LAFD Departure Protocol:

Before departing the station, ensure that you have all necessary equipment for the upcoming call, along with the correct vehicle, livery, and uniform.

1. Wait for a command from the highest-ranking officer to proceed with your vehicles.

2. Once ready, the highest rank will announce:

   • “All units, there is a {call type} near {location/postal}. Please move to your vehicles.”

3. Once everyone is at their vehicles, the command will continue:

   • “For the upcoming call, the vehicles needed are {vehicles needed}. Starting with Bay 6, then moving to Bay 1 - Bay 5, we will depart. This is a Code 3, lights and sirens. Lights on, no sirens until you’ve passed the red line. {Units Needed}.” You may exit the station once your vehicle has been called. Your driving should be on-par with the other personnel members of LAFD, if it is not, an infraction may be issued.

4. No additional units may leave the station once the departure order is given. All remaining members must stay within the station until:

   • The responding units return, or

   • A new call is accepted.

**NOTE: Not all Vehicles need to leave the Station for every scene. Be mindful of what vehicles you need!**

1. ARRIVING ON SCENE

A. Assess the Situation

• Stop Safely: When arriving at the scene, always ensure your vehicle is parked safely and in a visible position. Make sure it doesn't obstruct traffic or put you in danger.

• Initial Assessment: As you approach, conduct a quick visual survey of the scene. Identify hazards, injured individuals, and any potential risks (e.g., fire, unstable structures, hazardous materials).

B. Activate Emergency Lights

• Emergency Lights: Upon arrival, activate your emergency lights immediately to alert other road users and emergency personnel. Keep sirens off until past the red line or until needed.

• Positioning Vehicles: Position your vehicle in such a way that it allows other emergency units to park and maneuver but also serves as a visible safety warning for oncoming traffic.

C. Establish Command

• Incident Command: Once on scene, establish an Incident Commander (IC) position to take charge of the situation. This could be you or a senior officer depending on the situation.

• Assess Risks & Prioritize: Quickly assess which areas require immediate action, such as fire suppression, rescue, or medical care.

2. BLOCKING OFF ROADS AND TRAFFIC

A. Setting up Perimeter

• Position Your Vehicle: Use your fire engine or emergency vehicle to block the road. Make sure the vehicle’s lights are flashing, and it’s positioned at an appropriate distance from the scene (about 50-100 feet).

  • Positioning for Fire Calls: For fire-related calls, try to park upwind or away from the fire hazard, but still provide a visible barrier for traffic.

  • Positioning for EMS/Accident Calls: Position vehicles in such a way that emergency vehicles can safely approach the scene without obstruction, while also preventing traffic from entering.

B. Setting Up Roadblocks

• Traffic Cones/Flares: Set up roadblocks using cones or flares, especially in high-risk areas or if the scene extends onto the road. Always use them for the full length of the closure, not just where you’re parked.

  • Flares: Place flares at regular intervals (about 10-20 feet apart) to alert drivers far in advance of the blockage.

  • Cones: Set up cones in a clear path that helps direct traffic around the scene. Cones should be set on both sides of the road, extending far enough in each direction to give drivers plenty of warning.

C. Directing Traffic

• Manual Traffic Control: If necessary, direct traffic manually to ensure smooth flow and safety. Use your hand signals or a whistle to direct vehicles away from the scene. Always remain visible to oncoming traffic.

• Police Assistance: For larger accidents or incidents involving blocked intersections, request the presence of law enforcement to help manage traffic flow and maintain safety. They can take over the traffic control duties if needed.

3. MAINTAINING SAFETY AT THE SCENE

A. Protecting Emergency Responders

• Safety Zones: Always establish a safety zone around the scene. This could be at least 10-20 feet from the edge of the incident. Make sure that non-emergency vehicles and pedestrians stay outside this zone.

• Traffic Flow: Ensure that emergency vehicles entering the scene can do so without obstruction. You should also make sure other units (ambulances, additional fire engines, etc.) can reach the scene quickly without delays from traffic.

B. Keeping a Clear Path for Emergency Vehicles

• Clear Access: Ensure that all incoming emergency vehicles have a clear and unobstructed path. If needed, guide them into position or redirect traffic to create a proper lane.

• Blocking Off Unnecessary Roads: If necessary, block off nearby intersections or roads that could become a potential hazard or create traffic congestion.

4. COMMUNICATE WITH DISPATCH AND OTHER UNITS

• Keep Dispatch Informed: Once on scene, update dispatch regularly. Let them know when roads are fully blocked or if further assistance is needed to manage traffic. Provide updates on scene conditions and request additional resources if necessary.

• Coordinate with Other Units: Maintain communication with other responding units to ensure they know where to park, how to safely access the scene, and if any additional units are required to help with road management or traffic control.

5. WRAP-UP AFTER THE SCENE

• Clear Roadblocks: Once the situation is under control and you’ve completed your work, clear the cones or flares from the road and ensure that traffic can safely resume.

• Traffic Flow: Use proper hand signals or other means to safely guide vehicles back into the regular flow of traffic, ensuring no safety hazards remain.

Key Points to Remember

• Visibility and Warning: Always ensure other road users are warned well in advance of the scene.

• Safety First: Protect yourself, your crew, and the public by clearly marking off the area and maintaining control over traffic.

• Efficient Traffic Flow: Balance the need for safety with the ability to allow emergency vehicles to reach the scene as quickly as possible.

FIRE CALLS

1. Building Fire

   • Recommended Personnel: 3-6 Firefighters

     • Roles:

       • Incident Commander (IC): Oversees the scene, coordinates efforts.

       • Attack Line Team (2-3 firefighters): Responsible for setting up hoses and attacking the fire.

       • Search and Rescue (1 firefighter): Searches for any trapped victims.

       • Ventilation (1 firefighter): Handles ventilation to clear smoke from the building.

2. Brush Fire

   • Recommended Personnel: 2-3 Firefighters

     • Roles:

       • Incident Commander (IC): Coordinates the fire response.

       • Firefighter (1-2 personnel): Handles fire suppression using tools or water sources.

3. House Fire

   • Recommended Personnel: 2-3 Firefighters

     • Roles:

       • Incident Commander (IC): Manages the scene.

       • Attack Line Team (1-2 firefighters): Deploys hoses to fight the fire.

4. Wildfire

   • Recommended Personnel: 4-8 Firefighters

     • Roles:

       • Incident Commander (IC): Coordinates the scene and resources.

       • Attack Line Team (2-3 firefighters): Performs fire suppression using tools, water tankers, or handlines.

       • Perimeter Security (1-2 firefighters): Ensures safety zones are secure and communicates with other units.

EMS CALLS

1. Downed Civilian (Medical Emergency)

   • Recommended Personnel: 2-3 EMS personnel

     • Roles:

       • EMT/Paramedic (2 personnel): Administer medical treatment and transport to the hospital.

       • Driver/Medic (1 personnel): Drives the ambulance and assists with patient care.

2. Cardiac Arrest

   • Recommended Personnel: 2-3 EMS personnel

     • Roles:

       • EMT/Paramedic (2 personnel): Perform CPR, defibrillation, and medical treatment.

       • Driver/Medic (1 personnel): Drives the ambulance and assists with patient care.

3. Vehicle Accident (Minor Injury)

   • Recommended Personnel: 2 EMS personnel

     • Roles:

       • EMT/Paramedic (2 personnel): Assess injuries and provide treatment.

       • Driver (1 personnel): Drives the ambulance and assists with patient care.

4. Vehicle Accident (Major Injury)

   • Recommended Personnel: 3-4 EMS personnel

     • Roles:

       • EMT/Paramedic (3 personnel): Provide medical care, stabilize injuries, and prepare for transport.

       • Driver (1 personnel): Drives the ambulance and assists with patient care

Gas Station Explosion

• Location: City Gas, County Gas, or Springfield Gas

• Response Required:

  • Firefighters must extinguish fires and prevent further explosions.

  • Hazmat teams may be needed to manage potential hazardous materials.

  • Personnel Needed: 2-4 firefighters for fire suppression, 1-2 EMS for injuries, and 1-2 additional units for scene safety and traffic control.

Bridge Collapse

• Location: Colonial Drive or Wooden Bridge

• Response Required:

  • Rescue teams must extricate trapped individuals from vehicles or debris.

  • Firefighters must address any fires and clear wreckage.

  • Personnel Needed: 3-5 firefighters, 2 EMS units, 1 DOT team for road clearance, and additional personnel as needed for victim rescue.

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)

• Location: Random accident locations across the map.

• Response Required:

  • Firefighters must extinguish vehicle fires, stabilize vehicles, and assist with vehicle extrication.

  • EMS units provide medical care to injured individuals and transport them to the hospital.

  • Personnel Needed: 1-2 firefighters for fire suppression and vehicle stabilization, 1-2 EMS units for treatment and transport.

Plane Crash

• Location: Highway 55 or near the Trailer Park.

• Response Required:

  • Firefighters extinguish fires caused by the crash.

  • EMS teams provide medical care to survivors and transport to hospitals.

  • Personnel Needed: 4-6 firefighters for fire suppression, 2 EMS units, 1 DOT for road clearance, and additional personnel for victim rescue.

Strong Winds

• Location: Affects roads, leading to debris and hazards.

• Response Required:

  • Firefighters and DOT work together to clear fallen trees and debris.

  • Personnel Needed: 1-2 firefighters, 2-3 DOT workers for debris removal.

Tunnel Collapse

• Location: Tunnel systems across the map, trapping vehicles and individuals.

• Response Required:

  • Firefighters extricate victims and extinguish any fires.

  • Rescue teams work to remove debris and ensure safe passage.

  • Personnel Needed: 3-4 firefighters for fire suppression and rescue operations, 2 EMS units, 1 DOT unit.

Oil Spill

• Location: Roads and highways where the spill occurs.

• Response Required:

  • Firefighters and DOT coordinate to contain and clean up the oil spill to prevent accidents.

  • Personnel Needed: 2-3 firefighters, 2 DOT workers for cleanup and containment, 1 EMS unit on standby in case of hazardous exposure.

Chemical Spill

• Location: Roads, involving hazardous materials.

• Response Required:

  • Special Operations teams, especially Hazmat, handle containment and cleanup.

  • Personnel Needed: 3-4 firefighters from Special Operations, 1 EMS for hazardous material exposure, and 1-2 DOT workers for road clearance.