregate, or classify members in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive and person of membership or firefighter opportunities because of any of these criteria. Notwithstanding the above, certain activities are not prohibited where a bona fide occupational qualification for the position can be determined.

All members of the Fredericktown Fire Department are expected to be exemplary and outstanding citizens of the community. Even at times that a member is not in uniform or at an incident the member represents the Fire Department. Morals and personal beliefs are taken into consideration in the membership process. In short, a person that the normal, reasonable person would wish to mentor or emulate would be the perfect person for membership.

The minimum qualifications that a person would have to possess are outlined in Application Process Standard Operating Guidelines (Section I-5).

Guidelines for responding to and reporting conduct considered to be discriminating are described in Complaint Guidelines (Section I-9).

All Fredericktown Fire Department members are required to read this policy. They must also in writing acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy.

My signature below certifies that I have received a copy of the Standard Operating Guidelines for Equal Opportunity Policy for the Fredericktown Fire Department. I also understand that I am responsible for reading and understanding all of the materials contained herein.

_____________________

(Signature)

_____________________

(Print Name)

A copy of this will be maintained in personal file.

Section I-9

Anti-Harassment Policy

Fredericktown Fire Department is committed to providing an environment that is free from all forms of harassment, intimidation or retaliation for opposing such conduct.

Harassment based upon sex (with or without sexual conduct), race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, as well as retaliation for opposing such conduct and/or participating in the statutory complaint process is prohibited. Harassment will not be tolerated on any Fredericktown Fire Department property, or at any emergency scene, or function.

This policy applies to everyone at Fredericktown Fire Department, including Fire Department Officers, and Auxiliary Members, Firefighters (Explorer rank throughout Fire Chief), visitors/patients and vendors.

Members shall report any harassing behavior to their appointed Fire Officer. If the offending person is or involves their appointed Officer, the member shall report directly to the Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Chief. Members are encouraged to report such behavior before it becomes severe or pervasive. Members shall not fear retaliation because it will not be tolerated. Fredericktown Fire Department will investigate the claim and, if sub-satiated, take appropriate action to ensure such activity ceases.

Harassment can be conduct that disturbs or interferes with a member’s ability to perform his/her job and/or treating an employee differently for any of the reasons listed above.

Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances, request for favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:

1. Submission to the conduct is made either an explicit or implicit condition of membership; or rejection of the request is used a basis for a membership decision affecting the harassed member; or,

2. The conduct, including conduct engaged in by citizens, patients, vendors or any other non- interdepartmental member, substantially interferes with a members work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment which includes but not limited to the use of sexual epithets or references to physical characteristics.

Sexual harassment may include a range of subtle or not so subtle behaviors. Depending on the circumstances, these behaviors may include, but are not limited to: unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; sexual jokes and innuendos; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual's body, sexual prowess or sexual deficiencies; touching; insulting or obscene comments or gestures; display or circulation in the workplace of sexually suggestive objects or pictures (including through e-mail); and other physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.

Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. Harassment is conduct that shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her protected characteristic and that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to: slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes and display or circulation in the workplace of written or graphic materials that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group.

Any member who engages in the types of harassing conduct described in this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination.

All members of the Command Staff are responsible for communicating this policy and informing members of the guidelines for reporting any instance of prohibited harassment.

No member at any level will retaliate against anyone, either for reporting and instance of harassment or providing information related to a harassment complaint

Guidelines for responding to and reporting conduct considered to be harassing are described in Complaint Guidelines (Section I-9).

All Fredericktown Fire Department members are required to read this policy. They must also in writing acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy.

My signature below certifies that I have received a copy of the Standard Operating Guidelines for Anti-Harassment Policy for the Fredericktown Fire Department. I also understand that I am responsible for reading and understanding all of the materials contained herein.

_____________________

(Signature)

_____________________

(Print Name)

A copy of this will be maintained in personal file.

Section I-10

Complaint Guidelines

Purpose: The purpose of these guidelines is to assist the Fire Chief and Command Staff in conducting a thorough and impartial investigation of discrimination and harassment allegations.

Scope: The policies outlined in Section I-8 and Section I-9, along with these complaint filing guidelines apply to all applicants, employees, volunteers and members of Committees (Auxiliary) and Governing Board, and prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by fellow employees, by a supervisor or manager or by someone not directly connected to Fredericktown Fire Department.

Policy:

Conduct prohibited by these policies is unacceptable in the workplace and in any work related settings outside the workplace, such as during business trips, and company related social events.

Retaliation Is Prohibited

Fredericktown Fire Department prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports discrimination or harassment or participates in any investigation of such reports. Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Reporting an Incident of Harassment, Discrimination or Retaliation

Fredericktown Fire Department strongly urges the reporting of all incidents of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, regardless of the offender's identity or position. Individuals who believe they have experienced, or who are aware of, conduct that they believe is contrary to Fredericktown Fire Department’s policy or have concerns about such matters should bring the matter to the attention of either their immediate supervisor or the Assistant Chief or Chief. If for any reason an individual believes that a complaint cannot or should not be raised through those channels, he or she should feel free to bring it to the attention of any member of the City of Fredericktown officials for investigation/resolution.

Early reporting and intervention has proven to be the most effective method of resolving actual or perceived incidents of harassment. Therefore, while no fixed reporting period has been established, Fredericktown Fire Department strongly urges the prompt reporting of complaints or concerns so that rapid and constructive action can be taken. Any member of the Fredericktown Fire Department membership who believe that they have experienced harassing or discriminatory conduct have an obligation to pursue this complaint procedure. A member's failure to fulfill this obligation could affect his or her rights in pursuing further disciplinary action.

The availability of these complaint procedures does not preclude individuals who believe they are being subjected to harassing conduct from promptly advising the offender that his or her behavior is unwelcome and requesting that it be discontinued.

The Investigation

Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be investigated promptly. The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and, where necessary, with individuals who may have observed the alleged conduct or may have other relevant knowledge.

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigatory process to the extent consistent with adequate investigation and appropriate corrective action.

If a person submits a complaint regarding harassment and request to remain anonymous, an investigation will be conducted and the request to remain anonymous will be honored, to the degree feasible under the circumstances, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. However, the person who registers the complaint needs to understand that failing to openly participate in the investigation may hinder the process of resolving the allegations.

The Command Staff is required to respond to allegations of harassment in any of the following situations:

1. A member believes he/she is being harassed or discriminated against and has brought it to a member of the Command Staff’s attention.

2. Any Officer has observed the behavior; or

3. If the behavior was brought to the Officers attention by another source.

Members of the Command Staff are to take prompt and/or corrective action upon receiving knowledge of any improper conduct as prescribed below.

• • • 1. Immediately take a preliminary statement from the member alleging harassment or discrimination, including the nature of the conduct and when it occurred. Everyone who has personally observed the conduct, he/she should document the observations in writing.

    • 2. Take the information to the Assistant Fire Chief/Chief, who will initiate a prompt and complete investigation. The investigation will include obtaining detailed statements from the complainant, the alleged harasser, witness and any other persons who may have relevant information.

    • 3. Members of the Fredericktown Governing Board must be notified of all written complaints or allegations. All persons who are questioned and/or involved in the investigation will be informed that any member has a right to make a complaint; that they should not discuss the investigation; and that retaliation of any form, including but not limited to negative comments about the complaint, will result in discipline up to and including termination.

    • 4. Their appointed officer will be asked to participate in the investigation, unless he/she is being accused of improper conduct. This is a priority matter and the full immediate support of the officer is expected.

    • 5. After the investigation is completed, should the evidence support a conclusion that prohibited conduct took place, the Fire Chief, after consultation with the other officers, will determine the appropriate action to be taken: (1) to ensure the harassment ceases; (2) to correct the effects on the member; and (3) to ensure that the harassment does not reoccur. Depending on the nature of the conduct, this may include:

      • · A written warning that all improper conduct must cease immediately, and that further conduct of similar nature will result in immediate termination

      • · A written warning

      • · Remedial training

      • · Termination

Whether or not the investigation discloses prohibited contact, the accused harasser will be informed that retaliation against the complainant will result in disciplinary action.

The Fire Chief, as appropriate, will notify the complainant concerning the results of the investigation. If it has been determined that conduct prohibited by the policy occurred, the complainant will be informed of the action already taken or to be taken. The complainant also will be requested to notify the Fire Chief, as appropriate, if any additional conduct of a similar nature occurs.

All inquiries, allegations, and/or findings against the accuser will be held in their personnel file until their resignation, transfer, or termination.

Responsive Action

Misconduct constituting harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be dealt with expediously and appropriately. Responsive action may include, for example, training, referral to counseling and/or disciplinary action such as warning, reprimand, withholding of a promotion, temporary suspension, or termination, as Fredericktown Fire Department Command Staff believes to be appropriate under the circumstances.

Individuals who have questions or concerns about these policies should feel free to contact the Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief.

All complaints and/or allegations will be considered serious and will be handled expediously and investigated within a reasonable amount of time. Every complaint or allegation will receive a response from the Fire Chief.

All Fredericktown Fire Department members are required to read this policy. They must also in writing acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy.

My signature below certifies that I have received a copy of the Standard Operating Guidelines for Complaint Guidelines for the Fredericktown Fire Department. I also understand that I am responsible for reading and understanding all of the materials contained herein.

_____________________

(Signature)

_____________________

(Print Name)

A copy of this will be maintained in personal file.

Section I-11

Alcohol/Drugs (Substance Abuse) Policy

Purpose: To establish an alcohol and drug policy that communicates that alcohol and drug usage will not be acceptable or tolerated within Fredericktown Fire Department.

Scope: This policy pertains to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel.

Policy:

To promote high standards of health and safety for members and citizens, Fredericktown Fire Department prohibits the use, possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of illegal or illicit drugs, alcohol or other controlled substance on its property, as well as reporting to an emergency call or scene under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes the sale or misuse of prescribed drugs. “Under the Influence” means being affected in any detectable manner by alcohol or illegal drugs or having the odor of alcohol on the breath. Members who violate this policy are subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

Section I-12

Department Confidentiality Policy

Purpose: To ensure all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel understand the importance of patient confidentiality and adhere to the policy.

Scope: This policy pertains to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel who respond, read, observe or otherwise obtain private information or activities of personal nature with anyone whom the department interacts with during emergency, non-emergency, or fellow firefighters and their families.

Policy:

Due to the nature of our duties, officers and firefighters of the Fredericktown Fire Department are often privy to sensitive, private, or personal information. This may include (but is not limited to) private medical histories, exposure to crime scenes & criminal investigations, and observations made in private homes. No member shall disclose or use any information or observations not in the public domain, gained by reason of official Fredericktown Fire Department duties, nor shall they use said information at any time for their personal gain or benefit, or for the personal gain or benefit of any other person(s) or enterprise.

Section I-13

• • Media Guidelines

Purpose: To establish guidelines when media is interested in Fredericktown Fire Department responses, personnel or functions.

Scope: Although very rare, there may be times when Fredericktown Fire Department becomes involved in an emergency call, event, or public activity, where the media is interested in obtaining specific information concerning a specific emergency call, personnel, equipment, actions, or policy of the department.

Policy:

Unless authorized in advance by a chief officer, no member of the Fredericktown Fire Department shall release to anyone who is not a member of this department any information involving or related to any fire department incident or response.

Only the Fire Chief or his/her designee will make statements or releases any information to the media.

Incident Commanders will have to make contingency plans to deal with a media response to fire scenes and other incidents. The media must not be allowed into the command post or behind fire lines for obvious safety, privacy, liability, and confidentiality reasons. Fire lines will have to be established as soon as possible when initiating operations.

All members of Fredericktown Fire Department shall exercise extreme caution in the conversation they have between themselves at incident scenes. Bystanders in the area may overhear the conversation and potentially release it as official information.

Information shall be released to the media, unless the withholding has been approved by the Chief of the Department or his/her designee. Only factual information may be released to the media. Speculative, suggestive, derogatory or opinionated information must be avoided. Do not talk "off the record”. Verify the media representative if you are uncertain to whom you are speaking.

It is policy of the Fredericktown Fire Department that no one will release the name or other vital statistics regarding civilians involved in or affected by fire department operations. No name of a deceased person will be released by any Fredericktown Fire Department personnel.

No photographs shall be posted to any websites without approval from the fire chief. Discussions of activity of the department shall not be discussed on web sites such as Facebook etc.

• • Section I-14

  • Attendance at Functions

Purpose: To establish guidelines for Fredericktown Fire Department personnel to understand their obligation to maintain active status within the organization.

Scope: This policy applies to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel. Fredericktown Fire Department and its supporting community invest a lot of trust, time, and money into their firefighters. In return, they expect a quality service from Fredericktown Fire Department that will fit all their needs, as they need and when they need it.

It is imperative that Fredericktown Fire Department provide its community Fire/Rescue services. Fredericktown Fire Department cannot perform its basic function without properly trained people, properly working equipment, or without funding. We obtain these resources through a consistent presence at public activities, fund raisers, training, performing corrective and preventive maintenance, leadership and responding to emergency calls.

It is important that we establish minimum requirements for each personnel in order to ensure we are properly training, representing, and responding to our communities needs, as well as, have enough personnel at each event to ensure a consistent presence and equal amount of help is available.

Policy

Each person shall meet the following requirements:

1. Must maintain state and department required training as described in Training Section VI.

2. Must respond and participate to at least 60% of all emergency and non-emergency calls.

3. Must participate in at least 75% of all fundraisers (BBQ, dinners, etc)

4. Must participate in at least75% of all work details (Fire hydrant testing and maintenance, fire hose testing and maintenance, house cleaning, etc)

5. Must participate in at least 75% of all public relation events (parades, school events, festivals around the county, etc)

6. Must participate in at least 60% of regularly schedule training sessions.

7. Strongly encouraged to participate in all voting events

8. Strongly encourage to increase mobility by attending off-site training opportunities when available.

Any personnel planning to miss a scheduled event shall notify their Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer and/or Assistant Chief.

Section I-15

Personal Grooming Policy

Purpose: To establish personal grooming standards for all firefighters who are members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

Scope: This policy pertains to all firefighter personnel within Fredericktown Fire Department that actively participate in or may be called to participate in interior attacks during structure fires, or otherwise required to don a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and associated masks for any emergency requiring such.

Policy:

All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel will have their hair, and mustaches neatly groomed so that they do not interfere with the proper donning of face masks and preventing a proper seal and other personal protective equipment. No beards allowed. A beard is considered hair growth over 1/8”. Goatees are not allowed.

Any firefighter or officer who is not properly groomed and utilizes SCBA will do so at his/her own risk and the Fredericktown Fire Department will not tolerate any violation of this policy.

.

Section I-16

Uniform Policy

Purpose: To establish guidelines for Fredericktown Fire Department personnel to refer to when the wearing of uniforms is stipulated for a particular event.

Scope: This policy pertains to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel who own recommended uniforms to be worn during public event and activities. Organizational morale spirit-de-corps and cohesiveness is improved with the wearing of uniforms and presents a professional appearance and pride to the public.

Policy:

All Fredericktown firefighters and officers shall wear departmental apparel, at the discretion of the Chief, to be worn at official Fredericktown Fire Department functions and other fire service events.

Uniform apparel will be provided to the individual. Recommended clothing items are listed below. Fredericktown ball caps and short sleeve T-shirts will be purchased by the individual. Any emblem changed should be approved by the Chief or Assistant Chief.

All personnel are responsible for maintaining a professional appearance when wearing uniforms. Personnel wearing uniforms that do not meet or display a professional appearance or standard will be asked to correct their appearance.

Fredericktown Fire Department personnel wear the following clothing:

1. Uniform Shirts (Firefighters) Navy Blue Polyester Dress shirt (long and short sleeve) with Fredericktown Fire Department patch on right shoulder; silver “FD” shirt collar devices; name tags and Firefighter badge above left pocket.

2. Uniform Shirts (Officers). White Polyester Dress shirt (long and short sleeve) with Fredericktown Fire Department patch on right shoulder appropriate shirt collar rank for Lieutenants, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief. Officer firefighter badge above left pocket.

3. Uniform pants. Navy Blue dress trousers with or without deep pockets

4. Black belt.

5. Ties (not supplied) black in color shall be worn with long sleeves.

Fredericktown Fire Department has three modes of uniform dress:

Class A (Full Dress)

Class A (Full dress) uniform: Polyester uniform shirt and pants with appropriate identification markings and patches. Navy Blue Dress pants, Fredericktown Fire Department ball cap (optional), black belt and shoes. Mourning bands will be worn on badges exclusively for Fredericktown Fire Department member funerals, for any line of duty funerals, or in the event of neighboring Fire Department memorial services. Full dress is worn as ordered by the Chief, but typically for more formal events like funerals, public relations events, some parades, and other situations where firefighters and officers are officially representing Fredericktown Fire Department.

Class C (Non-Regulation)

Class C (working) uniform. Gray/Navy Blue (as appropriate) Fredericktown T-shirt, with pants/shorts of choice, Fredericktown Fire Department ball cap (optional). Class C uniforms are worn as ordered by the Chief, but typically for informal occasions where soiling of uniform are likely to occur or when public viewing is not expected. Examples include working details, training sessions, and internal meetings. This is considered the everyday uniform.

All first of the month meetings shall be in Class A uniforms. Under some circumstances that may be changed by the Chief prior to the meeting. Personal not in proper dress will not be credited for that meeting.

VISITORS AT STATION

A. Members are permitted to have visitors at the stations.

B. Visitors are not allowed to enter a workshop or apparatus bay unless properly escorted

by a department member.

D. When escorting visitors in an apparatus bay, member shall not allow children to play

on, around, or with emergency apparatus or equipment unless carefully and closely

supervised.

E. Visitors are expected to abide by department rules and regulations while at fire stations

or other work sites.

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

H. No children allowed during normal business meeting times.

Section I-17

Fire Investigations

Purpose: To establish guidelines for any situation that may require further investigation by the appropriate law and fire agency.

Scope: This policy pertains to all personnel within Fredericktown Fire Department who participate in an emergency call where an investigation is likely to be needed.

Situations will arise when suspicious activity or events may require further investigation to reveal the real cause, or sequence of events. Fredericktown Fire Department is not trained to conduct such investigations and is required to request further assistance as soon as possible during or after the incident.

Policy:

The Incident Commander may request the assistance of law enforcement, the State Fire Investigator, and/or other investigative bodies as appropriate to the specific incident and the particular jurisdiction. In the event of either a fire fatality or an estimated property loss in excess of $250,000, the Incident Commander will request the Fire Investigator from the state. These requests must go through Central Dispatch for coordination. The appropriate police or other law enforcement agency with jurisdiction must also be notified.

If the Incident Commander deems that the fire was suspicious in nature and requests investigative assistance, then it is essential to protect the fire scene and any potential evidence by keeping overhaul to a minimum. Furniture and other items should not be disturbed or moved if possible, and unnecessary personnel should be kept out of the fire area in order to maintain the integrity of a possible crime scene.

When operating at a possible crime scene, the Incident Commander must ensure that the Fredericktown Fire Department maintains control over the scene with at least one engine and a hose line in the vicinity of the structure until released by the appropriate investigative law enforcement agency.

The Incident Commander must do whatever possible to assist investigators in determining the cause and origin of a fire or explosion.

Section I-18

Privately Owned Vehicle Policy

Purpose: To establish policy in the operation of Privately Owned Vehicle when responding to emergency calls.

Scope: This policy is applicable to all Fredericktown personnel responding in their Privately Owned Vehicles to/from emergency calls.

As per the Missouri Blue Light Code, active firefighters and officers of the Fredericktown Fire Department may use a siren and display a light for their private vehicle.

Policy:

1. The Chief will issue a blue light card to each individual.

1. Permission to use lights and sirens will be at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

1. All personnel will attend VFIS Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) and prior to installing emergency devices.

1. Lights and siren may only be used when the Fredericktown Fire Department has been dispatched to an emergency incident. See Section II-9 on the definition of emergency and non-emergency responses.

1. The lights and siren are a “courtesy,” and as such does not authorize the driver to violate any state or local laws or regulations when responding to an alarm. Misuse or abuse of lights and siren will result in termination of the lights and siren privilege, and will likely result in disciplinary action from the Fire Chief.

1. All personnel are required to operate their private vehicles in a safe and prudent manner when responding to/from the fire station for an alarm.

1. Due regard to the State of Missouri traffic laws and ordinances must be adhered to at all times when operating a private vehicle. All privately owned vehicles will come to a complete stop at all intersections.

1. Emergency responses shall be made from locations within our fire management zone. Excess speed from outside fire management zone to make an emergency response will not be tolerated and is strictly prohibited.

1. With the exception of the Chief, Assistant Chief (Officers when coordinated) no Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are to respond to directly to an emergency incident in their personal vehicle without authorization from an officer. All attempts should be made to catch a truck at the station. If trucks are gone, you should notify the I/C and advise you are at the station.

Section I-19

Accident Reporting Policy

Purpose: To establish policy for Emergency Apparatus involved in an accident.

Scope: This policy is applicable to all Fredericktown personnel involved in a motor vehicle accident in a Fredericktown Fire Department emergency apparatus.

Policy: In the event that one of Fredericktown Fire Department emergency vehicles becomes involved in an accident while responding to/from an emergency call, work detail, training event, or social activity, the following actions will be adhered to:

• 1. If responding to an emergency call, notify dispatch immediately and render the

• • responding apparatus out of service and to dispatch another unit or Fire Department.

  • B. The driver of a Fire Department vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident shall immediately assess the incident and call for the appropriate assistance. This includes the need for police, medical and fire service, towing assistance.

  • C. The driver shall take all necessary steps to secure the scene and render medical care to all victims.

  • D. The driver of a motor vehicle accident shall notify the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief immediately after, calling for appropriate assistance, rendering medical care and securing the scene.

  • E. The driver shall ensure that an accident report is conducted by a police agency and obtain a copy of the report.

  • F. The Driver shall complete a Vehicle Accident/Loss Investigation Report (See Appendix 6) prior to departing the fire station. In the event that the Driver is unable to complete the reports, the supervisor and all Fredericktown Fire Department witnesses shall be responsible for the completion of the reports. These reports shall be submitted to the Chief for processing for insurance purposes. This shall occur with 24 hours of an accident.

  • G. A review of all the necessary paper work shall be conducted for completeness and accuracy.

  • • Section II

Safety

II-1 General Safety Issues

II-2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines

II-3 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Policy

II-4 Respiratory Protection Program

II-5 Accountability Guidelines & Policy

II-6 Seatbelt Policy

II-7 Infection Control Policy

II-8 Safe Apparatus Driving Policy

II-9 Emergency and Non-Emergency Responses

Section II-1

• • General Safety Issues

Purpose: To stress the importance of safety in all Fredericktown Fire Department emergency, non-emergency activities and routine.

Scope: The well-being and safety of all persons is Fredericktown Fire Department’s most important priority. Every firefighter within the Fredericktown Fire Department will do his/her utmost to ensure safety. Likewise, the safety of fire personnel operating on the fire ground as well as the training ground is as equally important. Personnel who become injured at an operation only compound the complexity and severity of incidents. Therefore all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel must operate at all times in a most prudent and sensible manner to minimize the risk of injury and maximize the degree of safety.

The existence of these written guidelines is not intended to limit any member in the exercise of sound and mature judgment or initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations that may arise in the fire service. Much by necessity must be left to the training, experience, initiative, integrity, and discretion of the members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

Policy:

The Chief will appoint a minimum of one (1) Safety Officer for the Department at every emergency response. In the absence of a delegated Safety Officer, the Incident Commander, by virtue of position, will assume duties of Safety Officer. This Safety Officer must be or have been, of command rank when possible.

• • It will be the duty of the Safety Officer/Captain/Lieutenant/Incident Commander to monitor all firefighting operations at a scene. The Safety Officer must be alert to the possible dangers that may exist at an operation and report them to the Incident Commander. In the absence of a delegated Safety Officer, the Incident Commander, by virtue of position, will assume duties of Safety Officer. Vested in the Safety Officer is the authority to remove personnel from the scene or cease a particular operation when they feel that operations are being conducted in a dangerous manner or when a situation worsens and the safety of personnel is at risk.

Every officer, by virtue of position, is also delegated the tasks of monitoring for unsafe practices and situations that may arise. All parties (Safety Officer, Incident Commander, Officers) are responsible for communicating any and all unsafe practices or hazards to all involved for obvious safety factors. Command Staff personnel will evaluate the information issue appropriate commands.

This shall in no way relieve the Officers or Acting Officers, or the firefighters themselves of the responsibility to operate at a scene in a safe manner.

It will remain the responsibility of the Officers and Acting Officers to ensure that the firefighters under their immediate supervision are outfitted, equipped, and operating in a safe manner as outlined by these guidelines and by all other Fredericktown Fire Department guidelines. It is incumbent upon them to enforce Fredericktown Fire Department policy with regard to safety at all times.

Any member of the Fredericktown Fire Department who is injured while in performance of their official duties must immediately notify an Officer. The Officer will also notify the Assistant Chief and have the official fire report reflect such injuries. All injuries must be reported through the fire reporting system. It is the responsibility of the injured firefighter, as soon after medical treatment has been rendered, to make an accident report with the Assistant Chief for further processing.

Personnel in poor health, physically incapable or otherwise injured, or who are mentally unprepared shall not participate in activities that may jeopardize the safety of others or their own. If at any time during an activity a member becomes overexerted, ill, mentally or physically unable to carry out assignments, he/she will notify the Incident Command, officer, or Acting Officer immediately.

The safety of all personnel is as important as operating equipment in a safe manner and within their operational limits. Never use equipment or tools other than what they were intended to be for.

It is imperative to drive/operate fire apparatus in a safe manner with due regard to the environment, road conditions, speed, time of day, and neighborhoods. See Section II-8 for Safe Apparatus Driving Policy.

During cold and freezing weather, ice forms and slippery conditions develop quickly, presenting additional hazards to the fire scene. Always remember to leave a nozzle "cracked" open so that hose lines do not freeze.

Personnel shall follow all safety practices and protect themselves with appropriate PPE when dealing with Emergency calls involving bodily fluids, communicable diseases, or airborne pathogens.

Personnel assigned to perform traffic safety operations shall wear Safety Vests and use flashlights.

Personnel shall stay hydrated during all hot weather activities. Officers and acting officers will ensure personnel are rotated into rehab when possible to ensure rehydration occurs.

Section II-2

Personal Protective Equipment Policy

Purpose: To provide policy on Personal Protective Equipment wear when responding to emergency calls.

Scope: Each member of Fredericktown Fire Department required to perform fire, rescue, and EMS activities will be issued a complete set of structural firefighting clothing that meets or exceeds National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Protective equipment for personnel will include protective turnout coat, bunker pants, gloves, boots, helmet, and flash hood.

Policy:

It is the responsibility of every firefighter to wear and properly utilize Fredericktown Fire Department issued personal protective equipment (“PPE” or turnout gear) when engaged in firefighting, emergency, extrication, and/or training evolutions. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn properly and in its entirety, as outlined below:

• • 1. Helmet, with eye protection in place.

  • 2. Turnout coat, which must be fully closed and secured with the collar in the up position.

  • 3. Department issued fire gloves.

  • 4. Bunker pants and boots.

1. Protective hood, which must be properly worn with the base hem completely tucked under the coat and collar as to completely cover the neck.

1. Brush fire attire shall be helmets, goggles, boots, gloves, wild land gear, or blue jeans. Structural PPE pants and boots shall be worn if brush fire attire is not available.

It is the policy of the Fredericktown Fire Department that personnel involved in all phases of interior structural firefighting wear a complete set of PPE as outlined above (including SCBA). This is to include the hood, which must be in place and properly worn. Unless advised to the contrary by an Officer, Acting Officer, Chief, or other Incident Commander, the entire PPE “ensemble” must be worn. All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel must wear full PPE, including SCBA, during any firefighting operation involving vehicles, dumpsters, rubbish, electricity, and other gas or odor investigation calls.

Full turnout gear, with attached face shields (eye protection) shall be worn when in the area of anyone operating power or hydraulic such equipment. Personnel will wear a minimum of a helmet and a bunker coat and a reflective vest when working in or near vehicle traffic. If a rescue is in progress, those involved in the rescue or on hose lines will wear full protective clothing. Personnel will make every effort to don the appropriate level of protective clothing prior to arrival on scene.

Active firefighters and all officers will be issued complete PPE, and are responsible for the care and upkeep of the equipment. This includes cleaning turnout gear on a regular basis. All PPE must be carefully inspected and cleaned following use. Any missing, damaged, or inadequate PPE should be reported to an officer immediately, and if necessary taken out of service. Requests for new or replacement PPE or for PPE repairs should be brought to the attention of the Chief.

All firefighters and officers will wear turnout coats and pants. Assistant Chiefs will wear white helmets with their turnouts, while Captains and Lieutenants will wear red helmets indicating their rank. All firefighters will wear yellow helmets. The officer in charge may not be in gear but only if they are not involved in fire ground activity.

For calls that involve contact with bodily fluids (blood, vomits, feces, saliva, etc), PPE shall be properly cleaned immediately upon return and out of service until such time. See Section IV-5 for Blood borne Pathogen SOG.

Personal Protective Equipment is the property of Fredericktown Fire Department. All PPE, including Pager, Handheld Radios, extrication gloves, uniforms, collar brass, badges and any other Fredericktown Fire Department property will be turned into the Chief. The property will be identified in the computer system as being in the custody of Fredericktown Fire Department.

Section II-3

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Guidelines

Purpose: The purpose is to establish policy and guidelines to indicate the proper operation, training, and maintenance of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in order to ensure the safety of all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel.

Scope: Fredericktown Fire Department will provide full personal protection for its members during fire and emergency operations. Recognizing the dangers of exposure to heat and flames, to the toxic products of combustion, and to other hazardous materials, the Department provides full protective gear to all members who may be exposed to such respiratory hazards. This protective gear includes positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus with integrated PASS alarms. All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are required to use SCBA whenever operating in an atmosphere suspected of being “Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health” (IDLH).

All personnel involved in any phase of interior structural firefighting, including overhaul, are required to wear SCBA in conjunction with a complete set of PPE as described in Section II-2. Use of SCBA is required at all firefighting operations, including those operations involving vehicles, dumpsters, rubbish, Carbon Monoxide (CO) and other gas or odor investigation calls. This includes inside operations, and also outside positions where personnel may be exposed to smoke or other potentially toxic IDLH conditions. During these incidents, positive pressure SCBA must be worn at all times unless otherwise ordered by the officer in command.

Each firefighter shall become qualified in the use of SCBA by first successfully completing and passing the mandated and approved courses as (as class becomes available), required in the Basic Firefighter I Training course. Upon successful completion of this course, it will be decided if the firefighter has successfully qualified in and demonstrated the safe and proper use & operation of SCBA.

Policy:

A. It is the policy of the Fredericktown Fire Department that all personnel responding to emergency calls shall be equipped with, and trained in the proper use and maintenance of the self-contained breathing apparatus because they are likely to respond to and function in, area of atmospheric contamination.

B. Fire Department personnel shall utilize only SCBA’s which are of the approved, positive pressure type, and have been certified (hydrostatically tested).

C. Fire Department personnel shall utilize SCBA's as part of their overall personal protective equipment.

D. Only pure, certified, compressed air shall be used to fill the air cylinders of Fire Department SCBA's. Cylinders shall be filled and maintained in accordance with these guidelines and CFR/NFPA standards (Section VII-3).

E. SCBA air cylinders shall be pressurized to 2200 psi. The minimum acceptable air pressure for a stored SCBA air cylinder is 2000 psi. Any time a cylinder is found with less than 2000 psi, it will be recharged.

F. Fire Department SCBA's shall be inspected during each training session using equipment check-off list and before and after each use. They shall also be inspected on the first Wednesday meeting of the month and logged as such. Inspection shall consist of full function test including donning mask and drawing air. Additionally, each breathing apparatus will be cleaned after each use and stored in a “ready-to-use” fashion, which includes all straps being fully extended, untwisted, and properly stored in each individual’s mask bag.

G. SCBA's or their component parts, which are observed to be worn, defective, or damaged, shall be removed from service immediately, and a suitable replacement SCBA or part shall be provided as soon as possible.

H. SCBA's and their spare air cylinders shall be secured to Fire Department apparatus and vehicles in such a manner as to be readily available for quick operations; yet shall be well secured enough to prevent injuries to personnel or accidental damage to apparatus and/or equipment.

I. Fire Department policy shall be to provide a minimum of one (l) SCBA and one (1) spare air cylinder for each member assigned to a particular piece of fire apparatus or emergency vehicle, except for the assigned drivers. Mask are issued to each individual, packs are placed on apparatus not assigned except for cleaning and testing purposes.

J. Only personnel in good health and physical condition shall don a SCBA. It is each person’s responsibility to be physically and mentally prepared to enter confined, hazardous, and stressful areas. If at any time you feel you are overexerted, ill, mentally or physically unable to carry out assignments, notify Incident Command/Officer or Acting Officer immediately. NEVER GO INTO A HAZARD IF YOU ARE NOT PHYSICALLY AND/OR MENTALLY PREPARED.

K. Each person will use their SCBA under conditions specified by these guidelines, and in accordance with the training they receive on the use of each particular model. In addition, the respirator shall not be used in a manner for which it is not certified by its manufacturer.

1. All employees shall conduct user seal checks each time that they wear their SCBA face piece.

M. Members shall use either the positive or negative pressure checks as specified by the manufacturer. (See Respiratory Protection Program Section II-4)

N. No person is permitted to wear tight fitting respirators if they have any condition such as facial scars, beards or other facial hair, or missing dentures, which prevents them from achieving a good seal.

O. When donning a SCBA, members will always work in pairs. Apparatus and equipment can and will malfunction. Under no circumstances will any member of Fredericktown Fire Department enter a confined or contaminated area by themselves.

P. Under no circumstances will any part of the SCBA and/or its associated components be tampered with, modified, or otherwise adjusted for any reason than its intended use, nor will any safety features be bypassed. Only certified personnel shall repair the SCBA.

Q. SCBA will be fully inspected, cleaned and tested following each use.

Responsibility

A. The Fire Chief has the overall responsibility for providing a proper respiratory protection system within the Department and is responsible for overall management of the respiratory protection system.

B. The appointed SCBA officer is responsible for ensuring that SCBA's are properly maintained and repaired, and that an adequate number of SCBA's are available for use by departmental personnel. This appointee will ensure all logs are properly maintained.

C. The Officer and Training Officer are responsible for ensuring that Fredericktown Fire Department personnel meet minimum training standards relating to the operation of SCBA's and that there is adequate, regular and standardized SCBA training provided to each member of the fire department.

D. Incident Commanders have the overall responsibility, at emergency incidents, for ensuring that proper respiratory protection is both provided to and utilized by Fire Department personnel.

E. All officers are responsible for ensuring that these Fire Department SCBA policies are adhered to at all times by all members under their cognizance.

F. All Fire Department members are directly responsible for their personal safety and shall utilize and maintain self-contained breathing apparatus in accordance with this policy and keeping proficient with the use of SCBA’s.

G. Each Fire Department member shall be responsible for the proper donning/doffing, operation, and cleaning of SCBA’s, outlined in this policy. This responsibility includes the reporting of worn or faulty equipment associated with SCBA’s.

Section II-4

Respiratory Protection Program

Purpose: The purpose is to establish a Respiratory Protection Program that outlines policy whenever respirators are required to be used in an occupational setting. This program is a guideline to prevent employee overexposure to atmospheric contaminants and oxygen deficient atmospheres which are potentially harmful to health. See Infection Control Section II-7 for respiratory protection against blood borne and/or airborne infectious materials.

Scope: Fredericktown Fire Department will ensure all personnel are proficient in the operational and emergency use of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and it’s associated respiratory. This program applies to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel that wear respirators and will be adhered to at all times.

Policy:

Fredericktown Fire Department Command Staff will:

1. Determine the need for respiratory protection.

2. Establish and maintain a Respiratory Protection Program in compliance as close as possible, with all requirements of OSHA and NFPA Standards.

3. Provide all members in the program with respirators appropriate to the purpose intended.

4. The Fire Department shall provide personnel with a respirator that is sanitary, and in good working order. Fire department personnel shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer.

Fredericktown Department personnel will:

1. Wear assigned respirator when and where required and in the manner in which they were trained.

2. Care for and maintain respirators as instructed and store them in a clean and sanitary location.

3. Inform supervisor if the respirator no longer fits well, and request a new one that fits properly.

4. Inform supervisor or the Assistant Chief of any respiratory hazards that are not

   • adequately addressed in the workplace and of any other concerns regarding the

   • program.

Procedures:

It is the policy of the Fire Department that all personnel expected to respond and function in toxic atmospheres shall be equipped with SCBA and trained in its proper use and care. These respirators shall be used in accordance with the manufacture's recommendations.

Atmosphere supplying respirators operated in a positive pressure mode shall be used by all personnel working in areas where:

1. The atmosphere is immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

2. The atmosphere is suspected of being IDLH.

3. The atmosphere may rapidly become IDLH.

All interior structural fires, hazmat response hot zones, and confined space entries shall be considered to be IDLH, unless air monitoring proves otherwise.

Required Respiratory Use

Structural Firefighting

Due to the unknown respiratory hazards posed by structural firefighting, all members of the Fredericktown Fire Department engaged in interior structural firefighting shall use SCBAs. The SCBA shall remain in use until overhaul is complete and the fire is determined to be out by the Incident Commander, or the respiratory hazard has been eliminated and deemed safe.

Firefighters who are performing exterior operations at a structural fire may be required to use SCBA depending on the operation and the potential respiratory hazard, as determined by the Incident Commander, Safety Officer, or Company Officer.

Each and every firefighter exhausting 2 cylinders during SCBA operations could be required to go through a rehabilitation (rehab) period before reentering the structure. The rehab period will constitute a rest/cool down period, removing respirator to breath fresh air, rehydrate. Incident Commander or Company Officer on scene has the final approval before a firefighter can reenter the IDLH atmosphere. This does not preclude the firefighter from having a rehabilitation period is needed before.

Vehicle Fires

Vehicle fires are known to produce toxic gasses that may be IDLH. Firefighters who are engaged in vehicle firefighting operations shall use SCBA while performing this operation.

Dumpster Fires or Trash Container Fires

These fires (if not classified as a structure fire) when involved in a fire, shall require firefighters to wear SCBA while performing these operations.

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Firefighters who respond to or operate at a hazardous materials incident may be exposed to a variety of known and unknown respiratory hazards. SCBA shall be worn by all personnel operating in the Hot Zone, Warm Zone, and Decontamination Zone as determined by the Incident Commander. (See Section VI-1 Hazardous Materials).

Chimney Fires

Firefighters operating on the roof level at chimney fires shall be required to wear SCBAs.

Carbon Monoxide Incidents

Due to the fact that carbon monoxide presents a potential respiratory hazard, personnel operating at CO Alarms shall wear SCBA unless the detector shows at entry that the readings are in the safe range.

Special Rescue Situations

Special rescue situations may include below grade, confined space, and other areas where the Incident Commander cannot ensure the quality of the atmosphere. In these cases personnel shall be required to wear SCBA. Engineering controls such as ventilation may be used with constant monitoring and may ensure with certainty the quality of the atmosphere in the rescue environment.

Other Respiratory Hazards

Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict the Incident Commander, Safety Officer, or Company Officer from requiring personnel to use SCBA when he/she suspects a potential respiratory hazard. Officers are encouraged to adequately size up the situation and consider the safety of personnel when making decisions regarding SCBA. When in doubt, order SCBA on.

The fire department shall provide the following respirators for fire department use in IDLH Atmospheres:

1. A full face piece pressure demand/positive pressure SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes.

All personnel wearing respirators should be fit tested for comfort and proper seal. The Fredericktown Fire Department does provide individual respirators; each mask is same make, model, style, and size.

Fit tests will be conducted on all personnel who use respirators when feasibly possible. Or whenever the Command Staff observes or receives a report of changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit, or the firefighter states that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable.

Factors that may affect mask fit are:

1. Significant weight change.

2. Significant facial scarring in the area of the face piece seal.

3. Significant dental changes.

4. Reconstructive or cosmetic facial surgery.

5. Any other condition that would interfere with mask fit.

All personnel will use their respirators under conditions specified by this program, and in

Accordance with the training they receive on the use of each particular model. In addition, the respirator shall not be used in a manner for which it is not certified by NIOSH or by its manufacturer.

All personnel will conduct user seal checks each time that they wear their respirator.

Fredericktown personnel shall use either the positive or negative pressure check as specified by the manufacturer or as listed in Appendix 6 of the Respiratory Protection Standard.

Firefighters wearing SCBAs are not permitted to wear tight fitting respirators if they have any condition such as facial scars, beards or other facial hair, or missing dentures, which prevents them from achieving a good seal. Additionally, the wearing of headphones, jewelry, glasses, or other articles that may interfere with the face piece-to-face seal is strictly prohibited.

CLEANING, DISINFECTING, STORING, INSPECTING, REPAIRING, DISCARDING, AND MAINTAINING RESPIRATORS

The Fire Department shall provide personnel with a respirator that is sanitary, and in good

working order. Fire department personnel shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and

disinfected using the procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer. The respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected at the following intervals:

1. Respirators issued for the exclusive use of a firefighter shall be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition.

1. Respirators issued to more than one firefighter shall be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by different individuals.

1. Respirators used in fit testing and training shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

1. The face piece shall be placed in a clean, dry container and stored in a manner which prevents deformation of the face seal, other damage or contamination.

1. The cleaning and disinfecting procedure supplied by the manufacturer/seller of the respirator shall be used by the department.

Maintenance: See Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus SOG Section VII-3.

Quality and Quantity

Breathing air in the SCBA cylinder shall meet the requirements of the Compressed Gas

Association G-7.1-l989, Commodity Specification for Air, with a minimum air quality of

Grade D.

Fredericktown Fire Department conducts air quality tests from the air compressor yearly using an outside source. The vendor supplies the Department with a copy of the most recent inspection and certification.

The Department shall assure that sufficient quantities of compressed air are available to refill SCBA for each incident. This shall be accomplished by having ready spares on all equipment.

Air cylinders for SCBA shall be filled only by trained personnel. See Appendix 9 for qualifications.

Compressed oxygen shall not be used in open circuit SCBA.

Standards for breathing air and hazards associated include:

Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%.

Hydrocarbons (condensed) content of 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air or less;

Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less;

Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less;

Lack of a noticeable odor.

The fire department shall ensure that cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators meet the following requirements:

Cylinders are tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173 and part 178) test requirements of five years for steel or aluminum cylinders.

Training

Fredericktown Fire Department is required to provide training to those who use respirators. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and occur annually and more often if necessary. Documentation of this training shall occur and be maintained by the Training Officer.

The Fire Department shall ensure that each firefighter can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:

1. Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;

2. What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;

3. How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;

4. How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator;

5. What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator;

6. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators;

7. The general requirements of this program.

8. The use of the PASS device.

9. Use of the RIT connection.

The training shall be conducted in a manner that is understandable to the firefighter.

Re-training shall be administered annually, or when the following situations occur:

1. Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete;

2. Inadequacies in the firefighters knowledge or uses of the respirator indicate that the firefighter has not retained the requisite understanding or skill;

3. Any other situations arise in which retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.

Section II-5

Accountability Policy

Purpose: The purpose is to provide guidelines that enable Incident Commanders and other officers working within the guidelines of the Incident Command System to constantly and continually maintain awareness of all personnel of the Fredericktown Fire Department committed to or engaged in interior firefighting or other emergency operations.

Scope: These guidelines should facilitate the ability of Officers and Incident Commanders to account for the location of personnel at all times and to identify personnel who may have been injured or become disoriented while operating in a hazardous environment.

Policy:

The following guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel when operating in an emergency situation that requires interior intervention by any member.

Each person will be issued (2) Personnel Accountability Cards (PAC) upon full firefighter status and upon being issued turnout gear.

While responding to the structure fire, every Fredericktown Fire Department firefighter must ensure they have his/her identification tag (PAC) on their person. It is the responsibility of the Officers or Acting Officers to ensure each firefighter attaches their crew’s identification tag to the accountability ring on each apparatus or hands the PAC to the Driver of each apparatus who will place them on PAC Board.

The other card shall be placed in the inside coat pocket of your turnout coat.

The PAC system enables the Incident Commander to keep an accountability of personnel on the scene as well as those entering a structure at a particular time. The Incident Commander shall request the PAC ring from the Driver of each apparatus at any time.

Upon termination of the incident, the officer of each apparatus or driver, if designated, will distribute the tags back to all firefighters under their immediate supervision who responded with them on the apparatus. This will be done after a head count has been done while on scene. The ring will be turned into the officer filling out report on the return to the station. It will be the responsibility of the Officer or Acting Officer to ensure that all tags have been retrieved. If the Officer or Acting Officer discovers that a tag has not been retrieved by a firefighter or that any personnel are unaccounted for, then the Incident Commander or a Chief Officer must be immediately notified.

If any firefighter should lose or misplace his/her identification tag, then he/she must immediately notify the appropriate Officer for replacement.

Section II-6

Seatbelt Policy

Purpose: To establish seatbelt usage policy while operating/riding on any Fredericktown Fire Department Apparatus.

Scope: Statistics have shown that on numerous occasions the failure to wear seatbelts has been determined to be a significant factor in the death of the apparatus driver and/or occupant(s). Apparatus drivers and/or occupants being seriously injured or killed after being partially or totally ejected from the vehicle following a crash is a common theme.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports indicate that the proper use of seatbelts by truck occupants reduces the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent and moderate-to-critical injury by 65 percent.

NFPA 1500 requires all riders on fire apparatus to be seated and belted prior to the movement of the apparatus.

Policy:

Fredericktown Fire Department requires the use of seatbelts by all drivers and occupants of department vehicles at any time the vehicle is in operation. This is to include fire apparatus responding to emergency or non-emergency incidents. If firefighting personnel find that use of seat belts interferes with the donning of SCBA or their PPE, then they must wait until their apparatus or vehicle has safely arrived on scene prior to donning their gear. Use of seatbelts is mandatory and applies to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel.

It is also policy that firefighters responding to emergency incidents, whether to the station or directly, in their Privately Owned Vehicle, that they follow the State of Missouri law and properly wear their seatbelt.

Section II-7

Infection Control Policy

Purpose: To establish an infection control policy for all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel who have the potential to be exposed to blood or other infectious materials.

Scope: The goal of infection control is to prevent transfer of infection from the patient to emergency response personnel and their families, while simultaneously educating Fredericktown Fire Department members about infection hazards in the workplace. The dangers faced by emergency response personnel are not always obvious. The hazards of AIDS, hepatitis, and other communicable toxins are invisible but very dangerous.

Fredericktown Fire Department is committed to the safety of their personnel and in dealing with infection control.

Vocabulary:

Normal Flora-Microorganisms in man that assist the body in maintaining health equilibrium by preventing overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Bacteria-Organisms that need certain conditions for growth, reproduction and maintenance of life.

Virus-A packet of genetic material surrounded by a protein covering. Unable to grow or reproduce outside the living host.

Infectious-illness resulting from the invasion of the body by a bacteria, virus, fungi, or parasite. The term infectious only means caused by a pathogen

Communicable-is a disease that can be readily spread from one person to another under certain conditions. A disease can be infectious but not communicable.

Policy:

The infection control policy of the Fredericktown Fire Department applies to all personnel who have the potential for occupational exposure to blood or other infectious materials.

All personnel will wear disposable latex gloves, face shield, and mask, as appropriate when making contact with patients of a trauma or medical call where airborne pathogens, disease, blood, or other bodily fluids may become necessary and unavoidable.

Any uniform items that become soiled from bodily fluids must be sanitized immediately upon return to the fire station and before next emergency call.

All Department personnel are required to file an Infectious Exposure Form (Appendix 10) in the vent of exposure to a suspected or confirmed communicable disease or toxin. Personnel will obtain these forms from the EMS Officer. This form is to be completed and filed, ensuring that EMS Officer and Chief are notified immediately of the reported exposure.

Fredericktown Fire Department is not qualified in the handling of chemical, biological, radiation type hazardous material. All personnel will stay clear of any suspected hazardous materials caused by intentional release, leaks, or the like.

Fredericktown Fire Department will from time to time, provide training to all personnel and will assure that all members receive education on precautionary measures, epidemiology, and modes of transmission. Members will also receive training regarding the location and proper use of personal protective equipment, work practices, and precautions to be used in handling contaminated articles and infectious waste.

Infectious Diseases Most Commonly Encountered

Note: Duty to care: you cannot deny care to a patient who you suspect has a

Communicable disease, even if you believe that the patient poses a risk to your

Safety.

A. Meningitis: Meningitis is difficult to determine in the prehospital environment. This infection can be due to a virus, bacteria, or tuberculosis, and involves an inflammation of the cover linings of the brain. Signs and symptoms can be fever, headache, stiff neck,

And/or altered mental status. Most forms of meningitis are not contagious, however

meningococcus meningitis is highly contagious and can be lethal.

B. Tuberculosis (TB): TB is bacteria not a virus and is spread by droplets in the air that are expelled by an infected individual. Risk for exposure is dependent on the following: amount of time spent with the infected individual, the ventilation present at the time of exposure, and prevention measures used. All healthcare workers should receive a TB skin test (PPD) on an annual basis. Signs and symptoms of TB include: weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph glands, and a cough that may be productive or nonproductive and persistent for 2-3 weeks.

C. Syphilis: Syphilis is a blood borne disease caused by bacteria. Syphilis is a sexually

transmitted disease, but may also be blood borne. Signs and symptoms include a primary lesion or chancre may appear 3 weeks after exposure. 4-6 weeks later other symptoms may appear such as rash on soles of feet and palms of the hands. This may progress into a latent phase if not treated. Testing for the exposure would include a blood test.

D. Hepatitis B: Hepatitis is a term which means inflammation of the liver. This disease is transmitted by blood to blood contact, sexual contact, or indirect contact with a contaminated object. Needle stick injuries present the greatest risk for infection with hepatitis B (6-30%). The incubation period for this disease is up to six months. Signs and symptoms begin with flu-like illness and then may or may not progress into common signs of yellow skin and itching, dark urine, which colored stools. There are two vaccines available to prevent Hepatitis B (Recombivax HB and Engerix-HB). The vaccine is given in a series of three doses. A titer test should be performed 1-2 months after completion of the vaccine series.

E. Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is another blood borne disease and can be transmitted via blood-to-blood, sexual contact, or indirect contact with a contaminated object. This disease begins with signs and symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite, malaise, headache, and nausea. The time frame from exposure to development of the disease can be as long as 200 days. There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C and there is no cure for this disease. Approximately 60-85% of infected persons develop long-term chronic liver disease.

F. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): HIV is a virus, which attacks the immune system and destroys its ability to fight infection. Persons infected with HIV are considered to be communicable from the time of infection. HIV that progresses to the later stage is termed AIDS. HIV is transmitted blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, sharing IV drug needles, and infected mother to her infant. The time of infection to the time of development of this disease is two to ten years. Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for this disease. Common signs and symptoms of HIV are initial infection-fever, general malaise, flu like symptoms, swollen lymph glands followed by a phase in which no symptoms are present. Symptomatic phase-continued fatigue, chronic diarrhea, fever with night sweats, and swollen lymph glands. Progression into AIDS-pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, kaposi’s sarcoma, CMV infection, and dementia. Most HIV infected persons are at high risk for TB.

Patient Handling Procedures

Communicable diseases can be transmitted in several ways (Direct, Indirect, and airborne):

A. Body fluids in the form of saliva, sputum, blood, urine, vomit, and fecal matter. First Responder’s must limit exposure to these fluids and minimize risk of infection by wearing PPE.

B. Open sores, wounds, or any unnatural opening of the skin is a transmission point.

Members must note these high-risk areas on both the patient and themselves and not

allow any direct contact. Consider proper PPE.

C. Airborne particles of diseased materials may be encountered. A proper protective mask

should be placed on them as well as attending First Responder. Consider other indicated PPE.

D. Transmission can also occur through food, water, houseflies, ticks and mosquitoes.

E. The provider's eyes can be an area prone to the receipt of foreign matter. Using the

provided eye shield at all times during patient contact should protect them.

Note: Providers should wear the proper facemask covering both the mouth and nose,

eye shields, disposable gowns and medical gloves. All open sores or wounds should

be properly dressed at the start of the shift; and at any time that patient contact may

be suspected, should be redressed.

Decontamination Procedures

If the patient was not transported, all personal protective equipment will be properly disposed of. Soap should be provided for additional scrubbing to insure proper decontamination.

A. Application of a disinfectant and gloves should be worn for all cleaning and

decontamination procedures.

• • 1. Bleach (1:10 Dilution)

  • Contact time is between 10-30 minutes for high level disinfection. Bleach is a powerful germ-killing agent and is therefore recommended to clean up fresh (undried) blood spills. Caution should be exercised when using this solution around metal, electronic and electric equipment due to its corrosive behavior. A bleach solution can also decolorize fabrics.

  • 2. Alcohol (70% Isopropyl)

  • Contact time is between 5-30 minutes for high level disinfection. It is a good skin antiseptic and does not corrode metal, but should be used with caution around electric and electronic equipment since it is flammable. It evaporates quickly.

  • 3. Hydrogen Peroxide (3% Solution)

  • This solution is good for dissolving dried blood and body fluids from the surfaces of equipment. However, if this is used on heavily soiled equipment, cleaning and decontamination are still required.

  • 4. Iodine Based Solutions

  • These are not recommended for the disinfection of equipment, but are excellent skin antiseptics.

B. Stretchers, splints, and backboards should be cleaned with laundered cloths or paper towels wet with the properly diluted disinfectant solution after each patient use. The inside of the apparatus that EMS equipment is stored (i.e. 840 storage compartments), should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.

Section II-8

Safe Apparatus Driving Policy

Purpose: To establish policy and guidelines for the operation and driving of any Fredericktown apparatus and privately owned vehicles (POVs) to/from an emergency scene, whether in our fire management zone or to a mutual aid district. This policy will be read, understood, and be adhered to by all personnel.

Scope: These policies are applicable to all personnel who operate/drive any Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus and/or their POV while responding to/from an emergency situation. Before driving any apparatus, personnel MUST meet the guidance set forth in the Apparatus Driver Qualification SOG. Personnel using their privately owned vehicles to respond to an emergency call, MUST also follow this guidance.

The single most important issue that affects crash avoidance and safety is the manner in which the vehicle is driven to and from the emergency scene. Our most basic mission is to deliver a vital service to our customers or constituents. When they have a fire, become ill, or are entrapped, we respond to mitigate the situation as much as possible. The key principle here is that we must respond to the constituent’s location. Rarely do they bring the problem to us.

Because we understand the urgency of their need, it is our goal to respond to their location as expeditiously as possible. To that end, emergency responders are given many liberties that are not afforded other members of the driving public. However, these liberties are often abused, neglected, or become complacent and mishaps occur. To this end, Fredericktown policy has been established to eliminate, or at least minimize, the possibility of a fatal accident that includes fire apparatus or POVs responding to/from an emergency scene.

Where a conflict of guidelines exists, this SOG and State/Local laws take precedence.

Policy:

All personnel will meet the requirements as outline in Driver Training & Requirements (Section VI-4) and Apparatus Driver Qualification Guidelines (Section IV-3) prior to being designated as primary driver of a particular apparatus. This includes the Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC). Only drive apparatus in which you have been designated to drive because vehicle characteristics and dynamics differ from one apparatus to the next.

1. After initial qualifications, complete Competency Course (as stated in Appendix 4) annually.

1. When responding to an emergency call in Privately Owned Vehicle, each person shall drive with due regard to State of Missouri traffic laws.

1. Respond in emergency apparatus in a safe and prudent manner, keeping control over the apparatus at all times.

1. Emergency lights and sirens will only be operated during emergency situations. This includes POVs. When directed to downgrade to routine, all lights & sirens will be secured. Section II-9 (Emergency & Non-Emergency Responses).

1. Emergency apparatus and/or POVs will be brought to a complete stop at all intersections that include posted stops signs, red traffic signals, blind intersections, and intersection where right-of-way for all lanes of traffic cannot be determined. Proceed through red traffic light or stop sign only after being certain that every driver sees you and is allowing you to proceed.

1. All Emergency apparatus and POVs will be brought to complete stop when encountering school buses with activated warning flashers.

1. Emergency apparatus shall exercise extreme caution and at an extremely reduced speed when moving into the opposing lane of traffic and proceed through the intersection or around an obstacle in their lane of traffic. If oncoming traffic cannot be seen, DO NOT drive on opposing lane of traffic.

1. In congested and high risk areas, caution and situation awareness is paramount. Congested and high risk areas include schools, commercial buildings, parks, yard/garage sales, parking in streets. Never assume you are being seen or heard by all children or drivers. Reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution.

1. Establish safe distance when behind other fire apparatus or civilian vehicles. Know your safe braking distance.

1. Overtake and pass other vehicles during emergency response only when it is determined that all other vehicles clearly acknowledge your presence by pulling over to the shoulder or have come to complete stop. Neither emergency apparatus nor POVs operating with lights and sirens have the right of way NOR will you demand the right-of-way. A mutual recognition of the situation by both/all drivers involved must be obtained.

1. It is STRICTLY prohibited to pass or overtake another vehicle on the right side.

1. Take safest response route being aware that weather conditions, time of day, and construction zones may make it necessary to take a longer route.

1. Avoid operating emergency vehicles in reverse unless properly “spotted” by fire personnel. The use of handheld radios is encouraged.

1. All personnel riding apparatus will wear seatbelts. This includes POVs if responding to/from an emergency.

1. No smoking in or on any emergency apparatus.

1. Emergency apparatus and POVs will be driven at appropriate speeds. The vehicles will ALWAYS be driven at a speed that allows it to be maintained under control, on the roadway, and able to stop within a reasonable distance. Road conditions, population of roadways, type of surfaces, curves in roadway, and weather will dictate safe speed.

1. Emergency apparatus will not be directed off roadway unless all risks have been assessed and approval obtained by officer in charge. The driver/operator of each apparatus has right to decline request if he/she deems it unsafe. Unit 850 will be allowed off-road operations on a case-by-case basis.

• • 18. When negotiating curves in the roadway, all emergency apparatus will be handled at safe speeds to ensure they stay in proper traffic lane and do not partially or completely leave roadway/shoulder.

1. Apparatus will be handled at safe speeds to ensure any weight shifts can be handled.

20. All emergency apparatus will be parked at emergency scene in a safe manner, with only essential emergency lighting on. Park vehicle in a manner that reduces the chance of being struck by oncoming traffic and shields the operational work area. Too much lighting can deem it unsafe and blinding for oncoming traffic. Use bare essential emergency lighting on scene. Be mindful of headlights on units parked at scene.

• • 21. Return to quarters in a safe manner. All emergency lights are to be turned off when returning from alarms. It is required that all vehicle and traffic laws of the State of Missouri are obeyed.

1. Upon returning to quarters, the driver of the apparatus will ensure that there is no less than ½ of a tank of fuel in the apparatus and that water levels are full.

Backing Up

When Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus is operated in reverse or needs to back-up, the driver and/or Officer are required to assign at least one firefighter behind the apparatus to guide the driver and to keep the area clear of bystanders and obstructions. At no times will a driver back up an apparatus on their own – ensure at least one person is used to guide apparatus.

Responsibility

A. The Fire Chief has the overall responsibility for providing a proper driver’s training program within the Department and is responsible for overall driving and operation of each emergency apparatus and each individual responding to/from the station.

B. The Training Officer is responsible for ensuring all drivers complete the Apparatus Driving Training Qualifications and are fully qualified in all aspects.

C. Using the Fredericktown Fire Channel (Channel 1), the Officer of each apparatus will transmit a message that the apparatus is responding to the alarm and how many personnel are on apparatus. While responding to the scene, the officer and driver must be alert to any two way transmissions directed to their apparatus and the other apparatus responding to the scene. All communications directed to the apparatus responding will be handled by the officer. No communications will be made by Firefighters riding in jump seats.

D. Officer of each emergency apparatus shall ensure the driver is operating in a safe manner and is adhering to driving policies outline above and all other Departmental SOGs.

E. Officer will ensure all emergency lighting is in the “on” position.

F. Upon arrival, the Officer will direct operator of vehicle on strategic placement of the apparatus to best suit the needs of the apparatus. Use the apparatus to block traffic as necessary. Be aware that firefighters will be removing tools and equipment from apparatus. In heavy traffic areas, shutting down the road may be only resort.

G. Driver/Operator of each emergency apparatus shall ensure he/she maintains driver proficiency by attending required training sessions and refresher courses, and passes all tests, written and practical.

H. It is the driver/operator’s responsibility to maintain control of the vehicle at all times. He/She shall have a working knowledge of this standard and be qualified as to ALL Fredericktown Fire Department standard operating guidelines to operate the apparatus in which they are driving/operating.

I. When directed to terminate, the Driver and Officer will ensure all personnel and equipment are safely secured on the apparatus prior to departure.

J. The driver of each apparatus is responsible to ensure an inventory of equipment is conducted prior to departing scene.

K. When responding under emergency conditions, the driver and officer of the apparatus shall exercise due regard for the safety of the other crew members, the apparatus and the general public. He/She shall be certain that the right of way has been yielded before proceeding through any controlled intersection, passing buses/vehicles, and that the apparatus is operating at a safe speed so to maintain control under all circumstances.

L. Driver/Operator is responsible for reporting all maintenance issues and equipment malfunctions and shall not operate emergency apparatus with any known deficiencies that deem the situation unsafe.

M. Driver/Operator and Officer shall ensure all measures are taken to ensure a safe operation. This will includes all doors being closed, all personnel properly seated and wearing seatbelts, and that they are physically and mentally fit for the task at hand.

N. Driver/Operator will ensure they notify Officer of vehicle if any conditions change that would make for an unsafe condition. Officer will ensure safety of personnel and equipment is paramount.

O. All officers are responsible for ensuring that these Fire Department Driving guidelines are adhered to at all times by all members both in Emergency Apparatus and while operating POVs to/from emergency calls.

P. The department will conduct a VFIS style training class on a yearly basis. Documents shall be filed and put in personal file.

Section II-9

Emergency and Non-Emergency Response

Purpose: To establish distinguished differences when responding to emergency type calls and non-emergency calls.

Scope: These guidelines are to be adhered to by all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel when responding to emergency calls. It is important to distinguish true emergencies from calls for assistance. Calls for assistance will not warrant lights and siren, excess speed, or priority over actual emergencies. It will be at the discretion of senior person responding to drop responding personnel to “routine” status to help alleviate possible dangers of responding in emergency modes.

Definitions:

Emergency: When life threatening, property loss, or environmental conditions exists that warrants an expeditious arrival of emergency personnel. Personnel and apparatus responding shall operate with lights and sirens, respond with quickest route available, under safe conditions, with due regard to state laws, road conditions, and other vehicles. A safe arrival is paramount. Under no circumstances will responding personnel operate in emergency mode for the purpose of guaranteeing a seat on responding apparatus.

Non-Emergency: No life threatening conditions exists, nor is there any condition in which property will be damaged if Fredericktown Fire Department does not arrive within minutes. This condition is considered routine and lights and sirens will be secured and all traffic laws adhered to.

Policy:

In most cases, common sense and experience will dictate the mode in which Fredericktown Fire Department personnel shall respond to each tone. If any doubt exists, emergency mode will be exercised.

1. All dispatches will be treated as emergencies unless Madison County Dispatch announces that call shall be responded to as routine. Even then, it is merely a suggestion.

1. If situation dictates, senior person responding shall order all personnel responding to “respond routine” to the fire station and all fire apparatus will respond routine.

1. Examples of Non-Emergency calls for assistance include, but not limited to:

• • • a. Calls for assistance with pets, snakes, or other animal type calls (this does not include bites).

    • b. Lift assists

    • c. traffic or electric department assist

1. Examples of Emergency calls include, but are not limited to:

• • • f. Structure Fires (Confirmed or alarm)

    • g. EMS calls with cardiac arrest, respiratory failure/distress

    • h. Trauma

    • I. Motor Vehicle Collisions with injuries

Section III

Operations

III-1 Incident Command System

III-2 Responding to Dispatches

III-3 Apparatus Response Guidelines

III-4 Riding Assignments (Under Construction)

III-5 Hydrant & Drafting Guidelines

III-6 Fire Attack Guidelines

III-7 Ventilation Guidelines

III-8 Forcible Entry

III-9 Fire ground Search and Rescue

III-10 Vehicle Extrication

III-11 Service Calls and Miscellaneous Fires

III-12 Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)

III-13 Ground Ladder Operations

• • III-14 Radio Guidelines

  • III-15 Mutual Aid Guidelines

  • III-16 Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

Section III-1

Incident Command System

Purpose: To establish general guidelines for the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) at all emergency calls regardless of complexity.

Scope: All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel shall complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) during their indoctrination. All personnel shall be certified in IS 700, ICS 100 and ICS 200. Officers are required to complete IS 800, ICS 300 and ICS 400, in addition to IS 700, ICS 100 and ICS 200.

The incident command system, hereafter referred to as ICS, is designed to provide guidelines and concepts to manage in an efficient manner. The ICS will improve firefighter safety by providing better accountability of personnel and improved use of resources and tactical effectiveness.

The existence of these written guidelines is not intended to limit any member in the exercise of judgment or initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations that may arise in the fire service. Much by necessity must be left to the training, experience, initiative, integrity, and discretion of the members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

Policy:

It is the responsibility of the initial Incident Commander, regardless of their rank, to implement the necessary ICS functions as determined by the specific incident. As the command function is transferred to succeeding officers, further expansion of the ICS should take place. Prior to command being transferred, the Incident Commander must be thoroughly briefed as to the status of the entire operation underway

The ICS is the official policy for the management of all incidents and the development of standard operating guidelines. This Department will implement the system at all incidents for which it has management responsibility.

The ICS has several characteristics or components. These components interact to create a system that ensures optimum information management and control under normal or crisis conditions. The characteristics are:

1. Common Terminology insures that all personnel are able to communicate effectively. The more simple the message, the more effective communications will be.

1. Manageable Span of Control is most effective when management responsibility of personnel ranges from three to seven, with five being ideal.

1. Modular Organization means that ICS organization levels evolve based on the type and complexity of the incident. A routine incident will have a simple structure. A complex incident will require a larger organizational structure. Incident Commanders are responsible for the performance of the six main functions within the ICS. The functions are Command, Planning, Operations, Staging, Logistics, and Finance. If any function is not delegated it remains the responsibility of the Incident Commander.

1. Integrated Communications is managed through the use of a communications plan. In incidents involving only the Fredericktown Fire Department, then one operating radio channels are likely to be utilized: Fredericktown Channel 3 will be the working frequency and the Incident Commander will monitor County Fire Channel 1 on the handheld. When mutual aid fire departments and police agencies are involved, however, the communication plans must be made adaptable and adjusted appropriately (Section III-14).

1. Unified Command is a means of organizing different agencies that have legal authority and responsibility at large scale incidents, into one coordinated and controlled effort. It is designed to minimize "turf battles” and promote close working relationships among different departments. Instead of several different command posts operating independently, the operation is directed from one command post.

1. Designated Incident Facilities is an area that is established to serve a particular purpose, i.e. Command Post, Staging etc.

• • Six Incident Command System Functions

Command: The functional authority the IC exercises over subordinates. It includes the responsibility for effectively using resources to accomplish strategy. It is the function through which all the incident activities are directed, coordinated and controlled to accomplish the mission. It encompasses the personnel, equipment, communications, facilities and guidelines to plan for what has to be done, issue orders and supervise the execution of operations. At all incidents Command conducts size up, develops strategy and is responsible for its outcome. The IC retains responsibility for Command and the performance of any functions or areas in the system that is not delegated. As the incident expands or becomes more complex, then the IC must delegate authority for performance of functions to other individuals. The IC has the option of implementing Command Staff, i.e. Safety Officer, Operations Officer and Information Officer.

Planning: The function responsible for gathering, evaluating and disseminating information about the incident and status of resources. It prepares alternate strategies and objectives to control the incident.

Operations: The function of managing all the tactical operations at the incident to accomplish the primary mission and plan of the Incident Commander. Operations are broken down into several functions and will fix personnel accountability, Teams, Sectors, and Groups. It is recommended and encourage for the Incident Commander to designate Operations Officer to next ranking officer at the scene.

Staging: A specific area to which resources are assigned before deployment. It gives the IC breathing room to make better decisions. It is a checkpoint to provide accountability and prevent freelancing. It provides an area of protection from exposure in hazardous environments. It establishes a reserve immediately available for a contingency.

Logistics: The function that provides the resources such as supplies, services and facilities needed to support the incident, Medical, Facilities, Food, and any other Special Units.

Finance: The function responsible for financial cost recording for the incident operations. Practice and experience using the ICS and its components will determine the level of professionalism, safety and efficiency achieved in emergency operations by this Department. If personnel have any questions or request clarification on the ICS, ask Company Officers.

Section III-2

• • Responding to Dispatches

Purpose: To establish minimum guidelines for acknowledging and responding to emergency dispatches.

Scope: The scope of this policy pertains to all Chiefs, Officers, and Firefighters who respond to emergency calls.

The existence of these written guidelines is not intended to limit any member in the exercise of judgment or initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations that may arise in the fire service. Much by necessity must be left to the training, experience, initiative, integrity, and discretion of the members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

• • Policy:

It is the duty of all Officers and Acting Officers to ensure that these guidelines are strictly adhered to and enforced by all personnel of the Fredericktown Fire Department. These guidelines will be utilized while operating at emergency operations, mutual aid incidents, training exercises, and while in quarters.

A. All members of Fredericktown Fire Department will respond to emergency calls dispatched by either pager tone, direct radio traffic (dispatch calls while we are on another emergency scene), walk in, or telephone.

B. All emergency calls will require a dispatch unless he/she can justify why it was not necessary or needed.

C. No member of Fredericktown Fire Department will report directly to or respond to an emergency scene, within Fredericktown fire district, without proper tones from dispatch and/or Fredericktown base.

D. No member of Fredericktown Fire Department will report directly to or respond to another Fire Department’s emergency without Fredericktown Fire Department dispatches from Central Dispatch.

E. In the absence of an Officer, Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus may respond with an Acting Officer. Acting Officers must be fully familiar with the Incident Command System, along with all Fredericktown Fire Department operating guidelines and policies. In the absence of an Officer, apparatus may respond with an interior qualified firefighter assuming the Acting Officer role as long as that individual firefighter understands the duties and responsibilities, and they are fully capable to serve as Acting Officer. Probationary Firefighters cannot serve as Acting Officers.

F. In the absence of an Officer, the senior firefighter present shall assume the Acting Officer functions and perform the role of an Officer.

G. At no time will an Acting Officer go directly to the emergency. All personnel will report to the fire station to ensure proper apparatus and personnel are staffed and assigned with the exception of the Chief and Assistant Chief.

H. Response responsibilities of Officers for all incidents are to include:

1. If Chief or Assistant Chief has not acknowledged the call, Officers shall acknowledge call over Fredericktown Fire Department channel only after clearly understanding the reason for call, the location, and the last known situation at the emergency scene.

2. All members below the rank of Assistant Chief shall report to the fire station for response or stand-by after an alarm has been dispatched to ensure that the proper apparatus is dispatched and responds in a safe manner and that all safety precautions (including complete use of PPE) are properly employed throughout an incident.

3. In rare instances, when having to pass the emergency scene in route to the station, an Officer may stop only with direct authorization by the Chief or Assistant Chief. The Officer responding to an emergency shall insure that he/she has all of his/her turnout equipment either in their possession or placed on the appropriate responding apparatus.

4. Coordination with other Officers and Incident Commanders while carrying out assigned evolutions within the Incident Command System.

5. Any decision making needed as Officer of the Apparatus.

6. Implementing and enforcing Fredericktown Fire Department standard operating guidelines.

7. Post-incident administrative functions, including completion of incident reports and repairs.

8. Ensuring that upon conclusion of an incident, all equipment and apparatus under their immediate supervision is in complete working order and back in service.

9. Fredericktown Fire Department will not tolerate freelancing. Repeated abuse will be subject to discipline, not to exclude termination.

I. Response responsibilities of the Chief and Assistant Chief for all incidents are to include:

1. Acknowledge call over Fredericktown Fire Department channel only after clearly understanding the reason for call, the location, and the last known situation at the emergency scene.

1. It shall be optional for the Chief and Assistant Chief to respond to the emergency scene instead of the fire station in order to obtain a thorough scene size-up or provide immediate life-saving assistance.

1. Either the Chief or Assistant Chief responding to the scene shall communicate with other responding firefighting personnel his/her intentions over the Fredericktown Fire Department dedicated channel.

1. Chief or Assistant Chief shall monitor Fredericktown Fire Department private frequency for all personnel acknowledging call. If a firefighter acknowledges call and for whatever reason does not show up at the fire station for assignment, contact shall be made by whatever means to ensure their safety.

Any person responding to an emergency incident shall insure that he/she has all of his/her turnout equipment either in their possession or placed on the appropriate responding apparatus. Safety should come first in all circumstances.

Section III-3

Apparatus Response Guidelines

Purpose: To establish Apparatus Response guidelines (Run Order) for all types of emergency and non-emergency calls in district and in mutual aid response areas.

Scope: These guidelines are applicable to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel responsible for apparatus decision-making when responding to emergency and non-emergency calls in district and in mutual aid response areas.

The existence of these written guidelines is not intended to limit any member in the exercise of judgment or initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations that may arise in the fire service. Much by necessity must be left to the training, experience, initiative, integrity, and discretion of the members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

Policy:

Personnel responding to the scene on any Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus will first report to the Officer or Acting Officer in the front seat of the apparatus, confirming that the officer is aware of which firefighters will be responding with that particular apparatus.

Drivers will not respond unless they are absolutely certain of the location to which they are responding.

Drivers and officers must monitor radio traffic and communications while responding to all incidents. These communications are an integral part of their size-up process and will provide vital information about the conditions at the scene and which apparatus to follow-up with as situations/conditions change. The Officer or Acting Officer must be aware of transmissions related to problems that may be encountered at the scene, such as water supply problems, people trapped, location of the fire, heavy smoke condition, etc. (Section III-14, Radio Guidelines).

Follow all guidelines in standard operating guidelines outlined in Section II-8 and II-9.

When the apparatus arrives in the area of the incident, it will slow its response, as to attempt to locate water sources, the best route to take to reach the scene, other approaching fire apparatus, civilians, type of fire, etc. and should not hinder incoming units.

The front of the structure, or any area designated by the Officer in Charge, will be reserved for engine responding so that company evolutions may be executed with ease and the least amount of impediments.

Primary Response: Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus are to respond to the following types of alarms in the predetermined order within our fire management zone:

• • Structure Fire: Units 840,850,860 and 870.

  • Vehicle Fire: Units 840,850 or 860

  • Brush, Trash Fire: Units 840, 860, 880

  • CO & Other Gas or “Odor” Calls: Units 840,850,860 NOTE: on CO calls POV may be used

  • Power Line Incidents & Other Service Calls: Units 840, 850 or 860

  • Automobile Accidents (including extrication calls): Units 840,850 and 860

  • EMS: Units 840,860

  • Haz-Mat Calls: All units

Mutual Aid: Officer in charge will ascertain from Central Dispatch or requesting agency what primary purpose our responding units will be utilized for, and determine what will respond according to purpose. Additional guidance is provided in Mutual Aid Guidelines (Section III-15).

• • Structure Fire: Units 850 or 870

  • Vehicle Fire: Unit 860

  • Brush, Trash Fire: Unit 880

  • CO & Other Gas or “Odor” Calls: Unit 840

  • Power Line Incidents & Other Service Calls: Units 840,860

  • Automobile Accidents (including extrication calls): Units 840,850 and 860

  • EMS: Unit 840

  • Haz-Mat Calls: Unit 840

  • NOTE: ANY MUTUAL AID CALL NEEDS TO BE UNIT OR PIECE OF APPARATUS REQUESTED, ALL UNITS MAY NOT GO.

Section III-4

Riding Assignments

Under Construction

Purpose: To establish guidelines for personal

Scope: The following are guidelines for riding assignments, responsibility and tool selection for Fredericktown Fire Department. These are basic guidelines; actual tasks and tool assignments are to be determined by the Lieutenant or Acting Officer based upon the nature of the specific incident and the unit’s tasks as assigned by the Chief or other Incident Commander. The following assignment guidelines and their respective radio identifiers are as follows:

Engine Crew – Fire Calls

This applies to both Unit 850 and Unit 860 when responding to a reported fire. This can include structure fires, car fires, brush or grass fires, etc. The basic assignments and radio identifiers are similar for both engines, regardless of which is first due to the particular type of incident.

Engine or Rescue Crew – Extrication Calls

This applies to primarily Unit 850, with secondary responsibility to Unit 860, as it carries most of the rescue and extrication equipment. The basic assignments and radio identifiers are similar for both engines, regardless of which is first due to the particular type of incident. When Unit 860 responds to an extrication incident, the same assignments and radio identifiers apply, with the exception of Nozzle and Layout. A minimum of two firefighters from the second due apparatus responding to extrication incidents shall be assigned to traffic control if no law enforcement is available.

Engine Crew – Investigations

This applies to both Unit 850 and Unit 860 when responding to automatic alarms or other alarms where there is no sign or indication of fire upon arrival. The first due unit is tasked with investigating and determining the source of alarm.

Rescue 3

The assignments for Unit 860 when responding to extrication incidents have already been outlined above. The assignments listed below apply when responding to a working structure fire, as a second truck company performing Ventilation operations, as a manpower squad.

Section III-5

Hydrant & Drafting Guidelines

Purpose: To establish minimum guidelines for fire hydrant and apparatus drafting operations.

Scope: This policy applies to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel when operating with hydrants and operations requiring drafting. These guidelines are to be used when using responding Fredericktown Fire Department personnel. The Incident Commander is encouraged to utilize mutual aid personnel as deemed necessary.

Policy:

Hydrant Guidelines

The standard procedure to be used for hydrant hook-ups will be the following:

1. All apparatus will utilize the hose carried on the apparatus for a supply line from any hydrant, or other water source. The hydrant connection will be made with the appropriate gate or manifold supplied with that apparatus.

1. The hose will be wrapped around the hydrant a minimum of one complete wrap, and then the hydrant person will signal the driver of the apparatus via portable radio to proceed to the fire scene. After the apparatus is approximately 200 feet away from the hydrant, then the hydrant person will unwrap the hose from the hydrant and begin connecting it and the gate or manifold to the hydrant.

1. After the gate or manifold is connected to the hydrant and the hydrant valve is opened (by turning the hydrant wrench in the direction marked on the hydrant valve) the hydrant person, when directed to by the pump operator/Incident Commander, will slowly open the discharge side of the gate.

1. If the gate is equipped with two discharges, the spare discharge will be utilized for “blowing off” the hydrant.

Drafting and Suction Guidelines

If a hydrant is not readily available or nearby for pumper to connect to, Fredericktown Fire Department will rely on drafting operations either from a dump tank or nearby water supply (pool or pond).This will be supplied by a mutual aid company.

Assisted by the firefighter, remove the hard suction hose from the side of the apparatus and connect the number of lengths needed to reach the water source. In the majority of operations Fredericktown will be involved in, the hard suction will be placed directly into the nearby dump tank. The strainer will be placed on the end of the hard suction length that will be placed into the water. Once the strainer is in place with a tight seal, the hard suction lengths will be placed into the water source. The strainer must be kept from hitting the bottom of the water, using a rope if necessary.

Once the hard suction hose is in a desirable location then the rope must be tied-off, as to avoid any dislocation of the strainer. The female end of the hard suction hose will be attached to the steamer connection on the pump panel. Once the suction hose is connected to the apparatus, then the pump operator will draw a vacuum and get water from the water source. Disconnection of the hard suction from the apparatus will be as stated above, but done in reverse order.

Section III-6

Fire Attack Guidelines

Purpose: To establish minimum and basic fire attack guidelines to be used during fire attack (offensive) operations.

Scope: This policy applies to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel and should be carefully read.

The existence of these written guidelines is not intended to limit any member in the exercise of sound and mature judgment, initiative, or experience in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations that may arise in the fire service. Much by necessity must be left to the training, experience, initiative, integrity, and discretion of the members of the Fredericktown Fire Department.

There are three key components at the heart of any firefighting strategy. They are: 1) protecting life; 2) confining the fire and protecting any exposures; and 3) extinguishing the fire. Firefighting tactics, on the other hand, can be defined as the hands-on means of achieving the strategic objectives. Fire attack concentrates on the tactical aspects of firefighting operations.

First due units can potential be confronted with life-saving operations upon arrival. Saving lives is the top priority and the most serious factor at any fire, and is prioritized ahead of fighting the fire when adequate personnel are not available to do both. A factor of judgment is present at this stage; however, as the best life saving measure may be a prompt attack on the fire, which if allowed to spread could trap occupants. Life hazard, visible upon arrival, has to be dealt with immediately.

Policy:

Size-Up

Size-up is the process of evaluating the situation at hand, including all resources and potential hazards. Ideally the size-up process begins prior to the alarm, and should include familiarity with the first-due response area and its structures. Size-up should be a continuous mental process. Effective size-up should commence prior to the alarm and should be considered prior to placing any attack lines into operation. Premature line placement can misdirect resources to the wrong street, building, room, stairway, etc.

It is important that all resources be made available to extinguish the fire with life safety and property being considerations. One of the items available as a helping tool is the Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC). The benefits of TIC technology impact just about every aspect of firefighting. Thermal imaging is not, however, a technology designed to replace current firefighting tactics (See Section III-12).

For safety, effectiveness, and proficiency purposes, all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel shall perform their own scene size-up. While is not the intent of this policy to provide every aspect of the size-up, it is imperative that the below minimum considerations be taken into account when performing a thorough scene size-up. These are only a few issues to think about when performing a size-up and tactical assessment of a fire:

• • Construction Water Supply Weather (wind direction, Temp)

  • Occupancy Auxiliary Appliances Exposures

  • Apparatus Street Conditions Area of Structure (A, B, C)

  • Life Hazards Location of Fire

    • Time of Day

  • HAZMAT issues

A/B/C/D sides of Structure

At a building fire, the sides of buildings are identified by A, B, C, D sides, with side “A” being the front of the building, and sides B, C, D being named around the building in a clockwise fashion. This helps maintain clear communication on the fire ground.

Confinement

Confining the fire means to restrain or prohibit fire extension beyond the area involved upon arrival. This is generally the immediate concern. A life hazard, however, always has top priority and would have to be resolved before extinguishing is considered.

The decision to attempt to confine the fire must be made by the Incident Commander or “Command”. Confinement must take into consideration the intensity of the fire as well as the anticipated direction of the fire travel. Be aware that the mere closing of a door or window may act to confine the fire and permit life saving, while lines are being stretched. Proper ventilation can also act to confine the fire or limit its spread.

Caution shall always be exercised by members ventilating so as not to cause fire extension or otherwise impede the advancement of the initial line. Coordination in this regard is of extreme importance (See Ventilation Guidelines Section III-7). The initial attack line is not necessarily the line that will be directed to extinguish the fire. The first line in a serious fire may be committed to confining the fire and limiting or halting its extension throughout the involved or adjacent structures.

Extinguishment

There are three phases or stages of burning.

• • Incipient

  • The incipient or beginning stage presents no real problem for firefighting personnel. There has been no undue build up of smoke or heat and the seat of the fire can be attacked directly.

  • Free Burning

  • The second, or free burning stage, involves rapid fuel consumption and major flame development. This continues until the available oxygen has been consumed. In this stage, heated gases expand rapidly and personnel must be cautious as in any rapidly developing fire situation. Make certain that there is enough water volume for extinguishment of the fire and for the safety of the personnel on the hose line.

  • Smoldering

  • In the third, or smoldering stage, the fire has passed through the free burning stage and it is being limited by the fact that the oxygen needed for combustion is no longer available. Physical evidence is that of high heat throughout, heavy or dense smoke, and no visible flame. Smoke may be pushing out under pressure from the area. It is this situation that personnel must recognize as one with "back draft" potential. As fresh air is introduced on entry, the fire gases can ignite rapidly, expand, and "blow". This is severe enough at times to be categorized as an explosion. Prior vertical and horizontal ventilation give the fire a safe outlet for expansion. If officers and firefighters are not sure whether appropriate ventilation has been accomplished, give the fire a chance to blow before initiating aggressive entry and attack into the fire area.

The prevailing stages of burning and fire extension are key factors in determining extinguishment tactics. The size and type of fire load are other factors, which Incident Commanders must consider.

Minimum safe fire flow is usually 150 GPM for a residential fire and 250 GPM for a commercial structure; typically 350-400 GPM is adequate for a residential fire. Whenever possible, an aggressive interior attack is preferred. Water must be applied directly to the seat of the fire, not to smoke.

Back draft

Indications of potential back draft are:

1. No visible flames.

1. Windows are hot and discolored.

1. Smoke is hot and rises rapidly.

1. Smoke puffs from the building at cracks and small openings.

1. Some smoke is drawn back into the building at cracks and small openings.

1. When an opening is made, air being drawn sharply inward with sort of a sucking, whistling sound and or heavy volumes of twisting, rolling smoke (usually a gray yellow color) issuing under pressure.

Positioning Hose Streams

More lives are saved at fires as a result of proper positioning of streams than by all other life saving techniques. When stretching attack lines, it is critical to consider both how much line is needed to reach the entrance and how much will be required to effectively operate within the structure. It must be determined as soon as possible if an immediate and direct fire attack will both confine and extinguish the fire. If not, the following rules for positioning streams will be followed:

• • 1. When life is endangered, the initial attack line must be positioned, is possible, between the fire and the persons endangered by continued fire extension.

  • 2. The Incident Commander shall use and/or direct the use the Thermal Imaging Camera.

1. When life is NOT endangered, the first stream is placed between the fire and the MOST severe exposure. Remember, confinement is our second strategic component of our firefighting efforts.

1. Unless directed to the contrary by the Incident Commander, the second attack line should be advanced to the same point as the first line as a backup line in the event the water being applied on the fire by the first line is inadequate or the first line becomes inoperative. When the second line is stretched, ensure that there is an ample hose to cover the floor being attacked and the floor above.

1. A third line may be stretched depending on the occupancy and fire condition to cover the interior stairs or a secondary means of egress. Likewise, it may be deployed to protect trapped persons on fire escapes or positions above the fire, to protect adjoining buildings or exposures, or to prevent vertical extension of the fire.

Larger attack lines (2 ½”) should be selected for commercial structures, structures with a high fire load or other situations requiring a greater flow of water. The same approach to advancing the line should be used, although the larger hose streams will require more personnel to safely manage them.

Sometimes an aggressive interior attack is not possible, necessitating an exterior attack. This could be approached from just about anywhere outside of the structure, including from fire escapes, ground ladders, or other structures. A quick exterior or “blitz” attack can darken the fire down enough so that interior personnel can make entry and attack the fire. It is essential that the Incident Commander carefully coordinates both attacks and ensures that personnel in the interior are not in the fire room when this is attempted.

It is essential for interior attack teams to stay as low as possible, regardless of the initial conditions. A ceiling collapse or sudden venting and feeding the fire could create a chimney effect. Attack teams should always approach doorways from the hinge side, so that if superheated gases ignite they will have a greater degree of protection. During the confinement and extinguishment phases of fire attack, the Lieutenant or Acting Officer in charge of a hose team should communicate progress reports to the Incident Commander, and must always be aware of the status of his/her individual team members.

Initial streams applied to the fire should be directed high on the ceiling in a "clockwise" fashion, which will drive heat, gases, steam, smoke, and other products of combustion away. This will also cool the fire gases that have built up overhead and prevent them from igniting. After this short burst on the ceiling, the solid stream should be directed at the main body of fire.

Once a fire is knocked down, the attack team should shut the stream down and with the use of the TIC, check the adjoining rooms or other areas for fire extension, with special attention directed above the fire. When conditions permit, a fog stream may be directed out a window to ventilate, reducing the built-up heat and smoke condition. This will also contribute to easier search and overhaul operations.

For structure fires, the smallest diameter hose that will be utilized by Fredericktown Fire Department for fire suppression, rescue, etc., will be 1 1/2". For commercial and store fires, 2 ½” attack lines are recommended.

Attic Fires

Attic is defined as the floor consisting of an open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage Fires that start in or extend into the attic are probably the major cause of total loss of buildings. The speed with which fires spread across these open areas can be very surprising. There are several factors that compound rapid fire extension. They include: difficulty in exposing the attic, potential back draft within the ceiling space, and the difficulty in finding the seat of the fire when smoke is showing in several locations. Fires in attics increase the likelihood of ceiling collapse. Fires confined to the attic may give little indication of their severity or the extent of fire extension until it’s too late.

Again, this is an ideal situation where the Thermal Imaging Camera shall be used to locate fires that extend into the attic. Incident Commanders and Officers shall use the Thermal Imaging Camera to assist in their tactical solution.

An attack line cannot commence operation until the ceiling is pulled and fire exposed. Failure to do so could increase likelihood of creating a venturi effect on the fire, increasing the pace and rate of extension. Adequate personnel to thoroughly and aggressively expose fire extension should be assigned to pull ceilings with pike poles and other forcible entry tools. The nozzle man may elect to stand on a ladder in order to more effectively direct the hose stream deep into the attic. This should slow, if not halt, the extension of fire while the ceilings are being pulled.

The roof must be ventilated in order to check for fire and halt its extension. Vertical ventilation will draw heat and smoke upwards and away from personnel operating inside (See Ventilation Guidelines Section III-7).

Overhaul

Overhaul operations are essentially a careful and systematic examination of the fire area. Once the main body of a fire has been extinguished, the fire area often still contains sparks, embers, or small concealed fires. The objectives in overhaul operations is to make certain that no trace of fire remains to rekindle after the firefighters have left the scene and to leave the structure in as safe a condition as possible. Before overhaul operations can be initiated, holes in floors should be covered or barricaded. Unsafe areas should be roped-off or covered by portable ladders. It is important to be aware of overhead hazards and hanging objects, such as loose plaster, BX cable, etc. Adequate lighting must be provided where needed for safe and effective overhaul operations. It is also important to be aware that tools or other equipment are not buried under the debris. Use the Thermal Imaging Camera in all overhaul operations.

During cold and freezing weather, ice forms and slippery conditions develop quickly, presenting additional hazards to the fire scene. Always remember to leave a nozzle "cracked" open so that hose lines do not freeze.

Emergency Retreat/Evacuation

Notification for immediate evacuation of personnel engaged in interior structural firefighting will be the following (See Radio Communications Section III-14):

1. Officers will notify interior personnel via two-way portable radio.

1. The driver/pump operator of each apparatus in close proximity of the involved structure will execute THREE LONG BLASTS of the apparatus' air horn and siren.

1. All personnel evacuated will immediately report to the Incident Commander or his designee at the command post and personnel accountability guidelines shall be implemented to ensure all personnel are clear of danger (See Accountability Policy Section II-5).

Salvage

Salvage touches on nearly every phase and action taken on the fire ground. It is the minimization of fire, smoke, and water damage. The salvage process commences upon arrival at the fire scene and must be a continuous process. “Try before you pry” and avoiding excessive water flow once the fire is knocked-down are examples of salvage consciousness.

If conditions warrant, and personnel and resources are available, the use of tarps to protect property is encouraged. Cover high value items (furniture, television, etc.).

Debris left at the scene should be handled with care. Materials should be left as they were found which will facilitate scene reconstruction when an investigation or cause determination is being carried out by fire investigators (Fire Investigations Section I-17).

When excess water has collected inside a structure, small holes can be poked in the ceilings in order to let it drain. This will prevent a ceiling collapse or other damage due to excessive water accumulation.

Prior to leaving a scene, personnel will advise the owner or other representative of the conditions inside the premise, such as broken windows, holes in walls & floors, or other potential hazards. Fredericktown Fire Department personnel should attempt to minimize damage by covering furnishings and other property with salvage covers as soon as possible while operating at a fire.

Section III-7

Ventilation Guidelines

Purpose: To establish tactical and strategic guidelines to be executed during structure fires when fire attacks and ventilation are essential.

Scope: Guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel during fire suppression operations.

Policy:

Following saving lives, Fredericktown Fire Department and our mutual aid departments have three main functions: the tasks of ventilation, entry, and search (or “VES”) of the fire ground. In the Fredericktown Fire Department, these functions and roles may be handled by any of the responding apparatus as determined by the Chief or other Incident Commander. Guidelines for ventilation operations follow, while forcible entry and search guidelines are in Sections III-8 and III-9, respectively.

There are two primary purposes for ventilation:

1. Venting for Life: To facilitate entry when there is known or suspected life hazard.

1. Venting for Fire: To make it possible for the attack crew to enter the superheated environment and extinguish the fire.

Saving life is the primary mission of the Fredericktown Fire Department. Any immediate, limited ventilation is justified if it facilitates an interior search for occupants. Ventilation for search purposes, however, can intensify the fire and could endanger other occupants of the building. Therefore, it is vital that hose line(s) with a minimum diameter of 1 1/2” is stretched into the fire building as soon as possible to aid in ventilation, search, and rescue and fire suppression. Ventilation may be defined as the removal of hazardous and/or toxic atmosphere from a structure that has been contaminated with smoke, gases, and heat, by providing both a controlled means of escape and the controlled replacement with fresh air for the purpose of making the atmosphere safe. It permits the advancement of hose lines rapidly which results in effectively extinguishing the fire.

The ventilation requirements are to make a building livable and to prevent further spread of the fire. If ventilation is not first instituted at the roof prior to entry at the lower level, a back draft could result and cause total involvement and loss of the structure. Also, if ventilation is started before charged hose lines are ready to advance, the fire could spread rapidly throughout the building. It must be understood that ventilation will probably increase the intensity of the fire and therefore must be carefully coordinated with hose line evolutions in order to avoid increasing the severity of the fire. There are two types of ventilation: natural and mechanical. As in all ventilation evolutions, personnel should pull and/or push ceilings, and remove all obstructions in order to maximize the impact of ventilation.

Ventilation will be covered extensively within the Departments training program.

The following principals of ventilation are integral to successful fire control operations:

Vertical ventilation

This is the proven and accepted type of ventilation to be used in the initial stage of operations. It should be performed for the following reasons:

• • 1. Relieves the upper portions of the building of heat, smoke, and gases. Prevents mushrooming and minimizes early fire extension. At the same time, it increases the survival time of unconscious or trapped victim(s).

  • 2. Permits more thorough search and examination above the fire.

1. Relieves hallways and stairs of heat and smoke facilitating the escape of occupants while allowing an aggressive interior fire attack.

1. Creates a vertical draft that channels the products of combustion, limiting horizontal spread and making control easier.

1. Permits advancement above the original fire area to search for possible victim(s) and cut off fire extension.

Lateral (Horizontal) ventilation

• • 1. Permits rapid advance of hose line(s) to the immediate fire area.

  • 2. Reduces the danger of heat and/or flames from passing over or around the shield created from a fog pattern, since smoke and the heat are permitted to escape through these controlled openings, i.e. windows, exterior door, etc.

  • 3. Make thorough search guidelines easier on upper floors as well as on the fire floor.

  • 4. Personnel should be aware of the effects of thermo pane windows, which are commonly used today. These windows seal the building more efficiently therefore personnel must be made aware of the increase possibilities of flashover and back draft. Also venting these windows with a hose stream is much more difficult.

When personnel engage in ventilation evolutions, they will do so in a manner as described above. All personnel will also carry out their assignments with due care and diligence and will utilize forcible entry tools, i.e. axes, pike poles, crow bars, saws, hooligan tools, etc. Personnel will carry out their assignments in pairs of two and will follow orders of the Officer as to the location and type of ventilation to be conducted. Personnel should be aware of ventilating for fire or for life. These concepts can be explained to you by your company officers.

Under no circumstances will “freelancing” be allowed in any Fredericktown Fire Department operation. All fire ground operations will be conducted in accordance with the Incident Command System and the Fredericktown Fire Department chain of command. Firefighters will only ventilate under the direct order of an officer. Extreme heat and smoke conditions can develop in the fire area and the floor above the fire. The potential for flashover and back draft is real. Uncontrolled horizontal ventilation can seriously jeopardize the safety of other firefighters and civilians still located in the structure.

Section III-8

Forcible Entry

Purpose: To establish tactical and strategic guidelines to be executed during emergency situations when access into a specific area is immediately required.

Scope: Guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel during emergency operations that require access.

Policy:

Fredericktown Fire Department personnel should thoroughly “size-up” and evaluate any situation potentially requiring forcible entry prior to selecting the most appropriate method of entry. Among the deciding factors are: urgency of entry, type of door and lock assemblies, the tools and manpower available, and the extent of damage entry will create. The need for speed should be the overriding concern, whether to save life or cut off rapidly extending fire. In certain cases, however, the type of doors or lock assembly will be the deciding factor. Certain types of doors or locks are best opened using specific methods. In some cases, there is only one way to get past that specific door. In almost all cases, the degree of damage caused by forcible entry should be consistent with the danger and damage from the hazard, usually fire. Time should not be wasted, however, where life is at risk or where a structure may be heavily involved with fire. Law enforcement shall be requested prior to forcible entry.

Four basic rules to forcible entry

1. Try before you pry. It is inexcusable to force entry through a door that is unlocked.

1. Don't ignore the obvious. Look for the easiest way to enter a premise. Entry should be made via the area of least resistance.

1. If possible, use the doors that the occupants normally use to enter or exit the premises. Not only does that put you into the likely exit paths of the occupants so you can begin your search, but it will also make your assignments easier.

1. Maintain the integrity of the door. By breaking doors or smashing glass, personnel become at a disadvantage in controlling the oxygen supply to the interior of the premise.

Entry should be considered in the earliest stages of the size-up process, which commences upon the initial alarm. Use appropriate tools for the job at hand (i.e. Hooligan bar, hydraulic tools, hand tools). Law enforcement shall be requested prior to forcible entry.

Section III-9

Fire ground Search and Rescue

Purpose: To establish tactical and strategic guidelines to be executed during emergency situations requiring the search for victims during fire suppression operations of a structure.

Scope: Guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel performing primary/secondary searches of the structure during fire emergencies.

Policy:

To conduct a proper search for victims requires skill both on the fire floor and the floor above. It is Fredericktown Fire Department policy that at no times should searches or any other interior fire ground operation or evolution be attempted with less than two firefighters.

Firefighters must stay low, not only to maximize whatever visibility may remain in an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environment, but also to remain below the more dangerous high heat.

Smoke conditions will frequently make it necessary for firefighters to rely on their sense of touch. A utility or search rope tied to the doorknob of a door may be used as a guideline when searching large areas or as a means of maintaining orientation.

Use the Thermal Imaging Camera to assist in all search and rescue efforts (See Thermal Imaging Camera Section III-12).

Part of the size-up process is being aware of the resident(s) of the structure and the time and day of the week. Ask neighbors, family members, standby, if residence is occupied. If so, ask for last known place victim(s) was/were, if known. This will indicate who is likely to be in a house or apartment at a given time. Firefighters must also be sensitive to typical behavioral patterns of different age groups in a fire. Children may hide in closets or under beds, while the elderly are frequently found taking refuge in the bathtub or shower stall. Firefighters must be aware that removal of draperies or curtains and moving large objects or furniture may be necessary, as they may hide a victim, sealed-off closet, or other areas being used for refuge.

Victims are frequently located near the door or other areas of egress, such as the front door, interior stairways, or balcony access doors. As they will usually try to reach a means of evacuation, they are often found behind and around the entrance door, which is where a room search should commence. Firefighters will enter the room and behind the entrance door will be searched first for possible victims. After a quick check of this area using the pattern determined by the Acting Officer, the room or apartment search can begin. In the absence of orders, right hand search is Fredericktown Fire Department policy.

After the primary search of the room or apartment, the team shall report to the Incident Commander immediately.

If after a reasonable amount of time no communications are made or established with search team, Incident Commander will immediately order a Rapid Intervention Team into the structure to locate. There may be a possibility that the search team may be in trouble and require assistance.

With the assistance of the Thermal Imaging Camera, thorough searches, both primary and secondary, are required on all floors above the fire as well, because products of combustion and fire spread will rise and mushroom on the upper floors. Public hallways and the entire staircase up to the roof must be examined as soon as possible for those civilians who unsuccessfully attempted to use the interior stairs. Firefighters should vent as they go as to make the interior of the structure bearable for trapped victims and firefighting personnel alike while improving visibility.

If for any reason a thorough search of an area has not been completed, then the Acting Officer must be informed and a carefully executed follow-up search be initiated. Search for life shall not be confined to the structure alone. The perimeter of the building and other areas must be checked for victims who may have jumped or fallen.

Secondary searches must be conducted as soon as conditions permit. Secondary searches shall be conducted in the same manner as listed above. It is recommended, however, that a different team of firefighters conduct the secondary searches.

When a victim is found, immediate notification must be made to the supervising Acting Officer, or to the Incident Commander. The victim must be removed from the structure by both firefighters conducting the search. A firefighter must never be left alone within a structure. The rescuing firefighters exiting the structure must immediately inform the Incident Commander exact location that the search was ended in the recovery of the found victim. A possibility still exists of more victims within the same room and the room, along with any remaining unsearched rooms, will have to be searched further.

Coordination is imperative when conducting both primary and secondary fire ground searches. The objective is to locate any trapped people and to get to the most severely endangered in the shortest time period. Duplication of efforts wastes precious time.

Section III-10

Vehicle Extrication

Purpose: To establish general extrication preparations and guidelines to be executed during emergency situations requiring extrication of personnel involved in automobile accident.

Scope: These guidelines have been developed to provide Fredericktown Fire Department personnel with an operational procedure to extricate victims from vehicles and to minimize the risk to rescue personnel working at the scene of an emergency. These guidelines do not address the medical treatment of patients nor does it address specifics extrication techniques to be executed. The extent to which emergency medical treatment is given will be limited to the individual personal protective equipment and medical training of department members.

Size up

Upon arriving at the scene of a vehicle accident with an entrapment, the Officer shall determine the best placement for the responding vehicles to ensure the protection and safety of all personnel operating on the scene. The first arriving Officer shall size up the situation and establish command. The Officer/IC should evaluate the following criteria:

• • A. The number of vehicles involved;

  • B. Number of persons injured or entrapped;

  • C. Type of vehicles involved such as car, truck or Hybrid vehicle;

  • D. Actual fire present;

  • E. Leaking fuel causing a potential fire or explosion hazard;

  • F. Stability of vehicles involved;

  • G. Presence of vehicle safety systems such as air bags and whether they have

  • deployed;

  • H. Involvement of electrical power lines or other electrocution hazards;

  • I. Involvement of any actual or suspected hazardous materials.

Emergency Medical Treatment

If medical assistance is not present at the time of the Fire Department's arrival, medical assistance shall be requested and/or confirmed. The rendering of emergency first aid shall be limited to the situation present and upon the training education, experience and available personal protective equipment of firefighters present. Only qualified EMS personnel should have direct patient contact! Patient and firefighter safety is paramount.

Scene Preparations and Securement

The Incident Commander shall survey the scene for possible hazards. If utility hazards are present, utility company assistance shall be requested and/or confirmed. Contact shall also be made with personnel rendering medical assistance to determine the extent of extrication required. If additional resources are available, Incident Commander shall request for more immediately.

Proper scene preparation before operations begin is critical to the overall success of the operation. Scene preparation should include but is not limited to establishing a tool resource staging area (placed on tarp) and providing scene lighting when necessary.

All ignition sources shall be eliminated from the area. The batteries of all vehicles involved shall be disconnected UNLESS power is needed to activate windows, door locks or power seats.

Extrication can only begin after the vehicle has been properly stabilized, an 11/2"handline is pulled and positioned, and all personnel working in the extrication zone (fire and EMS) have been briefed on the actions that will be undertaken.

An imaginary circle should be established around the vehicle and a walk around the parameter shall be conducted, looking for victims possibly ejected from the vehicle. If trees are in the area, it might deem necessary to look in trees as well.

Vehicle stabilization is paramount and should be initiated immediately and prior to any personnel making entry into the vehicle.

Extrication process

The extrication of patients shall begin with the appointment of an Operations/Extrication Officer. Operations working in conjunction with the EMS provider shall establish an extrication zone. Access to this area shall be limited only to those firefighters involved in the extrication process and those providing the 11/2"handline. Operations, again working with EMS, shall determine the best and most efficient means of extrication.

The extrication team shall consist of an Operations/Extrication Officer and two firefighters minimum. The use of full protective clothing by the team with protective EMS gloves worn under the fire gloves shall be enforced (SCBA is an option to be considered by command and the appointed safety officer). It will be the duty of the Operations/Extrication Officer to oversee the extrication process and also inform Incident Commander of progress of the extrication. If at any time Operations feels that the extrication may require more specialized tools, he should not hesitate in making this request to the Incident Commander.

When the need for extrication exceeds the resources of our Department, additional vehicle rescue tools shall be requested from the nearest extrication capable fire department (Cherokee Pass Fire).

Safety

The Incident Commander is responsible for the safety of ALL individuals working in and around the emergency scene. All personnel working on the scene shall wear all protective clothing appropriate to the task they are performing which normally includes full protective clothing. Gloves, helmet and eye protection (face shields down or safety glasses/goggles) must always be worn. Reflective safety vests are required to be worn when working in or around the incident scene.

A Safety Officer shall be assigned to supervise the operations, which includes awareness of approaching vehicles. It is critical that all precautions are taken to warn motorists of personnel working in the area. The proper placement of apparatus, to protect the responders on the scene, is one of the critical precautions that shall be addressed. Adequate Law Enforcement personnel will be present to assist with controlling traffic hazards. It is imperative that the Incident Commander or the Safety Officer work closely with the responding Law Enforcement and EMS agency to ensure the safety of all personnel on the scene.

Section III-11

Service Calls and Miscellaneous Fires

Purpose: To establish strategic and tactical approach guidelines when responding to service calls and miscellaneous fire calls not otherwise covered by this manual.

Scope: These guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel when responding as a first-in company or as a mutual aid company. These procedures shall also be used in lieu of other guidelines authorized in this manual.

Policy:

• • Brush & Grass Fires

Brush and grass fires are generally extinguished with booster lines and/or 11/2"hose lines, although larger streams may be utilized due to conditions including but not limited to exposure problems, large fire involvement, and severe wind conditions.

Brush and grass fires should be approached from the upwind side of the fire at the "heel", thereby reducing the possibility of exposure problems for firefighting personnel due to flying embers, smoke, fire travel, etc. Personnel should begin the attack at the heel and then flank the sides of the fire, thus confining and extinguishing of the fire.

If accessibility to the fire is a factor in the confining and extinguishing of the fire by conventional fire suppression techniques, firefighting personnel may employ the use of brooms, shovels, portable water cans, extinguishers, and bucket relays from a nearby water source.

Officers in charge of brush and grass fires, especially large scale ones, shall be aware of the utilization of mutual aid, and the State of Missouri Forestry Department

Incident Commanders will ensure that a proper and thorough overhaul is conducted.

Trash Fires

Trash fires are to be extinguished with lines no smaller than 11/2”. Personnel should be alert to possible exposure risks that may exist with garbage dumpsters or containers located within close proximity to buildings and any other exposure(s). Personnel should also be aware of the uncertain nature of the materials burning within trash containers and take whatever precautionary measures they deem necessary, staying upwind when and where possible. SCBA must always be used at a trash fire unless otherwise advised by a Chief, or Acting Officer. All trash fires must be properly and thoroughly extinguished and overhauled. If necessary, personnel will utilize hand tools to reach the seat of the fire and/or tip over the container to expose the burning material(s).

Wash-Downs

It is the Fredericktown Fire Department policy to conduct wash downs when requested.

It is essential to approach the scene of reported wash-downs or other spill with care, as the spilled product may be unknown or of a hazardous nature. If the spill is small and the product is common fuel, gasoline, oil, antifreeze, etc., then it is appropriate to apply an absorbent material such as Speedy Dry or sand to the spill, if on hand. Arrangements must be made to remove the sand or Speedy Dry once the product has been absorbed.

In the event of a large scale spill or if the substance is of a potentially hazardous nature then the Missouri DNR will be contacted through Dispatch (See Section V-1 regarding Hazmat Incident Guidelines)

Gas & CO Incidents

Missouri Natural Gas (MNG) or the Propane supplier must be notified immediately of all natural gas emergencies and requested to respond to the scene.

Until the arrival of MNG, Fredericktown Fire Department personnel and apparatus will be kept a safe distance away from and upwind from the area of origin. In the event of open fire being fed by natural gas, then no attempt should be made to completely extinguish the fire ball until the gas source is located. Once the gas supply is shut down the fire may be extinguished. In the interim, personnel will protect the exposures adjacent to the gas leak and cool the fire ball, as well as any civilian personnel.

Depending on circumstances including the volume, location, time of day, etc., the Fredericktown Fire Department may be called upon to evacuate civilians from the immediate danger zone. All Fredericktown Fire Department firefighters and officers must utilize SCBA and full PPE while evacuating and operating at gas emergencies. All potential sources of ignition should be neutralized and rendered safe, when possible. The Incident Commander must ensure that a large enough hot zone is created so that firefighters, apparatus, and civilians are neither exposed nor threatened.

It is likely that MNG will be delayed. In such cases, the Incident Commander may elect to shut the gas source involved. Only trained personnel will perform this function. Gas shutoff should only be accomplished at the meter supplying the source.

Electrical Emergencies

SHUT OFF power immediately, if needed!

When the Fredericktown Fire Department is dispatched to electrical emergencies, City Electric must immediately be notified and requested to respond to the scene.

If electrical power lines are involved, ensure that the apparatus, firefighter, and all civilians are kept a safe distance away. All wires should be treated as if live and fully charged, despite any indications from “hot sticks” or any other monitoring devices. It should be noted that live wires arc and can jump, creating an even greater hazard. Fredericktown Fire Department personnel shall NOT attempt to place any object on top of a downed wire in order to restrict its movement. Only properly trained City Electric or other utility responders should approach or handle power lines.

If a downed wire ignites combustible materials adjacent to it, water is NOT to be used to extinguish the fire. Protection of exposures will be maintained at a safe distance.

If wires are burning on the service poles, Fredericktown Fire Department personnel must keep themselves, apparatus, and civilians a safe distance away from (and never under) these wires. It is important to always be aware of the possibility of burning insulation, wire, etc. falling to the ground. Apparatus will block off the street and keep no less than two service poles between responders and the burning wire in all directions.

If electrical wires are burning within a structure, then the above listed guidelines will be followed. The use of the Thermal Imaging Camera will be used to assist the Incident Commander. However, if an interior attack on the fire must be commenced then personnel will do so utilizing full PPE (including SCBA). Personnel should be aware of PCB's that are often emitted from various types of wire insulation, along with ballasts and other older electrical fixtures.

Bomb Threats

In the unlikely event that Fredericktown Fire Department is dispatched to a reported bomb threat, then responding personnel will remain with the apparatus at the firehouse and standby until requested to respond or released by the Fire Chief or his designated representative. The Fire Chief or his designee ONLY will respond to the scene of the bomb threat and coordinate with the senior law enforcement official. Together they will determine the appropriate course of action. The Officer standing-by at the fire station will advise the Chief of the number of personnel available.

If the Fredericktown Fire Department is dispatched to a bomb detonation, then no firefighting evolutions will take place until the Incident Commander consults with the senior law enforcement officials at the scene to determine if entry is safe for firefighting personnel. Secondary detonations and explosions are a serious risk, so care must be taken. Instructions given by law enforcement officials will be followed with approval of the Fredericktown Fire Department Incident Commander.

Automobile / Vehicle Fires

When responding to reported automobile/vehicle fires, all personnel should be aware of the possibility that the involved vehicle is carrying or transporting hazardous materials. It is essential to ascertain as soon as possible if there is a hazardous material(s) issue or threat involved. If confirmation cannot be obtained prior to arrival on scene, then all personnel will approach the scene cautiously, always prepared to evacuate to a safe distance.

If an accident or other incident is located on an inclined surface, then Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus should be located uphill.

When operating at car fires, Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are required to wear full PPE including SCBA. Prior to extinguishing any vehicle fire, attempts should be made to "chock" the wheels and stabilize the involved vehicle.

If flames are visible, then Fredericktown Fire Department personnel will utilize two (2) 11/2 attack lines. Firefighters will approach the fire vehicle from the sides in order to minimize exposure to the front and rear bumpers in the event of an explosion.

Prior to breaking the windows or doors of the involved vehicle, attempt to locate the keys from the operator of the vehicle. Likewise, when access to the engine compartment is appropriate, first try the hood release located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle prior to forcing the hood open.

After the fire has been extinguished, the NEGATIVE side of the battery terminal of the vehicle must be disconnected and/or cut.

Drivers of the apparatus will, if possible, stop the fire apparatus a minimum of 75’ from burning vehicle as to provide adequate space for fire operations.

In many vehicle fires situations, hydrants are not readily available, necessitating careful conservation of water. Both the driver and the Incident Commander need to be aware of potential water supply issues as part of their incident size-up.

Section III-12

Thermal Imaging Camera

Purpose: To establish guidelines to assist on-scene personnel with the ability to identify the strategic and tactical approach for the deployment of the Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) and the effective use of the tool as an aid in fire, search and rescue, and many other uses.

Scope: These guidelines apply to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel while conducting fire suppression, search and rescue operations, or any other time the TIC is used during emergency situations.

The TIC used by the Fredericktown Fire Department is the Bullard Eclipse and Scott The TIC enables firefighters to optimize the fire scene with the touch of a button. This feature is ideal for pinpointing hot spots during overhaul, searching for overheated electrical equipment, clarifying objects in a scene, or conducting search and rescue operations. The TIC has features that enable the firefighter to see heat levels by color; hot is white, and cold is black. Starting at 500°F, heated objects are tinted yellow and gradually transition to solid red as heat levels rise. The temperature indicator measures surface temperature as indicated by the green “cross-hairs.” The TIC runs off of one (1) rechargeable NiMH battery with a combined life of 2 ½ hours fully charged.

Only personnel trained in the use and limitations of the TIC shall use the device at actual incidents. It shall be the responsibility of the Acting Officer to use the TIC and to ensure that it is properly returned to the charger unit following use.

Application of TIC Technology

The benefits of thermal imaging technology impact just about every aspect of firefighting. Thermal imaging is not, however, a technology designed to replace current fire fighting tactics. Rather, the TIC is a tool that allows firefighters to be more effective and make better decisions. It allows the user to see through dense smoke and darkness by detecting and displaying the relative temperatures of objects, IT DOES NOT DISPLAY or AMPLIFY LIGHT. Some of the many uses for the TIC include:

1. Search and Rescue

2. Scene Assessment

3. Locating the main body of fire

4. Checking for fire extension and locating hot spots

5. Identifying potential flashover situations

6. Determining ventilation and entry points

7. Hazmat scene assessment

8. Duct fires to determine the location of the fire

9. Overheated motors or fluorescent light ballasts

10. When dealing with a container, such as a 55 gallon drum, the TIC can show the amount of liquid in the drum by detecting the frost line

11. When responding at night to a person in the water, although it will not penetrate the water, it will detect any part of a person above water

12. Detecting hot spots on large roof areas

The TIC can only measure and react to gradient changes in surface heat - it cannot see through glass, water, or behind objects such as furniture or wallboard. Firefighters need to be aware that latent heat can be reflected by glass and other shiny surfaces, causing false heat signatures. The TIC can be best utilized in a structure fire by the Acting Officer looking over the shoulders of their crew to scan the surroundings for victims, extreme heat buildup, and the seat of the fire. Hot spots detected by the TIC may be surface heat considerably higher in temperature then the surroundings area, which may appear to be fire behind a wall or panel.

Extremely hot fires may cause the TIC’s iris to close down fully to prevent overload of the image sensor. This is normal and the unit will not sustain damage. By moving the TIC such that the fire is "out of the picture" or occupying as little of the picture as possible, the iris will re-open to enable the image to be restarted.

Deployment Guidelines

Each person will be properly trained and certified prior to the use of the TIC. The actual operations of the TIC will be covered on CD and during training evolutions.

The TIC may provide valuable information during size-up, which can assist the Incident Commander in determining the strategy and formulating the incident action plan. Early identification of tactical priorities/needs can prove beneficial in placing initial and subsequent attack lines. When a Company Officer or Incident Commander arrives on the scene, one of the first challenges is to identify the location of the fire. A TIC can save a great deal of time by helping to pinpoint a concentration of heat within a particular area of the building. An Incident Commander, armed with this knowledge, can better direct firefighters regarding their point of entry and plan of attack so as to optimize their resources.

Even before firefighters enter a burning structure, the Incident Commander or Company Officer can accomplish a great deal from the exterior with the aid of thermal imaging technology. Some factors that can be accessed from the outside include finding the seat of the fire, observing changing or spreading conditions, identifying critical building construction features and identifying conditions that could threaten structural integrity.

The early and rapid deployment of the TIC, while operating in an offensive strategy, may enhance the visibility in a visibly diminished atmosphere, thus increasing firefighter safety and survival, as well as improving the survival potential of our customers.

The TIC can also be deployed while operating in a defensive strategy. It can provide the Incident Commander or Company Officer with valuable information during size-up. Early identification of structural compromise, fire location in the structure, e.g. attic, and identification of severely threatened exposures would provide valuable information when determining the strategy. This information would also aid in identifying key tactical positions/needs. By deploying a TIC to the exposures, information could be obtained as to the extent of impingement to the exposed structure, early identification of avenues of fire spread and possibly any hot spots, which could cause extension.

It shall be the responsibility of the Company Officer/Command to rapidly deploy the TIC in a visibly diminished atmosphere or in an atmosphere that may suddenly become visibly diminished.

Primary Application

The primary use of the TIC for the fire department is for conducting search/rescue and crew accountability tasks. The use of a TIC can prove to be a useful tool during search and rescue tasks by reducing the amount of time it may take using standard search techniques. This will lead to a more effective and organized search, while quickly identifying the fire. By locating the fire quickly, we will better be able to determine our tactical priorities and rescue priorities (do we remove the victims from the fire or remove the fire from the victims).

The TIC will enhance the ability to maintain crew accountability by increasing the vision capabilities of the operator/Company Officer. This will ultimately lead to enhanced firefighter safety while working in a hostile environment. This does not replace the accountability tasks required of the officers and each individual operating on the fire ground. It remains imperative that all teams stay together in complex situations and/or structures in order to enhance safety and survival.

While the TIC may enhance the operation of the crews on the fire ground, it is imperative to realize, that with any tool, there are limitations. TIC deployment into the operation should not propagate a sense of security. Crews and TIC operators must be aware that the TIC may malfunction and sole reliance on the camera is not prudent firefighting. Additionally, it should not replace or violate the core of our experience, training, safety procedures, or standard firefighting practices/principles. As always, safety must be the top priority.

Use a side to side and up and down motion during operation.

Sudden white out of a scene may signal rapid increase in room temperature with flashover imminent or occurred. The image sensor will detect reflections from glass, mirrors, and polished or painted surfaces. The actual source of the image may be directly opposite that point.

Maintenance

After each use, inspect the TIC for structural, heat, and/or chemical damage to the case or lens. Carefully examine all mechanical hardware to ensure no screws are loose or missing. Clean all external surfaces by wiping with a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratching the optical surfaces. Ensure to recharge the battery after each use.

CAUTION: Do not use solvents or paint thinners to clean the TIC, as they could permanently mar the surface or degrade the protective properties of the casing.

Section III-13

Ground Ladder Operations

Purpose: To establish guidelines for the deployment of ground ladders during fire operations.

Scope: Guidelines shall be followed any time ground ladder operations are implemented for the use of life threatening situations, when access to a structure is necessary, and/or when a ladder is utilized during ventilation operations.

Guidelines:

There are three key reasons for laddering a building during firefighting operations:

1. Life

   1. • · Victim safety: rescue

      • · Firefighter safety: provide rescue access and means of emergency egress when conventional exits are compromised by fire extension or heat build-up

2. Access

• 1. Entry to structure

  2. Access to roof, decks, porches, etc.

1. Ventilation

   1. Must ladder every occupied floor or floor where operating

   2. Use of ladder to ventilate a window

Portable (Ground) Ladders

The Fredericktown Fire Department utilizes various types of ladders for different applications: straight ladders, extension ladders, folding “attic” or “scissor” ladders, and roof ladders. Each ladder has its overall length marked on the rail. In our inventory we carry

Climbing angle for a ground ladder is approximately 65 to 75 degrees. This should provide the firefighter with the maximum strength and stability. An angle steeper than 75 degrees increases the likelihood of the firefighter falling from the ladder and sustaining injuries. Ladders angled less than 65 degrees require a reduction in the maximum load placed on the ladder.

A simple formula used to determine proper ladder angle is to place the base of the ladder at a distance from the object equal to ¼ the total working length of the ladder. The working length is defined as the distance from the base of the ladder to the top of its support.

Each and every Fredericktown Fire Department ground ladder should be inspected annually.

Ladder Placement

Proper placement of the tip of the ladder provides for easier and safer mounting and dismounting of the ladder and it allows the firefighter to maintain balance by providing a handhold.

1. Place at a window - tip shall be slightly above sill to allow for the unimpeded access and egress.

2. Place at a roof - tip shall be no less than 3’ above the roof.

In order to prevent slippage of the butt or movement of the tip of a raised ladder, it is important that the ladder be properly supported, or footed, by a firefighter.

When the portable ladder has been raised and placed into position, the assigned firefighter will climb on the balls of his/her feet near the arch. The underside of rails or beams is grasped with the hands or the firefighter may grasp the rungs. Climbing is done in a rhythmic and smooth manner, never jerky or bouncy. If a tool is being carried up by the firefighter, then it must be balanced in one hand while the other hand is used to grasp the rails so as to never loose contact with them.

During cold weather it is essential to be alert to ice forming on the ladder and on the ground, making climbing and stability significantly more hazardous.

If work is to be performed from a portable ladder, then the firefighter should use either a leg lock or a life belt for maximum stability and safety.

When climbing, firefighters should visually inspect the ladder as they ascend. This will help ensure that the locks (or “dogs”) are properly deployed and will help identify any other potential problems or defects.

When raising or lowering portable ladders (regardless of whether at a fire scene or on the training ground), it is essential to do so with enough personnel so to prevent injuries and safely position the ladder. After the ladder is in place, the halyard must be secured so not to impede the climber.

When using ladders to rescue people, they need to be assured that help is on the way and that they should not attempt to either touch or climb down the ladder until the rescuing firefighters have scaled the ladder to provide assistance.

Always be alert to and aware of overhead wires and exercise extreme caution when raising and lowering portable ladders.

Firefighters should position ladders upwind when venting and breaking windows from outside. Portable ladders can used to break windows for the purpose of ventilation or rescue by raising the ladder to the height of the window and then dropping it against the windowpanes. When using a ladder to vent, it is important to raise it to a height equal to the top third of window in order to minimize glass shards traveling down the rails.

Extension ladders should never be positioned upside down, as this can cause the ladder to slip, and the lock assemblies cannot function properly.

The ladder must be set on a firm foundation. Before climbing, check for stability and ensure that the ladder does not wobble. When operating on uneven ground, use a wedge to stabilize ground ladders.

Ladders should never be ascended when placed against windowpanes, sashes, loose boxes, barrels, or other surfaces that may break or collapse.

Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.

Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top of either a straight or extension ladder.

Resist the temptation to overreach. It is better to get down and move the ladder.

When using high ladders, it is advisable to securely lash or otherwise fasten the top of the ladder to prevent slippage, when and where possible.

The hooks on roof ladders should be checked periodically to ensure that the bolts are secured on the hooks or that the hooks have not been bent or otherwise deformed.

Both metal and wooden ladders (under certain conditions) can conduct electricity.

When placing a metal ladder against a building with aluminum siding, release the ladder before contact is made with the building. There have been occasions where aluminum siding was energized due to faulty electrical service damaged by fire conditions. Firefighters should avoid becoming a part of the electrical circuit and receiving an electric shock.

After a portable ladder is utilized it will be returned to the apparatus exactly how and where it was prior to being removed. Personnel shall ensure that the ladder bed lock is secured when a portable ladder is returned to the apparatus.

No portable ground ladder shall ever be removed or relocated from outside the fire building unless all interior operations have been terminated and the Incident Commander has confirmed that all emergency responders and victims are present and accounted for.

Section III-14

Radio Guidelines

Purpose: To establish standard guidelines when communicating on hand-held, mobile or, base station radios.

Scope: Guidelines shall be adhered to by all personnel responsible for operating hand-held, mobile, base station radios. It is imperative that proper equipment operation be followed at all times and discipline be maintained while transmitting voice traffic.

Policy:

Fredericktown Fire Department has the capabilities to communicate on several frequencies. The FFD Fire Channel (Channel 1) and Fredericktown Fire Department’s private Channel (Channel 6) is most commonly used. There will be incidents when we may deal with mutual aid companies on Mutual Aid Fire Channel or other county frequencies. It is imperative that strict radio discipline is exercised on any and all channels at all times. A list of frequencies programmed in most radios is listed at the end of this section.

Each person will be issued a hand-held radio. Strict radio discipline shall be adhered to at all times. Any abuse of this guideline will result in appropriate discipline, not excluding possibility of hand-held being turned in.

Use of all Fredericktown Fire Department radios (including the base station, apparatus, and hand-held portable radios) must be in accordance with all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations governing their use. Personnel with a radio installed in privately owned vehicle are not exempt from following these guidelines.

Each person entering and departing the fire district should make other Fredericktown Fire Department personnel aware of this by communicating such over Fredericktown Channel 1. If returning to district while Fredericktown Fire Department is actively on a call, request to assist shall be made to the Incident Commander.

No member will yell, scream, or use inappropriate language while using department radio equipment to transmit on FCC regulated/monitored frequencies. All radio messages must be transmitted in a clear, concise, and professional manner in order to communicate efficiently while avoiding any confusion. It is essential to avoid unnecessary messages and/or the use of "run on" sentences. Personnel should also be alert to the possibility of background noises when transmitting.

Firefighters and officers must always use the appropriate identifier, either their own individually assigned number (802, 803, etc.), apparatus identifier (Unit840, Unit 850, etc.). When personnel utilize a radio, they will identify the destination the message is being directed to and their identifier and whatever other message is being transmitted, i.e. "Command this is 804; request a pike pole for overhaul in upstairs bedroom to the left”.

When using the radios, one must yield to officers unless either an emergency or urgent situation exists or then the appropriate guidelines must be followed.

• • Dispatch Guidelines

Efficient and professional communications is essential, as it can impact the success or failure of any firefighting and/or rescue operation. The difference between life and death could very well depend on the effectiveness of dispatch. The following guidelines will be observed each and every time a call for service is received:

1. Upon receipt of any tone for Fredericktown Fire Department, acknowledgment of the call must be made. Any Officer responding shall acknowledge dispatch ONLY after completely understanding the type of incident, location, and any other amplifying information. Under no circumstances will any Fredericktown personnel acknowledge receipt of a call if any of the call is unclear. If no officers are in district, or it is unknown who is in district, senior firefighter in district shall acknowledge. Senior firefighters, normally drivers of apparatus, shall acknowledge only after completely understanding the type of incident, location, and any other amplifying information.

2. Acknowledging a tone from out of district is strictly prohibited.

3. Madison County Dispatch is told to acknowledge Officers only. Your response is for the officers to know who is responding.

4. Do not tie up frequency with unnecessary traffic. When transmitting information over the radio, keep it short and concise, ensuring vital information only is passed.

• • Responding to Call

  • 1. The Officer of each apparatus departing the fire station shall notify dispatch of identifying apparatus number along with number of personnel (i.e. 802 to Madison County Dispatch, Unit 850 is responding to with 5 personnel).

2. Upon arrival, the officer of each apparatus will notify Central Dispatch that they

• • are on-scene. If apparatus is first on-scene, Officer will take Command and give a disposition of scene. A quick assessment or scene size-up from the Incident Commander is critical. If additional resources are required, the Incident Commander shall notify Central Dispatch immediately.

  • 3. Each consecutive apparatus enroute or reporting on-scene shall follow above guidelines. Upon acknowledgement from Central Dispatch, the Incident Commander shall have all Fredericktown Fire Department shift to Fredericktown’s working channel for direction, coordination, and any other instructions. Drivers and officers must monitor radio traffic and communications while responding to all incidents. These communications are an integral part of their size-up process and will provide vital information about the conditions at the scene. The or Acting Officer must be aware of transmissions related to problems that may be encountered at the scene, such as water supply problems, people trapped, location of the fire, heavy smoke condition, etc. It is the Incident Commander’s responsibility to continuously monitor Fredericktown Fire Channel 1 and to pass vital information back to Central Dispatch.

  • NOTE: AT THIS TIME ALL TRAFFIC IS ON CHANNEL ONE UNTIL NEW FREQENCY IS ACQUIRED. 2/17/10

  • 4. All communications on-scene shall take place on Fredericktown’s working channel (Channel 1) unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander. If working with Mutual Aid companies, another frequency may be directed.

  • 5. Upon completion of the emergency, the Incident Commander will radio Central Dispatch and inform them that all Fredericktown Fire Department Apparatus are enroute back to the station and that command is being terminated.

  • Mayday, Emergency, and Urgent Situations

In the event of certain emergencies or urgent situations, there are a series of special guidelines designed to alert Incident Commanders, officers, and other firefighters to limit or halt communications. It is absolutely essential that all personnel are aware of these guidelines and alert to their use. Failure to yield the radio frequency during a MAYDAY or Emergency can be potentially tragic. When the following guidelines are used, all non-critical radio traffic must come to a halt as explained below. This will allow the Incident Commander to efficiently manage the situation.

Mayday

In the event of a MAYDAY (trapped, lost, seriously injured, or immobilized firefighter; impending structural collapse, etc.), the firefighter should transmit (on the designated working channel) their radio identifier with the word MAYDAY repeated twice (example: “806 with a MAYDAY, MAYDAY!” or “Nozzle Team 1 with a MAYDAY, MAYDAY!”). Upon hearing a MAYDAY all units must immediately cease all non-critical radio broadcasts to allow incident command to communicate with the firefighter(s) in danger and to better manage the MAYDAY situation.

• • Emergency

In the event of an EMERGENCY, (less severely injured/ambulatory firefighter, location of injured or trapped civilian, notification of structural deterioration or other serious hazard, etc.), the firefighter should transmit on designated working channel their radio identifier with the word EMERGENCY (example: “806 with an EMERGENCY!” or “Unit 850Officer with an EMERGENCY!”). Upon hearing an EMERGENCY call all units must immediately cease all non-critical radio broadcasts until the incident commander has addressed the emergency situation.

• • Urgent

In the event of an URGENT, (important tactical information, declining water pressure, disrupted water flow, or other critical issues that can impact operations), the member should transmit on designated working channel their radio identifier with the word URGENT (example: “806 with an URGENT!” or “Unit 870 Officer with an URGENT!”). Upon hearing an URGENT all units limit non-critical radio transmissions until the incident commander has addressed the urgent situation.

No user of the radio will intentionally cut out another user (from Fredericktown Fire Department or another Fire Department) of the radio system. It is also very important to know Fredericktown Fire Department is not alone when using these radio frequencies. We are constantly being monitored and the level of professionalism on the radios is a reflection of our entire department!

Frequencies that are programmed into our two-way handheld and mobile radios:

Section III-15

Mutual Aid Guidelines

Purpose: To establish apparatus and operation guidelines when responding to a request from another agency for Fredericktown Fire Department assistance.

Scope: This policy applies to all personnel and apparatus when mutual aid is requested. The Fredericktown Fire Department will respond to assist other jurisdictions requesting support and or assistance when that request comes through Madison County Dispatch. The Fire Department or jurisdiction requesting the response will be in command at the emergency. All responding Fredericktown personnel, however, will follow the orders and directions of the Officers of the Fredericktown Fire Department at mutual aid responses. Senior officer responding shall coordinate directions from the agency requesting mutual aid.

Policy:

Members of the Fredericktown Fire Department, except the Chief and Assistant Chief, are expressly prohibited from operating their personal vehicle to any mutual aid call unless directed by an officer. As with other responses, all personnel must respond first to fire station and only then proceed to the incident with the appropriate Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus. The Chief or their designee will select a crew to respond with the apparatus and they will also ensure that an appropriate number of firefighters remain within the Fredericktown Fire District. The Chief or Assistant Chief may elect to transport additional firefighters to the mutual aid incident via privately owned vehicle.

The officer in charge will ascertain from Central Dispatch or the requesting agency Fredericktown Fire Department’s primary assignment for any mutual aid call.

Any mutual aid request will have the following response, depending on the availability of the Officers, and specific request being made:

1. Chief or Assistant Chief, or

1. Captain or Lieutenant in charge of responding apparatus.

1. The crew assigned to respond. The Chief or Assistant Chief, or Acting Officer in charge may elect to assign personnel.

It is imperative, however, that if Fredericktown Fire Department is short of firefighters or apparatus, the Chief or senior officer should request a mutual aid standby for Fredericktown Fire district and that no more than fifty percent (50%) of the department leave the district.

Fredericktown Fire Department personnel shall not act outside of our normal mutual aid response or outside of duties as ordered by Officers, nor shall they act outside of the ICS at any time during a request for mutual aid. All Fredericktown Fire personnel shall perform requested duties and nothing more without consent from the Officer/Acting Officer or the requesting agency. If any Officer or Acting Officer observes personnel not originally assigned to respond at the mutual aid incident scene, then they should immediately order the firefighter(s) to return back to Fredericktown Fire district and then notify the Chain of Command. Freelancing is strictly prohibited!

Response Guidelines: Officer in charge will ascertain from Central Dispatch or requesting agency what primary purpose our responding units will be utilized for, and determine what will respond according to purpose.

Requesting Mutual Aid Guidelines: Request for Mutual Aid shall be made through Madison County Dispatch when the Incident Commander/Officer in Charge anticipates additional resources will be necessary.

Mutual Aid requests should be requested immediately or automatically on any structure fire, extrication, hazardous materials spill(s), or whenever Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are not available (day time), or resources are anticipated to be exhausted.

At no time shall anyone disregard Mutual Aid dispatched by Central Dispatch until a complete scene size-up has been made and it is certain the situation can be handled by resources available at the scene. When the Madison County ambulance service, or Cherokee Fire Department assistance is considered not needed, they may be disregarded at their own discretion.

Section III-16

Rapid Intervention Team

Purpose: To establish guidelines for Fredericktown Fire Department personnel called upon to perform the demanding function of the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) in accordance with NFPA 1500, 6-5. To provide a minimum crew(s) of two (2) trained personnel to establish on the fire ground for the primary purpose of being readily available to initiate rescue in any incidents involving trapped, lost, missing, or disoriented firefighters. To operate in the safest manner possible to rescue, remove, and resolve the firefighter(s) hazardous situation.

Scope: This guideline applies to any situation where a firefighter or group of firefighters find themselves in an IDLH environment (collapse, structure fires, major accidents, airplane crashes, hazardous materials situations, etc.) while operating on the fire grounds. It is not limited to structure fires. These guidelines apply to all personnel operating on the fire ground as a RIT member.

The Incident Commander will call for mutual aid (if not already accomplished) for purposes of performing RIT operations.

The Incident Commander will call for Ambulance services.

• • • Policy:

The RIT shall:

1. be permitted to be flexible based on Fire Department-special conditions, type of incident and size, and complexity of operations. The Incident Commander shall evaluate the situation and the risks to operating crews and shall provide (1) one or more Rapid Intervention Teams, depending on the needs of the incident.

1. assemble near, but not directly at the command post, so that a visual contact with the Incident Commander and can be maintained during the incident. The RIT leader shall attempt to make a face-to-face contact with the Incident Commander.

1. stage so they can see at least (2) two sides of the building structure, or incident. Larger incidents may require more that (1) one RIT at opposite sides.

1. not participate in any other fire ground operations that would preclude them from quick deployment. Assisting is allowed at no expense to their mission.

1. be equipped with them the following equipment, as available: SCBA, radio, thermal imaging camera, forcible entry tools, hand lights.

1. make entry at the at the quickest, closest, and safest point, based on last known location of lost, missing, injured, trapped, or disoriented firefighter(s).

1. maintain radio contact with the Incident Commander and firefighter(s) in distress.

1. use the Personnel Accountability system.

1. look for evidence of building structures or locations that were described by the firefighter(s) in distress.

1. listen for sounds of PASS alarms, SCBA low flow alarm (See Section II-3), shouts of help, tapping sounds once entry is made.

1. be alert and look for equipment that may have been used by firefighter(s) that will assist in locating firefighter(s) in distress.

When firefighters are located, the RIT shall:

1. turn off PASS alarm.

1. notify the Incident Commander that firefighter(s) have been located and give best-known location.

1. check firefighter(s) for breathing. If not breathing, remove firefighter(s) immediately by the most expedient means available. If breathing, check SCBA air supply.

1. attempt to drag, carry, and or extricate firefighter(s) to safe position.

1. if firefighter(s) must be abandoned temporarily, activate his/her PASS device, use search rope in place while you relocate to a safer position. Abandoning should be last resort.

Section IV

EMS Operations

• • IV-1 EMS Operations

  • IV-2 First Responder Protocol (Under Construction)

  • IV-3 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Policy

  • IV-4 Do Not Resuscitate Guideline

Section IV-1

EMS Operations

Purpose: To establish general guidelines for the response and management of Fredericktown Volunteer Fire Department personnel to emergency and non-emergency situations involving provision of medical care.

Scope: Fredericktown Volunteer Fire Department does not provide EMS services.

Policy:

At EMS assist incidents, Fredericktown Volunteer Fire Department apparatus and personnel remain under the command and control of the Chief of Department and his/her Officers until the arrival of Madison County ambulance service. Upon arrival, Fredericktown personnel will provide a comprehensive report to ambulance service staff and then further assist ambulance service personnel only when requested as they assume patient care.

Personnel – All personnel responding to an EMS call must be at least CPR/AED certified. Upon arrival at the fire station, certified First Responders, EMT’s and Paramedics have priority over those only CPR/AED trained, to respond to the call.

Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) will not be allowed on EMS scenes unless specifically directed by the senior officer on the incident. The exception to this rule is that the Fire Chief or the Assistant Chief may respond to the scene as deemed appropriate.

Apparatus Response

Unit 840 is the primary response unit for all EMS calls within the Fredericktown Fire Department Fire Management Zone. This policy can be revamped by senior officer responding to the incident or Incident Commander (IC) at the scene if it determined that additional support is needed.

Brush Truck 3 is the primary response unit for Mutual Aid EMS incidents.

Unit 840 and Unit 860 will respond to all vehicle accidents with or without entrapment, regardless of location. Additional personnel should always respond with Unit 850 for additional manpower unless disregarded by IC on the scene.

Communications

Upon being dispatched to an EMS incident acknowledgment of the incident dispatch must be made. Any Officer responding shall acknowledge the dispatch ONLY after completely understanding the type of incident, location, and any other amplifying information. If any question exists about the location or details, dispatch will be contacted for clarification. Only then will Fredericktown Fire Department personnel acknowledge receipt of call. If no officers are in district, or it is unknown who is in district, the senior member in district shall acknowledge the call. If no qualified EMS providers (First Responder, EMT or Paramedic) are available to acknowledge the call, then dispatch will be notified that no qualified First Responders are available and that Fredericktown Fire Department is unable to respond.

The Fredericktown fire channel (Channel 1) will be used to relay information to the Madison County ambulance unit responding. If necessary, dispatch will request the ambulance switch to the fire channel. Proper medical terminology and plain language communications will be used whenever possible to relay patient information. At no time will personal or identifying information (name, initials, etc.) will be given via open-air radio signal. Failure to adhere to this provision may constitute a violation of federal Health Information Personal Privacy Act (HIPPA) laws.

Supplies – Most supplies, such as bandages, oxygen mask, cervical collars, etc. will be restocked on as used by Madison County ambulance service. If the unit is unable to restock on scene, most extra supplies will be available at the fire station. It is the officer’s responsibility to restock after each and every call. Action can then be taken to obtain restock from the Ambulance Service.

Disregarding an ambulance – In the event a patient refuses transport and treatment prior to the ambulance arriving or the medical exam does not dictate transport, the responding EMS crew may advise the ambulance so. The officer on the scene will advise the ambulance crew via open-air radio of the patient’s condition, including vital signs and any complaints/mechanism of injury or nature of illness. It will then be left to the ambulance crew’s discretion whether to continue their response or to disregard.

Attire – Turnout gear will be taken, but not necessarily worn, on every call. Everyday attire is preferred for medical calls at private residences. If clothes are dirty or excessively worn, wear turnout gear. Full turnouts will still be required for all vehicle accidents and extrication calls until deemed safe by Incident Commander.

Personal Protective Equipment / BSI – Latex gloves will be worn on all medical calls and in any situation where there is a possibility of contact with blood and / or body fluids. Where indicated, responders should consider wearing surgical masks. Care will be taken to minimize exposure to all bodily fluids. Should contact be made with bodily fluids, responder should use waterless cleaner from medical bags to perform gross decontamination on the scene. Completely sanitize exposed areas and equipment on return to station. (Section II-7 Infection Control).

Traffic Accidents – On arrival of responding units to traffic accidents, Fredericktown responders will first assess the scene to ensure scene safety. Thereafter, a rapid triage of possible injuries will be conducted to determine which patients require immediate attention .This will ensure continued assessment of patient status and prevent patient abandonment.

Personal Information Protection – No patient information shall be shared with anyone other than those directly involved with the patient care. This is to ensure the patient’s right to privacy and to conserve his/her personal dignity (See Section I-12).

Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of each member to communicate any problems or concerns experienced on any emergency call with the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief.

It is the joint responsibility of the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief and Officers to ensure all personnel comply with the guidelines established herein and that all certifications are kept current and on file.

All personnel are expected to provide the same level of care that a person with similar training would provide under similar circumstances.

The scope of care the Fredericktown Fire Department provides is defined by the level of training obtained. NO FREELANCING WILL BE ALLOWED.

When responding to emergency situations, all members will respond swiftly and safely, obeying all guidelines as set for forth in this manual. Upon arriving on the scene, personnel will make certain that the scene is safe and when called to do so, assist in other activities at the scene, always adhering to the scope of their training. Personnel will gain access to the patient in a swift but safe and coordinated manner. When the situation dictates, special rescue or other access tools should be deployed in an orderly and safe manner but only by qualified operators.

Patient assessments and requisite care should always be done with safety in mind. The scene must be safe and all firefighters and officers must use all practical safety measures to ensure they are protected from injury and disease. Personnel must always exercise BSI (Body Substance Isolation) when rendering medical assistance or facilitating access to an injured or ill individual (See Section II-7).

All trauma patients shall be treated for suspected spinal and neck injury, unless otherwise indicated. Following Airway, Breathing and Circulation, Spinal Immobilization must be made a priority. Disentangle, free, lift, and move the patient only if you can do so without causing additional injury to the patient and yourself. Carefully stabilize, package, and only then properly transfer the patient to the responding EMS Unit. DO ONLY WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TO DO.

The department is liable for our actions.

Section IV-2

First Responder Protocol

Under Construction

Purpose: To establish guidelines

Scope:

Policy:

Section IV-3

Automated External Defibrillator Policy

Purpose: To establish guidelines to be followed when a cardiac arrest is confirmed and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) operations is appropriate.

Scope: Only Fredericktown Fire Department personnel who have successfully completed the required training course will be permitted to provide the care outlined in these protocols.

Policy:

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is used to treat victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest. It is only to be applied to victims who are unconscious, not breathing normally and showing no signs of circulation, such as normal breathing, coughing and movement. The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver a shock.

The AED shall be used for patients older than 8 years of age or weighing more than 55 pounds in confirmed cardiac arrest.

The Ambulance Service responding must be advised immediately of a confirmed cardiac arrest. This information must be relayed to the appropriate EMS agency.

1. Assess the Airway.

1. Assess Breathing.

1. Assess Circulation.

1. If no pulse, perform CPR until AED is attached.

1. Stop CPR and press “analyze”. DO TOUCH, MOVE, OR PERFORM CPR!

If no shock is indicated, check pulse, continue CPR for one minute, check pulse again, and then reanalyze.

1. If “shock indicated” defibrillate up to 3 times if needed.

If “stack” of three shocks is interrupted by a “NO SHOCK INDICATED” message then check pulse, repeat one minute of CPR, check pulse again, & then reanalyze. After three “NO SHOCK INDICATED” messages, repeat “ANALYZE”

1. Check pulse.

If pulse is present, support airway & breathing. Continually reassess ABC’s until arrival of the Ambulance Service.

NO PULSE

1. CPR for 1 minute.

1. Check pulse. If absent:

1. Press “ANALYZE”

1. Defibrillate up to 3 times if needed.

1. CPR for 1 minute.

• • Check pulse. If absent:

1. Press “ANALYZE”.

1. Defibrillate up to 3 times if needed.

1. Continue CPR until arrival of EMS, or return of spontaneous circulation.

If at any time the patient regains a pulse but is not breathing, perform rescue breathing.

Training

Training must be ongoing in order to instill and maintain knowledge and skills regarding CPR and AED use. Personnel trained in AED response and use will have annual updates to ensure the ability to adequately operate the equipment, should the need arise. An approved training program will be utilized for recertification and refresher courses.

Maintenance & Checkout Guidelines

The Fredericktown Fire Department requires monthly maintenance checks of the AED equipment. Personnel performing equipment inspection must complete a check of the AED during monthly equipment/apparatus checks.

All AED’s shall have certain medical supplies provided with them. These supplies shall include: two sets of AED pads in sealed package, pocket mask with one-way valve, examination gloves, razors, and absorbent gauze or hand towels.

After a cardiac arrest occurs, it is critical to get the AED back into service as soon as possible. However, before putting AED back into service, the Chief, Assistant Chief, and officers will be notified immediately. This includes:

• 1. Check and replenish supplies as appropriate (includes electrode pads, towel, razor, barrier device, and disposable gloves).

  2. Clean and disinfect

  3. Check the battery and replace if needed

  4. Check the device housing for cracks or other damage

  5. Return the AED to its designated place with appropriate supplies.

Section V

Special Operations

• • • • V-1 Hazardous Materials

• • V-2 Helicopter Operations

Section V-1

Hazardous Materials

Purpose: To establish tactical and strategic guidelines to be executed when responding to possible or confirmed hazardous materials spills, leaks, and fires.

Scope: These guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel when called to perform emergency services dealing with hazardous materials.

Policy:

Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are not trained or equipped to handle hazardous material incidents at this time. Incident Commanders must immediately request assistance from Farmington Fire Department and contact Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

When accidents or fires occur involving hazardous materials, the first priority is the prevention of fatalities and injuries. The prevention of damage to property and of injury to livestock, wildlife and the environment is a secondary priority.

To manage a hazardous materials incident in the safest manner, it is absolutely necessary to know the properties of the materials and the shipping containers involved.

It must be emphasized that no individual can ever be assumed to be an "expert" in this field and that a heavy reliance must be placed on obtaining information from external sources. It must also be stressed that hazardous materials incidents cannot be handled in the same manner as typical firefighting operations. Quick aggressive action is most often inappropriate in a hazardous materials incident and can potentially increase the risk of unnecessary exposure of personnel. Hazardous materials incidents are often time consuming and can be very demanding from an incident management perspective. It is especially critical that all officers and firefighters work within the Incident Command System. All actions taken must be deliberate and planned after properly identifying the substance involved.

It is possible that the affected area, or “Hot Zone,” can have such a high degree of hazardous contamination that the only safe course is to essentially seal the outer perimeter and evacuate those who may have been exposed to the material(s). Severe hazards often exist without combustion, smoke, or noticeable fumes.

Use the Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guide (ERG handbook) located in each fire apparatus to identify and ascertain the dangers and characteristics of the hazardous materials involved. The handbook will also contain relevant emergency response information.

If an incident involving hazardous materials happens, IMMEDIATELY:

• • 1. Notify Madison County Dispatch and request DNR.

2. Make initial survey of the scene, determining:

1. What initial actions might be taken while waiting for the Hazardous Materials Response Team? This can be obtained by using the ERG handbook.

2. Location of exposed or potentially exposed people

3. Presence of fire, smoke, or fumes

4. Presence and location of actual hazardous materials

5. Overall condition of the scene, containers, and/or vehicle

6. Wind direction, speed, and the condition of the terrain, including presence of water sources, supplies, and the sewer system, if any

• • 3. Rescue/remove from the Hot Zone any exposed or injured people, if possible. Wearing the proper protective clothing and the utilization of appropriate equipment is paramount. NOTE: PPE issued at Fredericktown Fire Department is NOT designed for hazardous material emergencies. Plan escape routes before entering the Hot Zone. Personnel are not to be exposed unnecessarily to the materials, smoke, and/or fumes.

  • 4. Make every attempt to identify the specific products, cars, trailers, or containers involved. Identify the hazard class of all materials involved. Truck drivers are require to carry all shipping papers containing this information, or the papers will be kept within the cab of the involved truck. Placards applied to vehicles and/or labels on packages may help in identify the presence of hazardous materials, but the shipping papers are the best source of on-scene identification information. If these papers are destroyed, the carrier should be contacted to ascertain the exact material or substance being carried.

  • Use the Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guide (handbook) located in each fire apparatus to identify and ascertain the dangers and characteristics of the hazardous materials involved. The handbook will also contain relevant emergency response information. Incident Commanders should also contact CHEMTREC at (800) 424-9300, which can provide additional information.

  • 5. Do not release any product(s) from containers or attempt to ignite or detonate either the materials or the containers. The use of the thermal imaging camera may help in identifying hazardous levels.

  • 6. The shipper(s) should be contacted for additional information on the product(s) involved. Again, CHEMTREC should be contacted and both CHEMTREC and the shipper should be given the following information:

• 1. Your name, location and contact telephone number

  2. Location of the incident

  3. Carrier involved

  4. Vehicle reporting marks (car or truck number)

  5. Placard / label applied on vehicle

  6. Name of commodity and shipper

  7. Accessibility

  8. Weather conditions

  9. Local population information

  10. Topographical information

  11. Availability of water

• • General Classifications of Hazardous Materials

Following is a list of the general classifications of hazardous materials. DOT classifies chemicals according to their major hazardous characteristics. These are determined by the chemical and physical properties of the chemical involved. Remember chemicals can have more than one hazard and may have multiple hazards.

• • 1. Explosives: Explosives are any chemical compound, mixture or device used primarily to function by detonation or deflagration. For fires near explosives, every effort shall be made to extinguish the fire before it reaches the explosive. Do not fight fires involving explosives, as an explosion is extremely likely. Some explosives will explode immediately on ignition; others may burn for a period of time before exploding. Products of combustion of some explosives may be poisonous.

  • 2. Gases: A non-flammable gas is a gas that will not form a flammable mixture in air but may support combustion. These gases may be oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, etc. Certain gases, while classified as "non-flammable" by DOT, have narrow flame ranges. Anhydrous ammonia is an example of this type of gas. There is a possibility that such gases could ignite or flash during an incident under certain circumstances. A flammable gas is a gas that will form a flammable mixture when released in air. Flammable gas vapors can be heavier than air. Do not permit these vapors to enter the sewer system where they can accumulate and ignite. A cryogenic gas is a liquefied gas at a temperature below –328F. These gases present an extreme cold hazard to the point that they freeze objects to a point of brittleness where impact can shatter the frozen object.

  • 3. Flammable Liquids: A flammable liquid is any liquid having a flash point below 100F. The possibility of ignition is greatest for liquids with low flash points. The lower the flash point, the greater the probability that the temperature of the liquid at atmospheric temperature will be higher than the flash point of the liquid. The higher the temperature, the greater the amount of vapor formed and the greater the hazard. Prevent flammable liquid spills from entering the sewer system or waterways as they can easily be ignited at a distance from the actual point of entry. An empty or partially empty container can be more hazardous than a full one because the vapor air mixture is more susceptible to ignition.

  • 4. Combustible Liquids: Combustible liquids are those having a flash point above 100F. Under extreme heat conditions, liquids normally classified as combustible may evolve sufficient vapors to require handling them as flammable liquids. Keep in mind that combustible liquids may present other hazards to health and environmental contamination.

  • 5. Flammable Solids: A flammable solid is any material other than an explosive which under normal transportation conditions is liable to cause a fire through friction or retained heat or one that can be ignited readily and burn vigorously. Spontaneously combustible and water reactive substances are included in this class. Spontaneously combustible substances ignite due to retained heat or will oxidize to generate heat and ignite or will absorb moisture to generate heat and ignite. Water reactive solids will chemically react with water to become spontaneously flammable or give off flammable or toxic vapors. Air reactive materials will ignite at normal temperatures when exposed to air. White phosphorous, a flammable solid and poison is an example.

  • 6. Oxidizers: Oxidizers are substances that yield oxygen readily and stimulate combustion of organic material. Most oxidizers shipped as liquids will cause fire by contact to combustible material. Organic peroxides heated above their transportation temperatures are likely to explode. If an accident occurs involving refrigerated truck carrying organic peroxides and refrigeration is lost, there is a strong possibility that an explosion will occur. In addition to supplying oxygen, oxidizers have other hazards: some are explosive sensitive to heat, shock or friction, some react with combustible organic materials rapidly enough to cause spontaneous combustion. Most oxidizers will form an easily ignited or explosive mixture when united with finely divided organic materials.

  • 7. Poisons: A poison may be a gas or liquid which only a very small amount of gas or vapor from the liquid mixed with air will be dangerous to life. Shipping containers for poisons DO NOT have pressure relief devices. If a poison is involved with fire, the products of combustion may be less hazardous than the poison itself. It may be less dangerous to allow the poison to be consumed in the fire than to extinguish it and be faced with a poison vapor problem. The decision can only be made after a proper hazard assessment. Any water runoff from such fire will have to be contained and tested. Empty poison containers are extremely dangerous due to residue remaining.

Section V-2

Helicopter Operations

Purpose: To establish guidelines to be used when the emergency situation dictates the need for emergency medevac from a helicopter.

Scope: Guidelines pertain to all Fredericktown Fire Department that may become involved in helicopter operations. Coordination with Madison County Dispatch, and the Madison County Ambulance service.

Guidelines:

The Fredericktown Fire Department periodically operates in conjunction with helicopters operated by other emergency service providers. Typically this is for medevac purposes in conjunction with Madison County Ambulance, but may involve any helicopter operating in vicinity and able to render assistance. While helicopters can provide a significant advantage in both medevac and search operations, there are many significant dangers surrounding helicopter operations.

Request for Medevac

The Incident Commander can request a helicopter when the EMS requests it. Under most circumstances Ems will do the requesting. While not inclusive, any one of the following situations may necessitate a Medevac situation:

• 1. Penetrating trauma to abdomen, pelvis, chest, neck or head

  2. Spinal cord or spinal column injury, or any injury producing paralysis of an extremity

  3. Partial or total amputation of an extremity

  4. Two or more long bone fractures or a major pelvic fracture

  5. Crushing injury to the abdomen, chest or head

  6. Major burns of large surface area; burns involving face, hands, feet, or perineum; burns with respiratory involvement; major electrical burns; chemical burns

  7. When vitals are below prescribed limits as dictated by ambulance service

  8. Vehicle rollover with unrestrained passengers

  9. Pedestrian struck by vehicle greater than 10 MPH

  10. Falls greater than 15 feet

  11. Motorcycle victims

An accurate location, particularly any large roadways or intersections nearby must be provided. Major landmarks and potential hazards or obstructions should be noted. The dispatchers need this information to plot out the bearing and distance to the chosen landing zone.

The Incident Command, if manpower allows, shall assign a Landing Zone Officer to coordinate the landing. This person shall switch and talk to the helicopter on the proper frequency.

The Incident Commander will be notified what frequency the helicopter is requesting to operate. Normal operating frequencies are: the Madison County Mutual Aid (Common) or Medical Mutual Aid. (Section III-14 for complete list of Frequencies)

Landing Zone

When detailed to create a landing zone (or simply “LZ”), a level area 100’ x 100’ square (120” x 120’ at night) must be marked-out by firefighters holding a strobe light or flash lights, marking each of the four corners. The area should have a maximum slope of l5 to 30 degrees, and must be free and clear of wires, trees, buildings, poles, emergency vehicles, debris, and other obstacles. It is essential to remember that signs, poles, and wires are difficult or impossible to see from the air. If these obstacles are present at or near the LZ, the pilot must be informed of this prior to attempting a landing. When using a highway as an LZ, all traffic must be stopped at least l50’ feet away in both directions. Helicopters typically land into the wind or with no more than a 90 degree cross wind. Vertical take-offs and landings are not routinely attempted. The pilot typically flies at a slight angle.

Safety Guidelines

All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel operating in and around the LZ must wear PPE, including helmets, eye protection, and turnouts as appropriate. Due to the strong rotor wash, it is essential that any hats or loose articles of clothing be removed and secured. Helmet chinstraps must be tightly secured. Smoking is never permitted within l00 feet of a helicopter, nor is running permitted within the LZ.

Never go near the tail rotor of a helicopter or approach one from the rear. Always wait for a signal from the pilot before approaching a helicopter. Due to rotor blade flexibility, always approach helicopters from the front in a crouched stance. Should a helicopter be forced to land on a slope or grade, approach it from the downhill side. Do not attempt to open or close the aircraft doors - the specially trained helicopter crew will do it themselves.

Section VI

Training

• • • • VI-1 Training Requirements & Expectations

      • VI-2 Required Firefighter Training

      • VI-3 Requirements for Lieutenants and Chiefs

      • VI-4 Driving Training & Requirements

• • Section VI-1

  • Training Requirements & Expectations

Continuous training is of the utmost importance. The Officers of Fredericktown Fire Department will ensure that all personnel are adequately trained, utilizing the most proper and current training methods available.

As applicable, the Chief of the Department will appoint a minimum of one (1) Training Officer for the Fredericktown Fire Department. The training officer will consist of all elected officers of the department. This Officer should be of, or have been of, Command rank and meet requirements outlined in Section I-3. The Training Officer will conduct and/or coordinate training sessions with all Fredericktown Fire Department personnel in accordance with the training schedule promulgated by the Training Officer and approved by the Chief Officers of the Department. The standard training nights for the department is the first and third Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. The Training Officer and Chiefs are responsible for maintaining Fredericktown Fire Department training records. If, in the opinion of the Chief or the Training Officer, additional training sessions are required, then they shall be scheduled. This does not preclude Chiefs, Lieutenants, or other officers from providing training on an informal or “ad hoc” one-on-one basis. The Training Officer will consult with the Chief of the Department as to training topics and priorities.

All Department personnel are required to enroll in the Firefighter 1 and 2 within the first two years of their membership. Other relevant training courses offered by local, regional, state, federal, or other appropriate training bodies and authorities may be attended. Prior to enrolling in any training programs or courses, they must first obtain permission from the Chief.

In the absence of a Training Officer, the Assistant Chief will assume all duties and responsibilities.

Section VI-2

Required Firefighter Training

Purpose: To establish minimum training requirements that a firefighter must achieve.

Scope: Guidelines pertain to all probationary firefighters and firefighters of Fredericktown Fire Department.

Policy:

Successful enrollment of Basic Firefighter I (FF100) and Firefighter II (FF-200) is required prior to the end of the two year Period. A waiver may be given if Firefighter I/II class is not offered during probationary period. Additionally, Probationary Firefighters are expected to attend and participate in the Fredericktown Fire Department’s regularly scheduled twice-monthly training sessions. Failure to successfully complete required firefighter training (that becomes available) or regularly participate in departmental training prior to the end of the six-month probationary period is cause for extension of the probationary period, suspension, or termination from the Fredericktown Fire Department, as determined by the Chief.

All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are also expected to successfully complete the following training courses (or the equivalents) within their first two years:

1. Fredericktown sponsored Indoctrination Course

2. SCBA confidence course

3. Emergency Vehicle Operating Course (EVOC)

4. National Incident Management System (NIMS), IS 700, ICS 100 & ICS 200

5. Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)

6. Vehicle Extrication I/II

7. CPR/AED

All firefighters must attend at least 70% of Fredericktown Fire Department scheduled training sessions.

Section VI-3

Driver Training & Requirements

Purpose: Promulgate pre-requisites to qualify as an apparatus driver. Emergency apparatus qualifications are listed in their entirety in Appendix 3.

Scope: Applicable to all active members desiring to qualify as an apparatus driver. The Fire Chiefs and the Training Officer are responsible for the quality of the training and the certification of apparatus drivers. All officers are expected to qualify as well as participate in training events.

Policy:

All Fredericktown Fire Department personnel are encouraged to become qualified as drivers within the first three years of membership. Likewise, all qualified drivers are required to make themselves available for driver training periodically. Prerequisites to become a qualified driver are as follows:

Apparatus qualification on all apparatus. Candidates will complete, in its entirety, Appendix 3 before being considered qualified as a Driver.

Pre-requisites: These are only pre-requisites: Qualification requirements are listed in their entirety in Appendix 3.

1. Be at least 21 years of age to qualify on all apparatus.

2. Possess a valid State of Missouri Driver’s License.

3. Be approved for driver training by fire fighter’s immediate Lieutenant with the support from the other Officers, as documented in Appendix 3. Final certification will be granted by the Fire Chief.

4. Probationary period must be complete.

5. Must have a record of safe and reasonable driving time using Driver’s Log sheet.

6. Must successfully complete State of Missouri Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)

When conducting driver training, the prospective driver and the driving instructor qualified on the specific apparatus must do all of the following:

1. Notify and get approval of an Officer and Fire Chief.

Section VII

Equipment Testing & Maintenance

• • • • VII-1 Weekly Apparatus & Equipment Checklists

      • VII-2 Equipment Testing Policy

Section VII-1

Weekly Apparatus & Equipment Checklists

Purpose: To establish guidelines for weekly apparatus and equipment checklists to be implemented

Scope: It is imperative that all apparatus and equipment remain in full operational and ready status at all times. Weekly checks will assist Fredericktown Fire Department identify and take corrective actions on any malfunction prior to apparatus or equipment.

Policy:

It is the responsibility of each designated Fredericktown Fire Department Apparatus Driver to ensure that all equipment on their assigned apparatus is checked weekly and that an apparatus maintenance form and checklist are properly completed. Firefighters are responsible for the overall upkeep and maintenance of the apparatus. The apparatus and the equipment on it are to be kept operationally ready and in perfect working order at all times. Any deficiencies in equipment must be reported immediately to an officer and to the Fire Chief and immediately documented in the respective apparatus maintenance log.

Each firefighter will be responsible for completing a weekly apparatus and equipment check list for the apparatus assigned to them.

Individual equipment must be thoroughly inspected and examined immediately following each use. If the equipment is not fully operational then that piece of equipment will be placed out of service. It is the responsibility of the firefighter or Officer discovering the defective nature of the equipment to take it out of service and to notify the Chiefs, who will alert all firefighters.

Not inclusive, some of the operational checks include:

1. SCBA

2. AED

3. Pumps (portable and fixed)

4. Generators

5. Lights, sirens, and communication equipment

6. Any battery operated equipment

Fredericktown Fire Department equipment will not be loaned-out or removed from the apparatus by any member unless authorized in advance by the Chief.

• • • Section VII-2

    • Equipment Testing Policy

Purpose: To establish guidelines for operational testing of all Fredericktown Fire Department equipment to ensure minimum standards are maintained for their safe operation and use.

Scope: Equipment outlined in this guideline is affected by mandatory testing by NFPA, OSHA, and manufacturer or Fredericktown Fire Department standards.

Policy:

All Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus and equipment must be properly tested and maintained in accordance with OSHA requirements, NFPA guidelines, and manufacturers’ standards. A brief summary of testing and maintenance Guidelines follows.

Apparatus

All apparatus must be properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This is in addition to the weekly maintenance check, which is outlined in Section VII-1. A trained and certified fire apparatus service technician should be used for all work on Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus when possible. With oversight by the Chief, each individual apparatus will be given a complete preventive maintenance check at least once a year.

Hose Testing

All Fredericktown Fire Department hose in service on shall be tested annually. The procedure for testing all fire department hose is as follows:

1. Hose is connected to the pump of the fire apparatus.

2. Hose is to be stretched and the appropriate nozzle placed at the end.

3. Each line is to be charged and all air bled from the line by cracking the nozzle.

4. Each coupling is to be marked with a chalk line around the hose, as close to the coupling as possible.

5. The driver operator will increase the pump pressure on the hose to 250 pounds and will keep the pressure on the line for at least five minutes.

6. After five minutes, the driver operator will decrease the pressure gradually and the hoses are to be drained. Each length of hose will be visually inspected to determine if the chalk lines have moved from their original positions. If so, then the length of hose to be taken out of service.

7. After the testing procedure is complete and while the hose is being rolled, the washer in the female coupling should be visually examined and the couplings lubricated.

8. All hose tested will be dried, repacked on the apparatus and placed back in service, only if they have successfully passed each test.

9. All hose tested will be properly entered into the computer

10. All spare hose assigned to apparatus shall be tested as well.

11. The inspection sheets shall be filled out.

Hose testing may be done in-house or alternatively may be contracted out to a professional hose-testing firm, at the discretion of the Chief.

Hose Cleaning

Fire hose will be cleaned after each use utilizing the standard operating procedures outlined in Appendix 7.

Pump Testing

All Fredericktown Fire Department apparatus with pumps will be service tested at least annually, in accordance with NFPA 1911, by a certified test and inspection company.

SCBA Maintenance and Testing

Section II-3 for Fredericktown Fire Department policy and Appendix 8 for specific operating procedures.

Every two years all SCBA (including regulators) should be subjected to a flow test. This test can only be performed by a properly trained and manufacturer certified service care technician. The PASS alarm should also be tested every two (2) years, also by a manufacturer certified service care technician.

SCBA air bottles must be hydro tested every five years or per manufactures specs All air bottles must be taken out of service and retired after 15 years.

Hydrant Testing and Maintenance

Hydrant testing and maintenance will be conducted annually by the water department.

Air Compressor & Booster

See Appendix 9 for operating procedures.

Air compressor and air booster systems designed to refill SCBA tanks fall under NFPA requirements for quarterly air checks. Additionally, the air systems must undergo an NFPA standard annual service.

Ladder Testing

All Fredericktown Fire Department ground ladders should be service tested at least annually, in accordance with NFPA 1911, by a certified test and inspection company.

• • Closing Statement

This document is intended to provide the Fredericktown Fire Department with a written set of guidelines and policies for operations and for training. As with all policies and guidelines in the Fredericktown Fire Department, they are open for discussion, and changes will be made as deemed appropriate. There is material contained within that will increase the working knowledge and skills of each Fredericktown Fire Department person. Feedback is encouraged and solicited. Thank you all for your cooperation and input in updating these guidelines.

• • Stay safe!

  • Chief John Clark

Fredericktown

Fire Department

Standard Operating Guidelines

_____________________

(Date)

My signature below certifies that I have received a copy of the Standard Operating Guidelines and Training Manual for the Fredericktown Fire Department. I also understand that I am responsible for reading and understanding all of the materials contained herein. I will faithfully discharge and obey my duties and obligations as per the Standard Operating Guidelines and Training Manual to the best of my ability as a Firefighter and Officer of the Fredericktown Fire Department. I also understand that as a member of the Fredericktown Fire Department, I am legally considered an employee of Fredericktown Fire Department and that I am subject to all guidelines and policies as such.

_____________________

(Signature)

_____________________

(Print Name)

• • • Appendix

1 Definitions

2 Explorer Rules and Regulations

3 Emergency Apparatus Qualifications

4 Competency Course

5 Apparatus Qualification Sheets

6 Vehicle Accident/Loss Investigation Report

7 Hose Maintenance

8 SCBA Maintenance

9 High Pressure Breathing Air System Operating Procedures

10 Communicable Disease Exposure Report (PDF only)

• • • Appendix 1

Definitions

Purpose: To provide definitions to commonly used terms used in the firefighting profession. While all terms may not be used within Fredericktown Fire Department, it is imperative that all Officers and firefighters become familiar with terms for use within the Incident Command System. Common Terminology insures that all personnel are able to communicate effectively across departments and jurisdictions. The more simple the message, the more effective communications will be.

Terminology:

Above-ground storage tank: Storage tank that is not buried. Unburied tanks are more prone to physical damage, and leaks are released to the air or ground, rather than the soil surrounding a buried tank.

Accountability: The process of emergency responders (fire, police, SAR, emergency medical, etc...) checking into and making themselves announced as being on-scene during an incident to an incident commander or accountability officer. Through the accountability system, each person is tracked throughout the incident until released from the scene by the incident commander or accountability officer. This is becoming a standard in the emergency services arena primarily for the safety of emergency personnel. This system may implement a name tag system or personal locator device.

Apparatus: A term used to describe a piece of equipment, usually a company vehicle.

Auto extended fire: structure fire that has gone out a window or other opening on one floor and ignited materials above, on another floor or other space (attic, attic).

Available flow: total amount of water that can be put on a fire, depending upon water supply, pump size, hoses, and distance to the fire. IC must assess available flow to determine whether additional apparatus or streams are required.

Back draft: A fire phenomenon caused when heat and heavy smoke (unburned fuel particles) accumulate inside a compartment, depleting the available air, and then oxygen/air is re-introduced, completing the fire triangle and causing rapid combustion.

attic: structural space above ceiling and below rafters, often connecting adjacent occupancies and permitting fire to spread laterally, often unseen.

Collapse zone: The area around a structure that would contain debris if the building were to collapse.

Company: two or more firefighters organized as a team, led by a fire officer, and equipped to perform certain operational functions. Compare with platoon and unit.

Compartment Fire: An "Isolated" fire, or a fire which is "boxed in" or "closed off" from the rest of the structure. An example of this is a fire in a room where all the windows and doors are closed preventing the fire from spreading to other rooms.

Cross lay: Arrangement of hose on a pumper such that it can be quickly unloaded from side of the apparatus; often pre-connected to a pump outlet and equipped with a suitable nozzle.

Direct attack: "Putting the wet stuff on the red stuff." A form of fire attack in which hoses are advanced to the fire inside a structure and hose streams directed at the burning materials.

Discharge flow: The amount of water flowing from a fire hydrant when it is opened; compare to static flow and residual flow.

Dispatch: Refers to person or place designated for handling a call for help by alerting the specific resources necessary.

Draft: The process of pumping water from a static source below the pump.

Drills: training during which an emergency is simulated and the trainees go through the steps of responding as if it were a real emergency.

Electrical fire: A fire in which the primary source of heat is electricity, resulting in combustion of adjacent insulation and other materials; may be hazardous to attempt to extinguish using water.

EMS: Emergency medical service(s).