Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Class B Foam Usage
MP- 401.19
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The use of firefighting foam (ATC/AFFF) is not limited to simple flammable liquid fires. The
use of firefighting foam is encouraged in fires which may have the potential for a spill or leakage
of flammable liquids. These may be car fires, truck fires and fires or spills & leaks involving
stored flammable or combustible liquids.
HOSE LINES
All FOAM pre-connected 1 3/4" handlines which are 200'in length shall be operated at 200 psig
at the eductor using a 95 gpm eductor and 95 gpm ____________nozzle.
Hose lays are limited to a maximum of 300'of 1 3/4" on the discharge side of the eductor.
FOAM TYPES
Baker Fire Department stocks all of its apparatus with 3% / 6% ATC type AFFF foam. Eductors
should have proportioners set at:

3% for Hydrocarbon spills fires

6% for Polar Solvent spills fires
Before fighting a fire that requires foam application, assure that an adequate amount of foam, a
reliable water supply, and sufficient foam appliances are established.
CAUTION: Apply foam in a manner to maintain the foam blankets integrity.
equipment must be taken apart and thoroughly rinsed with clean water after use.
All foam
Baker Fire Department- Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Operating Pressures / Friction Losses
MP- 401.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
All 1 ¾" pre-connected handlines shall be operated using the following flows and pressures.
1 ½” Hose
95 GPM
100 feet
150 feet
200 feet
250 feet
125 GPM
120 psi PDP
130 psi PDP
145 psi PDP
155 psi PDP
95 GPM
1 ¾” Hose
125 GPM
140 psi PDP
155 psi PDP
175 psi PDP
195 psi PDP
150 GPM
200 GPM
100 feet
115 psi PDP
125 psi PDP
135 psi PDP
162 psi PDP
150 feet
120 psi PDP
135 psi PDP
150 psi PDP
195 psi PDP
200 feet
130 psi PDP
150 psi PDP
170 psi PDP
225 psi PDP
250 feet
135 psi PDP
160 psi PDP
190 psi PDP
Standard crosslay: 150 ft 1 ¾”; standard rear preconnect: 250 ft 1 ¾”.
100 feet
200 feet
250 feet
300 feet
350 feet
400 feet
2 ½” Hose
250 GPM
3” Hose
250 GPM
112 psi PDP
125 psi PDP
130 psi PDP
140 psi PDP
145 psi PDP
150 psi PDP
105 psi PDP
110 psi PDP
112 psi PDP
115 psi PDP
117 psi PDP
120 psi PDP
Friction Loss, 5” Hose
400 GPM 500 GPM 750 GPM 1000
GPM
100 feet
1 psi
200 feet
3 psi
300 feet
4 psi
400 feet
5 psi
500 feet
6 psi
600 feet
8 psi
700 feet
9 psi
800 feet
10 psi
900 feet
11 psi
1000 feet
13 psi
Maintain 20 psig residual
2 psi
4 psi
6 psi
8 psi
10 psi
12 psi
14 psi
16 psi
18 psi
20 psi
4 psi
9 psi
13 psi
18 psi
22 psi
27 psi
31 psi
36 psi
40 psi
45 psi
8 psi
16 psi
24 psi
32 psi
40 psi
48 psi
56 psi
64 psi
72 psi
80 psi
1250
GPM
1500
GPM
12 psi
25 psi
37 psi
50 psi
62 psi
75 psi
87 psi
100 psi
112 psi
125 psi
18 psi
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Operating Pressures / Friction Losses
FLOW
60 GPM
95 GPM
100 GPM
125 GPM
150 GPM
175 GPM
200 GPM
FLOW
200 GPM
250 GPM
300 GPM
350 GPM
500 GPM
750 GPM
1000 GPM
1250 GPM
1500 GPM
MP – 401.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
FRICTION LOSS PER 100 FT
1 ½” HOSE
1 ¾” HOSE
9 PSI
22 PSI
14 PSI
24 PSI
15.5 PSI
37.5 PSI
24 PSI
35 PSI
48 PSI
62 PSI
FRICTION LOSS PER 100 FT
2 ½” HOSE
3” HOSE
8 PSI
3 PSI
12.5 PSI
5 PSI
18 PSI
7 PSI
24.5 PSI
10 PSI
5” HOSE
1 PSI
2 PSI
4.5 PSI
8 PSI
12.5 PSI
18 PSI
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
1.5”
1.75”
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Operating Pressures / Friction Losses
MP – 401.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
HANDLINES
MASTER STREAMS
100 gpm = 30 psi / 100’
Solid Tips
100 gpm = 10 psi / 100’ EP=120 psig
1 ¼” = 400 gpm
150 gpm = 22 psi / 100’ EP = 140 psig**
1 ½ “ = 600 gpm
200 gpm = 40 psi / 100’ EP = 180 psig
1 ¾” = 800 gpm
**reduce nozzle pressure 25 psi for Elkhart nozzles
2”
NOZZLE PRESSURES
= 1000 gpm
Nozzle Pressures
Fog
= 100 PSI
Fog = 100 psi
Fog (Elkhart)
= 75 PSI
Solid = 80 psi
Solid
= 50 PSI
4 – 130 FL = 75 psi + Elevation
Fog Flows
Foam Operations
2 ½” = 250 gpm
Sprinkler System
200 psig @ Eductor
150 psi
Piercing Nozzle
125 psi+5
Standpipe
200 psig Nozzle Pressure
psi/Floor
Wye/Siamese
10 psi
Relay Pumping
20 psi
Hydrant Residual
20 psi
PSI Friction Loss / 100 Feet
GPM
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
2.5”
10
21
36
55
78
105
136
171
210
3”
4
8.4
14.4
22
31.2
42
54.4
68.4
84
5”
0.3
0.6
1
1.6
2.3
3.1
4
5.1
6.3
Baker Fire Department– Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Accident / Damage Reporting
M.P. 401.21
POLICY NO.:
.. D Edwards
ISSUED BY: Chief
1
PAGE
OF 2
This guideline is designed to provide a standard system for reporting fire department vehicle
accidents or other damage. ALL Baker F.D. employees are required to comply with the
following:
DEFINITIONS
Damage
Any occurrence where a fire department equipment or vehicle is impaired, destroyed, or harmed
in a manner that causes required a repair or altered the appearance of the vehicle or equipment.
No monetary value needs to be associated with damage.
Examples: Paint scratched with tree branches, air hose pull from vehicle, saw dropped, broken
tools.
Accident
Any occurrence where a fire department vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle accident with
another emergency vehicle, private property or private vehicle, and / or where a person is injured
or killed.
I.
REPORTING AN ACCIDENT
A.
All accidents involving Fire Department vehicles are to be IMMEDIATELY reported to
the officer on duty who will in turn report the accident to the Assistant Chief and/or Fire
Chief. This report shall include:
1.
Your unit I.D. number
2.
Your exact location
3.
An indication of the need for additional assistance (rescue unit, police, engine,
etc.)
4
An estimate of the extent and nature of damage
5.
Indicate if your vehicle is in driving condition
B.
ACCIDENT SCENE DUTIES:
1.
Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than Fire and Police department
representatives.
2.
If you are placed out of service do not move your vehicle unless it is creating a
traffic hazard.
3.
If you must move your vehicle, chalk the position of the tires before moving it.
4.
Obtain witnesses’ name, address & phone number
5.
Remain at scene until Police and Fire Officers have completed reports.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
C.
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Accident / Damage Reporting
MP – 401.21
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
RETURNING TO QUARTERS
1.
2.
3.
Vehicle Operator SHALL submit Driver's Vehicle accident report form with a
narrative attached within 24 hours to the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief
Report shall contain:
a.
Drivers name
b.
Vehicle I.D. number
c.
Date and time of accident
d.
Location
e.
Did police make a report?
f.
Your activity (emergency response?)
g.
Did fire dept. operator receive a citation
h.
Did other operator receive citation?
i.
Describe your operation/actions
j.
Describe other operator's actions
All members responding and witnessed shall submit a written account within 24
hours.
II.
REPORTING DAMAGE
A.
All damage involving Fire Department equipment, tools, or vehicles is to be
IMMEDIATELY reported to the Captain on Duty and Assistant Chief . This report shall
include:
1.
The equipment involved.
2.
Circumstances of how the damage occurred.
3.
An estimate of the extent and nature of damage.
4.
If the equipment was repaired or out of service.
B.
DUTIES:
1.
Repair the equipment.
2.
Notify the Assistant Chief in writing.
3.
Arrange for replacement equipment if needed.
4.
Notify a Chief Officer.
III.
POST ACCIDENT / DAMAGE FOLLOW-UP
The Assistant Chief will assign a committee to review all accident and damage reports and
outline contributing factors and recommendations to the Fire Chief in writing.
The Fire Chief may, upon review, discipline the employee(s). The Fire Chief will follow up with
any required training for all Baker Fire Department personnel as a result of the findings of the
safety committee.
Baker Fire Department
VEHICLE ACCIDENT / DAMAGE / INVESTIGATION REPORT
Report Reviewed by: [ ] Fire Chief
[ ] Ass’t Chief [ ] Safety Review Committee
Date of Incident:___________ Vehicle No.: _______ Responding to an Alarm? [ ] Yes [ ] No
EQUIPMENT TYPE: _________________________
NAME OF DRIVER / OPERATOR:_______________________
LOCATION OF ACCIDENT: ______________________________________________________
DESTINATION & ROUTE OR ACTIVITY AT TIME OF DAMAGE: ___________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TYPE OF ACCIDENT: [ ] PERSONAL INJURY
WERE THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON?
WAS THE SIREN SOUNDING?
[ ] PROPERTY DAMAGE
[ ] VEHICLE DAMAGE
[ ] YES [ ] NO [ ] N/A
[ ] YES [ ] NO [ ] N/A
WEATHER CONDITIONS:_____________________ ROAD TYPE & CONDITIONS:______________
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
DIAGRAM OF ACCIDENT
Page 1
Baker Fire Department
VEHICLE ACCIDENT / DAMAGE / INVESTIGATION REPORT
SEVERITY OF VEHICLE / EQUIPMENT DAMAGE (DESCRIBE):
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ACTS, FAILURES TO ACT AND/OR CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTED MOST DIRECTLY TO THE
ACCIDENT (IMMEDIATE CAUSE)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ARE THE BASIC OR FUNDAMENTAL REASONS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF THESE ACTS OR
CONDITIONS (FUNDAMENTAL CAUSE)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ACTION HAS OR SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PREVENT RECURRANCE?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
**ATTACH COPIES OF PHOTOS, POLICE REPORT & BAKER FIRE DEPT. INCIDENT REPORT**
REPORTED BY:______________________________________ DATE: _________________
SIGNATURE
SUPERVISOR:______________________________________ DATE: _________________
SIGNATURE
[ ] REVIEWED BY SAFETY REVIEW COMMITTEE
DATE:__________
SRC COMMENTS / ACTION:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
SRC MEMBER :______________________________________ DATE: _________________
SIGNATURE
Page 2
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Cold Weather Operations
MP _ 401.22
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Fire pumps are to be kept wet when outside temperatures are below 30  F.
Apparatus outside that is parked or staged for any reason must circulate water through the pump
as soon as possible to prevent freezing.
If freezing is observed, place portable heaters near the pump to thaw it as soon as possible.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Placing Equipment Back In Service
MP – 401.23
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
All apparatus shall be placed back into full service immediately after each response. The
firefighter / operator shall insure the apparatus is response ready by checking the following:










Fuel level (3/4 +)
Fluid levels
Water tank level
SCBA full and stowed properly
All portable tools & equipment cleaned and refueled
Radios on proper channel
Disposable equipment restocked
Hose charts completed
Vehicle cleaned as needed
Maintenance paper work completed as needed
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Fire Apparatus
2004/05
UPDATED:
Chocking Wheels
MP – 401.24
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
PURPOSE
To assure the safety of personnel operating around fire apparatus and prevent fire apparatus from
moving when parked.
SCOPE
Wheel chocks shall be used for all fire engines when the firefighter / operator leaves the cab
under the following circumstances:


The apparatus is parked and operating (in pump gear) at an emergency scene
The apparatus is parked and operating (in pump gear) at a non-emergency
scene such as training, etc.
PROCEDURE
A pair of chocks will be placed on the rear tires on the drivers side of the apparatus. One chock
in front of the tire and one to the rear of the tire.
The operator shall verify the chocks are removed and placed securely in their holders prior to
moving the apparatus.
Section 500
Emergency
Medical
Services
SOGs
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operatin Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Routine Care for all Patients
MP – 501.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
These protocols are not meant to be totally restrictive. They are designed as a guide only. If at
any time you feel it is in the patient's best interest to deviate from these protocols then you may
do so, but you must be able to justify any deviation to a panel of your peers. Any problems or
recommendations you may have concerning these protocols may be referred to the rescue
coordinator.
I.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
A.
Establish level of responsiveness
B.
AIRWAY - assure that patient has an open airway.
1.
Trauma - consider possible cervical spine injury; use modified jaw thrust
maneuver.
2.
Medical emergencies - use head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.
C.
BREATHING - assure that patient is breathing adequately. Look, listen, and feel for
movement of air.
D.
CIRCULATION - check for presence of carotid pulse.
E.
CERVICAL SPINE - (trauma patients) maintain alignment of cervical vertebrae with
head in a neutral in line position.
F.
RAPID HEAD TO TOE CHECK - for life threatening injuries (hemorrhage, flail chest,
etc.) expose chest. correct life threatening injuries as they are found.
II.
A.
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Vital signs - assess:
1.
Pulse - rate, rhythm, quality
2.
Respiration - rate, rhythm, quality
3.
Blood pressure
4.
Level of consciousness
5.
Pupil responses
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
II
C.
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Routine Care for all Patients
MP – 501.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (Continued)
6.
Skin condition
7.
SpO2 if possible
HISTORY
1.
Obtain from patient, family, and/or by-standers
2.
Subjective information - that information that the patient must describe to you.
3.
4.
a.
Symptoms - such as nausea, pain, dizziness, numbness, etc.
b.
Allergies
c.
Pertinent medical history
d.
Any self-treatment (if pertinent) prior to arrival
e.
Mechanism of injury
Objective information - that information which must be gained through
observation or physical assessment.
a.
Level of consciousness
b.
General appearance
c.
Skin color
d.
Diagnostic and vital signs
e.
Mechanism of injury
Obtain and list all patient medications on run report for EMS.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
E.
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Routine Care for all Patients
MP – 501.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
DOCUMENTATION
It is necessary to maintain continuity of patient care as well as a legal record of the care
given an individual patient. The following format should be used in the narrative
summary.

ISA - Initial Scene Assessment

HxPI - History of Present Illness

PMHx - Past Medical History

PE - Physical Exam

Tx/Disp - Treatment & Disposition
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
A.
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest
MP – 501.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Perform Initial Assessment
1.
Establish level of responsiveness
2.
AIRWAY - assure that patient has an adequate airway
3.
BREATHING - if patient's respirations are inadequate or absent, insert an
oropharyngeal airway and assist ventilation by one of the following means:
4.
a.
mouth to mask using supplemental oxygen,
b.
ambu bag with reservoir and supplemental oxygen,
c.
demand valve.
CIRCULATION - check for presence of a carotid pulse.
a.
if present, continue ventilating patient once every 3 to 5 seconds (12-20
per minute) as appropriate.
b.
if absent, initiate closed chest compressions and continue 1 or 2 rescuer
CPR as appropriate according to A.H.A. standards.
B.
Initiate AED protocol
C.
Perform brief SECONDARY SURVEY and obtain history from family and/or bystanders.
1.
Look for possible causes of arrest, other than cardiac origin.
2.
Package patient on long spine board securely for transport.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Suspected MI, Chest Pain or Angina
MP – 501.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following protocol is the recommended treatment for the adult patient presenting with signs
and symptoms consistent with AMI. Not all patients who experience an AMI present with the
classic crushing type chest discomfort. Symptoms may be very vague, especially in the geriatric
age group. The responder must maintain a high index of suspicion in any patient regardless of
age, who presents with symptoms including, but not limited to:
A.
Heavy retrosternal chest discomfort
B.
Nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis
C.
Acute onset of dyspnea
D.
Syncope or confusion not attributable to other etiology
E.
Aching type discomfort to arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder
F.
Epigastric discomfort
G.
Acute onset of general weakness
If the patient presents with signs/symptoms consistent with AMI, the responder may initiate the
following treatment:
1.
Perform initial assessment
2.
Administer 100% oxygen, and attach pulse oximeter
3.
(EMT Skill Only) If patient has been prescribed Nitroglycerin and has discomfort
related to an acute myocardial infarction with a systolic blood pressure of greater
than 100mm Hg you may assist with administration of the patient’s Nitroglycern
sublingually every five minutes to a maximum dosage of 3 (including any doses
taken by patient prior to fire department arrival). Record the time of all dosages
and monitor the patient’s vital signs.
NOTE: Gather patient's medications and list on run report for EMS.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Acute Respiratory Distress
MP – 501.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following protocol is the recommended treatment for the adult patient presenting in
respiratory failure or arrest.
Respiratory failure is defined as the inability of the lungs to perform oxygenation or ventilatory
function. Signs and symptoms of respiratory failure may include, but are not limited to altered
mental status related to hypoxia, absent or diminished lung sounds, accessory respiratory muscle
use, cyanosis, dyspnea, nasal flaring, pulmonary edema, pursed lips, wheezing, rhales, rhonchi,
stridor, grunting, prolonged expiration, bradypnea, tracheal tugging, and diaphoresis.
This protocol focuses on patients in respiratory failure or arrest due to Asthma, C.O.P.D.,
Pulmonary Edema or other Life threating causes. If anaphylaxis is suspected, treat according to
that protocol.
If the patient presents in respiratory failure/arrest, the responder may initiate the following
treatment.
1.
Perform initial assessment
2.
Place patient in appropriate position, administer oxygen at appropriate
concentration (preferably 12L/mask) and attach pulse oximeter.
3.
Assist ventilations as needed.
4.
(EMT Skill Only) If signs of laryngeal/tracheal/bronchial constriction are present
and the patient has a prescribed inhaler you may assist in administering q2-5min
to maximum of 2 doses. (does not include any doses taken PTA)
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Altered Level of Consciousness
MP – 501.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following protocol is the recommended treatment for the adult patient presenting with an
altered level of consciousness.
1.
Perform initial assessment
2.
Maintain airway and administer high flow oxygen.
3.
Monitor patient vital signs including SpO2.
4.
Obtain as much information about when patient was last seen in a normal
condition.
5.
If suspected CVA place patient with head slightly elevated and protect from
injury. Be prepared if patient seizes.
6.
(EMT Skill Only) If suspected hypoglycemic (known diabetic) You may
administer oral glucose. If patient has decreased LOC you should administer the
glucose in small amounts between the cheek and gums. MONITOR AIRWAY
CLOSELY.
7.
If suspected seizure protect the patient from further injury and monitor condition
during postictal phase. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PLACE ANY THING IN
PATIENTS MOUTH DURING SEIZURE.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Anaphylactic Reaction
MP – 501.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following protocol is the recommended treatment for the adult patient presenting with a
severe anaphylactic reaction.
If the patient presents with a suspected severe anaphylactic reaction due to exposure to an
allergen, and is experiencing any of the following signs/symptoms: dyspnea, itching, rash,
dysphagia, chest tightness, wheezes, and hypotension.
1.
Perform initial assessment
2.
Obtain vital signs including SpO2.
3.
Place patient on High flow oxygen.
4.
Determine patient history and identify possible allergens.
5.
(EMT Skill Only) If patient has an Epi-Pen or Allergy Kit and the patient is
experiencing any of the above signs/symptoms along with respiratory
compromise (dyspenea and wheezes) you may administer per instructions with
unit.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
A.
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Multi-System Trauma
MP – 501.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
FULL SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION WILL BE UTILIZED ON ALL MULTI-SYSTEM
TRAUMA PATIENTS.
1.
Maintain head in neutral in line position until the patient is properly immobilized.
2.
Apply c-collar and secure the patient to a K.E.D.
3.
Remove from vehicle using long board, making sure the patient is secured.
NOTE: IN SITUATIONS WHERE THE PATIENT IS RAPIDLY DETERIORATING,
WHERE THERE IS STRONG POSSIBILITY OF FIRE, OR WHERE THE
VEHICLE IS PRECARIOUSLY POSITIONED, USE THE RAPID
EXTRICATION TECHNIQUE.
B.
If respiration is adequate - administer high flow oxygen
C.
If appropriate, initiate CPR / AED. Remember airway and shock management take
priority over defibrillation.
D.
Assess mechanism of injury. Be aware of possible hidden injuries related to mechanism
of injury. Penetrating wounds of the chest or neck are to be sealed with an occlusive
dressing. Watch for respiratory distress, tracheal deviation, and other signs of tension
pneumothorax.
F.
DO NOT remove an impaled object, stabilize it with bulky dressings.
G.
Vital signs will be taken every 5-8 minutes.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Burns(Thermal, Electrical, Chemical)
MP – 501.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following protocol is the recommended treatment for the adult patient present with burns
from thermal, electrical or chemical sources.
A.
If respiration is adequate, administer high flow oxygen.
B.
If appropriate, initiate CPR / AED.
C.
Check the mouth and nose for evidence of airway burns, monitor patient's respirations
closely.
D.
Cut all clothes away from burned areas. NOTE: If clothes are stuck to burns, cut around
these areas and DO NOT pull the clothes loose.
E.
Estimate the extent and classification of burns according to the RULES OF NINE.
F.
If thermal in nature, wrap burned areas in Water Gel burn dressings, do not apply any
excess gel from the container on the burn.
G.
Cover the burned area with a sterile burn sheet.
H.
Apply a disposable blanket to prevent the patient from becoming chilled.
I.
For chemical burns to the skin, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15-20
minutes to dilute the chemical.
J.
For chemical burns to the eyes, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 20-30
minutes to dilute the chemical.
K.
Monitor patient vital signs.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Head Injuries
MP – 501.09
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following protocol is the recommended treatment for the adult patient presenting with an
isolated head injury.
A.
Perform initial assessment
B.
If respiration is adequate, administer high flow oxygen.
C.
If appropriate, initiate CPR /AED.
D.
With head injuries, always consider cervical spine precautions.
E.
Pay special attention to the patient's LOC and response to verbal and painful stimuli.
F.
Note any changes in behavior.
G.
Note size and response of pupils to light.
H.
Take sequential vital signs at 5-8 minute intervals.
I.
Be prepared for vomiting
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
DOAs, Natural
MP – 501.10
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
A.
In cases of a patient being obviously dead, the Baker Police and coroner's office must be
notified.
B.
If there is any question as to if the patient is a D.O.A. work the patient and continue
EMS. Consider that a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) may be available from a family
member, on file or by a health care worker. Follow the protocol for DNRs.
C.
Baker F.D. personnel will NOT disturb the subject or scene when death is obvious as
manifested by:
1.
Decapitation or gross dismemberment.
2.
Decomposition or putrefaction.
3.
Rigor mortis.
4.
Definite post-mortem lividity.
In such circumstances, Baker F.D. personnel will make only such examination as is
necessary to determine death.
D.
The following are NOT evidence of biological death:
1.
Absence of vital signs for an undetermined period of time.
2.
Fixed and/or dilated pupils.
E.
When obvious evidence of death is not present Baker F.D. personnel will institute
appropriate measures.
F.
Maintain the dignity of the deceased. Completely cover the body. Removal of the
deceased will be done by the funeral home after notification by the coroner’s office.
G.
Consider the need for a chaplain, social worker and CISM for the family, friends,
emergency workers and those affected by the incident (Occupant & Patient Services,
SOG MP – 301.06 & M.P. 501.15).
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
DOAs, Crime Scene
MP – 501.11
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Scene safety is the primary concern of all personnel responding to a potential crime scene.
Verify with police that the scene is safe first.
The utmost cooperation with law enforcement agencies is required in order to preserve a crime
scene. Our purpose is to determine whether or not resuscitation efforts are required. If the
victim is salvageable, all efforts must be made to save a life, and the scene is secondary.
If no resuscitation efforts are required, our duties are to gather the necessary information to
complete a First Aid Worksheet, preserve the scene, and communicate with the Baker Police any
changes or observations we have made at the scene. Turn the scene over to the Police Dept. and
get in service as soon as possible.
Removal of the deceased should be done by the coroner or funeral home.
Consider the need for a chaplain, social worker and CISM for the family, friends, emergency
workers and those effected by the incident. (Occupant & Patient Services SOG M.P. 301.06 &
M.P.501.15).
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Automatic External Defibrillation
MP – 501.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 5
The following protocols are to be used on any patient found in cardiac arrest unless
contraindicated as described below. These protocols are based upon AHA ACLS book chapters
6 and 20.
WARNING: An AED should only be used on a pulseless patient.
Indications:
Pulseless patient
Contraindications:
Patient with a pulse.
Drowning in an open body of water.
Hypothermic patient.
A child weighing less than 45 Kg (90lbs).
AED PROTOCOL TWO-PERSON RESPONSE TEAM
Do to the danger of shocking a rescuer or by-stander, the responder who will be operating the
AED shall be in charge of the scene.
The responders should be able to deliver the first shock to a patient within 90 seconds of arrival
at the patient's side.
Two-person response team
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
CPR provider
Establish unresponsiveness
Position the victim; open the airway
Establish breathlessness
Give two full ventilations
Establish pulselessness
Announce "Full cardiac arrest - start defibrillation protocol"
Begin CPR
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Automatic External Defibrillation
MP – 501.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 5
AED operator
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Place AED near the victim's left ear
Open the AED, and turn on "power"
Open defibrillator adhesive pads
Attach defibrillator pads to patient
Tell CPR performer to stop chest compressions
Shock Steps
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Clear patient "I'm clear. You're clear. Everybody's clear!"
If a shock is indicated repeat clear patient command
Press "shock" control when indicated
Repeat analyze and shock steps a maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR for one minute
Check pulse and breathing
Still no pulse repeat analyze and shock steps, maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR for one minute.
Still no pulse repeat analyze and shock steps, maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR until ACLS or transport agency
arrive.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Automatic External Defibrillation
MP – 501.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 5
AED PROTOCOL ONE-PERSON RESPONSE TEAM
The responders should be able to deliver the first shock to a patient with-in 90 seconds of arrival
at the patient's side.
The need for rapid identification and defibrillation of shockable rhythms dictates attachment of
the AED and analysis of the rhythm before 1 minute of CPR. A full cardiac arrest with an
unobstructed airway must be confirmed.
One rescuer
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Establish unresponsiveness
Position the victim; open the airway
Establish breathlessness
Give two full ventilations
Establish pulselessness
Announce "Full cardiac arrest - start defibrillation protocol"
Place AED near the victim's left ear
Open the AED, and turn on "power"
Open defibrillator adhesive pads
Attach defibrillator pads to patient
Shock Steps
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Clear patient "I'm clear. You're clear. Everybody's clear!"
If a shock is indicated repeat clear patient command
Press "shock" control when indicated
Repeat analyze and shock steps a maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR for one minute
Check pulse and breathing
Still no pulse repeat analyze and shock steps, maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR
Continue CPR for one minute.
Check pulse and breathing
Still no pulse repeat analyze and shock steps, maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR until ACLS or transport agency
arrive.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2000405 UPDATED:
Automatic External Defibrillation
MP – 501.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 5
AED PROTOCOL FOR A PATIENT WHO REGAINS A PULSE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Establish return of a pulse and breathing
If patient is not breathing, assist respiration
Put patient on 02
Take a complete set of vitals
Package patient for transport
Monitor patient until transportation arrives
Note: The AED should stay on the patient until an ACLS provider with equipment takes over.
Although the AED will warn you if the patient goes into a shockable rhythm, the basic
provider should not become dependent on the AED. It is still your responsibility to
monitor your patient.
AED PROTOCOL FOR A PATIENT WITH NO SHOCK INDICATED
While using an AED to treat a patient, if at any time the AED indicates that a shock is not
advised perform the following steps.
1.
2.
3.
Check pulse and breathing
Resume CPR
Every time that you would check a pulse and breathing during CPR, re-analyze
the patient
AED PROTOCOL FOR A PATIENT WHO REGAINS A PULSE AND
THEN BECOMES PULSELESS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Establish unresponsiveness
Position the victim; open the airway
Establish breathlessness
Give two full ventilations
Establish pulselessness
Announce "Full cardiac arrest - re-analyze the patient"
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Automatic External Defibrillation
MP – 501.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
5
PAGE
OF 5
Shock Steps
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Clear patient "I'm clear. You're clear. Everybody's clear!"
Press the "analyze" control of the AED
If a shock is indicated repeat clear patient command
Press "shock" control when indicated
Repeat analyze and shock steps a maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR for one minute
Check pulse and breathing
Still no pulse repeat analyze and shock steps, maximum of three times
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR for one minute
Check pulse and breathing
Still no pulse repeat analyze and shock steps, maximum of three times
When "no shock indicated" message is received or three shocks delivered, check
pulse and breathing
If no pulse or inadequate pulse resume CPR until ACLS or transport agency
arrive
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Patient Refusal
MP – 501.13
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Medical refusal / release forms shall be obtained. The Officer in charge will insure that this
procedure is followed before clearing the scene.
 Anytime an air bag is deployed on a vehicle involved in an accident.
 I the party presents with an injury or complains of an injury.
It is our primary duty to advise patients that require treatment and/or transport not to refuse.
Only a conscious, mentally competent / unimpaired adult may sign a refusal form.
Patients that present as incompetent, suicidal, impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other means should
have the seriousness and potential consequences of refusing explained to them. If they still
refuse and they are a threat to themselves or others they may be forcibly restrained. Strongly
consider Police Department assistance.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Accidents Involving School Buses
MP – 501.14
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
PURPOSE
This guideline covers the handling of motor vehicle accidents involving a school bus with
passengers that are minors. It is intended to be implemented by EMS personnel on the scene in
conjunction with East Baton Rouge EMS System protocol and system policy.
The intent of this guideline is to treat the injured, manage the number of uninjured children
transported to the hospital and reduce EMS scene time and resource utilization.
Parents / Guardians may sign a release. Children on a field trip with a signed permission slip
may have the school representative sign a release.
The following will assist EMS personnel with the treatment and discharge or transport of minor
patients involved in a school bus accident.
I.
SCHOOL BUS WITH SERIOUS INJURIES WITH OR WITHOUT A GUARDIAN
A
Triage
B
Treat
II.
SCHOOL BUS WITHOUT INJURIES WITH A GUARDIAN
A
Triage
B
Release form(s) must be signed by the Guardian
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Accidents Involving School Buses
MP – 501.14
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
III.
SCHOOL BUS WITHOUT INJURIES WITHOUT A GUARDIAN
A
Triage
B
Hold for EMS / Police Dept. personnel
IV.
SCHOOL BUS WITH SOME INJURED WITH & WITHOUT A GUARDIAN
A
Triage and separate
B.
Treat injured per EMS Protocol
C
Hold uninjured for EMS / Police Dept. personnel
If the bus involved in the incident cannot be driven, consider contacting the bus company to send
another bus to the scene. School bus companies will dispatch a separate bus for transport of
uninjured students.
Keep in mind the need to control the scene by keeping children not on the bus in one location
and supervised. Be prepared to deal with parents that may show up at the scene of the accident.
Refer to patients services SOG MP –501.15 School bus drivers are usually relieved of duty and
taken for a drug & alcohol screening.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Patient Services
MP – 501.15
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
PURPOSE
The purpose of this guideline is to establish the role of Patient services. Firefighters and EMTs
are always ambassadors between the Fire Dept. and the citizens directly and indirectly involved
in an incident. Patient services supplements care of the patient by addressing other concerns they
may have as a result of the emergency and the needs of significant others.
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
The primary focus is always on the safety of personnel and patient treatment and transportation.
However, as part of the critical extension of our customer service delivery, Firefighters and
EMTs must keep in mind the need to address the emotions of significant others and friends of the
patient. By-standers of the emergency may also need attention.
It is very important to keep significant others informed of what is occurring with the patient. Be
open and honest. Do not give a diagnosis or prognosis.
Significant others should be allowed to maintain contact with the patient. This is important for
the well-being of the patient and significant others alike. During transport a significant other or
friend may ride in the ambulance, preferably in the passengers seat. When special circumstances
are presented (children, interpreter, etc.) a significant other or friend may ride in the patient
compartment of the ambulance with the approval of the senior paramedic on the ambulance.
Where circumstances do not allow anyone to ride in the ambulance with the patient,
arrangements should be made to assure significant others and/or friends have a means to get to
the hospital (police, taxi cab, neighbor, fire department vehicle).
Consider the need for the services of chaplains, social workers, Critical Incident Stress
Management (CISM), or other psychological support for the family, and community in the area
of the incident. Primarily where deaths have occurred, children are involved, or other unusual
events have occurred. The hospital is a valuable resource.
Patient Services may need to address mental health needs while the incident is taking place, such
as in a trench rescue, electrocution, or other incident where fire department action may be
delayed. Addressing these issues early can minimize poor public perception and improve
relations. Be sure to call for assistance early (Fire Chief Assistant Chief, additional units, etc.).
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Patient Services
MP – 501.15
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
PATIENT PROPERTY AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Patients requiring transportation by an ambulance may have the need to secure property (house,
car, business) and gather belongings (clothes, purse, groceries) for their trip to the hospital.
Suggest to significant others that they bring along items needed by the patient. If a significant
other is not available, firefighters and EMTs should consider the following:







Gather the patient's glasses, robe, wallet or purse, etc., as they request.
Turning off stove or other appliances.
Arranging for care of pets while the patient is gone (neighbor, building
manager).
If the patient is not at home, the patient may have packages from shop ping,
groceries, children, etc.
Secure the patient’s home, business or vehicle.
Provide cellular phone access for the patient or significant others.
Clothing and/or personal articles removed from the patient must be placed in a
bag and clearly marked with the patients name. These articles should be
passed on to EMS so that they may pass them on to the care provider at the
receiving hospital.
Consider asking the Baker Police to secure property and belongings.
Never entrust the property or belongings of a patient to anyone other than significant others or
the Baker Police unless authorized to do so by the patient.
Never delay treatment or transportation of the patient to perform additional customer service in
life threatening situations.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Multi-Casualty Incidents
MP – 501.16
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 4
PURPOSE
This guideline establishes key factors for fire department management of multi-casualty EMS
incidents. Multi-casualty incidents may also include fire, haz-mat and technical rescue which are
covered in other SOGs. This plan will integrate all aspects of the Incident Command system.
The first arriving unit must make an early determination of the number of patients and
implement the appropriate level of response to have the needed resources.
BASIC OPERATIONAL APPROACH
This guideline is intended to deal with incidents involving multiple patient in need of emergency
care. The same approach should be employed in any case, adjusting operations to the scale of
the incident.
The first priority is to locate patients, triage them, and remove them from immediate danger to a
treatment area.

Red and yellow patients should be treated and transported as soon as possible.

Green patients should be gathered in an assembly area until resources allow their
treatment and transport.

DOA (black) patients should be left in place for removal by the coroner.
FIRST ARRIVING UNIT
The first arriving unit must size-up, assume command, and transmit an initial number of patients
and type of situation to Fire Alarm Communications and EMS Medcom as soon as possible.
Call for assistance immediately as required. Request Fire Alarm Communications to have
additional units respond, tone for call-back, notify other agencies, etc.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Multi-Casualty Incidents
MP – 501.16
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 4
COMMAND RESPONSIBILITIES
The IC at a multi-casualty incident is responsible for the management and control of the
following:

Establish a command post.

Request resources needed to meet objectives.

Activate MABAS alarms and Mass Casualty Plan.

Locate and account for all patients.

Extricate trapped patients and control hazards.

Assign sectors and allocate resources.

Establish site safety.

Coordinate Triage, Treatment, & Transportation of patients.

Notify area hospitals.

Liaison with other agencies.

Contact alarm with progress reports.

Provide for media relations.

Debrief
SECTORS
Consider establishing the following sectors from the start and then expanding the command
organization to meet the needs of the incident:






Command
Triage
Treatment
Transportation
Extrication
Staging
STAGING
Early assistance should be requested and units arriving must be carefully coordinated. Staging
should be established in the following manner:
First arriving units:
First in IC, ambulance and squad should go directly to the scene and begin size-up, triage,
treatment, etc.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Multi-Casualty Incidents
MP – 501.16
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 4
STAGING (Continued)
Additional requested units:
Should use Level I staging upon arrival at the scene and await assignment from IC.
Multiple Alarm Units:
Level II staging away from the scene. Maintain access to treatment area for transport of
patients.
Crews should report to their assigned sectors carrying the appropriate equipment (medical
supplies, backboards, rescue tools, etc.)
TRIAGE
The Triage sector must survey the scene, triage and tag patients immediately. The goal is to do
the greatest good for the greatest number. If it is necessary to move patients from a hazardous
area first, they must be tagged prior to entering the treatment area.
TREATMENT
The Treatment sector is responsible for establishing and managing the treatment area in a safe
location. Field stabilization, re-triage, and medical supervision of those awaiting transport must
be accomplished. The treatment area should be staffed and supplied adequately to absorb the
patient load. Locate the treatment area so that it is easily accessible by ambulances.
TRANSPORTATION
The Transportation sector is responsible for the allocation of patients to hospitals and their
assignment to a transport vehicle. Initially the Transportation Sector must get patients
transported prior to the Mass Casualty Plan being implemented.
The first 10-12 critical (RED) patients should be transported immediately. Transportation should
send 2 red patients to the closest hospitals as soon as possible. Notify EMS Medcom (medical
control) immediately.
Transportation sector must maintain accountability records (triage tag #) for patients transported.
Baker Fire Department– Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Multi-Casualty Incidents
MP –501.16
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 4
EXTRICATION/RESCUE
The Extrication sector is responsible for locating, extricating, and removing patients to the
treatment areas. Heavy rescue and special equipment may be required. Triage and treatment
may be done by the extrication sector if it is determined to be necessary.
OTHER SECTORS
Depending on the type of situation encountered, additional operational sectors may need to be
established in tandem with the EMS to control hazards.




Fire
Hazardous Materials
Water Rescue
Technical Rescue
RE-HAB & DEBRIEF
Multi-casualty incidents may be extended operations.
established to keep emergency workers viable.
A Re-hab sector may need to be
Consider the need for CISM of emergency workers and citizens at multi-casualty incidents that
may impact the mental well-being of those involved.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Baker F.D.– EMS Coordination
MP – 501.17
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
The Medical Officer or Fire Chief shall be the medical authority for The Baker Fire Department.
When the Fire Chief or Medical Officer is not on a first aid or rescue scene, the senior EMT on
the scene (or, in the absence of an EMT, the senior first responder) shall be the medical authority
for the Baker Fire Department. Only firefighters who possess current certification as a minimum
First Responder shall be permitted to respond to first aid or rescue calls unless specifically
approved by the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief.
Every qualified fireman desiring to perform hands-on first aid shall be furnished with a trauma
kit and furnishings.
In order to coordinate with East Baton Rouge Parish EMS certain objectives must be understood
and certain guidelines observed:
1)
EMS provides ALS (Advanced Life Support) care and transportation and is
therefore capable of invasive procedures (intubation and IV therapy), drug
therapy, electronic cardiac monitoring and interpretation and direct
communications with an emergency room physician.
2)
Baker Fire Department provides BLS (Basic Life Support) care at the EMT and
First Responder levels as well as cardiac care via the AED (Automatic External
Defibrillator).
3)
Private providers licensed in East Baton Rouge Parish (Acadian Ambulance,
) provide ALS & BLS care and transportation in the City of Baker.
4)
In order for our system to work effectively, each organization should be utilized
in the most efficient manner practical.
5)
For all rescue and first aid calls, the Baker Fire Department senior officer (who
may or may not be a fire captain) is in sole command of all medical procedures
and care until the arrival of the first EMS unit. In medical matters, that EMT has
authority over any and all other fire or police personnel. In the event an off-duty
EMS EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic not associated with Baker Fire Department
arrives on the scene, he may, at his discretion, take complete charge of all
patients. Should this occur, the Baker Fire Department EMT in command shall
record the time of transfer of patient care and the name of the responsible person
on all appropriate Baker F.D. reports and then shall support that EMT
Intermediate or Paramedic in the performance of their duties.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
6)
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Baker F. D. – EMS Coordination
MP – 501.17
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
The officer in command shall utilize EMS for:






All patients requring ALS skills
All cardiac patients,
All active-seizure and postictal patients,
All hyper- and hypoglycemic patients,
All BLS patients when, in the opinion of the senior medical officer, the
patient's condition may deteriorate rapidly and require ALS care,
And when the patient requires or requests transportation to a medical
facility. It is the senior medical officer's responsibility to assess the
patients and utilize the various organizations as intended.
7)
The senior officer shall advise the incoming EMS unit on R esponse Coordination
as to the status of patients. EMS shall also be advised if the condition of the
patient does not warrant a Code 3 response.
8)
When a critical patient is under EMS's control, Baker Fire Department may assist
by providing a trained firefighter (first responder minimum) to assist with the
patient and/or a firefighter to drive the EMS vehicle while EMS personnel attend
to the patient. All assistance offered by Baker F. D. must be approved by the
EMS paramedic in charge and all drivers must by approved to drive Baker Fire
Department
9)
Problems, questions or clarifications shall be channeled through the Assistant
Chief or Fire Chief.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Standby at EMS Scenes
MP – 501.18
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
At least one qualified firefighter shall stand-by at every incident until the last EMS unit leaves
the scene. For the purposes of this Guideline, qualified shall mean having a minimum First
Responder certification and being capable of driving the EMS unit in the event of an emergency.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
EMS Safety Equipment
MP – 501.19
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
All medical personnel shall be issued, as a minimum, the following EMS personal protective
equipment. Additionally, the rescue unit shall be equipped with spare supplies.


High risk gloves of the appropriate size
Safety glasses with side shields
Any employee requesting such, will be provided with:


Tyvek one-piece suit
HEPA mask
All employees shall utilize gloves every time there is a probability they will come into contact
with any patient’s bodily fluids. Safety glasses should be worn any time it is reasonably
anticipated a patient might be susceptible to projectile vomiting or arterial bleeds.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
MP – 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 10
GENERAL
It is the goal of the Baker Fire Department to adequately protect all members from the risk of
transmission of communicable diseases, not only during emergency incidents, but in all work
environments.
Baker Fire Department recognizes the potential of exposure of its members to communicable
diseases in the performance of their duties. In the emergency care setting, the infectious disease
status of patients is generally unknown by fire department personnel. All patients shall,
therefore, be considered infectious and blood and body fluid precautions shall be taken with ALL
patients.
To minimize the risk of exposure, Baker Fire Department will provide safety equipment (ref
SOG M.P. 501.19, EMS Safety Equipment) and will provide the necessary cleaning and
disinfecting supplies. Baker Fire Department will also provide the initial instruction and
continuing education in preventative health care practices so that firefighters possess a basic
awareness of infectious diseases, understand the risks and severity of various types of exposures
and exhibit proper skills in infection control.
Standard prophylactic medical treatment will be given to exposed members and necessary
immunizations will be made available to protect firefighters from potentially infectious diseases.
Fire department members shall notify the Captain on duty who will inform the Assistant Chief or
the Fire Chief after any actual or suspected exposure to a contagious disease. The patient will be
investigated for possible communicable diseases to determine the need for treatment of the
exposed employee. If considered necessary by the Fire Chief, the departmental physician will be
contacted for consultation.
Initiation of documentation is the employee’s responsibility.
These [procedures are designed to prevent infection from occurring in both patients and fire
department employees. This goes beyond simple protective measures, such as donning gloves or
washing hands. Infection control is a comprehensive, proactive approach to managing the risks
associated with all communicable diseases.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE TRANSMISSION
Infectious substances are transmitted via an infected person’s blood, body fluids visibly
contaminated with blood or bodily fluids which contain urine, feces, vomitus, saliva, mucous,
tears, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, vaginal secretions and placental fluids. Generally, the human
skin provides a barrier against exposure to infectious substances. However, if the skin has open
sores, cuts or abrasions, this protective barrier becomes a route for transmitting infection.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
MP – 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 10
INFECTIOUS DISEASE TRANSMISSION (Continued)
Airborne respiratory secretions from a patient’s cough or sneeze also increase the risk of
exposure to certain diseases. Contact with a patient's blood or bodily fluids visibly contaminated
with blood poses the greatest risk of transmitting certain diseases, such as Hepatitis B Virus and
AIDS/HIV. The following chart describes some diseases which may be considered an
occupational hazard when providing pre-hospital care.
INFECTION
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
RISK IN EMT SETTING
AIDS/HIV
Blood-to-blood or mucous
membrane
Fecal-to-oral
Blood or body fluid to blood
or mucous membranes
Blood or body fluid to blood
or mucous membranes
Respiratory droplets to
mucous membranes
Respiratory secretions or fecal
to oral
airborne
Low
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis NANB
(Hepatitis C)
Measles
Meningitis
Tuberculosis
Low
High
High
Very high
Low (unless mouth-tomouth)
Low (if patient is on
medication)
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
This procedure outlines protective measures Baker Fire Department personnel should take with
treating patients. These protective measures should be taken even if the patient is asymptomatic;
it is the employee’s responsibility to initiate protective measures.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES
 All members shall exercise BSI or Body Substance Isolation for all patients:
 Use gloves on all patients
 Wear eye protection
 Wash your hands immediately if contaminated with body fluids
 Contaminated waste and equipment must be placed into red biohazard bags
and disposed of as waste or disinfected as required by this procedure
Baker Fire Department - Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
MP – 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 10
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES (Continued)





Ask patients to turn their head away & cover their mouth & nose when
coughing or sneezing
Wear a surgical mask when appropriate
Minimize number of treatment personnel
Avoid direct contact with body fluids
DO NOT wipe eyes, nose, mouth or nose before washing hands
HAND WASHING
The Center for Disease Control states the “hand washing before and after contact with patients is
the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection”. Washing your hands
after each patient is a must. Use soap and disinfecting solution on the engines and rescue unit
when public washrooms are not readily available.
Baker Fire Department recommends that hand washing take a minimum of ten (10) seconds to
properly rid the hands of protein matter, blood, secretions and other contaminants picked up
while handling patients. Vigorous scrubbing is essential.
Following is one method recommended:








Wet hands two or three inches above wrists
Apply hand-cleaning agent.
Rub hands to work up a lather
Use a rotating motion, apply friction to all surfaces of hands and wrists, including the
backs of the hands, between the fingers and around and under the nails. Interlace
fingers and rub up and down; continue for 15 seconds
Holding hands downward, rinse thoroughly, allowing the water to drop off fingertips
Repeat procedure
Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel
Turn off faucet using a clean paper towel to avoid contaminating your hands on the
dirty faucet handle
HAND PROTECTION
Gloves must be worn when treating any patient where the possibility of coming in direct contact
with the patient’s body fluids exists. Gloves must be worn at all times when treatment personnel
have cuts or abrasions on their hands. Spare gloves should be kept on your uniform.
Contaminated gloves must be discarded into red biohazard bags and properly disposed of.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
MP – 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 10
FOOD HANDLING
Rushing out of the station in the middle of dinner is a common occurrence. Yet, leaving an
unfinished meal on the dining room table is unhealthy and increases the possibility of several
different types of food poisoning.
Food produces toxins when it stands at room temperature for several hours before being eaten.
Even if food is reheated, the toxins remain. Two to four hours after consumption of
contaminated food, the following reactions may develop: cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
dehydration, colic and / or fever.
Food poisoning occurs frequently is due to various bacteria. Regardless of the kind of
contamination, several methods can be employed to prevent food poisoning:











Wash you hands several times during meal preparation, especially after handling
uncooked seafood and between handling meats and vegetables
If you have open cuts on your hands, use gloves when handling meats, custards and
sandwiches.
Do not keep food at room temperature longer than necessary. Refrigerate as soon as
possible.
Refrigerate foods in small containers and keep them tightly covered and dated.
Plastic food wrap is furnished for station use.
Be especially careful with foods containing dairy products.
Cook all meats thoroughly, especially pork and pork by-products like sausage.
Perishable foods should be kept hot (above 140 F) or cold (below 39 F).
Do not buy or use bulging food cans, leaking cans or those that flex at the top or
bottom
Do not taste-test foods with “off” odors or eat leftovers with which you are
unfamiliar.
Do not leave food sitting on the table if you are interrupted during a meal with a call.
Store it in the refrigerator.
Serve meat dishes hot; do not cool them to room temperature. Re-heat with a
microwave oven if necessary.
CLEANING & DISINFECTION
This procedure outlines cleaning and disinfection techniques for emergency equipment which
may become contaminated with blood, body fluids and other contaminants.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
M.P. 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
5
PAGE
OF 10
CLEANING & DISINFECTION (Continued)
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 5 – 10% of all patients who enter a hospital
acquire an infection while in the hospital. It is therefore imperative that EMS personnel properly
clean and disinfect reusable equipment to minimize the possibility of infection during emergency
treatment.
Cleaning and disinfection reduces the likelihood of infections by reducing the amount of diseasecausing organisms from equipment and is deemed adequate by the CDC for semi-critical items:
equipment which will contact mucous membrane or non-intact skin. Disinfection is a process
that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, with the exception
of bacterial spores, according to the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control, Inc.
(APIC) guidelines approved in January, 1990. Cleaning is defined by APIC as the removal of all
foreign materials (e.g. soil, organic material) from objects.
EQUIPMENT DISINFECTION
Equipment which has been contaminated by a patient’s blood or body fluids shall be
decontaminated through cleaning and disinfection or disposed of as contaminated waste.

Environmental surfaces which have become soiled with blood or body fluids shall be
cleaned and disinfected using BioZide disinfectant (first choice) or a 1:10 solution of
common bleach and water. Wear gloves and use disposable paper towels to remove
contaminants. After removal of all visible material, decontaminate with fresh
disinfectant. Use clean paper towels to wipe the disinfectant onto the affected areas
and allow to air dry. Dispose of all used paper towels and contaminated materials as
biohazard waste in the dedicated red biohazard container located in the engine bay.
Baker Fire Department shall have a means for removal and disposal of all medical
waste.

Reuseable equipment which does not contact non-intact skin and has become soiled
must be cleaned with soap and water. If the equipment has become contaminated
with a patient’s blood or body fluids, it must be decontaminated after cleaning.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
M.P. 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
6
PAGE
OF 10
EQUIPMENT DISINFECTION (Continued)

BLS equipment shall be checked daily for cleanliness and readiness. Items that come
into contact with patients shall be given special attention in order to have them as
clean as possible. The following areas shall be checked:

Oxygen / EMS kits: bags shall have clean surfaces; dirt and debris shall be
removed and contents shall be orderly and adequately stocked.

KEDs, longboards: clean with soap and water. Disinfect if required.

Suction Unit: clean with soap and water to remove gross contaminants;
follow with disinfection.
Disinfection products available though the Rescue Coordinator:





Hydrogen Peroxide (3$)
Isopropyl Alcohol (7%)
Sodium hypochlorite bleach (5.25%)
BioZide disinfectant
Surgical scrub brushes
UNIFORM DISINFECTION
Clothing that has been contaminated with a patient’s blood or body fluids shall be disinfected as
follows:

Contaminated clothing, including turnouts, shall be changed as soon as possible and
washed in hot water and detergent and recommended by the manufacturer.

Contaminated uniform clothing should be pre-washed at the fire station prior to
taking home for laundering to reduce the possibility of passing infection to household
members.

Boots should be scrubbed with soap and hot water to remove contaminants. Wash the
soles of the footwear at the medical incident or as soon as possible if contaminated
with blood, body fluids or other foreign material.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
M.P. 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
7
PAGE
OF 10
MEDICAL WASTE
EMS operations produce medical waste. Medical waste is defined as any waste generated on an
EMS scene. Proper disposal depends on whether such waste is contaminated, liquid, or solid.
All sharps shall be disposed of by the ALS service producing the sharps, typically Baton Rouge
EMS. The purpose of this procedure is to insure our members’ and the public’s safety by
identifying hazardous medical waste and how to deal with it in a safe manner.
Medical waste that has been contaminated with a patient’s blood or bodily fluid shall be
considered contaminated. Solid contaminated waste shall be placed in a red biohazardouslabeled plastic bag and disposed of an infectious waste container located at the fire station, in an
EMS unit or at a hospital.
Disposable equipment shall be disposed of as contaminated waste after patient use.
Non-contaminated waste, such as packaging, containers and other materials may be disposed of
in any suitable trash receptacle.
Liquid waste shall be poured into the sewer system through a toilet. DO NOT pour any liquid
waste into any sink. Body fluids in public areas may be flushed with water into a sewer or storm
drain.
Extremely soiled, bloody blankets or clothing shall be disposed of as contaminated waste,
preferably at the hospital or in an EMS unit.
EXPOSURE REPORTING
Baker Fire Department members who are exposed to a patient’s blood or body fluids during the
performance of their work duties must report the incident immediately to protect both
themselves and the public. Reporting the exposure initiates an investigation into the potential for
infection and determines the course of the action to follow.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
M.P. 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
8
PAGE
OF 10
EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION
When fire department employees are exposed to infectious contaminants, diseases or hazardous
materials, Captain on duty shall notify the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief. The initial contact
between the exposed employee and the fire department management consists of determining the
details of the incident, severity of exposure and required medical treatment, if any. The
employee shall document, in an inter-office memo to the Assistant Chief with copies to the Fire
Chief the following minimum information:








Date, Incident number and time of exposure
How the exposure occurred
What body fluids were involved
Who the body fluids came from
Was the employee’s skin intact at the site of the exposure?
What specific part of the employee’s body was exposed
What hospital did the patient go to
All known information as to the patient’s condition and past medical history
Should the exposure be the result of an injury requiring immediate medical attention, notification
may be done concurrently. Non-emergency medical treatment will be determined by
consultation with the fire department’s physician.
AIDS / HIV SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION
Should an employee believe he has been exposed to AIDS or HIV, he shall, within five (5)
calendar days,


Report the incident in writing as described above.
Have his blood drawn and tested for the HIV antibody at the fire department’s
expense
In the event the employee is diagnosed as HIV positive within eighteen months of the exposure,
a Workman’s Compensation claim must be submitted through the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
M.P. 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
9 DOF 10
PAGE
HEPATITIS B VIRUS EXPOSURE MANAGEMENT
All Baker Fire Department employees shall, upon request of the employer, receive the Hepatitis
B Virus (HBV) vaccination at the fire department’s expense. Three intramuscular doses of the
HBV vaccine are recommended with the second and third doses given 1 and 6 months,
respectively, after the first dose. One month after the third dose blood will be drawn at the
offices of the departmental physician to determine the level of protection by an adequate
antibody response which is a minimum of 10 MIU/ml.
According to CDC data, vaccine-induced antibody levels decline in time. Up to 50% of adult
vaccines who respond adequately to the vaccine may have low or nondetectable antibody levels
by 7 years after vaccination. The CDC states that even with declining antibody levels, adults are
still protected. When an exposure occurs, an examination of the circumstances will determine
whether the exposed employee requires further treatment.
Exposure to Hepatitis A and other types of non-B Hepatitis will be treated according to the
current recommendations from the CDC and the departmental physician.
MEDICAL EXPOSURE SEVERITY RATING
Evaluating the significance of an exposure depends on the communication of the details provided
by the exposed employee and the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief’s use of the severity rating
system. Four categories define exposure levels that firefighters may face when treating patients.
In all cases, it is assumed that the exposed employee can immediately clean the exposed area of
the body. If unable to do so, the severity of the exposure may be upgraded. For the purposes of
this rating system, exposure can occur by contact with blood, body fluids visibly contaminated
with blood or body fluids which contain, but are not limited to: feces, urine, vomitus, saliva,
tears, mucous, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, vaginal secretions and placental fluids.
SEVERITY RATING LEVELS
A SIGNIFICANT exposure occurs whenever a patient’s blood and/or body fluids visibly
contaminated with blood contact an employee through percutaneous innoculation, an open
wound, non-intact (chapped, abraded, weeping or dermatitic) skin or mucous membranes. The
single most common example is the needlestick.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Infection Control Program
M.P. 501.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
10 OF 10
PAGE
SEVERITY RATING LEVELS (Continued)
A MODERATE exposure occurs whenever a patient’s body fluids contact an employee’s
mucous membranes. Performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or a patient’s sneezing/coughing
on a firefighter are two examples. However, a patient with active tuberculosis, not on
medication, who is coughing represents a significant risk of exposure to any care-giver in the
same room.
A MINIMAL exposure occurs whenever a patient’s blood or body fluids contact an employee’s
intact skin or a patient’s intact skin contacts an employee’s mucous membranes. For example, a
firefighter arrives on the scene without his gloves and has a child covered with blood thrust in is
hands; or a combative patient grabs a firefighter’s mouth.
A PROBABLE-NONE exposure occurs whenever a patient’s intact skin contacts an employee’s
intact skin; this represents a low risk of exposure to infectious disease. Most emergency medical
calls can be considered probable-none exposures and need not be documented.
Exceptions to the above ratings exist. One example is measles. Simply entering a room in
which an infectious measles patient has vacated within an hour represents a significant risk of
infection. When doubt exists, consultation with the departmental physician or other medical
authority, such as the CDC, should provide guidance for making an informed decision on the
severity of a particular exposure.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Emergency treatment should always be rendered immediately. The Assistant Chief or Fire Chief
may determine other medical treatment, depending upon the circumstances of the exposure.
The employee should immediately wash the exposed body part (face, hand, etc.) to remove
infectious material and reduce the risk of infection.
DOCUMENTATION
All exposures determined to be significant, moderate or minimal must be documented by the
exposed employee as described under Exposure Notification in this SOG. Probable-none
exposures do not require documentation. However, should an employee wish to document any
exposure, the information will be recorded and filed by the Fire Chief’s Office.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
EMS
2004/05
UPDATED:
Total Quality EMS Management
M.P. 501.21
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
It is the policy of Baker Fire Department to provide the best possible BLS pre-hospital care
available to all patients.
Excellence in patient care requires conformance with the established medical standards of the
Baker Fire Department. These standards include the EMS Standard Operating Guidelines,
material taught by various departmental training programs, standards of the medical community
concerning pre-hospital care and governmental rules, regulations and statutes.
To help the fire department members carry out the policy of providing quality patient care, the
Fire Chief shall assist members in their educational development and their continuing
improvement of knowledge and skills.
Quality care includes all aspects of the interactions between Baker Fire Department members,
the patient(s) and others involved in the call. The Fire Chief shall manage the Total Quality
Improvement Process.
Because the Baker Fire Department operates at the BLS level and because many of our
employees have worked for ALS agencies, we are fortunate in having available several
paramedics who are capable and committed to providing constructive, proactive feedback to the
individual care-givers, and the Fire Chief.
The EMS Total Quality Improvement Process includes the following functions:

Researching & answering requests for information from outside agencies

Monitoring EMS incident reports for conformance with established standards of
patient care, including documentation

Proactive monitoring for Total Quality Patient Care.

Coordination with the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief to provide adequate First
Responder, EMT, refresher and continuing education training for members of this
department as well as others.
On-scene review of the BLS skills of Basic EMTs and First Responders, followed by
constructive feedback and remedial in-services as required.
Section 600
Firefighting
Operations
SOGs
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Tactical Priorities
M.P. 601.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Tactical priorities identify the three separate tactical functions that must be completed in order to
stabilize any fire situation - these priorities also establish the order in which these basic
fireground functions must be performed.
These functions should be regarded as separate, yet interrelated, activities which must be dealt
with in order. command cannot proceed to the next priority until the current function objective
has been completed or sufficient resources have been assigned to complete it and it is being
accomplished.
Basic tactical priorities are as follows:
#1 - Rescue
#2 - Fire Control
#3 - Loss Control
Rescue: The activities required to protect occupants, remove those who are threatened and to
treat the injured.
Fire Control: The activities required to stop the forward progress of the fire and to bring the fire
under control.
Loss Control: The activities required to stop or reduce primary or secondary loss to property
and the negative psychological and emotional impact of the event on the customers.
The objectives of each priority are reflected in the following benchmarks of completion:
#1 - Rescue - primary search (all clear)
#2 - Fire Control - under control
#3 - Loss Control - loss stopped
All three tactical priorities require somewhat different tactical approaches from both a command
and an operational standpoint.
While command must satisfy the objective of each function in its priority order, command must,
in many cases, overlap and "mix" the activities of each to achieve the current benchmark.
Notable examples are the frequent need to achieve interior tenability with active/extensive fire
control efforts before getting on with primary search, or the need to initiate loss control
operations while active fire control efforts are being extended.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Strategy
M.P. 601.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 5
The following procedure outlines the fireground strategy to be employed at structure fires.
Fireground operations will fall in one of two strategies, OFFENSIVE or DEFENSIVE. The two
strategies are based on a standard Risk management Plan that is to be employed at ALL structure
fires. This is the basis for this procedure.
WITHIN A STRUCTURED RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN
WE MAY RISK OUR LIVES A LOT TO PROTECT SAVABLE LIVES.
WE MAY RISK OUR LIVES A LITTLE TO PROTECT SAVABLE PROPERTY.
WE WILL NOT RISK OUR LIVES AT ALL TO SAVE WHAT IS ALREADY LOST.
Considering the level of risk, the Incident Commander will choose the proper strategy to be used
at the fire scene. The strategy can change with conditions or because certain benchmarks (i.e.
ALL CLEAR) are obtained. The strategic mode will be based on:





The building (type of construction, condition, age, etc.)
Structural integrity of the building (contents vs. structural involvement)
The fire load (what type of fuel is burning and what's left to burn)
The fire and/or smoke conditions (extent, location, etc.)
The rescue profile (savable occupants/survivability profile)
The Incident Commander is responsible for determining the appropriate fireground strategy.
Once the appropriate strategy is initiated, it becomes the Incident Commander's job to ensure that
all personnel are operating within the strategy. By controlling the fireground strategy, the
Incident Commander is providing overall incident scene safety. The proper strategy will be
based on the following:

Avoiding simultaneous OFFENSIVE and DEFENSIVE strategies in the same fire
area. This usually happens by first committing personnel to interior positions,
then opening up on them from exterior positions with master streams. Once the
two strategies have been used in this fashion, there will be no winners in the
interior.

Matching the appropriate strategy to the fire conditions of the structure, and
minimizing risk to firefighters.
Managing fireground strategy must start with the arrival of the first unit and be constantly
monitored and evaluated throughout the entire incident. The initial incident commander should
include the fireground strategy in the IC worksheet. As command is transferred to later arriving
officers, these new officers assuming command must evaluate the fireground strategy based on
the Risk management Plan.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Strategy
M.P. 601.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 5
Fireground strategy provides a starting point to begin fireground operations. Once the strategy is
announced, all the players involved should know what to expect as far as the position and
functions of themselves and one another. The fireground strategy cannot be a mystery to
anyone, everyone operating on the fireground should be operating in the same strategy mode,
Offensive OR Defensive.
OFFENSIVE STRATEGY
Within the framework of the Risk Management Plan, the structure must first be determined to be
safe to enter. Once determined safe, an offensive Fire Attack is centered around RESCUE.
When safe to do so, the Baker Fire Department will initiate offensive operations at the scene of
structure fires. The following are guidelines for offensive fire attacks:
Initial attack efforts must be directed toward supporting a primary search -the first attack line
must go between the victims and the fire to protect avenues of rescue and escape.
Determine fire conditions and extent before starting fire operations (as far as possible). Don't
operate fire streams into smoke.
Offensive fires should be fought from the INTERIOR-UNBURNED SIDE (interior capability is
the principal offensive strategy factor).
Avoid exterior application of water during offensive operation. This is usually the very worst
application point.
Avoid fire attack from the burning side of the building. An attack from the burning side
generally will drive the fire, smoke, and heat back into the building and drive the interior fire
control forces out of the building.
Companies must resist the urge to focus only on the fire (this is known as the "candle moth"
syndrome or “tunnel vision"). In some cases, the most effective tactical analysis involves an
evaluation of what is NOT burning rather than what is actually on fire. The unburned portion
represents where the fire is going and should establish the framework for fire control activities
and requirements.
Command must consider the most critical direction and avenues of fire extension, plus its speed,
particularly as they affect:




Level of risk to firefighters
Rescue activities
Confinement efforts
Exposure protection
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Strategy
M.P. 601.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 5
Command must allocate personnel and resources based upon this fire spread evaluation.
Command must not lose sight of the very simple and basic fireground reality that at some point
firefighters must engage and fight the fire. Command must structure whatever operations are
required to PUT WATER ON THE FIRE. The rescue/fire control-extension/exposure problem
is solved in the majority of cases by a fast, strong, well-paced attack. Command must establish
an attack plan that overpowers the fire with ACTUAL water application, either from offensive or
defensive positions.
Command must consider the 7 sides (or sectors) of the fire: front, rear, both sides, top, bottom,
and interior. Fires cannot be considered under control until all 7 sides are addressed. Not doing
so results in fire extension.
Where the fire involves concealed spaces (attics, ceiling areas, construction voids, etc.), it
becomes paramount that companies open up and operate fire streams into such areas. Early
identification and response to concealed space fires will save the building. Officers who hesitate
to open up because they don't want to beat up the building may lose the structure. Consider the
piercing nozzle.
Early ventilation (natural or positive pressure) is a major support item that must be addressed
during concealed space attacks. This must be initiated early and be well coordinated. Ventilation
openings should be made in the fire area. Positive pressure should be injected into the unburned
side and exit out of the fire area.
Command must get ahead of the fire. Command must make critical decisions that relate to cutoff
points and must develop a pessimistic fire control strategy. It takes a certain amount of time to
get water to a location, and the fire continues to burn while the attack is being set up. Command
must consider where the fire will be when attack efforts are ready to actually go into operation; if
misjudged, the fire may burn past the attack/cutoff position before resources and personnel are in
position. Don't play "catch up" with a fire that is burning through a building (the fire will usually
win all these races). Project your set-up time, write off property and get ahead of the fire. Set up
adequately ahead of the fire then overpower it.
WRITE-OFF-PROPERTY THAT IS ALREADY LOST and go on to protect exposed property
based on the most dangerous direction of fire spread. Do not continue to operate in positions that
are essentially lost.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Strategy
M.P. 601.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 5
The basic variables relating to attack operations involve:



Location/position of attack
Size of attack
Support functions
Command develops an effective attack through the management of these factors. Command must
balance and integrate attack size and position with fire conditions, risk and resources.
Many times offensive/defensive conditions are clear cut and Command can quickly determine
the appropriate strategy. In other cases, the situation is MARGINAL and command must initiate
an offensive interior attack, while setting up defensive positions on the exterior. THE ONLY
REASON TO OPERATE IN MARGINAL SITUATIONS IS RESCUE. The effect of the interior
attack must be constantly evaluated, and the attack abandoned if necessary. Strategy changes
can develop almost instantly or can take considerable time. Command must match the strategy
with the conditions. The incident commander controls overall incident scene safety by
determining the proper strategy to be used.
If the Incident commander doesn't change strategies from offensive to defensive until the
building is disassembling itself due to structural damage, command is late in strategy
determination and on the receiving end of the building's decision governing the new strategy to
be employed. Often times when the building gets to make those decisions, firefighters become
traumatized (physically and/or emotionally).
THE INCIDENT COMMANDER DETERMINES THE STRATEGY, THE BUILDING
SHOULDN'T.
Command should abandon marginal attacks when:




A primary all clear is obtained and the situation is still marginal.
The roof is unsafe or untenable. Especially working fires in large unsupported, or
lightweight floors and/or trussed attic spaces.
Interior forces encounter heavy heat and cannot locate the fire or cannot make any
progress on the fire.
Heavy smoke is being forced from the building under pressure and is increasing.
Command needs to constantly evaluate conditions while operating in a marginal strategy. This
requires frequent and detailed reports from all Sector Officers.
It is imperative that command assign a Roof Sector as early as possible during marginal
operations for rapid evaluation of roof conditions. In certain situations command should strongly
consider not committing crews to the interior of a structure unless he/she receives a report from
Roof Sector that the roof of the structure is safe to operate on and under. It is better to go from an
offensive to a defensive strategy too soon rather than too late.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Strategy
M.P. 601.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
5
PAGE
OF 5
DEFENSIVE STRATEGY
The decision to operate in a defensive strategy indicates that the offensive attack strategy, or the
potential for one, has been abandoned for reasons of personnel safety, and the involved structure
has been conceded as lost (the Incident Commander made a conscious decision to write the
structure off).
The announcement of a change to a defensive strategy will be made as Emergency Traffic and all
personnel will withdraw from the structure AND MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE
BUILDING. Company officers will account for their crews and advise their Sector officer on the
status of their crew. Sector officers will notify Command of the status of the crews assigned to
their sector. A PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) shall be obtained after any switch from
offensive to defensive strategy.
Interior lines will be withdrawn and repositioned when changing to a defensive strategy. Crews
should retreat with their hose lines if safe to do so. If retreat is being delayed because of hose
lines, and it's unsafe to stay in the building, hose lines should be abandoned.
All exposures, both immediate and anticipated, must be identified and protected. The first
priority in defensive operations is personnel safety, then to protect exposures.
The next priority may be to knock down the main body of fire. This may assist in protection of
exposures but does not replace it as a higher priority.
Master streams are generally the most effective tactic to be employed in defensive operations.
For tactical purposes, a standard master stream flow of 750 GPM should be the guideline.
Adjustments may be made upward or downward from this figure but it is very significant in the
initial deployment of master streams.
When the exposure is severe and water is limited, the most effective tactic is to put water on and,
if need be, from the interior of the exposure.
Once exposure protection is established, attention may be directed to knocking down the main
body of fire and thermal-column cooling. The same principles of large volume procedures
should be employed.
“Fire Under Control” means the forward progress of the fire has been stopped and the remaining
fire can be extinguished with the on-scene resources; it does not mean the fire is completely out.
When the fire is brought under control, command will notify Fire Alarm Communications
utilizing the standard radio report of "FIRE UNDER CONTROL." Command must initiate a
PAR report from all on scene sectors and crews.
If defensive operations are conducted from the onset of the incident, Command will notify Fire
Alarm Communications that there will not be a primary search completed for the affected
structure(s).
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Factors
M.P. 601.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 4
FIREGROUND FACTORS
Fireground factors offer a standard list of basic items command must consider in the evaluation
of tactical situations. This list should provide command with a "check list" of the basic items
that are involved in size-up, decision making, initiating action, review and revision on the
fireground.
The effective Command Officer can only deal with a limited number of factors of any kind on
the fireground. Within the framework of that limitation, the identification of critical factors is
extremely important. All the factors are not critical in any one tactical situation. Command must
identify the critical fireground factors that are significant in each tactical situation - the list of
factors offers a framework for that process.
Many times we begin operations before adequately considering the critical fireground factors.
Size-up is a conscious process involving the very rapid but deliberate consideration of the critical
factors and the development of a strategy and rational plan of attack based on those conditions.
Attack is many times an instinctive action-oriented process that involves taking the shortest and
quickest route directly to the fire. Action feels good in fireground situations while thinking
delays action. Beware of non-thinking attack situations and non-thinking attackers
Fireground factors represent an array of items that are dynamic during the entire fireground
process. The relative importance of each factor necessarily changes throughout that time frame.
Command must continually deal with these changes and base decisions on factor information
that is timely and current. Beware of developing an initial plan of attack and sticking to that
same initial plan throughout the fire, even though conditions continue to change. Effective fire
operations require attack plan revisions that continually reconsider fireground factors based upon
information feedback.
In critical fire situations, Command may develop an initial plan and initiate an attack based on an
incomplete evaluation of fireground factors. In such cases, efforts must continue throughout the
operation to improve the information on which those decisions are based. Command will seldom
operate with complete information during initial operations.
The effective management of each fireground factor requires command to apply a somewhat
different form of information management (visual, recon, preplan) to each factor. This is
particularly true between the major categories of factors. Command must deal with each factor in
the most effective manner.
Most tactical situations represent a complex problem with regard to how command deals with
fireground factor information. There are factors that can be determined from a command
position on the outside of the structure and other factors that can only be determined from other
operating positions both outside and inside the structure. Fireground intelligence available to
command is developed utilizing an overlapping variety of information management factors and
forms. These forms of information management revolve around the three basic information
factors:
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Factors
M.P. 601.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 4
FIREGROUND FACTORS (Continued)
1.
Visual Factors - These factors include those obvious to visual observation and
those absorbed subconsciously. This visual information is categorized as the type
that can normally be gained by actually looking at a tactical situation from the
outside. This form of intelligence involves the perceptive ability of Command.
2.
Reconnaissance Factors - These factors include information that is not visually
available to Command from a position on the outside of a tactical situation and
must be gained by actually sending someone to check-out, go-see, look-up,
research, advise, call, go-find, etc. This generally involves command making a
specific assignment ant then receiving an information-oriented report.
3.
Preplanning and Familiarity Factors - These factors include the intelligence that is
gained from formal pre-fire planning, general informal familiarization activities
and from formal review of the Occupancy Module in the FireHouse software(i.e.,
bldg. drawings, hazardous materials, etc.). Such intelligence increases the
information initially available to command from the OUTSIDE of a tactical
situation. This information provides command with intelligence that would
otherwise have to come from a Reconnaissance report or might not be available.
The following are fireground factors which should be evaluated by command as they pertain to
each tactical situation. They can be obtained by using the above information management
factors.
BUILDING









Size, roof type (Bow string, bar joist, etc.), and condition interior
arrangement/access (stairs, halls, elevators) Construction type (balloon frame, TJI
floors, etc.)
Age
Condition - faults/weaknesses
Value
Compartmentation/separation
Vertical-horizontal openings, shafts, channels outside openings - doors and
windows/degree of security utility characteristics (hazards/controls) concealed
spaces/attic characteristics
Exterior access
Effect the fire has had on the structure (at this point)
Time projection on continuing fire effect on building
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Factors
M.P. 601.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 4
FIRE









Size
Extent (% of structure involved)
Location
Stage (inception, flashover)
Direction of travel (most dangerous)
Time of involvement
Type of amount of material involved - structure/interior fini6h/contents/
everything
Type and amount of material left to burn
Products of combustion liberation
OCCUPANCY








Specific occupancy
Type-group (business, mercantile, public assembly, institutional, residential,
hazardous, industrial, storage, school)
Value characteristics associated with occupancy
Fire load (size, nature)
Status (open, closed, occupied, vacant, abandoned, under construction) occupancy
associated characteristics/hazards
Type of contents (based on occupancy)
Time - as it affects occupancy use
Property conservation profile/susceptibility of contents to damage/need for
salvage
LIFE HAZARD










Number of occupants
Location of occupants (in relation to the fire)
Condition of occupants (by virtue of fire exposure)
Incapacities of occupants
Commitment required for search and rescue (men, equipment, and command)
Fire control required for search and rescue
Needs for EMS
Time estimate of fire effect on victims
Exposure of spectators/control of spectators
Hazards to fire personnel
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fireground Factors
M.P. 601.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 4
LIFE HAZARD (CONTINUED)


Access rescue forces have to victims
Characteristics of escape routes/avenues of escape (type, safety. fire conditions,
etc.)
ARRANGEMENT







Access, arrangement, and distance of external exposure
Combustibility of exposures
Access, arrangement, and nature of internal exposures severity and urgency of
exposures (fire effect)
Value of exposures
Most dangerous direction - avenue of spread
Time estimate of fire effect on exposures (internal and external) obstructions to
operations
Capability/limitations on apparatus movement and use
RESOURCES









Personnel and equipment on scene
Personnel and equipment responding (Zachary Fire Department, Mutual Aid)
Personnel and equipment available in reserve or in Staging Estimate of response
time additional resources condition of personnel capability and willingness of
personnel capability of command personnel
Availability of hydrants
Supplemental water sources
Adequacy of water supply
Built-in private fire protection (sprinkler, standpipe, alarms)
Supply of foam
Outside agency resource and response time
OTHER FACTORS / CONDITIONS





Time of day/night
Day of week
Season
Special hazards by virtue of holidays, special events, weather (wind, rain, heat,
cold, humid, visibility) and traffic conditions
Social conditions (strike, riot, mob, music festival)
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fire Control
M.P. 601.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
It is standard operating procedure to attempt to stabilize fire conditions by extending,
WHEREVER POSSIBLE, an aggressive well-placed and adequate offensive interior fire attack
effort and to support that aggressive attack with whatever resource and action is required to
reduce fire extension and to bring the fire under control.
A critical command decision (both initial and on going) relates to the offensive/defensive made
of the situation:

Offensive Strategy - interior attack and related support directed toward quickly
bringing the fire under control.

Defensive Strategy - Exterior attack directed to first reduce fire extension and
then bring the fire under control.
Command must declare which strategy is being used as part of the on-scene report and at each
notification of elapsed time.
Command must define offensive/defensive mode based upon:






Fire extent
Structural conditions
Entry capability
Ventilation profile
Rescue ability of occupants
Resources
Basic Offensive Plan:







Take command
First line - fast, aggressive interior attack
Provide support activities (i.e., ventilation)
Do primary search
Second line - back up first, cover opposite side
Pump water
Quickly evaluate success and react
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fire Control
Basic Defensive Plan:








Take command
Evaluate fire spread/write-off lost property
Identify key tactical positions
Prioritize fire streams
Provide big, well placed streams
Pump water
Quick determination on additional resource
Surround and drown
M.P. 601.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Rescue
M.P. 601.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
It is standard operating procedure to extend a primary search in all involved and exposed
occupancies which can be entered. Command must structure initial operations around the
completion of the primary search. Primary search means companies have quickly gone through
all affected areas and verified the removal and/or safety of all occupants.
Time is the critical factor in the primary search process. Successful primary search operations
must necessarily be extended quickly and during initial fire stages.
The rescue functions that follow lengthy fire control activities will be regarded tactically as
presenting a secondary search. Secondary search means that companies thoroughly search the
interior of the fire area after initial fire control and ventilation activities have been completed.
The secondary search should preferably be completed by different companies than those
involved in primary search activities. Thoroughness, rather than time, is the critical factor in
secondary search.
The completion of the primary search is reported utilizing the standard radio reporting term
"ALL CLEAR". It is the responsibility of Command to coordinate primary search assignments,
secure completion reports from interior companies.
The stage of the fire becomes a critical factor that affects the rescue approach developed by
command. The following items outline the basic Command approach to fire stages:
In nothing showing situations, or in very minor fire cases that clearly pose no life hazard,
command must structure a rapid interior search and report "ALL CLEAR". (The interior search
for victims will also verify no fire.)
In smoke showing and working fire situations, fire control efforts must be extended
simultaneously with rescue operations in order to gain entry and control interior access to
complete primary search. In such cases, Command and operating companies must be aware the
operation is in a rescue mode until primary search is complete, regardless of the fire control
required.
In working fire situations, primary search must be followed by a secondary search.
In cases of fully involved buildings or sections of buildings, immediate entry and primary search
activities become impossible and survival of occupants is improbable. Command must initially
report fully involved conditions. As quickly as fire control is achieved, command must structure
what is, in effect, a secondary search for victims.
Command and operating companies cannot depend upon reports from spectators to determine
status of victims. Control forces should utilize reports as to the location, number, and condition
of victims as supporting primary search efforts and must extend and complete a primary Search
wherever entry is possible.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Rescue
M.P. 601.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
Command must consider the following factors in developing a basic rescue size-up:




Number, location and condition of victims
Affect the fire has on the victims
Capability of the control forces to enter the building, remove/protect victims
and control fire
Command must make the basic rescue decision:



Do we remove victims from fire? OR
Do we remove the fire from the victims?
In some cases, occupants are safer in their rooms than moving through
contaminated hallways and interior areas. Such movement may also impede
interior firefighting.
Command must realistically evaluate the manpower required to actually remove victims and then
treat their fire-affected bodies. In cases involving multiple victims, command must call for the
timely response of adequate resource and quickly develop an organization that will both stabilize
the fire and provide for the removal and treatment of the occupants.
Rescue efforts should be extended in the following order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Most severely threatened
The largest number (groups)
The remainder of the fire area
The exposed areas
Command must make specific primary search assignments to companies to cover specific areas
of large, complex occupancies and maintain on-going control of such companies until the entire
area is searched. When primary search companies encounter and remove victims, command must
assign other companies to continue to cover the interior positions vacated by those companies.
All initial attack efforts must be directed toward supporting rescue efforts and hose lines must be
placed in a manner to control interior access, confine the fire, and protect avenues of escape.
Hose line placement becomes a critical factor in these cases and command and all operating
companies must realize that the operation is in a rescue mode. It may be necessary to operate in
a manner that writes off the structure in order to buy rescue time.
Normal means of interior access (stairs, halls, interior public areas, etc.) should be utilized to
remove victims whenever possible. Secondary means of rescue (platforms, ladders, fire escapes,
rope rescues) must be utilized in their order of effectiveness.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Rescue
M.P. 601.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
Command must structure treatment of victims after removal. Multiple victims should be
removed to one location for more effective triage and treatment. Command should coordinate
and utilize paramedic capability wherever available and assign treatment companies as required
to an exterior Medical sector.
Once the primary search has been completed and an "ALL CLEAR" transmitted, Command must
maintain control of access to the fire area. Beware of occupants (and others) re-entering the
building.
The most urgent reason for calling for mutual aid is for the purpose of covering life safety Command must develop a realistic (and pessimistic) rescue size up as early as possible.
The term "SEARCH & RESCUE" should be used when structuring a primary search over the
radio.
"ALL CLEAR" should be used only as a completion report.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Apparatus Placement
M.P. 601.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
Apparatus function should regulate placement. Poor apparatus placement can reverse this rule,
limiting the options or eliminating functions we can assign to a unit.
Firefighters operate with a natural inclination to drive apparatus as close to the fire as possible.
This often results in positioning of apparatus that is both dysfunctional and dangerous. The
placement of all apparatus on the fireground should be a reflection of the following:





Standard operational procedure for first arriving companies.
Tactical objectives and priorities.
Staging procedure.
A direct order from command.
A conscious decision on the part of the company officer based an existing or
predictable conditions.
Effective apparatus placement must begin with the arrival of first units. The placement of the
initial arriving engine, rescue vehicle and service vehicle should be based upon initial size-up
and general conditions upon arrival. First arriving companies should place themselves to
maximum advantage on the same side of the street as the incident and go to work; later arriving
units should be placed in a manner that builds an the initial plan and allows for expansion of the
operation.
Avoid "belly to butt" placement on the fireground. Park so that equipment can be offloaded
from the rear and sides of parked apparatus. Do not drive all fire apparatus directly to the fire.
Later arriving companies should stage a minimum of one block short of the immediate fire area,
and remain uncommitted until ordered into action by command. Company officers should select
staged positions with a maximum of tactical options.
In large, complex, and lengthy fireground operations additional alarm companies should be
staged in a Level II staging area. Command can then communicate directly with the staging
officer for the additional resource required on the fireground.
Command must maintain an awareness of site access that provides tactical options and that the
immediate fire area can quickly become congested with apparatus, hose, etc. The officer must
regard apparatus on the fireground in two categories:


Apparatus that is working
Apparatus that is parked
Park out of the way. Apparatus that is not working should be left in the staging areas or parked
where it will not compromise access.
Maintain an access lane down the center of streets wherever possible.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Apparatus Placement
M.P. 601.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
Think of fire apparatus as an expensive exposure: position working apparatus in a manner that
considers the extent and location of the fire and a pessimistic evaluation of fire spread and
building failure. Anticipate the heat which may be released with structural collapse. Forecast
how the fire is going and how it will affect exposure of apparatus. Apparatus should generally
be positioned at least 30 ft. away from involved buildings, even with nothing showing. Greater
distances are indicated in many situations.
Beware of putting fire apparatus in places where it cannot be repositioned easily and quickly particularly operating positions with only one way in and out: i.e. yards. alleys. driveways. etc.
Beware of overhead power lines when positioning apparatus. Do not park where lines may fall.
If apparatus does become endangered, operate lines between it and the fire while you reposition
it. When you do move it - move it to a position that is safe. It is dysfunctional to move apparatus
several times throughout the progress of a fire.
Take maximum advantage of good operating positions and "build" the capability of units
assigned to these effective positions. Initial arriving engines should be placed in "key" positions.
These positions should offer maximum fire attack access to the fire area and be supplied with
large diameter pumped supply lines as quickly as possible. Subsequent arriving companies can
operate the hose lines from this apparatus. Place these "key" companies first - before access is
blocked by later arriving units.
"LEAVE THE ADDRESS FOR THE TRUCK"
Take full advantage of hydrants close to the fire before laying additional supply lines to distant
hydrants. Secondary hydrants should be used to obtain additional supply if the demand exceeds
the capability of the closest hydrants.
Take advantage of the equipment on apparatus already in the fire area instead of bringing in
more apparatus. Connect extra lines to engines which already have a good supply line instead of
making "daisy chain" supply line connections.
Do not hook up to hydrants so close to the fire building that structural failure or fire extension
will jeopardize the apparatus.
Fire hose soon limits the general access as the fireground operation gets older. Command and
sectors must direct apparatus to important positions as early as possible. Lines should be laid
with attention to the access problems they present. Try to lay lines on the same side of street as
the hydrant and cross over near the fire.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Apparatus Placement
M.P. 601.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
When the aerial apparatus is not needed for upper level access or rescue, spot apparatus in a
position that would provide an effective position for elevated stream operation if the fire goes to
a defensive mode. Ladder officers must consider extent and location of fire, most dangerous
direction of spread, confinement, exposure conditions, overhead obstructions and structural
conditions in spotting apparatus. The truck should be spotted where the aerial can be raised and
used effectively without repositioning. It must also be spotted for effective use of hand ladders
and other support equipment.
Command vehicles should be positioned at a location that will allow maximum visibility of the
fire building and surrounding area and the general effect of the companies operating on the fire.
Command vehicle position should be easy and logical to find and should not restrict the
movement of other apparatus. Typically the "front" of the building is ideal.
Squad companies, volunteer vehicles and other support apparatus should be spotted in close
proximity to the scene, with consideration for maximum street access for other units. (driveways,
parking lots)
Ambulances should be spotted in a safe position that will provide the most effective treatment of
fire victims and firefighting personnel, while not blocking movement of other apparatus or
interfering with firefighting operations.
Ambulance access to the Treatment Area and to leave the scene in situations involving patient
transportation must be provided for.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Vehicle Fires
M.P. 601.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
This procedure identifies operational tactics for safe handling of motor vehicle fires.
FIRE CONTROL OPERATION
The minimum level of protection for firefighters is full protective clothing. SCBAs should be
worn if the firefighter must enter any smoke. The minimum size of hoseline is the 1 ¾” handline
with adjustable or piercing nozzle. Foam lines should be considered.
APPARATUS PLACEMENT
Apparatus should be placed a minimum of 50’ upwind and uphill of the incident if possible.
This is to afford protection from hazardous liquids and vapors and reduces smoke in the work
area.
Consideration should be given to using the apparatus as a barrier, to shield the incident scene
from traffic hazards. Warning lights should be left operating, in conjunction with the use of
traffic cones where needed.
Additional consideration should be given to positioning the apparatus at an angle to better allow
the removal of any hose from the preconnect cross-lay compartments.
WATER SUPPLY
If the water carried on the responding apparatus will not be sufficient, early considerations must
be given to additional water supply sources. A supply line or other engines/tankers may be
required.
FIRE ATTACK
A working fire involving the interior of the vehicle passenger compartment will damage the
vehicle beyond repair. As such, the attack plan should consider the vehicle as a "write off" and a
safe and appropriate approach and fire attack must be implemented.
Where patients are trapped in the vehicle water should be quickly applied to protect the patients
and permit rescue.
When rescue is not a factor, first water should be applied for several seconds to extinguish fire or
cool down the area around any fuel tanks or fuel systems and the underside of the vehicle where
other hazards exist. (ie. bumpers, tires rims, etc.) This is especially important if the fuel tanks are
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Liquid Natural Gas (LNG).
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Vehicle Fires
M.P. 601.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
At least one member of the attack team must have forcible entry tools in his/her possession to
provide prompt, and safe entry into the vehicle. Consider prying one side of the hood to gain
initial access. Attempting to pop a hood latch is difficult.
HAZARDS AND SAFFTY CONSIDERATIONS

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) are becoming
common place as fuel for vehicles. Pressure release devices can create a lengthy
“blow torch" effect, or should the pressure relief device fail, a BLEVE may occur.
Vehicles may not be marked to identify this fuel hazard. if there is flame
impingement on a visible LPG/LNG storage tank, take action to control the fire
and cool the tank. If vapors escaping from the storage tank relief valve have
ignited, allow the LPG gas to burn while protecting exposures and cooling the
tank. Flow of gas through piping can be controlled by shutting off the valve at the
storage tank.

Energy Absorbing Bumpers - Consist of gas and fluid filled cylinders that, when
heated during a fire, will develop high pressures which may result in the sudden
release of the bumper assembly. This could result in serious injury to anyone in
its path. Bumper assemblies have been known to travel 25 feet.

Batteries - Explosion hazard due to presence of hydrogen vapors. Avoid contact
with battery acid. When the situation is stable, disconnect battery cables (ground
cable first).

Combustible metals - some vehicles have various parts made of combustible
metals, such as engine blocks, heads, wheels, etc. When these metals are burning,
attempts to extinguish them with water will usually add to the intensity of the fire.
Large quantities of water, or foam however, will cool the metal below its ignition
temperature. After some initial intensification, the fire should go out. Dry
chemical (class D) extinguishers can also be effective.

Trunk/Rear Hatch/Engine Hoods - Hold-open devices may employ, along or in
any combination with any of the following: springs, gas cylinders, extending
arms, etc. When gas cylinders are exposed to heat, failure or rupture of these
devices should be expected. Excessive pressure may develop in lift assists
causing a trunk, hatch or hood to fly open with explosive force when the latch
mechanism is released. To insure personal safety, be sure to allow sufficient
clearance when releasing latches. Fires involving the trunk/cargo area should be
approached with extreme caution. contents may include toxic, flammable or other
hazardous materials. Expect the worst!
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Vehicle Fires
M.P. 601.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
HAZARDS AND SAFFTY CONSIDERATIONS (Continued)

Fuel Tanks - May be constructed of sheet metal or plastic. A rupture or burnthrough may occur with these tanks causing a rapid flash fire of the fuel. Do not
remove gas cap, as tank may have become pressurized. Do not direct hose stream
into tank, as this will cause pressurization of tank, with a possible result of
burning fuel spewing from the tank fill opening.

Interior - well sealed interiors of modern vehicles present the potential for
backdraft. Use caution when opening doors or breaking windows. Appropriate
approach, ventilation, and safety concerns must be considered. Have a charged
handline ready before making entry.

Vehicle stability - Tires or split rims exposed to fire may explode, causing the
vehicle to drop suddenly. Expect exploding rim parts or tire debris to be expelled
outward from the sides. Approach from the front or rear of the vehicle for
maximum protection from potential flying debris. some larger vehicles, such as
buses, employ an air suspension system. when these systems are exposed to heat
or flame, they may fail, causing the vehicle to SUDDENLY drop several inches.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Brush & Grass Fires
M.P. 601.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
Bake F. D. occasionally responds to large brush fires. If a brush fire is called in for a location
that is known to be a large open field, the officer on duty should front load the response with
firefighters and equipment to assure a successful outcome.
TACTICS & STRATEGY
For the most part, brush fires typically do not threaten lives and property, therefore a
DEFENSIVE mode of operation is usually appropriate. Only if lives are danger or property of
value is exposed should a brush fire be fought in an OFFENSIVE mode. Follow the standard
risk model for tactical decisions.
Command must make quick decisions to control a fast moving brush fire.
following:

















Consider the
Size - up and call for help
Think way ahead of the fire
Location of the head(s) of the fire
Establish Sectors
Maintain Accountability of personnel
Protect & Re-hab personnel
Access to the fire
Weather Conditions
Time of Day
Types of Fuel - Light & Heavy
Exposures - Buildings, Crops, Vehicles
Size of fire & rate of spread
Spot fires
Fire Breaks - natural or man-made
Personnel requirements
Water supplies - tankers, lakes, hydrants
Line of retreat - How do I escape?
SUPPRESSION
Two engines and one service truck will provide adequate resources to quickly attack a brush
fire. Never take an engine off the road.
If the fire is remote from the best location available for the responding engine, hand crews with
backpacks and hand tools should work in tandem to suppress the fire.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Brush & Grass Fires
M.P. 601.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
SUPPRESSION (Continued)




Work in the most threatening areas first and cover exposures.
Use natural fire breaks to take a stance.
Allow fuels to bum up if it will do so promptly and safely.
Search for smoldering fires in deep brush, dead logs, etc. and extinguish with
water or cover with dirt.
In the event of a major brush fire, Central, Pride and other area fire departments have specialty
brush fire units which may be called in for mutual aid.
SAFETY
Operating at brush fires is demanding work Baker Fire Dept. personnel have the option to wear
less than complete turnout gear to reduce fatigue.
Keep a safe distance
Brush fires are fast moving and very dangerous. Consider all of the following:
Size- up
Pay Attention
Maintain Communications
Have Escape Routes
Buddy System
Post a Lookout
Safety First
Base actions on conditions-constantly
Know what the fire is doing at all times
Command - Sectors - Crews
Know two ways out
2-in, 2-out = accountability
Wind direction change, fires behind you
Be aggressive, safely
BE ALERT, THINK CLEARLY, ACT DECISIVELY
RE-HYDRATE & REST.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05 UPDATED:
Sprinkler Systems
M.P. 601.09
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Properly functioning sprinkler systems are the structural firefighter’s greatest ally. It is therefore
imperative that an adequate water supply be provided to the sprinkler system connection as soon
as possible.
In the event of a reported fire or alarm at any property equipped with a wet sprinkler or standpipe
system,



The second-out engine shall proceed immediately to the fire department connection
(usually a Siamese) and make the appropriate connections using the largest diameter
hose practical (5” LDH or, more typically, 2 ½” or 3” ). One hose connection may be
made, the system charged and then the second hose connection made (for Siamese
connections). The clapper valve should prevent blow-back out the second connection
and this will allow quicker charging of the system.
In the event of a fire and water flow through the sprinkler system (obvious by the
sound of the water bell), the pump operator shall notify Command that water flow is
present in the sprinkler system.
In the event of a fire, the pump operator shall immediately establish a water supply
and set his PDP at 100 psig. In the event of a fire in a multiple-story building, the
pump operator may, upon direction by the IC, increase the PDP as high as 150 psig.
All properties with fire department connections and sprinkler systems are so designated in the
FireHouse software (under the Occupancy Module) and in the bound pre-plans (Ref SOG M.P.
801.23, Pre-Plans).
In the event an owner must shut his sprinkler system off for maintenance, the fire department
shall be notified and a notation placed on the white board in the radio room. When the sprinkler
system is placed back in service, a Fire Dept. representative shall make a formal inspection of the
sprinkler system and complete an inspection report. The inspector shall then remove the notation
from the white board in the radio room
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Standpipe Systems
M.P. 601.10
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Multi-story and / or large single-story structures will typically enjoy a dry-pipe standpipe system
that is fed from the same fire department connection as the wet-pipe sprinkler system (ref SOG
601.09, Sprinkler Systems).
The procedure for providing a water supply to the standpipe system shall be as per SOG 601.09,
Sprinkler Systems.
In multi-story standpipe firefighting operations,




The system shall be supplied with an external water source (typically the second-in
engine).
The interior sector shall be equipped with a high-rise pack, consisting of a minimum
of 100 ft of 1 ¾” handline with fog nozzle and ancillary hand tools.
Upon confirmation that water supply is available by the IC, the interior sector shall
proceed to the floor above the fire (if accessible), connect to the standpipe system and
advance down to the floor of the fire.
If manpower allows, the standpipe valve shall be opened after the nozzle man has
advanced near the seat of the fire and un-entangled the hose. Otherwise, the valve
must be opened before advancing to the fire.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Salvage
M.P. 601.11
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
GENERAL
Virtually every fire, large or small, produces a need for some form of salvage operations. It is
the policy of the Baker Fire Department to provide salvage operations as necessary to mitigate
the effects of the fire, smoke and firefighting efforts.
Command will provide for salvage operations at all fires and other incidents posing potential
damage to property.
The most effective means of reducing property loss is to stop or impede the source of the
damage. Frequently, damage caused during fire suppression activities is accepted as a necessary
evil. This attitude fails to address the actual source of the damage which may be ineffective or
excessive water application, late or ineffective ventilation or damage caused by broken water
lines or activated sprinkler heads. Early attention to these and other damage-contributing factors
will result in a significant reduction in property loss……..and that’s why we’re here!
Salvage operations most often involve early smoke removal and the covering of building
contents with salvage covers or plastic film. In some cases, the contents of all threatened areas
should be removed to a safe location. When removal is not practical, the contents should be
grouped in the center of the rooms, elevated from the floor & covered to provide the maximum
practical protection.
Salvage efforts should begin in areas most severely threatened by damage. In most cases, this
will be the areas directly adjacent to or below the areas of fire damage. Additional salvage
activities should expand outward until all areas of potential loss have been secured.
Should property of exceptional value be discovered, the IC should be contacted immediately so
that arrangements may be made to transfer the article(s) to the owner in an expeditious manner.
TACTICAL GUIDELINES
When addressing salvage operations, Command should:









Obtain an “all clear” from search & rescue efforts
Obtain fire control
Obtain early ventilation
Determine the need for salvage
Determine the need for fire investigation
Eliminate property damage causes
Commit resources as needed
Continue salvage operations through decommitment
Transfer scene control to property owner or fire investigator
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Salvage
M.P. 601.11
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Where practical, Command and / or the salvage sector officer should meet with the property
owner to determine his salvage priorities. The earlier this can be done, the greater the
opportunity to identify his high value / high priority items or areas. In some cases, where safe to
do so, allowing the property owner to be escorted through the building by fire department
personnel can be of great assistance to the salvage operation.
Every effort should be made to assist the property owner in obtaining insurance company
notification and answering questions regarding salvage and fire operations.
Where salvage covers must be left on the scene, arrangements should be made for their pickup at
a mutually-agreeable time later. Command or the officer on duty should schedule a return walk
through the building by fire department personnel to insure post-incident damage is not
occurring.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Ventilation and PPV
M.P. 601.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
GENERAL
Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is the preferred method of ventilation in all structural fires
and offers several benefits to fire operations:







PPV rapidly removes heat and smoke from the affected building, thus reducing the
ability of the fire to advance
PPV improves the atmosphere within the building, thus improving the probability that
a trapped victim will survive
The rapid removal of smoke and hot gasses improves the firefighters’ ability to
conduct effective search and rescue operations as well as effective salvage operations.
The improved atmosphere and visibility increases the firefighters’ ability to conduct
the fire suppression activities.
The improved atmosphere reduces firefighter heat stress.
PPV reduces smoke, heat and fire damage to the structure and contents.
PPV can reduce the need for vertical ventilation at most fires, resulting in less roof
damage.
APPLICATION
All offensive fire operations qualify for early application of PPV. Command should order PPV
early in the operation. PPV fans should be placed at the point of entry from the unburned side of
the structure. The PPV fan should be placed approximately 12 – 15 feet from the entry point,
allowing the fan to create a pressure “cone” effect around the door.
Positive pressure ventilation is effective only when applied properly. Two major items are
required:


An “exit” for the pressurized air must be provided and must be located in the fire
area. This is generally a window, door or other opening.
Positive pressure ventilation must be injected from the cool, unburned side of the fire.
Air flow must be controlled throughout the application of the PPV. Too many openings, or exit
points, reduce the effectiveness of the PPV. In some cases, windows or doors that are already
opened will need to be closed to direct the air flow into the fire area or the area of densest smoke.
As one area is cleared of smoke, that area may need to be sealed off and another exit point
created to de-direct the air flow.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Firefighting
2004/05
UPDATED:
Ventilation and PPV
M.P. 601.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
ATTIC FIRES
Isolated attic fires can benefit from PPV. During the initial attack fire crews should use
penetrating nozzles or normal fog nozzles punched through small holes in the ceiling from
below. This will allow high steam generation and minimal flow of smoke into the area below
occupied by the firefighters. Once the fire has been “snuffed”, PPV can be used to clear the area
of the smoke, heat and residual steam. Most attics already have adequate vents (turbine or
ridge), and the application of the PPV fan will rapidly clear the attic space. Should an attic not
have existing vents, one or more will have to be cut before starting the PPV fan. Once the PPV
is in place and the attic has vented, large sections of the ceiling may be pulled down for overhaul
operations. Salvage covers should be in place if at all possible before pulling the ceiling down.
EXPOSURE CONTROL
In some cases, PPV can be used for exposure control. This is most effective with common attics
(e.g. strip shopping centers or apartment complexes) where separating walls may have breaches
(e.g. plumbing, cracks, holes).
The objective is to place the PPV ahead of the moving fire and to force it back into the fire area.
In most cases as exit point must be cut in either the roof of the burning section or gable.
PRECAUTIONS
Positive pressure ventilation will create problems if not effectively managed, monitored &
coordinated.





An exit must be in the burned area or the fire will be pushed into an unburned portion.
Because of positive pressure, a “blow torch” effect of fire blowing out of the exit may
occur. This is normal and predictable. Adjacent exposures may need to be protected.
Do not direct a fire stream into an operating PPV exit point.
All concealed spaces must be checked for extension.
Gasoline-powered PPV fans produce carbon monoxide and breathing apparatus may
be required when the PPV is on during overhaul operations.
Section 700
Special
Operations
SOGs
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Hazardous Materials Incidents
M.P. 701.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 4
SCOPE
Due to the wide variety of situations that Baker Fire Department personnel may encounter when
dealing with hazardous material, this SOG does not provide specific guidelines for chemicals.
This SOG is a guideline for initial company response trained to the First Responder - Awareness
level. Emergencies that need Technician level trained personnel require the response of the
Baton Rouge Fire Department’s Haz-Mat Response Team.
RESPONSE
Response to Haz-Mat incidents shall be the units outlined in the Baker F. D. response SOG.
The IC may vary the response as he sees fit.
COMPANY FUNCTIONS
Life Safety is the #1 priority. Companies should respond in a DEFENSIVE mode for the
purpose of protecting people, property and the environment from a hazardous materials release.
DO NOT RUSH INTO THE SCENE FOR RESCUE WITHOUT FIRST IDENTIFYING THE
PRODUCT AND DONNING APPROPRIATE PPE.
The primary function of Operations level trained personnel is to contain the release from a safe
distance. Keep it from spreading and protect exposures. The basic functions are:



Isolate the hazard area and control access
Hazard and risk assessment
Basic control containment and/or confinement will be handled by the Baton Rouge
Fire Department Haz-Mat Team
Companies will not take any actions on a hazardous materials incident that cannot be safely
performed in full protective clothing of the appropriate level.
HAZ-MAT OPERATIONS

WHILE EN ROUTE TO THE SCENE:
 Contact Fire Alarm Communications to obtain available information:

nature of incident

type and amount of product -weather conditions
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Hazardous Materials Incidents
M.P. 701.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 4
HAZ-MAT OPERATIONS (Continued)


Access a pre-plan, if available, on the MDC.

Begin referencing the material in the DOT Guidebook.
APPROACH THE SCENE WITH CAUTION



ESTABLISH COMMAND


Call for help (BRFD Haz-Mat, LSP Haz-Mat, etc.) -Identify a command post
at a safe distance -Stage incoming apparatus -Establish unified command early
with Baker P.D. , public works, RR, and other agencies involved.
ESTABLISH SAFE ZONE AND CONTROL ACCESS


Upwind. uphill, upstream -Consider escape routes
Position vehicles headed away from the scene
Use the DOT Guidebook to establish initial distances -Isolate the area and
deny entry to anyone not assigned or without appropriate PPE. (Banner tape
and police assistance) -Monitor the atmosphere with gas detectors -DO NOT
drive through, walk into, touch, smell or otherwise come into contact with any
leaking or spilled solid, liquid, or gas.
ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY THE PRODUCT






Gather as much information as possible from a safe distance.

Visual leaks, clouds, noises, smoke, people down or sick. Identify
placards, labels, container size, shape

Interview Driver/operator/building owner; what happened, MSDS,
shipping papers.
If the product is known, begin referencing the DOT Guidebook for
appropriate actions.
Record all observations, data and other pertinent information on a Haz-Mat
Incident worksheet.
Contact CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
Relay all information to Alarm
Reference other resources that may be available.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Hazardous Materials Incidents
M.P. 701.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 4
HAZ-MAT OPERATIONS (Continued)

CONDUCT A RISK / BENEFIT ANALYSIS BY CONSIDERING:



DEFENSIVE ACTIONS






Perform rapid rescue if needed if qualified and properly equipped.
Establish an emergency DECON Sector
Eliminate ignition sources -Suppress vapors with foam
Attempt to stop/slow/control leaks (turn off valves, right containers, etc.) if
qualified and properly equipped
Contain spills/leaks by constructing dike, dams, or diverting spills
RESPONSE OF THE BATON ROUGE FIRE DEPARTMENTS HAZ-MAT TEAM


What would happen if we did nothing?
Can I change the outcome of the incident?

If the answer is NO, isolate the area, deny entry and protect
exposures.

If the answer is YES, the IC can implement defensive actions to
control / contain the incident with personnel in the appropriate
level of PPE.
Should the IC determine the need for the BRFD HMRT to respond, Baker Fire
Department will transfer IC and provide support functions for the safe
operation of the team following the BRFD HMRT SOGs and the IC’s
direction.
CLEAN-UP

Clean-up is the responsibility of the spiller. If a responsible party is not on the
scene to make arrangement arrangements for clean-up, one shall be contacted
or the Louisiana DEQ notified for assistance (through the BRFD HMRT).

NOTE: FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN
CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FD
PERSONNEL TO REMOVE ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FROM A
SCENE.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Hazardous Materials Incidents
M.P. 701.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 4
HAZ-MAT OPERATIONS (Continued)


The IC will ensure the scene is safe prior to turning it over to the clean-up
agency. The Fire Department and/or Haz-Mat team may remain on the scene
during clean-up to ensure public safety.
TERMINATION PROCEDURES
 Secure the scene and turn it over to the responsible party.
 Conduct a debriefing of all personnel.
 Inform all personnel of the materials involved, including signs and symptoms
of exposure.
 Inventory all equipment used at the incident
 Decon or assure proper disposal of all contaminated tools and equipment.
 Conduct a post-incident analysis and critique.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
High Angle Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
SCOPE
High angle rescue involves the removal of a victim from an elevated location, such as a water
tower, building, or other structures out of the reach of fire department ground or aerials ladders.
These types of situations require the response of specially trained personnel and equipment.
RESPONSE
Response to high angle rescue shall be the units outlined in the Baker Fire Department response
SOG. The IC may vary the response as he sees fit.
OPERATIONS
PHASE I (Arrive On-Scene, Size-up, Establish Command)






Verify the scene is safe and set up control zones and PASSPORT accountability
Locate the victim or witnesses that have information.
Attempt to access the victim without the use of high angle techniques.
Determine the need for additional assistance
Recall off-duty personnel if appropriate
Consider the need for additional ambulances
PHASE II (Pre-Rescue)



Establish a staging area.
The IC should assign a Rescue Operations Sector
The Rescue Sector officer needs to develop an action plan and once it is approved
by IC, brief all personnel and implement it. The plan should consider the
following:

Rescue, recovery, injuries etc.

Number of Victims

Type of rescue required-rappelling, lowering system, etc.

Need for ALS equipment on rescue team

Need for additional resources

Lighting and weather conditions

Back-up plan

Sectors required

Need for additional response
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
High Angle Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
OPERATIONS (Continued)
PHASE III (Rescue & Operations)
Rescue operations will be conducted using approved and recognized techniques tools, and
equipment for high angle rescue. The operation shall conducted at the lowest risk to rescuers as
possible.
The IC needs to select and assign appropriate personnel to staff critical functions to carry out the
rescue plan. Depending on the scale of the incident the following are minimum sectors that
should be considered:
Safety Officer: Oversee that the safe operation of all personnel at the incident, establish safe
zones, assures the safe use of tools and equipment. Reports directly to IC and can shut down the
operation at any time.
Recon Sector: Members from the first arriving unit teamed with TRT personnel who are familiar
with the victims location and can communicate essential information to the Rescue Ops Sector.
Rescue Sector: Consists of the TRT members involved with setting up and performing the actual
rescue of the victims. Should be assigned to a TRT trained person.
Staging: Set up staging area. Collect PASSPORTS and deploy personnel and equipment as
requested by IC.
Support Sector: Responsible for securing and deploying technical rescue equipment needed to
support the operation.
Medical Sector: At least two ALS ambulances should be assigned to Medical sector. One for
the rescuers and the appropriate number of units to treat and transport the victims.
Should the IC determine the need for additional mutual aid units to respond, Baker F. D. will
maintain IC and provide support functions for the safe operation of the team following the Baker
Fire Dept. SOG'S.
PHASE IV (Termination)
Once all victims and rescuers are safely on the ground:




Assure all personnel are accounted for
Return all equipment to service / re-stock apparatus
Debrief and critique
Secure the scene and return to service
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 8
PURPOSE:
To provide resources and trained personnel for the safe rescue and/or recovery of victims of
emergencies requiring special training and equipment within the Baker Fire Department, or
within other jurisdictions requesting assistance.
OBJECTIVE / SCOPE:
In order to ensure safe operations at technical rescue incidents, all fire department personnel
shall respond and conduct themselves in a manner outlined in these guidelines.
It shall be the responsibility of all personnel to thoroughly familiarize themselves with and
conform to these guidelines. It shall be the responsibility of all Fire Department supervisors and
officers to supervise and command their subordinates in conformance with these guidelines. It
shall be the responsibility of the Technical Rescue Commander to update and revise these
guidelines as necessary.
PERSONNEL:
The Technical Rescue Team (TRT) will maintain a master roster of all personnel and copies of
all certifications. TRT members will consist of any firefighting personnel meeting the
qualifications and approved by the TRT Commander. TRT personnel assignments will be in the
following categories:
A.
TRT Commander – Shall be a minimum of a Fire Fighter I/EMT and trained as
technical rescue specialist by a recognized institution. Responsibilities include,
but are not limited to the following:
1.
2.
3.
Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the commander is responsible for the
organization, training, equipment, and operations of the Technical Rescue
Team.
Responsible for keeping through records of all TRT members, equipment,
and activities.
Any other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 8
PERSONNEL: (Continued)
B.
TRT Asst. Commander – Shall be a minimum Firefighter I/EMT and trained as a
technical rescue specialist by a recognized institution. Responsibilities include,
but are not limited to the following:
1.
2.
3.
Under the direction of the TRT Commander, the Asst. Commander is
responsible for assisting with the operations of the Technical Rescue
Team.
To perform any of the duties assigned to the Commander in the
Commander’s absence
Any other duties as assigned by the TRT Commander or the Fire Chief
C.
Technical Rescue Specialist – Any personnel that meets all requirements as
determined by the TRT and meets any other requirements as determined by
OSHA and/or NFPA regulations.
D.
Support Personnel – Personnel who are not members of the team and are trained
to the awareness level and will provide support to the incident as determined by
the incident commander and/or rescue sector commander.
OPERATIONS
A.
Notification
Notification of a potential rescue will be done by alphanumeric and/or
voice pagers. There will be two “modes” of notifications listed as follows:
1.
“Stand-by” – If a potential, but as of yet determined incident is dispatched,
TRT personnel will be notified and placed on stand-by by the Officer on
Duty. Personnel will report to station 20. You will receive instructions
upon arrival.
2.
“Alert” – If a definite incident is dispatched, available TRT personnel will
respond immediately to the scene.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 8
OPERATIONS: (Continued)
B.
Incidents
1.
Confined Space Operations
a)
Atmospheric Monitoring – The following guidelines will be used
to test all confined space atmospheres before any entry is made.
Note that an entry is considered to have occurred as soon as any
part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of the opening into the
space. There are three atmospheric hazards that must be tested in
the following order: First is percent oxygen, second is percent
flammability, and third is chemical toxicity. Each of these tests
should be performed over the entire cross-section of the space to
ensure adequate test results. The following will explain each
individual test:
(1)
Percent Oxygen – This test is performed to ensure there is
adequate oxygen present to sustain life. Adequate levels of
oxygen are defined by OSHA as 19.5% is considered
Oxygen Deficient and thus asphyxiating. If a decision is
made to enter this atmosphere, proper respiratory protection
in the form of SCBA or SABA must be worn. Atmospheres
with greater than 23.5% is considered to be Oxygen
Enriched. This becomes a problem in that the extra oxygen
will enhance the flammability of the combustibles, thus
increasing fire and explosion hazards.
(2)
Percent Flammability – Flammability is tested as percent
LEL, or a materials lower explosive limit. LEL represents
the minimum concentration of a material in air that will
burn and/or explode when exposed to an ignition source.
As per OSHA, a confined space is considered hazardous if
it contains over 10% of a materials LEL. Note that a
material must reach 100% LEL in order to ignite. If any
atmosphere is above 10% LEL, corrective actions should
be take. Ventilation usually is the best corrective action.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 8
OPERATIONS: (Continued)
PPM Toxicity – “Any atmosphere containing gases, vapors,
or fumes known to have poisonous physiological effects” is
defined as TOXIC ATMOSPHERE by OSHA. The most
common toxins found are Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen
Sulfide, do not get tunnel vision as there are many other
toxins found in confined spaces. Measurements of toxicity
is based on PEL or Permissible Exposure Limit. The PEL is
the maximum concentration if a toxin that a person/worker
may be exposed to over an eight hour work day. Any
atmosphere containing more than the PEL a given toxin is
considered hazardous. An MSDS will give the PEL of the
toxin you are testing for. The monitors used by this
department test only one toxin, Carbon Monoxide. If no
carbon monoxide is detected, do not assume that no other
toxins exist. The BRFD HAZ-MAT unit should be
Dispatched to test for a broader range if toxins, before
assuming the atmosphere is safe to enter without the proper
protective equipment.
Confined spaces should be considered hazardous if any of the
above mentioned hazards exist. Before entry, proper action should
be taken to ensure the safety of members entering the space.
Ventilation may be the best method of abating hazards in most
cases. Oxygen levels must be taken before flammability to ensure
proper LEL readings. The combustible sensor depends on proper
oxygen levels to produce reliable results. Confined spaces will be
monitored continuously, recording test results every two to three
minutes on the Confined Space Worksheet.
b)
Entry Team Protection – The following procedures are for the
protection of the rescue entry team and are to be followed when
applicable.
(1)
Utilities – All external power to the confined space shall be
secured and LOCKED OUT prior to entry. If it is not
possible to lock out the power, then personnel shall be
assigned to the controls in order to ensure that the power is
not accidentally turned on.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
5
PAGE
OF 8
OPERATIONS: (Continued)
c)
(2)
Equipment/processes – All equipment related to the
confined space shall be shut down. All manufacturing
processes related to the confined space shall be secured.
Every effort shall be made to identify and secure any
automated processes or equipment which may start up
while personnel are operating in the confined space. This
equipment shall be tagged or locked out.
(3)
Product/liquid flows – Product/fluid levels must be
determined prior to entry. Efforts should be made to lower
the product/liquid levels prior to entry, if feasible. External
flooding situations should be identified and efforts made to
secure this hazard prior to entry. Special caution must be
taken if there has been external flooding due to the
potential for structural instability.
(4)
Product Identification – This is critical in order to evaluate
the hazard to the rescuers and the viability of the patient(s).
Try to obtain an MSDS if possible.
Respiratory Protection – Since there is a high possibility that there
are adverse atmospheric conditions in the confined space all
personnel must be wearing respiratory protection. The preferred
protection is the supplied air system or SABA. This allows
personnel to work longer in the confined space without exhausting
their air supply. However, the air accountability sector must
monitor the time that personnel spend in the confined space and
rotate personnel frequently in order to avoid over extending
personnel. Escape pack bottle will be worn anytime entry is made
into a confined space. Also, SCBA can be worn in place of SABA,
but entry shall be made no further than ½ of the air available with
an additional 5 minute escape time. The air accountability sheet
should be used to track all entry personnel.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
6
PAGE
OF 8
OPERATIONS: (Continued)
d)
Protective Clothing – The following protective clothing shall be
worn at minimum on all entries:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Full body class III harness
Rescue Helmet (Fire Helmets shall not be used)
Leather footwear
Eye protection (Breathing air mask may substitute)
Leather work gloves (Fire gloves shall not be used)
e)
Ventilation – After the atmosphere condition is determined then
the proper method (positive/negative) ventilation will be
determined. The rescue sector commander will consult with BRFD
HAZ-MAT on the effects of the chosen method. In order to
determine the effectiveness of ventilation, air monitoring
instruments will be used during the entire ventilation procedure.
The space should be sufficiently ventilated that levels of
combustibles do not exceed ten percent of their lower LEL, nor
toxic substances reach their respective TLV’s.
f)
Communications – Direct communications shall be maintained
with the entry team at all times. Back up communications
procedures should be established before entry into the confined
space.
g)
Entry Team – All entry teams shall be comprised of a minimum of
two members. The members of the team shall be trained in
confined space procedures. A 45 minute maximum entry time limit
will be placed on the rescue team to prevent exhaustion.
h)
Back Up Team – For each member of the entry team there will be
one member fully dressed including respiratory protection
prepared to enter the confined space in the event that the initial
entry team becomes disabled. Priority will be to remove disabled
team members then to effect rescue of the initial victim if possible.
Members of the Back Up Team may assist with operations in a
non-critical role only.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
7
PAGE
OF 8
OPERATIONS: (Continued)
2.
3.
4.
Rope (High and Low Angle) Operations
a)
High Angle Rescue – is defined as any situation which the victims
are beyond the reach of ground or aerial ladders and typical fire
department rescue procedures will not safely achieve scene
control. During high angle rope rescue operations judgement,
experience, training, and coordination among team members is an
absolute necessity. While often times it is much simpler and easier
to use power equipment found on scene such as cranes, forklifts,
etc., the use of such equipment for patient transfer is a violation of
Federal OSHA law. Only as a last resort should such equipment be
used.
b)
Low Angle Rescue – is defined as any situation in which typical
fire department rescue procedures will not achieve scene control,
even though ladder and personnel access to the victim may be
made with little difficulty. Examples of such incidents would
include a victim in a creek or bayou that needs to be raised over a
steep embankment or a victim that needs to be lowered off the roof
of a short building.
Safety
a)
All high angle and confined space operations not involving rescue
from a burning building will utilize a belay line.
b)
All belay systems used within the Baker F.D. shall use an 8mm
tandem prusik belay attached to a separate anchor from the main
line when ever possible.
c)
All edges and potential rope rub areas will be padded.
d)
Life support / rescue rope is not to be used as utility rope and
conversely utility rope is not to be used as life support / rescue
rope.
Training – Training sessions will be scheduled by the TRT Commander.
There will be at least one session per month. Members must attend a
minimum of one session per quarter to remain active.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue Team
M.P. 701.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
8
PAGE
OF 8
OPERATIONS: (Continued)
5.
6.
Scene Organization – All technical rescue operations will be conducted
under the Baker F.D. IMS program. The following positions shall be
staffed on all technical rescue incidents:
a)
Incident Commander – In charge of overall incident (may not be a
member of TRT).
b)
Rescue Sector Commander – the most experienced and qualified
TRT member will be designated the Rescue Sector Commander.
The responsibilities of this commander include but are not limited
to the following: in command of the technical operation under the
direction of the IC or Operations Officer, operate at the rescue site
providing direct supervision of the operation.
c)
Rescue Safety Officer – is responsible for the safety of the group in
conjunction with the rescue sector commander and the IC. The
safety officer is authorized and required to stop and correct any
unsafe operation.
Equipment
a)
All Technical rescue equipment shall be kept in the technical
rescue vehicle. At least 2 TRT members shall be present whenever
this equipment is utilized.
b)
All TRT equipment will be inspected / inventoried monthly and
after each incident and training session by TRT personnel. Any
equipment believed to be unsafe will be removed from service
immediately and the TRT Commander notified.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/02
UPDATED:
Confined Space Rescue
M.P. 701.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
SCOPE
Confined Space rescue involves the removal of a victim from confined spaces such as pipes,
silos, sewers, vaults, ducts, tunnels, etc. as defined by OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 146. These types of
situations require the response of specially trained personnel and equipment.
RESPONSE
Response to confined space rescue shall be the units outlined in the Baker Fire Department
response SOG (M.P. 101.02). The IC may vary the response as he sees fit.
OPERATIONS
PHASE I (Arrive On Scene, Size-Up, Establish Command)
Verify the scene is safe and set up control zones and PASSPORT accountability
Locate the victim or witnesses that have information.
Are victims overcome or injured?
Are Hazardous Materials involved?
Locate a copy of the confined space entry permit if available.
Attempt to access the victim without the use of confined space rescue techniques.
Determine the need for additional assistance
Recall off-duty TRT personnel
Request mutual aid if appropriate
Consider the need for additional ambulances
PHASE II (Pre-Entry)
Establish a staging area.
The IC should assign a Rescue Operations Sector
The Rescue Sector officer needs to develop an action plan and once it is approved by IC, brief all
personnel and implement it. The plan should consider the following:








Rescue, recovery, injuries etc.
Number of Victims
Type of skills required-rappelling, lowering system, hauling system, etc.
Need for ALS equipment on rescue team
Need for additional resources
Lighting and weather conditions
Back-up plan
Sectors required
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Confined Space Rescue
M.P. 701.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
PHASE II (Pre-Entry) (Continued)



Need for additional response
Atmosphere monitoring required
Mechanical ventilation required
PHASE III (Rescue Operations)
Rescue operations will be conducted using approved and recognized techniques tools, and
equipment for confined space rescue. The operation shall conducted at the lowest risk to
rescuers as possible.
The IC needs to select and assign appropriate personnel to staff critical functions to carry out the
rescue plan. Depending on the scale of the incident the following are minimum sectors that
should be considered:
Safety Officer: Oversee that the safe operation of all personnel at the incident, establish safe
zones, assures the safe use of tools and equipment. Reports directly to IC and can shut down the
operation at any time.
Hazards Sector: Sets up and operates ventilation and atmospheric monitoring equipment and
provides updates of conditions to operations.
Recon Sector: Members from the first arriving unit teamed with TRT personnel who are familiar
with the victims location and can communicate essential information to the Rescue Ops Sector.
Rescue Sector: Consists of the TRT members involved with setting up and performing the actual
rescue of the victims. Should be assigned to a TRT trained person.
Staging: Set up staging area. Collect PASSPORTS and deploy personnel and equipment as
requested by IC.
Support Sector: Responsible for securing and deploying technical rescue equipment needed to
support the operation.
Medical Sector: At least one ALS ambulance should be assigned to Medical sector.
Should the IC determine the need for mutual aid to respond, Baker Fire Department will
maintain IC and provide support functions for the safe operation of the team.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Confined Space Rescue
M.P. 701.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
PHASE III (Rescue Operations) (Continued)
Rescue Operations will need to provide for the following considerations in a confined space
rescue:












Check for hazards
Monitor air quality
Ventilation
Ropes & Rigging
Retrieval system
Lighting
Communications
Appropriate PPE
Back-Up team
Entry & Rescue
Victim Removal / Patient packaging
Belay system
PHASE IV (Termination)
Once all victims and rescuers are out of the structural collapse zone:

Assure all personnel are accounted for

Return all equipment to service / re-stock apparatus

Debrief and critique

Secure the scene and return to service
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Structural Collapse Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
SCOPE
Structural Collapse rescue involves the removal of a victims from collapsed or partially
collapsed buildings or other structures. These types of situations require the response of specially
trained personnel and equipment.
RESPONSE
Response to high angle rescue shall be the units outlined in the Baker Fire Department response
SOG. The IC may vary the response as he sees fit.
OPERATIONS
PHASE I (Arrive on Scene, Size-Up, Establish Command)
Verify the scene is safe and set up control zones and PASSPORT accountability
Locate the victims or witnesses that have information.
Determine the need for additional assistance
Recall off-duty TRT personnel
Request mutual aid if appropriate
Consider the need for additional ambulances and heavy equipment.
PHASE II (Pre-Rescue)
Establish a staging area.
The IC should assign a Rescue Operations Sector
The Rescue Sector officer needs to develop an action plan and once it is approved by IC, brief all
personnel and implement it. The plan should consider the following:
Rescue, recovery, injuries etc.

Number of Victims

Type of rescue required-surface, extrication, stabilization, etc.

Need for ALS equipment on rescue team

Need for additional resources

Lighting and weather conditions

Back-up plan

Sectors required

Need for additional response
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Structural Collapse Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
PHASE III (Rescue Operations)
Rescue operations will be conducted using approved and recognized techniques tools, and
equipment for structural collapse rescue. The operation shall conducted at the lowest risk to
rescuers as possible. A systematic approach to search and rescue must be taken.
Evaluate the stability of the structure / debris and remove victims in the following priority:

Readily accessible on the surface?

Can be uncovered by light debris removal

Light search & rescue / extrication / stabilization -Heavy search & rescue /
extrication stabilization
Rescue Operations will need to provide for the following considerations in a structural collapse
rescue:

Long term operations

Search & Rescue

Stabilization / extrication / heavy lifting

Breaching walls, floors, and roofs

Hazardous Materials

Confined space entry

Victim triage / treatment / transportation
The IC needs to select and assign appropriate personnel to staff critical functions to carry out the
rescue plan. Depending on the scale of the incident the following are minimum sectors that
should be considered:
Safety Officer: Oversee that the safe operation of all personnel at the incident, establish safe
zones, assures the safe use of tolls and equipment. Reports directly to IC and can shut down the
operation at any time.
Hazards Sector: Sets up and operates, ventilation, atmospheric monitoring equipment, evaluates
building for stability and provides updates of conditions to operations.
Recon Sector: Members from the first arriving unit teamed with TRT personnel who are familiar
with the victims location and can communicate essential information to the Rescue Ops Sector.
Rescue Sector: Consists of the TRT members involved with setting up and performing the actual
rescue of the victims. Should be assigned to a TRT trained person.
Staging: Set up staging area. Collect PASSPORTS and deploy personnel and equipment as
requested by IC.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Structural Collapse Rescue Incidents
M.P.701.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
PHASE III (Rescue Operations) (Continued)
Support Sector: Responsible for securing and deploying technical rescue equipment needed to
support the operation.
Medical Sector: At least one ALS ambulance should be assigned to Medical sector.
Should the IC determine the need for mutual aid to respond, Baker F.D. will maintain IC and
provide support functions for the safe operation of the team.
PHASE IV (Termination)
Once all victims and rescuers are out of the structural collapse zone:

Assure all personnel are accounted for

Return all equipment to service / re-stock apparatus

Debrief and critique

Secure the scene and return to service
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Trench Cave-In Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
SCOPE
Trench cave-in rescue involves the removal of a victims from a construction excavation cave-in.
These types of situations require the response of specially trained personnel and equipment.
RESPONSE
Response to trench cave-in rescue shall be the units outlined in the Baker F.D. response SOG.
The IC may vary the response as he sees fit.
OPERATIONS
PHASE I (Arrive On-Scene, Size-Up, Establish Command)
Verify the scene is safe and set up control zones and PASSPORT accountability Re-route or shut
down all sources of vibration within 300'.
Locate the victims or witnesses that have information. Mark the victim’s location.
Determine the need for additional assistance
Recall off-duty TRT personnel
Request the need for additional support via mutual aid
Spot apparatus at least 50' from the cave-in
Consider the need for additional ambulances and heavy equipment.
PHASE II (Pre-Rescue)
Establish a staging area 200' from the cave-in.
The IC should assign a Rescue Operations Sector
The Rescue Sector officer needs to develop an action plan and once it is approved by IC, brief all
personnel and implement it. The plan should consider the following:

Rescue, recovery, injuries etc.

Number of Victims

Type of rescue required-deep trench, technical rescue

Need for ALS equipment on rescue team

Need for additional resources

Lighting and weather conditions

Back-up plan

Sectors required

Need for additional response
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Trench Cave-In Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
PHASE II (Pre-Rescue) (Continued)
Make the trench area safe by:

Controlling utilities

De-water the trench

Monitor the atmosphere

Ventilate

Identify soil type and condition -Move the spoil pile back by hand at least 2' from
the trench lip -Lay ground pads
PHASE III (Rescue Operations)
Rescue operations will be conducted using approved and recognized techniques tools, and
equipment for trench cave-in rescue. The operation shall conducted at the lowest risk to rescuers
as possible.
Rescue Operations will need to provide for the following considerations in a trench cave-in
rescue:

Long term operations

Ladders for trench access

Type of shoring system

Dirt removal

Extrication / lifting

Locating & securing utilities in trench

Patient packaging and removal

Victim triage / treatment / transportation
The IC needs to select and assign appropriate personnel to staff critical functions to carry out the
rescue plan. Depending on the scale of the incident the following are minimum sectors that
should be considered:
Safety Officer: Oversee that the safe operation of all personnel at the incident, establish safe
zones, assures the safe use of tolls and equipment. Reports directly to IC and can shut down the
operation at any time.
Hazards Sector: Sets up and operates, ventilation, atmospheric monitoring equipment, evaluate
trench for stability and provides updates of conditions to operations.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Trench Cave-In Rescue Incidents
M.P. 701.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
PHASE III (Rescue Operations) (Continued)
Recon Sector: Members from the first arriving unit teamed with TRT personnel who are familiar
with the victims location and can communicate essential information to the Rescue Ops Sector.
Rescue Sector: Consists of the TRT members involved with setting up and performing the actual
rescue of the victims. Should be assigned to a TRT trained person.
Staging: Set up staging area. Collect PASSPORTS and deploy personnel and equipment as
requested by IC.
Support Sector: Responsible for securing and deploying technical rescue equipment needed to
support the operation.
Medical Sector: At least one ALS ambulance should be assigned to Medical sector.
Should the IC determine the need for mutual aid to respond, Baker F. D. will maintain IC and
provide support functions for the safe operation of the team.
PHASE IV (Termination)
Once all victims and rescuers are out of the trench cave in zone:

Assure all personnel are accounted for

Remove shoring system (last in / first out)

Return all equipment to service / re-stock apparatus

Debrief and critique

Secure the scene and return to service
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue - Rope
M.P. 701.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for conducting rope rescues. Because of
the infinite number of potential sites and situations that could be encountered, this procedure will
not define a specific evolution to use, but will give guidelines to follow for conducting safe and
effective operations.
DEFINITION:
Rope rescue is defined as any rescue attempt that requires rope and related equipment to safely
gain access to and remove patients from hazardous geographic areas with limited access, such as
high-rise buildings, above- or below-grade structures.
Non-technical evacuations are those of less than a 40 inclination. Technical evacuations are
considered those from 40 to 90. Technical evacuations require the dispatch of the Technical
Rescue Team (TRT).
FIRST ARRIVING UNIT:
The first arriving unit should assume Command and begin size-up. Size-up includes locating
and securing any witnesses, identifying and stabilizing immediate hazards, identifying the
number, location and condition of all patients, estimating the angle of the terrain, stability of the
footing, distance to the patients and considering the effect the weather may have on the
operation. Information obtained will help Command assess the need for additional resources,
such as the TRT, Rehab, utility trucks, mutual aid or other specialized teams.
COMMAND:
Command must use the information gathered during size-up to decide if the rescue is to be
technical or non-technical. Flat to low-angle terrain, defined as 0 to 40, does not require one to
rely on specialized training and equipment to stabilize or carry the load if sufficient manpower is
available and distances involved are fairly short. Grades greater than 40 are generally the
dividing line between technical and non-technical rescue, though other factors, such as weather,
excessive distances and difficult terrain may require support from the TRT at lesser angles.
Terrain from 40 to 60 is considered steep angle and terrain greater than 60 is high angle.
Steep to high angle rescue is a dangerous enterprise that requires specific knowledge and
equipment to safely gain access to, to treat, package and transport patients. If the distances
involved are short and the grade is less than 40, the equipment carried on the first arriving
engine is usually sufficient to effect the rescue. The TRT unit can be canceled if the personnel or
their equipment are not needed.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue - Rope
M.P. 701.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
TRT ACTION PLAN:
Upon arrival of the TRT unit, the TRT Leader shall report to Command and, in cooperation with
Command, begin to evaluate all information available and all actions taken in the incident so far.
An action plan shall be developed and, once approved by Command, will be presented to all
participants. The action plan should consider the following:












Nature of the emergency
Technical vs. non-technical
Type of rescue required (top-down vs. bottom-up)
Level of climbing skills required
Need for ALS personnel / equipment on the rescue team
Number of victims and types of injuries
Access
Potentially toxic atmospheres (e.g. confined space)
Environmental factors (light, temperature, weather)
Sectors required to support the action plan
Back-up plan and personnel
Other agencies required / mutual aid
SECTORS:
Deployment of the TRT personnel in the action plan needs to be monitored by Command to
ensure trained TRT members are available to staff critical functions. Command should consider
the need for the following sectors and possibly use TRT members as sector officers.
Recon Sector: This sector would consist of members from the first arriving units and
members of the TRT who are able to safely make their way to or near the victims. Recon
should be EMT-basic trained. Recon will provide Command with regular updated
reports, assist Command in requesting appropriate resources and advise Command of the
victims’ situation and type of extrication required (e.g. helicopter, technical rescue or
walk-out). After the Recon team has located the victim, Command should change sector
designations to Treatment Sector.
Treatment Sector: The Treatment Sector is established after the victim is located and
medical personnel have reached the patient. Most often, personnel assigned tot he Recon
Sector will be reassigned to the Treatment Sector and the Recon Sector will be
terminated. The Treatment Sector will be responsible for treating the patient(s),
packaging the patient(s) for removal and coordinating the removal efforts with the
Rescue Sector.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Technical Rescue - Rope
M.P. 701.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
SECTORS: (Continued)
Rescue Sector: Rescue Sector should consist of the TRT members actually involved in
the rescue of the victims. This would involve members utilizing technical rescue skills
and evaluations. The Rescue Sector Officer (RSO) is responsible for the construction of
a safe and proper rope rescue system. The RSO will oversee the patient packaging and
raising and / or lowering of the victim(s) and rescuer(s). The RSO shall assign specific
tasks within the raising / lowering operation (e.g. rigger, belayer, attendant, etc.).
Resource Sector: Resource Sector, during a technical rescue, is responsible for securing
and assigning any equipment needed for the TRT operations. Resource Sector should be
staffed by a TRT member. Resource Sector will be responsible for retrieving and
inventorying any equipment issued for the operation. Resource Sector will log all rope
used for the operation on the rope log cards assigned to the rope.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
M.P.701.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 3
GENERAL
This procedure is not intended to address all facets of Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs), but
rather is intended to provide an overview of generally-accepted practices.
RESPONSE
As a minimum, one engine equipped with a full complement of extrication tools, class B foam
and a full complement of first aid supplies and equipment shall respond to every reported MVA.
When appropriate and additional manpower is available, the rescue unit shall also respond.
Upon arrival at the scene of the MVA, the first arriving unit(s) shall position their vehicle(s) to
protect the victims and emergency workers from oncoming traffic, even if such actions require
one or more lanes to be completely blocked.
COMMAND
It is Command’s responsibility to:








Secure the scene; assure it is kept as safe as is possible, given the circumstances
Mitigate any hazards and exposures that might exist: fuel leaks, close proximity to
traffic flow, hazardous cargos, etc.
Determine the location, number and condition of all patients
Evaluate the resources needed and provide for the extrication of trapped patients
Evaluate the resources needed and provide for the for the proper care of the injured
Coordinate with the arriving EMS unit(s) on PS TAC 3
Coordinate with Fire Alarm Communications for additional resources as required or
the canceling of en route resources (Code 4)
Assure the proper law enforcement agency is notified and has a representative en
route.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
M.P. 701.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 3
EXTRICATION
It is not the purpose of this procedure to define the step-by-step techniques for successful patient
extrication from damaged motor vehicles. Rather, the following general guidelines shall be
adhered to:








The patient’s best interests shall always be attended. This may mean a rapid
extrication technique for a critically injured patient in which time is of the essence or
it may mean a slow and deliberate extrication utilizing the KED, C-collar, longboard
and other equipment for a stable patient with possible fractured vertebrae.
It is the policy of the Baker Fire Dept. to error on the side of more vehicle
dismantling instead of less when a patient’s safety and condition may be
compromised by a difficult extrication.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to remove the roof of vehicles when a patient’s
safety and condition may be compromised by a difficult through-the-door extrication.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to place patient and rescue personnel safety above
the convenience of the motoring public: any road or highway may be completely shut
down if allowing the traffic to continue will in any way jeopardize human life or
safety in any way. Command shall strive to re-open all roadways as quickly as
possible once all personnel threats are removed.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to have at least one competent, fully-dressed
firefighter man a charged 1 ½” minimum hand line at all extrications in which a
patient is trapped in a vehicle.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to attempt to properly treat, extricate and package all
patients prior to the arrival of EMS: the personnel of this fire department shall never
delay the extrication and / or treatment of any patient while waiting for the arrival of
EMS.
Recognizing that not all patients are savable, it is the policy of the Baker F.D. to
properly triage all patients of a multiple-casualty incident and utilize our resources
effectively, consistent with generally-accepted EMS protocols and guidelines.
Generally speaking, critically injured patients shall be treated prior to extrication:
access to the patient, application of oxygen and complete assessment shall generally
be accomplished before the actual extrication is performed.
Baker Fire Department – Standard Operating Guidelines
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Special Operations
2004/05
UPDATED:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
M.P. 701.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 3
EXTRICATION (Continued)




Safety of rescue personnel is critical. However, it is the policy of the Baker F.D. to
employ conscious risk-to-reward assessments of every situation. Although we would
like for all rescue personnel to be fully protected by their turn-out gear, including
helmet, coat and gloves, such precautions and excellent patient care are frequently
mutually exclusive. Bottom line: we encourage the proper use of safety equipment at
all times and sometimes require it. We also understand that in some situations, the
risk to the rescue personnel is greatly outweighed by the possible reward to the
victim. It is the individual firefighter, officer and Incident Commander’s joint
responsibility to assure a proper balance is maintained. At no time shall a firefighter
be compelled to perform any act without wearing the proper personal safety
equipment; any firefighter or member may, at any time, refuse to perform any task if
they believe it to pose a personal threat to their safety. Conversely, if an EMT
chooses to enter into the back seat of a wrecked vehicle to provide care to a critically
injured patient – and he elects to do so without full personal protective equipment –
he shall not be penalized.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. that all personnel performing any extrication
procedure with any power equipment – hydraulic tools, saws, pneumatic tools, etc. –
be properly protected with safety glasses, goggles or a safety shield. When possible,
all personnel should be equipped with proper boots, turn-out pants & coat, gloves and
a helmet with shield in addition to safety glasses.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to mitigate risks as quickly as is practical, including
disconnecting or cutting battery cables and diluting or foam-covering fuel leaks to
prevent subsequent fires, employing disposable blankets on scenes to protect patients
from flying glass, maintaining good crowd control to keep the public a safe distance
away from hazards, etc.
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to place warning decals on the front side windows of
every vehicle equipped with air bags that have been involved in a significant frontend collision in which the air bags did not deploy.
INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION
It is the policy of the Baker F.D. to provide other agencies with the support they may need to do
their jobs properly, including:




Providing copies of photos taken by Baker F.D. personnel
Washing down a scene after all patients have been removed
Removing a vehicle from the roadway to allow traffic to pass
Directing traffic around incapacitated vehicles until they can be properly removed by
a wrecker
Section 800
Supplemental
Operating
Policies
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Training, General
M.P. 801.01
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
It is the intent of the Baker Fire Departmentto require training as follows:

Firefighting training (as defined in the Employee Handbook) to comply with all
ISO requirements and to assure the best possible Fire Classification rating for the
Fire District and our citizens

Medical training beyond the basic First Responder level, to provide our citizens
with the best chance of survival in the event of a catastrophic injury or illness

Technical rescue, hazardous materials and other specialty training, to allow Baker
fire Department to have competent, qualified teams of specialty rescue
technicians ready to provide our citizens the assistance they might need in the
event of an unusual calamity
Because the Baker Fire Department deliberately and openly requires such a heavy training load
of its employees, this fire department commits to:

Provide quality training in terms of both competent instructors and resources

Not waste any employee’s time with meaningless busy-work disguised as training

Not use performance-based training as a method of terminating employees, but
rather to use performance-based training and testing as a method of proactively
determining weak areas within the organization so that remedial training may be
effectively and constructively utilized

Provide an open-door policy directly to the Fire Chief’s office to all members to
identify potential training needs and to provide feedback regarding the existing
training program – whether that feed back is positive or negative

Provide every employee with the opportunity to attend third-party courses and
seminars at the fire department’s expense, once certain minimum qualifications
are achieved

Provide specialty training to every employee who has an interest in pursuing
specialized training, once certain minimum qualifications are achieved

Provide a financial advantage, in the form of an hourly differential, to all paid
employees who achieve certain advanced training certifications
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 9
ANNUAL SKILL REVIEW
It is the intent of the Baker fire Department to annually conduct skill reviews of all firefighters
and officers. The skill reviews shall be timed training evolutions, based on firefighting and
rescue skills. A standard shall be set, and it shall be the employee’s responsibility to meet the
performance objectives safely and efficiently.
It is not the intent of this department to utilize these annual skill reviews as a means of singling
out, ridiculing, intimidating or comparing employees. The intent is to track employee’s progress
and training and to evaluate the Baker Fire Department training program. Paid employees shall
be required to participate in the skill reviews more often and will, in most cases, be held to a
higher standard of efficiency.
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING DRILL
Objective: To assess the firefighter’s ability to safely and efficiently don all personal protective
equipment and an SCBA. The firefighter shall be completely protected, on air, and ready to
perform any assigned task within 3 ½ minutes (2 ½ minutes for contract employees).
Guidelines: This drill shall be done with no more than two (2) firefighters at a time, and shall not
be run as a competition. Times of greater than 3 minutes (2 ¼ minutes for paid employees) do
not indicate failure or disqualification, but indicate a need for additional practice and further
review at a later time. There shall be no disqualification; however, the evaluator may stop the
evolution at any time that safety becomes an issue or if corrective action needs to be taken. The
firefighter shall be corrected and the evolution shall restart from the beginning. The firefighters
shall be seated in the cab of the apparatus so that there is a common starting point, and the drill is
conducted with equality for all participants.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The firefighter shall be seated and belted in the cab of the apparatus.
Upon command and the start of his time, the firefighter shall exit the
apparatus and begin dressing in his or her personal protective equipment.
All buttons, snaps, zippers, hooks, and velcro, shall be securely fastened.
When the firefighter is dressed, he shall proceed to the SCBA.
The firefighter shall quickly assess the SCBA’s preparedness, turn the air
on, and check the pressure.
The firefighter shall then don the SCBA and mask by whatever method
they choose.
The firefighter shall confirm they have a good mask seal.
The firefighter shall go on air, don the rest of their personal protective
equipment, checking to see that there is no skin exposed.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 9
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING DRILL (Continued)
8.
9.
When the firefighter feels that they have completed the objective, they
shall proceed to the rear of the apparatus and assume a kneeling position
indicating that they are ready for assignment.
Time will then be stopped and recorded. The captain or training officer
shall review the firefighter's performance and make any corrective
suggestions needed to ensure safety.
LADDER RAISE DRILL
Objective: To assess the firefighter's ability to safely and efficiently raise an extension ladder to
an assigned location and to retrieve a specific object within 6 minutes (4 minutes for contract
employees).
Guidelines: Times of greater than 6 minutes (4 minutes for contract employees) do not indicate
failure or disqualification, but mark a need for additional practice and further review at a later
time. There shall be no disqualification, however the evaluator can stop the evolution at any
time safety becomes an issue, or if corrective action needs to be taken. The firefighter should be
corrected and the evolution should begin again from the start. This drill shall be conducted with
teams of two (2) firefighters working together to achieve the objective. There shall not be more
than one team operating at a time. The use of an SCBA is not necessary for this drill.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2 firefighters, wearing full protective equipment and no SCBA, shall be
seated and belted in the apparatus.
Upon command and the start of time, the firefighters shall exit the
apparatus and proceed to the ladder.
The firefighters should remove the extension ladder and carry the ladder
with an approved carry to the pre-determined window with the object to be
retrieved visible through the window or easily reached from the ladder.
The firefighters shall raise the extension ladder using proper techniques to
the window and position the ladder for a rescue (the tip of the ladder at sill
level).
Firefighter number one shall foot the ladder at all times. Firefighter
number two shall ascend the ladder, retrieve the object, and descend the
ladder.
When firefighter number two has returned to the ground with the object in
his or her possession, both firefighters shall proceed to the rear of the
apparatus and assume a kneeling position indicating that they are ready for
assignment.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 9
LADDER RAISE DRILL (Continued)
7.
Time will then be stopped and recorded. The captain or training officer
shall review the firefighter's performance and make any corrective
suggestions needed to ensure safety.
INITIAL ATTACK DRILL
Objective: To assess the firefighter’s and the pump operator’s ability to safely and efficiently
deploy a firefighting handline and flow water at a firefighting flow rate (95 gpm) in a tank-topump operation within 5 minutes (3 minutes for contract employees).
Guidelines: Times of greater than 5 minutes (3 minutes for contract employees) do not indicate
failure or disqualification, but mark a need for additional practice and further review at a later
time. This drill shall be conducted with teams of two (2) firefighters, 1 pump operator and 1
firefighter working together to achieve the objective. There shall not be more than one team
operating at a time. There shall be no disqualification, however the evaluator can stop the
evolution at any time safety becomes an issue, or if corrective action needs to be taken. The
firefighter should be corrected and the evolution should begin again from the start
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The pump operator shall be seated and belted in the driver’s seat of the
engine, with the truck in road ready condition. The firefighter, in full
personal protective equipment, shall be seated and belted in the passenger
seat of the apparatus.
Upon command and the start of time, both personnel shall exit the
apparatus and begin their assigned tasks.
The pump operator shall put the apparatus in pump gear when he exits the
apparatus, pull the tank-to-pump valve, and “crack” the recirculation
valve.
After preparing the pump, the pump operator shall proceed to the handline
and begin deploying it to a pre-designated area while the firefighter dons
an SCBA. For the purposes of this exercise, the handline shall be a
minimum 1 ½” double-jacketed hose.
After the firefighter has donned the SCBA, he shall proceed to the
handline nozzle and assist in the deployment.
When the line is deployed, the firefighter should be at the entry area in a
crouched position awaiting water.
After the firefighter is in position on the nozzle, the pump operator shall
charge the hand line to the desired firefighting pump discharge pressure
(150 psi).
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 9
INITIAL ATTACK DRILL (Continued)
8.
9.
10.
When the firefighter has water at pressure, he shall advance the charged
line 6 feet, open the line to the desired stream, and deluge the target.
After the target is displaced the firefighter shall close the nozzle indicating
that the objective has been met.
Time will then be stopped and recorded. The captain or training officer
shall review the firefighter's performance and make any corrective
suggestions needed to ensure safety.
HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT DRILL
Objective: To assess the firefighter's ability to maximize time and minimize air consumption in a
hostile heat and smoke environment. This drill will also ensure, in a relatively safe setting, that
the firefighter can properly don an SCBA and is psychologically fit for entry into the hostile
environment.
Guidelines: The firefighter shall enter the hostile environment as time is started, he shall take a
seated position as soon as feasible and safe, and remain at rest throughout the rest of the drill.
The drill will last for a period of at least 30 minutes. This drill can be done in-groups. There
shall be at a minimum of 1 safety person per 5 firefighters to assist if trouble arises. The SCBA
shall be fully charged to 3000 psi at the start of the drill. The IMS/ICS system that is outlined in
the departmental procedures shall be utilized for this drill. IMS tags shall be left with the
timekeeper when the firefighter enters the environment, and the tag shall be returned to the
firefighter as the firefighter exits the environment and a time is recorded. The firefighter, at rest
in the hostile atmosphere, shall achieve at least 30 minutes on SCBA air. Times of less than 30
minutes do not indicate failure or disqualification, but mark a need for additional practice and
further review at a later time. There shall be no disqualification, however the evaluator can stop
the evolution at any time safety becomes an issue, or if corrective action needs to be taken. The
firefighter should be corrected and the evolution should begin again from the start
Procedure:
1.
2.
The firefighters shall be in full personal protective equipment and have an
SCBA and mask in place, but not yet on air.
When the hostile environment is prepared, the group of firefighters shall
go on air, enter the structure, and disperse throughout the room,
immediately taking a seat on the floor against a pre-designated wall. The
firefighters shall stay low, at floor level and at rest for the duration of the
drill.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
5
PAGE
OF 9
HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT DRILL (Continued)
3.
4.
The hostile atmosphere will be maintained for 30 minutes. Safety officers
shall continually circulate throughout the firefighters, assessing their
breathing, air consumption, and monitoring for problems or difficulties. If
a problem or potential problem occurs, the individual involved shall be
assisted and if necessary escorted out of the environment as quickly and
safely as possible, by the safety officer.
As the drill progresses and low-pressure alarms begin to sound,
firefighters shall be individually escorted from the environment, and their
time shall be recorded
EXTERNAL WATER SUPPLY DRILL
Objective: To assess the pump operators ability to establish a hydrant water supply to an engine,
go to that supply without interrupting water flow, and refill the tank. This drill should be
complete within 7 minutes of exiting the apparatus.
Guidelines: This drill shall be done with two (2) firefighters, one pump operator and one
firefighter. There shall be no disqualification, however the evaluator can stop the evolution at
any time safety becomes an issue, or if corrective action needs to be taken. The firefighter
should be corrected and the evolution should begin again from the start. Times of greater than 7
minutes do not indicate failure or disqualification, but mark a need for additional practice and
further review at a later time.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The pump operator and the firefighter shall be seated in the apparatus in a
road ready condition (truck not in pump gear).
Upon command and the start of time, the pump operator and firefighter
shall exit the apparatus.
The firefighter shall pull a 50-foot handline, and be prepared for water.
For the purposes of this drill, the handline shall be a minimum 1 ½”
double-jacketed hose.
The pump operator shall engage the pump, pull the tank-to-pump, and
charge the hand line to 110 psi, and be flowing 95 gpm.
The firefighter shall, when at pressure, begin to flowing water.
The pump operator shall then proceed to the plug and begin making the
water supply. Put the hydrant adapter on the steamer connection of the
plug. Hook the LDH to the hydrant adapter. Connect the 2-½ gate valve
on the 2-½ discharge of the hydrant. Place the hydrant wrench on the
hydrant.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
6
PAGE
OF 9
EXTERNAL WATER SUPPLY DRILL (Continued)
7.
8.
9.
10.
The pump operator shall then proceed to the apparatus and tie the water
supply in to the piston intake valve. The operator shall check to see that
the piston intake is closed and the bleeder valve is open.
The operator shall then go back to the plug and fully open the plug,
charging the LDH. When the air is evacuated from the LDH, and a solid
water stream is flowing from the bleeder valve, the bleeder valve shall be
closed and the piston intake opened slowly while the tank-to-pump is
closed. Caution shall be exercised to be sure that there is no pressure
surge on the handline, and that the handline is maintained at 110 psi.
When the transition to the external water supply is completed, the operator
shall “crack” the tank-refill valve, and refill the tank. Again caution
should be exercised to maintain 110 psi on the hand line.
When the tank refill is underway time shall be stopped and the drill is
complete. The time shall be recorded. The captain or training officer
shall review the firefighter's performance and make any corrective
suggestions needed to ensure safety
RELAY PUMPING DRILL
Objective: To assess the pump operators ability to establish a water supply from the 2nd in
engine to the initial attack engine without interrupting water flow to the handline or creating a
pressure surge. The operator must also initiate tank refill. This drill shall be completed within 5
minutes.
Guidelines: The second in engine shall be delayed 2 minutes from the initial water flow of the
attack engine. There shall be no disqualification, however the evaluator can stop the evolution at
any time safety becomes an issue, or if corrective action needs to be taken. The firefighter
should be corrected and the evolution should begin again from the start. Times of greater than 5
minutes do not indicate failure or disqualification, but mark a need for additional practice and
further review at a later time.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The initial attack engine shall be set up, and water shall start flowing at the
start of time.
The 2nd in operator is to be seated and belted in the apparatus.
At the 2-minute mark the 2nd in truck shall start his operation.
The 2nd in engine operator shall exit the apparatus, putting the truck in
pump gear, and opening the tank-to-pump.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
7
PAGE
OF 9
RELAY PUMPING DRILL(Continued)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The operator shall hand stretch a 50 foot section of 3 inch line form a
discharge on the 2nd in truck to an intake on the attack apparatus, making
sure that the intake valve is closed.
The operator shall proceed back to the 2nd in truck, open the 3-inch line,
and be flowing water to the attack truck supplying it at 75 psi.
The operator shall proceed back to the initial attack truck, and open the
intake valve, while slowly closing the tank to pump. The operator shall
exercise extreme caution to maintain 110 psi on the handline.
When the transition from the tank to the external supply is complete, the
operator shall “crack” the tank-refill and begin refilling the attack truck.
Time shall be stopped when the tank refill is underway.
The time shall be recorded. The captain or training officer shall review
the firefighter's performance, and make any corrective suggestions needed
to ensure safety.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM DRILL
Objective: To assess a team of 4 firefighters ability to efficiently establish a sprinkler system
operation and to adequately supply a sprinkler system within 5 minutes
Guidelines: 4 firefighters shall work together to achieve the objective. There shall be no
disqualification, however the evaluator can stop the evolution at any time safety becomes an
issue, or if corrective action needs to be taken. The firefighter shall be corrected and the
evolution should begin again from the start. Times of greater than 5 minutes do not indicate
failure or disqualification, but mark a need for additional practice and further review at a later
time.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The firefighters shall be seated and belted in the apparatus in the station.
Upon command and the start of time the apparatus will proceed to a predesignated area, park, and all firefighters shall exit the apparatus.
A team of two firefighters shall immediately lay two (2) 2 ½ or 3 inch
lines from the engine to the fire department connection.
When the two 3 inch lines are connected the operator shall open the tank
to pump and supply the sprinkler system at 100 psi with tank water.
While the 3-inch lines are being laid, the other team members shall begin
the LDH operation. After the tank water is flowing all four team members
can finish the LDH external water supply operation.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
8
PAGE
OF 9
SPRINKLER SYSTEM DRILL (Continued)
6.
7.
The operator shall, when the external supply is established, make the
transition to the external supply and refill the tank without interrupting
water flow or surging the pressure. When the tank begins to refill, time
shall be stopped.
The time shall be recorded. The captain or training officer shall review
the firefighter's performance, and make any corrective suggestions needed
to ensure safety.
SCBA SEARCH & RESCUE DRILL
Objective: To assess the search teams ability to locate a troubled firefighter by the sound of their
pass device, while operating in an obscured vision atmosphere, in a timely manor.
Guidelines: There is no set time limit for this drill. Two firefighters shall function as a team, and
must stay together. A hoseline or a rope must be taken with the team so when the object is
located the team can follow the line out. The pass device shall be located in the same location
for all teams to ensure equality in the time recording. There shall be no disqualification,
however the evaluator can stop the evolution at any time safety becomes an issue, or if corrective
action needs to be taken. The firefighter should be corrected and the evolution should begin
again from the start
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The team of firefighters shall be in full personal protective equipment and
SCBA. Waiting at the door, not yet on air, for the drill to commence.
The pass device shall be activated to simulate a firefighter in trouble.
When the team enters the doorway, on air, time shall be started.
The team shall stay low, crawling at all times, and must stay in contact
with each other.
The team shall not split up at any time, or loose contact with the rope.
When the pass device is located, the team shall reverse direction, and exit
the room by following the rope or hose line.
When the firefighters are both out of the area, and the door is closed, time
shall be stopped.
The time shall be recorded. The captain or training officer will review the
firefighter's performance, and make any corrective suggestions needed to
ensure safety.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Annual Skill Review
M.P. 801.02
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
9
PAGE
OF 9
MASTER STREAM PRACTICE
In addition to the previously defined drills, every apparatus operator shall practice basic
master stream operations. This may be done subsequent to the initial attack drill for ease
and time considerations. As a minimum, the training officer(s) shall review:






Operationally initiating a master stream
Water supply requirements
Fixed master stream devices vs. portable master stream devices
Defensive vs. offensive tactics
Solid streams and stacked tips vs. fog streams
Safety and hazards associated with master streams
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Departmental Communications
M.P. 801.03
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
All significant communications between the management of the fire department (Fire Chief,
Assistant Chief Mayor’s Office, Council etc.) and the mployees shall be documented as follows:


A communications directive shall be issued in writing and made apparent
to the employees by posting on a specially-designated bulletin board for
a period of time or at least one week.
A copy of the directive shall be permanently kept, along with all other
substantial public documents (minutes of meetings, guidelines, duties,
etc.) in chronological order in a 3-ring binder conspicuously marked and
kept in the Assistant Chief’s Office
This should allow for better communications between all members of the department. Should an
officer or city official wish to issue a communications directive, he should coordinate with the
Fire Chief for the proper publication of the directive and the assignment of the next directive
number.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Horseplay & Practical Jokes
M.P. 801.04
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Baker Fire Department in no way condones horseplay or practical jokes by any employee. We
have a responsibility to work together and present professionally to ourselves, other departments
and the public. Action as described above is inconsistent with the image we are obligated to
portray and consequently, will not be tolerated.
Additionally, any action which:



Presents a risk to others,
Destroys or damages Baker Fire Department property or equipment,
Or in any way affects the ability of our equipment to respond to
emergencies will be dealt with harshly.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Non-Emerg. Use of Dept. Vehicles
M.P. 801.05
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
We encourage the regular operation of Baker Fire Department vehicles within the district for
several reasons:





To familiarize the firefighters with operation of the equipment,
To "exercise" the equipment,
To identify equipment problems during non-emergency use, so that it
may be repaired and the vehicles may be reliable in times of need,
To encourage the firefighters to better learn their district,
And to give the department a positive public image.
This policy has remained unchanged since the beginning of this administration, and will continue
as long as possible. However, certain key issues must be followed, without exception:



When a vehicle is to be driven for non-emergency use the Captain on
duty, or Assistant Chief or Fire Chief shall be notified
Without exception, a qualified firefighter shall be on and assume
responsibility of each vehicle.
All firefighters on board shall have with them their full turn-out gear.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Personal Use of Dept. Equipment
M.P. 801.06
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
We have many pieces of equipment that may be personally useful, particularly in times of bad
weather and power outages. However, all apparatus and equipment purchased by Baker Fire
Department was purchased for public safety, not the personal convenience of the fire department
members.
Should there be a bona fide need for our equipment (generators, chain saw, ladders, etc.) by a
current employee or City Official, or a retired employee, the equipment may be checked out,
provided all the following conditions are met:




Lack of equipment shall not put the public at risk. If equipment is
critical (ladder, chain saw, generator, etc.), a plan to get it to any scene
immediately shall be agreed to by the Fire Chief, captain on duty and the
person borrowing the equipment.
Equipment shall be checked out by an active employee only, and with
prior approval of the Captain on duty, Assistant Chief or Fire Chief.
Only the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief may approve the borrowing of
critical equipment. Critical equipment that is borrowed shall also be
marked conspicuously on the board at the station, indicating who has it
& when it will be returned.
The person borrowing the equipment shall be 100% responsible for the
equipment. This explicitly means that the equipment will be returned in
a condition appropriate for fire service usage. Should repairs be
necessary before the equipment can be returned to duty, the person
borrowing the equipment shall notify the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief
immediately, so that appropriate action may be taken (this does not
necessarily mean the person borrowing the equipment is financially
responsible for all repairs). In no case shall defective, unsafe or
unreliable equipment be placed back into service.
Should a member of the public need any equipment, the same procedures
shall be followed, with an employee or City Official accepting the
responsibility.
The department emphatically discourages use of
departmental equipment by non-employees and the Fire Chief must give
prior approval.
It is our intent not to keep important equipment at the station when it may be utilized effectively
to prevent or limit damages or losses to fire department employees or members of the general
public in our fire district.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Nomenclature & References
M.P. 801.07
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
10-Dash signals for fire department use:
10-1
10-2
10-4
10-5
10-6
10-7
10-8
10-9
10-10
10-19
10-20
10-21
10-42
10-55
10-97
Minor 52:
Major 52:
MVA
Code Red:
Code I:
Code III:
Receiving poorly
Receiving well
Message acknowledged
Relay this message
Busy . . . will call back
Unit out of service
Unit in service
Repeat your message
Unit out of service, subject to call
Unit returning to station
Give your location
Call station by telephone
Residence
Unit responding to assignment
Arrived at scene
motor vehicle accident without injuries
motor vehicle accident with injuries
motor vehicle accident
clear all traffic for emergency transmission
without lights or siren
with lights and siren
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Administrative Structure
M.P. 801.08
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Baker Fire Department is governed by The Mayor of the city of Baker which is the Authority
Having Jurisdiction and A Five member City Council.
The Fire Chief is an, appointed position. The Mayor appoints the Fire Chief for an indefinite
period, and once appointed the Fire Chief remains in that position until he is either removed by
the Mayor or resigns. All fire employees report either directly or indirectly to the Fire Chief.
The administrative structure, therefore, is as follows
:
FIRE CHIEF
PUBLIC INFORMATION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
TRAINING & SAFETY
ASSISTANT CHIEF – A
SPECIAL SERVICES
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
ASSISTANT CHIEF – B
ADMINISTRATION
DISTRICT CHIEF – C
MAINTENANCE
CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN
OPERATOR
OPERATOR
OPERATOR
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
FIREFIGHTER
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
FIREFIGHTER
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
FIREFIGHTER
F.F.
FIRST
CLASS
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Employee Involvement
M.P. 801.09
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
All employees shall have input into how the Baker fire Department allocates its resources and
prioritizes its objectives. A general organizational chart shall be posted at the fire station
showing all major administrative tasks and the employees responsible for the successful
implementation of those tasks. Responsibilities shall be posted for the following administrative
duties, as a minimum:









Hydrant inspections
Pre-Plans
Employee shift scheduling
Commercial building inspections
Training Officer
Specialty teams & team leaders
Hose testing
Pump testing
Fire & EMS reporting
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Logbooks
M.P. 801.10
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The station logbook shall be used to record all significant activities performed by all on-duty
personnel, including time on duty, vehicle problems, major work duties, run summaries and time
off duty.
Any equipment being removed from the station for repairs, maintenance or loan shall be so
recorded in the equipment log at the station both when taken from the station and upon returning.
All vehicle maintenance shall be recorded in the maintenance log. All equipment or apparatus
requiring repair shall be noted on the “Maintenance Required” log. If the repairs needed are
safety-related or urgent in nature, a notice shall also be placed on the marker board in the Radio
Room.
All medical equipment sent to local hospitals with EMS or ambulance services shall be recorded
on the marker board designated for this purpose so that the equipment may later be accounted for
and retrieved in a timely fashion.
Whenever training is held at the station on any subject, whether individually or as an organized
class, a record shall be kept and turned in to the training officer showing all pertinent information
as well as who was in attendance. Inter-agency training shall also be recorded and given to the
training officer.
All fire prevention training, whether off-site (e.g., at a local school) or at the fire station, shall be
logged in the “Fire Prevention” logbook. This shall apply equally to organized and scheduled
fire prevention classes as well as to the occasional visitor requesting a station tour.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Ancillary Vehicles
M.P. 801.11
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The Baker Fire Department will have several vehicles not typically used directly for fire
suppression. All vehicles are expected to be used in or near the fire district for departmental
business only. With the Fire Chief’s or Assistant Chief’s approval, a vehicle may be used to
transport employees to training classes either in the area or out of town. When on duty personell
use these vehicles for any business they shall carry their turnout gear with them.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Firearms
M.P. 801.12
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Firearms shall not be carried in any Baker Fire Department vehicle at any time or by anyone
representing the Baker Fire Department on any type of call.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Bulletin Boards
M.P. 801.13
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
In order to maintain an effective avenue for communicating with our employees the Baker Fire
Department maintains several bulletin boards. Bulletin boards are located throughout our
facilities in areas that employees frequently visit in order to ensure that employees have constant
access to posted information. Baker Fire Department bulletin boards are used to communicate
official government information on EEO, wage and hour, health and safety, and other issues.
They are also used to communicate information regarding Baker Fire Department policy,
business and announcements, including but not limited to, job postings, safety rules, health
items, benefit programs, and notices announcing special events.
Employees may not post, tape, tack, or affix any form of literature, printed or written materials,
photographs, or notices of any kind on a Baker Fire Department bulletin boards or their glass
coverings, on the walls or anywhere else on Baker Fire Department property. Violations of this
policy shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Baker Fire Department’s bulletin boards may not be used by employees or outside parties for
posting of commercial notes and advertisements, announcements, sales of personal property, or
any other matters, work related or not. Employees and outside parties are also prohibited from
distributing literature and soliciting other employees except as stated in the Baker Fire
Department's solicitations and distribution of literature policy.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Computer Use
M.P. 801.14
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
All departmental forms and maps are located on the computer in the Fire Chief’s office and the
Assistant Chief’s office so that the most current version may be readily printed. The most recent
edition of all departmental procedures and policies and all previous communications are also
available on the computer in the Fire Chief’s office.
All electronic and telephonic communication systems and all communications and information
transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are the property of the Baker Fire
Department and as such are to be used for job-related purposes.
The computer located in the Assistant Chief’s office is the Host computer for all networking,
This department has standardized on the Microsoft Office suite. If an employee wishes to use
Word Perfect or other applications, they may do so. All departmental documents shall utilize
Microsoft Word for word processing, Access for database and Excel for spreadsheet
applications. There shall be no exceptions to this policy.
The internet is available on the Fire Department computers - feel free to explore. However,
sexually explicit material shall not be accessed or downloaded on either computer at any time.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
E-Mail & Computer Use
M.P. 801.14
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
Be aware that the fax machine is on a dedicated analog telephone line. All computers (Assistant
Chief, Radio Room, Fire Chief ‘s Office) share one analog telephone line for modem access including PageMaster paging.
All departmental forms and maps are located on the computer in the Assistant Chief’s office, so
that the most current version may be readily printed. The most recent edition of all departmental
procedures, policies and all previous Communications are also available on the computer.
If an employee chooses to install and use personal programs on the departmental computers, they
are expected to own a software license for that program. This department does not condone
software pirating. Each employee is also responsible for the proper back-ups of their own data
and the safekeeping of their backups. The department will periodically back up all data in the
c:\data directory. Software programs will never be backed up.
Original diskettes and/or CDs for all departmental software shall be stored in the Fire Chief’s
office. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
Copies of all business-related files created by other employees including organizational charts,
pertinent letters & memos, maps, run summaries, hydrant reports, preplan information, etc. shall
be given to the Fire Chief on a clearly marked 3 ½” diskette.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2040/05
UPDATED:
Community Service Workers
M.P. 801.15
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Baker Fire Department will allow anyone to perform community service at the fire station except
those performing community service under a court or Department of Probation and Parole order
for the following crimes:



Any crime of violence
Any theft
Any drug-related crime
The Chief or Assistant Chief on duty shall fill out the standard Baker F. D. Community Service
Letter at the conclusion of the individual’s daily work. That letter shall then be given to the
individual performing the community service and a notation shall be made in the station logbook
indicating who performed the community service work and how many hours were worked. In
no case shall any employee fill out and / or sign any Baker F.D. document attesting to more
hours than were worked on that day: it is intended that the Baker F. D. Community Service Letter
be used as a daily timesheet for the individual performing the community service and that it be
his responsibility to keep track of his hours on a day-to-day basis.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Cellular Telephones
M.P. 801.16
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
Baker Fire Department will provide a cellular telephone to the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief’s
and Captain on duty

All Cell Phones shall be made available to distressed individuals (e.g.:
victims of an MVA who need to contact a relative or friend) at no charge
to those in need.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Purchasing
M.P. 801.17
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
Only the Assistant Chief’s or The Fire Chief are allowed to make purchases for the Baker Fire
Department. There will be no exceptions to this guideline
Normal operating purchases and expenses may be made by securing a payment voucher no. from
the Assistant Chief. The Fire Chief shall be advised of ALL expenditures made by an the Fire
Department. Travel expenses (airline, hotel, car rental, etc.) of any amount has to be done by
the Assistant Chief with the Fire Chief's prior approval. All charge receipts shall be immediately
forwarded to the Assistant Chief for later attachment to the invoice. Personal items shall
NEVER be purchased with a departmental credit card.
Any purchases up to ($50,000) may be made without being put out for bid, but we encourage
you to shop around without compromising quality and with prior approval from the Assistant
Chief or Fire Chief. Quotes by fax are acceptable if three are obtained and the lowest of the
three is used. Any major purchases above ($ 50,000) have to go through the bid process set
forth by Purchasing.
See purchasing manual for further
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
1.
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Purchasing
M.P.801.17
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
Upon receiving the materials, the Assistant Chief, as appropriate, shall
confirm the price, accuracy, quantity and quality of the order, and then
sign and date the receiving report and/or invoice. The Fire Chief shall
also approve the invoice. The Assistant Chief shall forward the signed
and dated invoice, attached to the canary copy of the payment voucher to
Finance. The Assistant Chief shall hold all paperwork until an original
invoice is received. The invoice shall match the statement.
For normal recurring expenses (utility, fuel, telephone, etc.), the Assistant Chief shall assign the
correct budget account number, then sign and date the invoice and forward it to Finance for
payment.
For all equipment, apparatus, supplies, etc, purchase prices (excluding freight, taxes, etc.) shall
determine the procurement method, as follows. For all subcontracts, the method of bidding, if
required, shall be as recommended on a case-by-case basis by the department's legal counsel.
The procurement method shall be as follows:
Less than $50,000 No bid required;
Over $50,000 a Sealed, written bid only, conforming to Louisiana State bid
laws; completed bid required.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Property Disposal
M.P. 801.18
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Surplus property and equipment will be sold / disposed of in accordance with state law.
Unserviceable or useless equipment material may be discarded as trash. However, state law
allows Baker Fire Department to dispose of equipment and property with any value only as
follows:




By sale to another fire department within the State of Louisiana
By donation to another fire department within the State of Louisiana
As a trade-in for new equipment or apparatus, when properly bid
By sale at auction, when sold by a Louisiana licensed auctioneer
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Asset Disposition Records
M.P. 801.19
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The Baker Fire Department maintains an accurate and current asset log for all materials,
equipment and apparatus valued at greater than $500.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
M.P. 801.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
M.P. 801.20
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Expense Reports
M.P. 801.21
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
In no case will an employee be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses without a properly
filled-out and approved expense report. The expense report form is self-explanatory and shall be
used for all travel-related expenses as well as for incidental or "petty cash" purchases by
employees on behalf of the department.
All expense reports shall be approved by the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief prior to submittal to
finance for processing. Receipts shall be attached to the expense report. Receipts are required
for ALL expenses claimed except the following:



Per Diem expenses
Personal vehicle mileage
Minor expenses (parking, tolls, etc.) when approved by the Fire Chief
Full Per Diem will be allowed for each day travel has occurred, coupled with at least one night's
lodging. The Fire Chief's signature on the expense report shall constitute approval of all
expenses claimed.
Any falsification on the Expense Report shall be cause for termination.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Citizen Complaints
M.P. 801.22
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
Most citizen concerns and / or complaints will be easily resolved. The following chart
summarizes those employees qualified and authorized to deal with specific citizen concerns:
Nature of Complaint
Fire Dept. Personnel to Handle
(In Order of Preference)
Problem at Fire
Department incident
Officer on Duty
Assistant Chief
Fire Chief
Employee Driving
Assistant Chief
Fire Chief
Problem with Facilities
Officer on Duty
Assistant Chief
Fire Chief
Other Problems
Officer on Duty
Assistant Chief
Fire Chief
Should an incident or citizen complaint be significant, the problem and resolution shall be
documented in writing and referred to the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief for final disposition and
filing. All complaints involving employee actions which are both validated and significant shall
be documented on an Employee Action Form and forwarded to the Fire Chief or Assistant Chief
for filing in the employee’s personnel file.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Pre-plans
M.P. 801.23
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
It is the intention of this department to provide adequate information to all members regarding
the operations of the department. This department has standardized on the FireHouse software
developed specifically for the fire service; that software is loaded on the Front Office computer
and is available (read-only) with the exception of some parts to all employees and members of
the fire department. Additionally, printed, bound copies of all pre-plan information, including
emergency contact names and telephone numbers shall be kept in the following locations:






In the Radio Room
On all Engines
On the Aerial
On Service/rescue truck
In the Assistant Chief’s vehicle
In the Fire Chief’s vehicle
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Release of Information
M.P. 801.24
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
GENERAL
It is this department’s policy to respect the privacy of all our customers. The public may always
be informed as to the general nature of the incident, but in no case shall a member of Baker Fire
Department release information of a personal nature to any member of the general public or
media.
FIRST AID CALLS & MVAs
Inquisitive neighbors who ask what’s happening should only be told the fire department has
responded to a first aid call. Any other requests for information on the scene of an incident
should be directed to the family after the fire department leaves the scene. If a citizen arrives at
the scene of an MVA and wants to know who was involved in the accident, it should be clearly
conveyed to the individual that this department can not and will not release that information.
Should the citizen ask if “Jane Doe” was involved, the Incident Commander should, after
determining the citizen is a family member or close personal friend of the victim, either advise
“no” or “yes”. In the event of a “yes” answer, the IC should also indicate which hospital the
patient was transported to and the gross condition of the patient (“minor injuries’ or “in serious
condition”).
STRUCTURE FIRES & OTHER CALLS
Inquisitive neighbors who ask what’s happening should only be told the fire department has
responded to a fire call or other incident. Any other requests for information on the scene of an
incident should be directed to the family after the fire department leaves the scene. For incidents
in which no personal information is relevant (trash fires, gas leaks, etc.), the public may be
informed as to the general extent and nature of the incident.
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
This department will release xerox copies of non-medical incidents to those involved (or their
representatives) by mail, in person or by Fax. Copies of medical reports shall only be issued to
the involved parties in person or to third parties upon receipt of a subpoena or court order. Only
officers shall have the authority to release any information to anyone at any time.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fueling of Apparatus
M.P. 801.25
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
GENERAL
All apparatus, including rescue vehicles, shall have at least a half-tank of fuel in them at all
times. When the fuel gauge of any apparatus reaches the ¾ full level, the apparatus shall be
scheduled for re-fueling at the next convenient time. At no time shall any apparatus be allowed
to have less than ½ tank of fuel, unless just returning from a lengthy incident.
FUELING LOCATIONS
The Fire Chief and all employees have Fuel Man cards; all vehicles have assigned Fuel Man
vehicle cards which shall be kept in the vehicles at all times.
All fire Department vehicles with the exception of the aerial shall use Baker Texaco as the
official fuel site.
Current Fuel Man locations include:
 Shell station on Lavey Lane and Hwy. 19
 Chevron on Hwy. 19
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Apparatus & Vehicle Purchase
M.P. 801.26
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
For all vehicle and apparatus purchases, the following shall occur:
1. The Fire Chief shall determine the need for the vehicle and/or apparatus based upon
the current and projected fire department operational needs, the apparatus
replacement schedule, the current strategic plan and appropriate goals and objectives.
2. The Fire Chief shall determine the annual budget available, the method of payment,
and the estimated total cost for the apparatus and all associated material and
equipment.
3. The Fire Chief shall secure authorization from the Council to develop a specification,
advertise for bid.
4. The Fire Chief shall develop a comprehensive set of specifications for the apparatus
or vehicle to be purchased.
5. The Fire Chief shall make the preliminary specifications available to all interested
employees and members and shall accept comments on the specifications through the
appropriate committee The Fire Chief shall finalize the specifications.
6. The Fire Chief shall place an advertisement in the Baker Observer, the Baton Rouge
Advocate through the Purchasing division for sealed bids due in not less than thirty
days summarizing the major features of the apparatus. The advertisement shall be run
three times.
7. Once the Advertisement has been complete, Purchasing shall call for a pre-bid
conference.
8. At the designated date and time, all sealed bids shall be opened. Any bidder wishing
to review their competitor’s bids shall be allowed to do so; xerox copies of any
requested bid may be provided at a time convenient to the fire department and at a
cost that reflects the department’s costs to copy the requested documents.
9. The Fire Chief shall review the bids, select the lowest cost responsive bid, clarify all
questions and/or outstanding issues and make a formal recommendation to the
Council. In the event the lowest cost responsive bid exceeds the budget, all bids may
be discarded, the specifications re-written and the process repeated.
10. The Council shall authorize the Fire Chief to enter into a purchase agreement (or shall
deny the Fire Chief such authorization) with the appropriate lender and apparatus
manufacturer.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Inventory – Medical Kits
M.P. 801.27
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following materials and equipment shall be provided for every medical kit. Personal kits will
be provided to EMTs who are also minimum Firefighter Is with at least six months service.
Supplies
ABD pads
Airway kit
Alcohol preps
Ambu bag, Adult
Ambu bag, Pedi
Antibiotic, topical
Band aids
BP cuff
Burn gel
Burn sheet
Dressings: 4 X 4s
EMT shears
Gauze: 4”
Gauze: 6”
Medicaine swabs
Oral glucose
Oxygen kit with 2 adult masks,
1 pedi mask & 2 nasal cannulas
Pulse Oxymeter
Ring cutter
Safety glasses with side shields
Sterile water: 250 ml
Stethoscope
Sting-Eaze or Equivalent
Suction kit with spare canister
Surgical masks
Tape: 1”
Tape: 2”
Trauma dressing
Vaseline gauze
Primary Kits
(On Rescue Unit
& Engines)
Secondary
Kits
(Spare kits)
Personal
Kits
5
1
15 packets
1
1
15 packets
Assorted
Adult, large, child
1 bottle
2
15
1
6
2
10
2
1 kit
5
1
5 packets
2
1
5 packets
5 packets
Assorted
Adult
1 bottle
1
15
1
6
2
5
1
5 packets
Assorted
Adult
3 packets
1
10
1
4
2
5
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
Engine 920
1
3
2
1
5 packets
1
3
2
1
2
2
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Inventory-Medical Locker
M.P. 801.28
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
The following materials and equipment shall be kept in the station for restocking medical kits,
apparatus and the rescue unit.
Supplies
Alcohol preps
Ambu bags – adult
Ambu bags – pediatric
Ammonia Inhalants
Band aids – knuckle
Band aids – regular
Bio suits / kits
BioZide – gallon
BP cuffs – adult
BP cuffs – child
BP cuffs – large adult
Burn gel - packets
Minimum
Quantity
On Hand
1 box
6
5
25 ampules
1 box
1 box
5
1
5
5
1
2 boxes
Burn gel – small blanket
1
Burn sheets
C-Collar, Baby No-Neck
C-Collar, Pedi
C-Collar, No-Neck
C-Collar, Short
C-Collar, Regular
C-Collar, Tall
Cardboard splints - large
Cardboard splints – med.
Cardboard splints – small
Center Punches
Combination pads
Defib. Pads
Disposable blankets
Dressings: 4 X 4s
EMT shears”
Gauze – 4”
Gauze – 6”
Gloves – large
Gloves – medium
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
2 boxes
5
6
4 boxes
5
2 boxes
2 boxes
5 boxes
5 boxes
Supplies
Gloves – small
Gloves – XL
Ladder splints
Medicaine swabs
Nasal cannulas
OB kits
Oral airway kits
Oral Glucose
Oxygen masks - adult
Oxygen masks - pediatric
Oxygen tubing
Ring Cutters
Safety glasses with
sideshields
Sterile water: 250 ml
Stethoscopes
Surgical masks
Tape – 1 “
Tape – 2”
Topical antibiotic
Trauma dressings
Triangular bandages
Vaseline gauze, 3 X 9
Vionex gel
Vionex soap - gallon
Wool blankets
V-Vac Kits
V-Vac Cannisters
Minimum
Quantity
On Hand
5 boxes
5 boxes
5
25 ampules
¼ case
1
5
5
½ case
½ case
¼ case
2
5
6
5
10
2 boxes
1 box
1 box
5
12
1 box
5
1
5
1
5
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Task & Reporting Req’ts
M.P. 801.29
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 5
Individuals responsible for the following tasks may utilize other resources as necessary to
accomplish the following objectives.
EMPLOYEE SCHEDULING
Employees should be scheduled to cover all shifts as follows. Minimum requirements are as per
the Employee Handbook.
Monday –Sundays Days Sta. 20
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Task & Reporting Req’ts
M.P. 801.29
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 5
PRE PLANS
All commercial and major multi-family dwelling properties shall be inspected twice per year.
Quarterly reports shall be presented to the Assistant Chief before the end of the second week
following the end of the quarter, and shall include, as a minimum, the following information:



No. of commercial occupancies in the fire district
No. of occupancies Pre Planned during the quarter & year-to-date
Any changed impacting the Risk Hazard Analysis
REPORTING
All reports shall be entered into the FireHouse system as soon as is practical. The Assistant
Chief shall assure, at least weekly, that all reports are properly completed, signed and properly
entered into the FireHouse system. All Officers shall be responsible for compelling employees
to properly complete all reports and to properly enter all reports.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Task & Reporting Req’ts
M.P. 801.29
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
3
PAGE
OF 5
REPORTING (Continued)
The Assistant Chief shall make sure that Quarterly reports are presented to the Fire Chief, before
the end of the second week following the end of the quarter, and shall include, as a minimum, the
following information:




Number of runs this quarter, year-to-date and same period last year, by:
 Type call (Emergency Medical, MVA, Vehicle Fires, Structural Fires, Other
Fires, Other Calls)
Average Response time this quarter & year-to-date for all emergency calls, Average
Response time this quarter & year-to-date for all calls.
Summary of civilian and firefighter casualties this quarter and year-to-date
Summary of fire loss this quarter and year-to-date
APPARATUS MAINTENANCE
The Assistant Chief shall be responsible for maintaining records of all apparatus and equipment
maintenance and scheduling all routine maintenance efforts. The FireHouse software package
shall be used.
Quarterly reports shall be presented to the Fire Chief, before the end of the second week
following the end of the quarter, and shall include, as a minimum, the following information:

Total maintenance costs, by apparatus and “other” for this quarter and year-to-date.
TRAINING OFFICERS (ASSISTANT CHIEF’S)
The training officer(s) (Assistant Chief’s) shall be responsible for all training in accordance with
the Baker Fire Department Employee Handbook, Standard Operating Guidelines, ISO
requirements and Fire Chief directives. The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the evaluation of
employee skills and implementation of corrective training when required.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Task & Reporting Req’ts
M.P. 801.29
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
4
PAGE
OF 5
TRAINING OFFICERS (Continued)
Quarterly reports shall be presented to the Fire Chief, before the end of the second week
following the end of the quarter, and shall include, as a minimum, the following information:


Total training logged, by employee, for the current quarter and year-to-date, and by
ISO category.
A summary statement of departmental weaknesses and the Assistant Chief’s plan to
remedy said weaknesses.
HYDRANT TESTING
The Officer in charge of hydrant testing shall coordinate the inspection, repair (if necessary) and
flow testing of every hydrant reasonably anticipated to be used by Baker Fire Department. Every
hydrant shall be inspected at least twice annually and flow tested at least once annually. All
hydrant inspections and testing shall be scheduled to be completed before November 1st of every
year.
All records shall be kept in a secure file cabinet and/or binder and all information shall be
entered into the FireHouse system.
The Officer in charge of hydrant testing shall coordinate the placement of hydrants on all
departmental maps and shall coordinate with the appropriate water companies, after consultation
with the Assistant Chief and Fire Chief, where new hydrants will be located.
Quarterly reports shall be presented to the Fire Chief, before the end of the second week
following the end of the quarter, and shall include, as a minimum, the following information:


Total number of hydrants in the fire district.
A summary statement showing minimum and maximum flows anticipated and any
weaknesses in our water delivery system.
HOSE TESTING
The Officer in charge of hose testing shall coordinate the inspection and testing of every hose
section owned by the Baker Fire Department. Every hose shall be inspected and tested at least
once annually. All hose testing shall be scheduled to be completed before June 1st of every year.
All records shall be kept in a secure file cabinet and/or binder and all information shall be
entered into the FireHouse system.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Minimum Task & Reporting Req’ts
M.P. 801.29
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
5
PAGE
OF 5
HOSE TESTING (Continued)
Quarterly reports shall be presented to the Fire Chief, before the end of the second week
following the end of the quarter, and shall include, as a minimum, the following information:


Total number of hose sections owned by the Baker Fire Department, by size.
A summary statement showing which hoses have been tested and which hoses remain
to be tested.
PUMP TESTING
The Officer charge of pump testing shall coordinate the testing of all apparatus owned by Baker
Fire Department. Every fire pump shall be inspected and tested at least once annually. All pump
testing shall be scheduled to be completed before September 1st of every year.
All records shall be kept in a secure file cabinet and/or binder and all information shall be
entered into the FireHouse system. No reporting requirements are envisioned.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Applications for Employment
M.P. 801.30
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
GENERAL:
This procedure is intended to delineate the steps taken in the employee application process, for
both paid and volunteer employees. The most current edition of the Employee Handbook must
be used with this policy.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL:
Applications for employment will be picked up from the MFACS board secretary and returned to
the same person when completed as directed. Once the application has been completed and
turned in the applicant should be told that a they will be contacted by mail for a test date or an
interview date. The original application shall be given to the Fire Chief, who will initiate an
employee file for the applicant.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Applications for Employment
M.P. 801.30
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
POST EMPLOYMENT
Only the Fire Chie can make an offer of employment to an applicant. It shall be made clear to all
applicants that the fire department will perform a background check of the applicant, including a
driving record check and a criminal record check. Any inconsistency with the application will be
grounds for immediate disqualification or no consideration for employment.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Revisions to these Guidelines
M.P. 801.31
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
These operating guidelines and policies are dynamic documents: they are expected to change
over time. To be clear: all operating guidelines and policies shall be followed. Should the need
or desire exist to change an existing guideline, the following steps shall be taken:
1. The existing guideline shall be red-marked, clearly showing the desired changes.
Any member may submit recommended changes to the Fire Chief or Assistant
Chief.
2. If the Fire Chief concurs, the changes will be implemented immediately.
3. If the Fire Chief rejects the changes, no further action will be taken.
4. The Fire Chief may, at his discretion, submit the proposed changes to the officers
for comments and feedback. Depending upon the comments received, the Fire
Chief will then either accept or reject the proposed changes.
Should the need or desire exist to implement a new guideline, the following steps shall be taken:
5. The proposed guideline shall be submitted to the Fire Chief.
6. If the Fire Chief concurs, the new guideline will be implemented immediately.
7. If the Fire Chief rejects the proposal, no further action will be taken.
8. The Fire Chief may, at his discretion, submit the proposed guideline to the
officers for comments and feedback. Depending upon the comments received, the
Fire Chief will then either accept or reject the proposed guideline.
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
This fire department will not republish and redistribute the Employee Handbook or these
operating guidelines when normal evolutionary changes (minor or major) occur. The Employee
Handbook, these guidelines and other documents, including departmental communications and
forms shall be kept on the Fire Chief’s Office computer to access and / or print. It should be
noted that access by computer allows word searches for rapidly determining all sections which
might include the information being looked for. No employee shall modify the documents
placed on the computer for employee referral.
A log shall be kept and posted, showing the appropriate guideline number, title and date of any
changes made after the initial (or subsequent) issuance. It shall clearly be the employee’s
responsibility to review the changes and replace the applicable pages in their manuals.
Baker Fire Department– Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Documentation of Mutual Aid Given
M.P. 801.32
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 1
In the event one or more units from the Baker Fire Department are dispatched out of the district
either to an incident or to “move up”, an incident report shall be generated and a run number
assigned. For a “move up” response, the non-emergency response block shall be checked on the
incident report and the address of the station being covered shall be used as the incident location.
In the event the unit providing mutual aid in a “move up” capacity subsequently is dispatched to
an incident, normal documentation shall prevail. However, that documentation shall remain with
the department for whom we responded. Another incident report shall be filled out showing
“mutual aid given” with a short narrative and a copy of the original incident report attached.
For example:
An engine moves up to cover Zachary station because they have a working
structure fire. One incident report is created and a run number assigned for a
Mutual Aid Given response, with a non-emergency response shown by the
apparatus. An engine is subsequently dispatched to a first aid call in
Brownsfield’s area.
A complete medical report shall be generated for
Brownsfield’s and for use by EMS. A copy shall be made and attached to another
Mutual Aid Given incident report (with another run number generated). The
second response shall show an emergency response, but the geographic location
entered into the FireHouse software shall be “Mutual Aid Given”.
Bake Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Documentation of First Aid Calls
M.P. 801.33
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
1
PAGE
OF 2
GENERAL
The purpose of this guideline is to establish a standard for documentation of all EMS runs. The
EMS run report is a legal document and part of the patient’s permanent medical record.
Therefore, the run report shall be filled out in its entirety. The report shall contain only factual
information and shall be signed by a senior officer present on the call.
THE REPORT
The top portion of the report contains the patient’s personal information and shall always be
completed. If the patient is a minor (less than 17 years of age on their last birthday), every effort
shall be taken to find and / or notify a legal guardian or responsible party. In the case of a minor,
the responsible party’s name, relationship with the patient and telephone number shall also be
filled out on the report.
The body of the report contains spaces for the patient’s vital signs, medications and known
allergies. At least one set of complete vital signs shall be taken on all patients unless the patient
refuses, in which case the patient’s refusal shall be duly noted on the report. If Baker F.D.
personnel are on the scene for more than five (5) minutes prior to EMS’ arrival, at least two (2)
complete sets of vital signs shall be taken.
The narrative is a written history of what occurred on the call. The rule of thumb: “if it isn’t
written on the report, it didn’t happen.” Therefore, every report shall contain a complete
narrative following a set format, as follows:
ISA: Initial Scene Assessment. This sentence reflects what the fire department
personnel saw upon their arrival on the incident scene.
HxPI: History of present illness / injury. This sentence (or two) should reflect
the patient chief complaint, including pertinent positives and negatives.
PMHx: Patient’s Prior Medical History. This section should contain a
summary of the patient’s pertinent medical history.
PE: Physical Assessment. This section should contain a summary of the signs
and symptoms of the patient relative to their current condition.
Tx/Disp: Treatment and Disposition. This sentence or two should reflect what
was done for the patient and how the patient responded, as well as when care,
custody and control was turned over to EMS or other ALS personnel.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Documentation of First Aid Calls
M.P. 801.33
POLICY NO.:
ISSUED BY: Chief D Edwards
2
PAGE
OF 2
THE REPORT (Continued)
As much of the report shall be completed prior to EMS’s (or other ALS provider’s) arrival as
possible, particularly the patient’s information and vital signs. Baker F. D. personnel shall
continue to complete the report insofar as is possible while EMS is on the scene and shall give a
copy to EMS upon their arrival. Note that the narrative should contain only the actions
committed by fire department personnel – we are not to document EMS actions unless
specifically requested to do so by EMS personnel.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Procedure for Developing Work Sched.
POLICY NO.: M.P. 801.34
ISSUED
Chief D Edwards
BY:
PAGE 1
OF 2
GENERAL
It is the intent of this department to satisfy:


The needs of the department with regards to staffing
The needs of the individual employees so that:

They have adequate notice as to when they are expected to work

They have input as to which shifts they will be assigned

The shift assignments are done in a logical, fair manner
Consistent with these objectives, the schedule shall be developed in the same manner every year.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Fire Lanes
POLICY NO.: M.P. 801.35
ISSUED
Chief D Edwards
BY:
PAGE 1
OF 1
GENERAL
It is this department’s policy to enforce the intent of the fire lane ordinances and laws where
possible and appropriate. Fire lanes should, therefore, only be used by emergency vehicles while
actually responding to an emergency or other legitimate call.
ON-DUTY & OFF-DUTY PERSONNEL
Consistent with the intent of applicable statutes, ordinances and this policy, all Baker Fire
Department personnel, whether in a personal or departmental vehicle, shall park in designated
parking spaces only unless actually responding to a call for help.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Children
POLICY NO.: M.P. 801.36
ISSUED
Chief D Edwards
BY:
PAGE 1
OF 2
GENERAL
Several competing philosophies are involved:







This department whole-heartedly supports the family-unit concept.
This department whole-heartedly supports children of all ages.
This department whole-heartedly supports our members who wish to have their
“significant others” involved – that is why we developed the explorer system.
The Baker Fire Department is a business. We are paid to do adult work. Our
normal activities do not allow for the participation of untrained individuals, much
less children.
The key to our success is our customer contribution. Accordingly, we must be
sensitive to the needs of those individuals who are integral to our success.
Some activities we perform at the Baker Fire Department are dangerous. When
the bell goes off, time is of the essences and there may be a real emergency
somewhere. This is no time to have a seven-year-old exploring a fire engine.
We have tried, for years now, to manage some of these problems with a lenient
one-on-one approach. That approach has, for the most part, been unsuccessful.
THE RULES
Effective immediately, the following rules shall apply to all individuals who use our facilities,
including our own members and members of the public who may simply be using our facilities
for a meeting.

No child may enter or remain in the following areas without present, adult
supervision. This section shall apply to all children who have not yet entered the
ninth grade.



Exercise room
Engine Bay
Mechanical equipment room
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Children
POLICY NO.: M.P. 801.37
ISSUED
Chief D Edwards
BY:
PAGE 2
OF 2
THE RULES (Continued)
This requirement clearly prohibits the “taking along” of any child on any call.
Children may not “hang out” at the fire station. Children and grandchildren of employees and
city officials may, however, assist at the fire station, provided:





They are at least 15 years of age
They have their parent’s permission
They have the permission of all the employee(s) on duty at the station
One employee agrees to be responsible for the child
The child performs a reasonable amount of meaningful work
A child assisting at the fire station is not relieved of the other requirements of this policy.
Any adult is authorized and encouraged to verbally reprimand any child found to be in violation
of this policy or found to be destructive or disruptive.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
Use of Baker Fire Dept’s Name
POLICY NO.: M.P. 801.38
ISSUED
Chief D Edwards
BY:
PAGE 1
OF 1
GENERAL
The Baker Fire Department shall not allow its name to be used by any for-profit activity or
organization.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
SUBJECT:
EFFECTIVE:
TITLE:
Supplemental Operating Policy
2004/05
UPDATED:
On-the-Job Injuries
POLICY NO.: M.P. 801.39
ISSUED
Chief D Edwards
BY:
PAGE 1
OF 1
GENERAL
Any employee, who believes he may be injured as a result of a work-related incident, regardless
of the severity, shall:

Notify the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief immediately

Complete and sign the Report of Injury form
In the event the employee is hospitalized or otherwise incapacitated, the Company Officer shall
complete and submit a Preliminary Injury Report.
The Fire Chief will determine, after consulting with the employee, if the injuries and anticipated
costs of treatment warrant notification of the Workers Compensation insurance carrier. In no
case shall the Baker Fire Department be held liable for an alleged on-the-job injury that is not
promptly and properly reported to management.
Baker Fire Department – Supplemental Operating Policies
NAME
Supplemental Operating Policy , On-the-Job Injuries
Supplemental Operating Policy
PRELIMINARY INJURY REPORT
POLICY NO.:
99-40
SSN
DOB
LOCATION OF ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT
OCCURRED AT INCIDENT NO.
DATE OF INJURY
TIME OF INJURY
RECEIVING HOSPITAL
TRANSPORTED BY
WHERE INJURY OCCURRED
At Station
Responding to a call
Returning from a call
Hazardous incident
Operating on a fire scene
Inspections
Special duty assignment
Physical fitness training
Training
At a non-fire call
Other (explain)
INJURY OCCURRED WHILE:
Patient care
Firefighting
Physical fitness
Extrication
Ventilating
Overhauling
Station activities
Pulling hose
Forcible entry
Working with ladders
Other (explain)
SEVERITY INDEX
Precautionary report
Treated, no lost time
Treated, lost time
Admitted to hospital
PART OF BODY
Skull
Scalp
Brain
Face
Eye(s)
Teeth
Mouth
Nose
Ear(s)
Neck
Chest
Heart
Shoulder
Upper arm
Elbow
Forearm
Wrist(s)
Hand(s)
Finger(s)
Abdomen
Upper back
Lower back
Buttocks
Groin
Genitals
Thigh/femur
Knee(s)
Lower leg(s)
Ankle(s)
Foot/toes
Multiple parts
Other (explain)
WITNESSES
SIDE
L
R
SOURCE OF INJURY
Vehicle accident
Chemical exposure
Infectious exposure
Lifting
Pulling
Fall, at grade
Fall, Approx __________ft.
Structural collapse
Hand tools
Power tools
Equipment failure
Noise
Particles
Weight training
Aerobic training
Personal apparel
Medications, etc
Heat, radiant
Heat, steam
Heat, ambient
Smoke inhalation
Falling object(s)
Climbing
Sudden position change
Other (explain)
NATURE OF INJURY
Strain, sprain, bruise
Cuts, abrasions, lacerations
Punctures
Fracture, dislocation
Contusions
Bleeding
Burns, chemical
Burns, thermal
Fatigue, exhaustion
Heart attack
Stroke (CVA)
Electric shock
Concussion
Dermatitis
Hearing loss, impairment
Heat stroke
Heat exhaustion, cramps
Contagious, infect. disease
Internal injury
Respiratory tract
Body system
Concussion, brain injury
Multiple injuries
Other (explain)
Detailed Explanation of Accident / “Other” Explained / Non-employees Names, Addresses & other Info if Involved
Signature of Person Making Report & Date