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 LAWRENCEVILLE FIRE

DEPARTMENT OPERATING GUIDELINES

 

 

Updated and Reviewed August 2013 

 

 

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

 

Lawrenceville Fire Department 8                                       Phone Number 570-827-2047

9-11 Mechanic Street                                                           Fax Number 570-827-2010

PO Box 177                                                                            Email – lawrnecevillefd@epix.net

Lawrenceviville, PA 16929                                  Web site – www.lawrencevillefire8.org

 Fire Department meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. The Fireman’s Ambulance Association meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. All other Monday evenings starting at 7:00 PM will be reserved for training, special meetings, and station maintenance events.

 

The material set forth in this manual will be used for operational and administrative guidelines. Any topics not discussed within this document shall revert to the guidelines specified by the Tioga County Fireman’s Association.

 

Fund Raisers & Participation

 

This organization operates approximately on 30% municipal funding, 65% fundraising activities and 5% other funding. All members are encouraged to participate to help with these events.

 

Bingo is held every Thursday night starting at 5:30. Bingo is our primary and most important fundraiser and takes many volunteers to be a success. A bingo schedule is available for choosing work nights and times. The By-laws of the LFD specify the following in reference to fundraiser participation:

 

Section 8: Fundraising Attendance Requirements:  All members except Honorary and Lifetime members shall meet the attendance requirement of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of all fundraisers of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD). The attendance records shall be reviewed bi-annually by the Fire Chief, President, Head of the Bingo Committee, and one (1) Director from the Board. After a review, the committee shall report their results and recommendations at the regular meeting of the LFD. Failure to meet the attendance requirement shall prohibit the member from voting, participating in emergency calls, non-emergency calls, drills, and training events of the LFD. The member shall be able to participate in fundraising activities. These limitations shall remain in effect until full status is restored by showing participation and receiving approval by the committee at the following regular meeting of the LFD.

 

General Conduct

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the basic standards of personal conduct expected of the members during their performance of duty while operating as a member of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD).

 

Policy

  1. All members are expected to operate in a highly self-disciplined manner.
  2. Members shall abide by the standard of personal conduct outlined within this policy.

Responsibility

A.      Every member of the Fire Department is responsible to regulate his or her own conduct in a professional and respectful manner.

Professional Courtesy

  1. Members shall obey any lawful order, which has been relayed to them by a superior officer. Members shall obey a lawful order, which has been relayed from a superior officer by a member of the same or lesser rank.
  2. Members shall not be insubordinate or disrespectful to superior officers, nor shall they disobey any lawful command or order, verbal or written.
  3. Members who are given an order, which conflicts with a previous order, shall respectfully and immediately inform the officer of the conflict. If the officer issuing the conflicting order does not alter or retract the order, the order shall stand. The responsibility of the order will rest with the issuing officer and the member will not be responsible for disobedience of any previously issued conflicting order.
  4. An officer shall not issue any order, which he knows would require a subordinate to commit any illegal, unconstitutional, immoral, or unethical acts. An officer shall not issue any order, which he knows would require a subordinate to commit any act, which has been deemed unsafe.
  5. Members of the department shall not obey any order, which they know, would require them to commit illegal, unconstitutional, immoral, or unethical acts. Members of the department shall not obey any order, which they know, would require them to commit an act that has been deemed unsafe. If there is any doubt as to the legality or safety of an order, members shall request the officer to clarify the order or to confer with higher authority.
Performance of Duty
  1. Members will not make untruthful statements, either verbal or written, pertaining to their duties.
  2. Members shall be responsible for the proper performance of their duties, maintain sufficient competency to perform their duties, and assume the responsibilities of their position.
  3. Members shall courteously and promptly record in writing any complaint made by a citizen concerning any member of the department or of the department itself. The complaint shall be submitted to their supervisor on the same day the complaint was taken.
  4. Members shall not mistreat or misuse any equipment or property

General Conduct

A.      Members shall adhere to all Lawrenceville Fire Department policies and procedures.

B.      Members shall adhere to all the Orders, Guidelines and Standards of the Department.

C.      No member will commit any act which constitutes conduct unbecoming a member of the department. Conduct unbecoming, includes, but not limited to, any breach of the peace, neglect of duty, any criminal act, dishonest or improper action which tend to bring the department in disrepute. Conduct unbecoming a member of the department applies to members operating in any extent that represents the individual as a member of the department.

D.      Members shall be courteous and tactful in performing their duties. Members of the department shall control their tempers, exercise utmost patience and discretion, and shall not engage in argumentative discussions even under extreme conditions.

E.       Members of the department shall not use coarse, profane or insulting language or gestures. Members of the department shall not express any prejudice, harass, or use derogatory language or gestures, in referring to any other member or citizen concerning race, religion, ethnic origin, politics, lifestyle, or other personal characteristics.

F.       Members of the department are prohibited from providing confidential medical, personnel, training, and investigative information to unauthorized persons.

G.      Members of the department shall not purchase or consume alcoholic beverages while operating as a member of the department. Alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed by a member of the department, while wearing any part of the department’s uniform, with exception of a department sponsored event. (ie:Annual Banquet)

H.      Members shall not perform any fire department duties while impaired by drugs and/or under the influence of alcohol.

 

Probationary Member Regulations

 

Each probationary member shall serve a probationary period of one (1) year. This probationary period may be reduced to 6 months if the member is able to provide a record showing proper training and a recommendation letter from their prior Fire Department. This must be approved by the Chief of the FD, President of the FD, and FD Board of Directors.

 

Upon being accepted as a probationary member of the LFD, each probationary member will receive a copy of the departmental by-laws, operating guidelines (DOG’S), and any operational standards.

 

After completing basic training requirements as determined by the Chief of the FD, probationary members may participate in responding to incidents under supervision of a senior member while operating on a scene. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and radio pager will be issued upon completion of basic requirements determined by the Chief of the FD. PPE will consist of a turnout coat, bunker pants, nomex hood, gloves, boots, reflective vest, helmet (orange), and accountability tag. The issued equipment shall be kept at the station in a locker unless otherwise authorized by the Chief of the FD.

 

Upon completing the probationary time period, the member will submit a paper probationary report and provide a verbal report of accomplishments at the meeting in which they are to be voted to active status. This report will be reviewed and discussed prior to voting for active status of the member.

 

Training Requirements

 

The Lawrenceville Fire Department requires all members that respond to incidents participate in HAZMAT Operations class (HAZMAT Awareness is accepted in certain circumstances) and Incident Command System: 700 prior to responding to any incident. The department also requires that every responding member participate in an annual HAZMAT refresher course. This course will be schedule annually on the first Sunday of February at the Lawrenceville FD. Failure to participate in this annual refresher course could disqualify the member from responding to any incident until it is taken.

 

In-house departmental training will be held Monday at 7:00 PM with the exceptions of the 2nd and 3rd Mondays which are reserved for departmental meetings. Other In-house training may be scheduled for other days of the week and will be posted in advance.

 

Pennsylvania State Fire certified training courses are scheduled throughout the year at various locations in the county and state. All training classes will be posted on a regular basis. A course application must be filled out turned into a Chief Officer for authorization prior to attendance.

 

Training that has an associated cost must be preapproved at a departmental meeting. Travel and lodging cost may be reimbursed only of approved prior to the course. Classes within a reasonable distance will not be eligible for reimbursement of travel and lodging costs.

 

The Chief of the Fire Department maintains the records of all training for each member. A copy of each certificate or proof of course attendance shall be provided to the Chief of the FD.

 

The minimum recommended requirement for and crew member responding shall be the following: HAZMAT, Incident Command System, Essentials of Firefighting or an equivalent, Basic Vehicle Rescue Awareness and the approval of the Chief of the FD. The driver/operator shall have the minimum plus Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), Pump Operations 1, and participated in the Departmental Driver’s training program. A chief or line officer may temporarily approve a member to respond on an apparatus that doesn’t meet the basic qualifications.

 

Responding to Incidents

 

When responding to an incident, members must obey the Pennsylvania State and local driving laws. It is the policy of the Lawrenceville Fire Department to not allow the use of visual warning devices on personal operated vehicles (POV) with the exceptions of Chief Officers without qualifications first being met by the member. A blue visual warning device may be utilized on the scene for use of fire police and traffic control purposes. A blue warning device maybe used on a POV if the qualifications are met that are set by the Chief of the Fire Department. (See below - Blue Warning Light Authorization and Use)

 

Members must respond to the fire station for response with the apparatus unless otherwise directed by a Chief Officer. This will ensure that all apparatus will respond and will have complete crews as well as reducing the problem of POV congestion at the scene and allows room for emergency apparatus.

 

Only Chief Officers, Fire, and EMS emergency vehicles may respond to the scene of an incident on US Route 15 Highway.

 

All driver/operators of departmental apparatus must participate in the Lawrenceville Fire Department Vehicle Operation Plan. This plan addresses the departmental operating and safety requirements as well as authorizes qualified individuals to operate emergency apparatus. The Chief of the FD oversees the enforcement of this plan and the driver/operator candidate must have his approval prior to operating any emergency apparatus.

 

Blue Warning Light Authorization and Use

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the regulations and procedures for the safe and effective use of blue warning lights on privately operated vehicles.

 

Policy and Application

A.  In order to equip or install a blue warning light (BWL) on a privately owned vehicle, the following requirements of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD) shall be met:

        1. Training

a. Member shall participate in the 16 hour Emergency Vehicle    Operations Course (EVOC).

b. Member shall review all applicable regulations and state laws regarding use of a BWL with a Chief Officer of the LFD.

        2. Light Regulation                    

a. The BWL shall produce only a blue in color light, either by colored lens or LED.

b. The BWL’s width shall not exceed more than 36”.

c. No more than two (2) BWLs shall be installed on a vehicle.

d. One (1) BWL must be visible from 360 degrees.

        3. Other Regulations

a. The vehicle equipped with the BWL shall be registered to the member authorized to use the light.

b. Only active members of the LFD who have reached the age of 19 years may be authorized to use a BWL.

                                c. The member shall obey all traffic laws while utilizing the BWL.

d. The authorized member shall be the only person to utilize the BWL while operating the vehicle.

e. The member must have held a valid drivers license for the past two years. 

B.  The member shall complete the Use of Blue Warning Light form after reaching all training requirements and receiving authorization from the Chief of the LFD. The member shall show proof of registration, insurance, and licensure on the vehicle being equipped with a BWL to be kept on file.

 

Responsibility

A.      It shall be the responsibility of the authorized member to follow the applicable traffic laws and departmental regulations for the use of a Blue Warning Light. The member shall be held responsible for the improper use of a BWL by an individual operating the vehicle equipped with a BWL that is registered to the member.

a.        Failure to follow the regulations or applicable state laws regarding BWL shall be subject to disciplinary action.

b.        The Chief of the LFD is responsible for the use of a BWL by members and may revoke the privilege to utilize a BWL.

 

 

Apparatus Description & Response Order

 

 

Engine 82 – 2003 Freightliner Pumper; 1250gals/1250 pump; Max Crew - 3

               

Engine 83 – 2008 Freightliner Rosenbaur Pumper/Tanker/Rescue; 2000gals/1250 pump; Max Crew - 5

 

Patrol 84 – 1978 Dodge Power Wagon Brush Unit; 250gals/500 pump: Max Crew - 3

 

Rescue 88 – 1997 Freightliner PL Customs Rescue; Max Crew - 5

 

Squad 818 – 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup; Max Crew - 5

 

Ambulance 86 – 2011 PL Custom Ambulance on Ford Chassis

 

Ambulance 87 – 2005 Horton Ambulance on Ford Chassis

 

Refer to the posted response order board in the fire apparatus bay area to determine what apparatus is to respond. A Chief or Line Officer may override the apparatus response order. Generally, E83 will respond first to all fire related calls and R88 will respond first to all rescue related calls.

 

Apparatus must respond with full crew unless directed by a Chief or Line Officer. After the 6 minute mark (second dispatch), the apparatus may respond understaffed if the officer or senior individual on the apparatus feels that an immediate and understaffed response is necessary.

  

Operation & Maintenance of Apparatus

 

Each apparatus may have an individual(s) assigned to be responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, inspection, and proper functioning of all equipment carried by that vehicle. This individual(s) is responsible for inspecting the vehicle and its equipment periodically as well as after an incident to account for equipment and its correct placement on the apparatus. A report shall be submitted to the Chief of the FD each month.

 

It is necessary to clean both the apparatus and equipment carried after every incident.

 

Any damage to the apparatus or equipment shall be reported to a Chief or Line Officer for immediate repair or replacement.

 

Any apparatus or equipment that is not able to operate due to mechanical or safety issues shall be removed from service until such problem is corrected.

  

Vehicle Operation Plan

 

INTRODUCTION

It is the standpoint of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD) to provide regulations that will assist in the safe operation of activities, emergency or non-emergency in nature. This plan will focus on the safe operation and the training requirements that are necessary to operate a fire department apparatus of the LFD. The Chief of the fire department shall oversee the enforcement of this regulation and provide any additional requirements.

 

REQUIRMENTS

The LFD has established the following requirements for the operation of all emergency vehicles:

·         All driver/operators shall have reached the age of 21 years to qualify for operation of an emergency vehicle.

·         Exception : Driver/operators who have reached the age of 19 and 20 years may qualify to operate an emergency vehicles of the Lawrenceville Fire Department without air brakes and under 26,000 lbs for non-emergency reasons. i.e.: Training

·         All driver/operators shall posses a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License and provide a current copy of the DL.

·         All driver/operators shall participate in the PA State Fire Academy approved Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).

·         All driver/operators shall participate in an in-house driver training program which shall not be limited to the safe operation of the vehicles and equipment that is carried on said vehicle.

·         All driver/operators shall ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing a vehicle restraint belt prior to operation of the fire department apparatus.

·         Driver/Operators shall not operate any electronic device while the vehicle is under motion including but not limited to: two-way radios, cellular phones (unless hands-free), global positioning units (GPS), portable music players, or any other similar unit that may cause distraction for the driver/operator.

·         The Chief of the fire department may establish any other requirements necessary at any time to insure the safe operations of fire department apparatus.

·         All driver/operators shall be reviewed and approved by the department’s insurance carrier prior to vehicle operation.

·         A use of a spotter when backing up is required when a second individual is present to do so.

REQUIRED DRIVER UPDATES

The LFD requires that all driver/operators maintain a familiarity with the safe operation of fire department apparatus. The Chief of the fire department shall keep a record of hours each driver/operator has completed with the apparatus annually. The accumulation of hours without violations shall be sufficient to show that a driver/operator has maintained familiarity with the safe operation of fire department apparatus. If the annual hours are not sufficient, the driver/operator shall show that they are capable of safe operation through an in-house driver training program as designed by the LFD.

 

DISQUALIFICATIONS

The LFD shall recognize the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) regarding the operation of emergency vehicles after a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Any violation that falls under the guidelines established by PADOH shall carry the same disqualifying time period.

 

Any unsafe operation of a fire department vehicle shall be subject to review and disqualification of operation for a time period that is deemed necessary. Any violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (or of any state vehicle code) by the driver/operator shall be reported to the Chief of the fire department as soon as possible.

 

The Lawrenceville Fire Departments insurance carrier reserves the right to disqualify a driver operator from the program and restrict their privilege of operating an emergency vehicle.

 

Upon serving the time period required for disqualification, the driver/operator shall re-obtain all training requirements as if they are a new candidate to the driving program.

 

ADDITIONAL STANDARDS

-No person shall operate any departmental apparatus under the influence of any type of alcohol or of a controlled substance. If convicted of a DWI/DUI crime, the member is restricted to not drive any emergency vehicle for the period that the Pennsylvania Department of Health states. It is the department policy for zero tolerance.

 

-Apparatus or other equipment is to not be taken from the station without the permission of a Chief Officer. Taking anything without permission is subject to disciplinary action.

 

-Only Lawrenceville Fire Department personnel are to operate or ride in the apparatus at any time with the exception that a non member is to be allowed to ride is in a parade route. Emergency members designated by a Chief Officer are allowed to respond on LFD apparatus with an officer’s permission.

 

-Personnel may only ride inside the closed cab of the apparatus in a seat equipped with a safety restraint system.

  

Response Codes

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the standard requirements for responding to emergencies. This standard shall outline incidents and related codes for the proper response in regard to the safety of responders and the public. Every response code should be determined on a basis of risk analysis.

 

Policy

A.  The following codes shall be used by responding vehicles of the Lawrenceville Fire Department in responding to the type of incident listed below:

1. Code 1 - Low Priority – No immediate threat to life or property - Non-emergency response without lights or siren.

a.        Any dispatch with “non-emergency response”

b.        Traffic control

c.        Vehicle crashes with no injury and without Hazmat

d.        Tree/debris in roadway

e.        Carbon Monoxide, natural gas, or any structural Hazmat with building evacuated and without threat of fire

f.         Fuel spills under 50 gallons with no immediate threat to water

g.       Helicopter assists

h.       Outdoor smoke investigation with unknown origin

i.         Lift assists / BLS medical assists

j.         Standby’s, assignment to staging area, or transfer engine co

k.       Search/missing person

2. Code 2 - Medium Priority – Possible threat to life or property - Standard response with lights and siren.

a.        Automatic fire alarms

b.        Unoccupied structure or outbuilding fire

c.        Wildfire with no exposures

d.        Structural smoke investigation / unknown type fire

e.        Vehicle fire with no exposure

f.         Land rescue with reported BLS injury or any technical rescue with no injury

g.       Fuel spills greater than 50 gallons or threat to a water source

h.       Carbon Monoxide, natural gas, or Hazmat involving an occupied structure

i.         All other fires not involving a structure and without injury

j.         Vehicle crashes with BLS or unknown injury, and without entrapment or confinement

k.       ALS medical assists

3. Code 3 - High Priority – Life or property in immediate danger - Expedited response with lights and siren.

a.        Any residential or occupied structural fire or fire with threat to an occupied structure

b.        Any structural or vehicle fire with a report of entrapment/possible entrapment

c.        Wildfire with threat to an occupied or residential exposure

d.        Vehicle crashes with a report of entrapment/possible entrapment

e.        Incidents with reports of a patient unresponsive or severe ALS injury

f.         Incidents of any nature with an immediate threat to a high occupancy area

g.       Water rescue, land rescue with ALS injury, rope rescue with injury, confined space rescue with injury, or any other technical/industrial/farm rescue with injury

h.       Large release of Hazmat or Hazmat with immediate threat to life

 

Upgrade/downgrade and Issuing of Response Code

B.      Any officer may change the response code if additional or unknown information deems the change.

C.      The decision to change the response shall justify that the time needed to reach the incident is pertinent to the outcome of the incident.

D.      Any officer may issue a response code for an incident that is not listed. In general, any unlisted incident without immediate life hazard shall be Code 2 and an incident with immediate life hazard shall be Code 3.

E.       An incident that has factors in multiple response codes shall follow the highest priority code involved.

F.       Any apparatus or support unit that has a delayed response that will not effect the mitigation of life safety or property salvage shall respond Code 1.

 

Structure and Order of Command

 

The Lawrenceville Fire Department shall utilize the incident command system at all incidents. Any qualified individual may participate as the IC or any sector officer. These positions are not limited to Chief and Line Officers of the FD.

 

The Structure of the Lawrenceville Fire Department is as follows:

Chief of the FD, First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Third Assistant Chief, FD Captain, FD Lieutenant. If none of these officers are available, then the senior member on scene may act as the officer in charge. The first arriving officer or apparatus will notify the Tioga County Communications Center that Command has been established.

 

The Chief Officers of the FD may appoint FD Captains, FD Lieutenants, Fire Police Captain, Fire Police Lieutenants, Chief Engineer, Engineers and a Safety Officer. These appointments are not necessary but are available if needed.

 

The Chief and Assistant Chiefs of the FD shall follow the duties outlined in the by-laws of the Lawrenceville Fire Department. The duties of the Captains and Lieutenants of the FD are to assume command in the event that a chief is not available at an incident. At any other time, they are responsible for the supervision of specific group or area at an incident. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the Chief of the FD.

 

The Fire Police Captain shall be responsible for the control of traffic and crowds and any incident.

 

The Safety Officer shall be responsible for observation and evaluation of any incident for hazards and unsafe situations. The Safety Officer, through authority of the Incident Commander may terminate or suspend any unsafe action with the immediate threat of injury or death at an incident. The Safety Officer shall oversee all elements of accountability at an incident.

 

The Chief Engineer shall be responsible for the operations of the assigned engineers. They will be responsible for ensuring that the apparatus and carried equipment is ready for response.

 

Accountability - Tioga County Fireman’s Association Standard

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

The purpose of this section is to outline the requirements and use of personal accountability during

emergency incident responses, drills, trainings or other departmental functions that the Incident

Commander, Line Officer or Firefighter in charge may deem necessary.

The Tioga County Firemen’s Association has adapted a manual two tag system for each personnel. This

accountability system policy/procedure will supersede any previous policies or procedures for the

Electronic Accountability system known as Touch and Track.

It should be noted that fire ground accountability will only work with a concentrated effort of all

departments, officers, and members support. It should be drilled on and practiced to make every active fire

and EMS personnel comfortable with its use.

The two tag system will be broken down into the following:

Master Accountability

Hot-Zone Accountability.

WHO USES ACCOUNTABILITY

All participating personnel on the scene of any incident, or other event within the T.C.FA’s area of

response, where accountability has been established, shall be accounted for by means of the system outlined above.

All members classified as active firefighters, active EMS, probationary or junior members shall be

equipped with the necessary accountability tags as soon as possible.

Exempt or retired members may be issued permanent accountability tags based on their level of activities

and participation during departmental incidents and events.

WHEN ACCOUNTABILITY IS USED

Accountability shall be implemented immediately.

Accountability shall be implemented on all fire dispatches (includes smoke / co investigations, auto alarms,

wild fires, mutual aid, etc.) searches / rescues/ Haz-Mats, and MVA’s. Incident Commanders, Chiefs, and

Officers in charge may and are highly encouraged to implement personnel accountability during

departmental and interdepartmental drills.

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS – HOW USED

1.) It shall be used on all classifications of incidents listed above automatically.

2.) All apparatus licensed for over the road responses to incidents (Does not include ATVs or Trailers

which are transported or towed by other vehicles) should be equipment with a large split ring or

key ring and a tag identifying the apparatus by it’s radio designation.

3.) All personnel arriving on a piece of apparatus to an incident shall clip one Personal Accountability

Tag (PAT) to the apparatus key ring.

4.) Members arriving on scene by personally operated vehicles (POV) shall clip one Personal

Accountability Tag to a piece of apparatus on-scene. It is recommended that they tag in on their

home department’s apparatus. However, if this is not possible they must tag in with a piece of

apparatus already on scene prior to reporting to the Incident Commander or Staging

/Accountability Officer for an assignment.

***THIS PROCESS WILL ESTABLISH A MASTER ACCOUNTABILITY***

5.) The Incident Commander shall establish a “Hot Zone” which will be the area of highest hazard;

each personnel entering this zone shall tag in with the officer designated for accountability for that

zone before performing any task in the hot zone.

*If any personnel leaves the hot zone and is not immediately returning to the hot zone, they must

tag out with that officer so an accurate account may be maintained for that zones accountability.

6.) At the discretion of the Incident Commander, sectors may be established at an incident, with each

sector having its own accountability officer.

 7.) Each operation of the incident may implement accountability at the discretion of the OIC of the particular task for example fire ground / water supply / staging / rapid intervention / triage / rehab. /safety etc.

8.) The accountability officer should be positioned at or near the first arriving apparatus on a single

accountability incident / if sectors are established, accountability officers should be designated and

located at the nearest “hot zone” entry point for that sector.

9.) The Accountability Officers or Officers should remain in constant contact with the Safety Officer

or Incident Commander on scene.

10.) The Incident Commander, Accountability, or Safety Officer shall also make every effort to

account for any outside agency that may enter the “hot zone” for a specific function or task.

(Utilities, police, press, property owners, photographers, investigators etc.)

*Note: As above, all outside agencies should be accompanied by firefighting or rescue personnel

while present in the “hot zone”.

 

Standard Operations For Incidents

 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be worn at all incidents when operating within the hot zone as deemed by the Officer in Charge. PPE shall include but is not limited to: Turnout coat, bunker pants, nomex hood, gloves, boots, eye protection, reflective vest, helmet, and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Wildfire PPE shall be defined as a helmet, long sleeve shirt, long pants, work boots, gloves, and eye protection. Reflective vests must be worn when operating on any roadway.

 

  • The incident command system will be used at all incidents.
  • Professionalism is imperative while operating on all incidents and events. Negative actions of any member reflect the departments’ image.
  • When approaching a scene, scan the area for hazardous materials placards, wires down, collapse issues, and potential for fire or explosion.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality as well as take safety precautions to protect the patient from further injury when doing rescue procedures.
  • Position all apparatus on the same side of the roadway as the incident. Position all apparatus on a deflective angle to protect personnel operating at the scene of an MVC.
  • Vehicles involved in a MVC shall be secured by cribbing and the battery shall be disconnected.
  • For chimney fires, the stove is to be removed from the structure unless otherwise directed by a Chief Officer.
  • SCBA shall be worn by any member involved with fire suppression or hazardous atmospheres. These events will not be limited to structure fires (interior and some exterior), vehicle fires, HAZMAT’s, Carbon Monoxide emergencies, and auto fire alarms (must be worn, but not needed to be on air).
  • The buddy system will be used in all cases during interior fire suppression activities, entry into a hazardous area, or the hot zone.

 - Automatic Fire Alarms

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the procedures for responses to all automatic fire alarm calls.

 

Automatic Fire Alarm Activation

A.      All personnel will proceed to the scene safely.

B.      The first engine on the scene will position itself at the nearest hydrant and prepare to make connection to the sprinkler/standpipe connection if present. In the event that a hydrant is not available, the engine will position near the sprinkler/standpipe connection.

C.      Command will be established.

D.      All other responding apparatus will position as directed by command or stage appropriately.

E.       All personnel will wear full protective gear with SCBA until the scene is determined to be safe.

1.       Crews will take necessary fire tools with them such as:

a.        Thermal Imager or Heat Gun

b.        Set of Irons

c.        Flashlight

d.        Portable Radio

e.        Pressurized Water Can

f.         Ventilation Fan

F.       Crews will check the alarm panel and investigate the area of the alarm.

G.      After the investigation is complete, the Incident Commander may silence the alarm and will notify the person responsible for the building of the activation.

H.      Units may be placed in service and one unit or person may stand by for a maximum of 45 minutes, to contact the responder. If the responder is not at the scene 45 minutes after being notified, the unit or person maybe released.

 

- MAYDAY Procedure

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the procedures that members are to utilize when they require emergency assistance. These procedures shall be used whenever members find themselves lost, disoriented, trapped, or in any other similar danger. The use of these procedures is intended to assist in expediting their rescue, in an effort to avoid injury or death.

 

Policy

A.      Members in need of assistance, because they are facing a life threatening situation, shall initiate the “MAYDAY” procedures by performing the following:

1.       Initiate radio communications.

a.        Announce a “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY”, if radio equipped, on the assigned fireground channel.

b.        Once communications have been established the person(s) requiring assistance will give a report to the IC using the L.U.N.A.R. format:

·         Location

·         Unit number/name

·         Number of members requiring assistance

·         Assignment

·         Resources needed for rescue (air, SCBA components, tools…)

2.       Activate your PASS device manually.

3.       The member(s) in distress will provide updates on their status to the IC, the Rapid Intervention Team. This is particularly important if the member(s) in distress is on the move and attempting self-rescue.

a.        Communications shall then inform the IC of the transmission.

4.       The P.A.S.S.S.S. pneumonic is a convenient way to remember the steps that should be performed in a MAY-DAY: This is to be used in conjunction with radio communications:

a.        Do not Panic

b.        Activate the PASS device manually.

c.        Stay together as a unit.

d.        Sound a MAYDAY.

e.        Search to an avenue of escape or area of safety (if physically capable)

f.         Shine a light towards the ceiling, this will serve as a beacon for the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

B.      Once a MAYDAY is called, the following shall occur:

1.       The Incident Commander (IC) will order all units operating at the incident to maintain radio silence.

2.       The IC will then attempt to establish communications with the person(s) who declared the MAYDAY.

3.       If communications cannot be established the IC will consult the accountability system/officer to determine the last known location, on the incident scene, of the person(s) who declared MAYDAY.

4.       Once this information is provided, the IC will place the RIT in service in order to locate, assist, and remove the member(s) in distress.

5.       Fire ground operations will switch to a separate channel from that of the “MAYDAY”.

6.       The IC, Rapid Intervention Team, and members in distress shall be the only units operating on the channel on which the MAYDAY was transmitted.

C.      All other personnel not assigned to the rescue efforts will carry on with their assigned tasks and not abandon them. It is imperative that these personnel have the discipline to continue to perform their assigned tasks, because if the incident can be controlled, it is more likely that the member(s) in distress will survive their predicament.

 

- Rapid Intervention Team

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the procedures that will serve to provide a safe working environment and to reduce the risk of injury or death as a result of operations at emergency incidents. This policy will provide guidelines for affecting the rescue of personnel who become lost, trapped or disoriented during incident operations.

 

Policy

In order to ensure the safety of all members operating on emergency incidents, all personnel shall adhere to the following procedures.

 

Definitions

A.      Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Atmospheres – An atmospheric concentration of any toxic, corrosive or asphyxiate substance that poses an immediate threat to life, or would cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects or would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.

B.      Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) – A specifically designated team assigned to provide personnel for the rescue of members operating at emergency incidents if the need arises.

Procedures

A.      A Rapid Intervention Team (a minimum of 2 qualified firefighters) will be established when operations are being performed in an IDLH atmosphere as soon as is practicable.

B.      The establishment of a RIT is the responsibility if the Incident Commander and preferably will consist of more than the minimum of two members. The decision will be based on, but not limited to the following:

1.       Incident type.

2.       Building construction.

3.       Size of building.

4.       Number of personnel operating within the IDLH atmosphere.

C.      If the incident is in a multi-story structure, large area facility, or other areas with multiple IDLH atmospheres, the incident commander shall establish the necessary number of Rapid Intervention Teams so that the rescue can be accomplished without a deployment delay. A team should be considered for each remote access point on any large facility. The incident commander will be responsible for determining the number of teams needed based on the specifics of the incident.

D.      Due to the highly stressful and sometimes technical nature of incidents involving the rescue of emergency personnel, it is preferable that the RIT members be some of the more experienced and highly trained members.

E.       Rapid Intervention Team Responsibilities

1.       Immediately after being established the RIT leader will perform an incident evaluation/size-up. The purpose of this is to assess the following:

a.        Construction type of the building.

b.        Building size (large structures may require more than one RIT).

c.        Structural integrity.

d.        Access/egress points.

Upon completion of his evaluation, the RIT leader may make recommendations to the incident commander concerning deployment of the RIT (i.e. laddering the building, the need of more than one team).

2.       Organize/gather the appropriate equipment necessary to affect a rescue of a lost, trapped, or disoriented member. The equipment chosen shall be influenced by the type of building construction, but a minimum should consist of, but not limited to the following:

a.        A complete SCBA (regulator, face piece, air cylinder and frame).

b.        Lifeline

c.        Forcible entry, cutting and breaking tools.

d.        Appropriate lighting.

e.        Portable radio.

f.         Small hand tools (pliers, wire cutters…).

3.       When deployed, the members of the RIT are to operate as a unit and report directly to the team leader. The assignment of the RIT is to locate, rescue and remove lost, trapped, or disoriented firefighters, using any means necessary.

4.       At no time during the incident should members of the RIT be assigned other fire ground tasks, unless the members can either be replaced or the alternate task does not interfere with deployment of the team. This is particularly important, as the task of the RIT is critical.

5.       Throughout the rescue effort the RIT will provide updates to the Incident Commander.

G.      As appropriate, the Incident Commander shall assign personnel to assist the RIT with the rescue effort. The Incident Commander shall also provide personnel to establish a second RIT when the original RIT has been deployed.

 

 

Overhaul / Salvage

 

Salvage operations consist of those methods and operating procedures associated with fire fighting that aid in reducing damage from the fire and damage due to suppression activities. Good public relations can be obtained through proper salvage operations. Salvage operations shall occur simultaneously with other emergency operations when adequate personnel are available. This objective maybe accomplished by the use of salvage covers, removal of salvageable property and/or other methods approved by the officer in charge. When doing overhaul/salvage use special care in scene preservation.  If you notice unusual findings, report this to the officer in charge.

 

Overhaul operations consist of searching for and extinguishing hidden or remaining fires. It is essential that all hidden fires be found and extinguished. Forcible entry maybe used during this operation. Pulling of ceilings, opening of walls and removal of debris may be needed during overhaul operations. Proper salvage will greatly reduce the overhaul work needed.

 

It essential that PPE and SCBA be worn during salvage and overhaul operations. Mechanical ventilation may be used during overhaul operations.  Charged hose lines should always be available for the extinguishment of hidden fires and protection of firefighters. All personnel must be safety conscious during these and all firefighting operations.

 

Any member removing any items from the scene of any emergency not belonging to themselves or the fire department will be subject to departmental disciplinary action and may be turned over to the local authorities for further action. Theft of property will not be tolerated will include disciplinary action.

 

Landing Zone

 

The primary landing zone for the Lawrenceville Fire Department shall be the HMAC parking lot located on Route 287 in Lawrence Township. If this area is unavailable, the officer in charge will notify the Tioga County Communication Center of another landing zone. Responsibilities of the fire department at a landing zone are to secure the area from individuals or traffic and provide fire protection.

 

When utilizing the HMAC Landing Zone:

-               No personal vehicles will be permitted within the fenced area.

-               The fire suppression apparatus is to be parked within distance of the fire hydrant located just inside the fenced area.

-               Complete PPE including eye protection is to be worn when inside the fenced area.

-               The ambulance that contains the patient shall be positioned with its rear doors facing the LZ and no farther past the fire apparatus to the LZ.

-               The four corners of the LZ shall be marked out with orange cones, preferably with lighting in times of darkness for better visibility. Use of flares should be limited due to risk of fire.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 

Every active responding member will be issued PPE for use on incidents and for training. This can include and is not limited to: traditional style fire helmet (black) with a leather shield that follows the below standard, turnout jacket with personalized name  (yellow), turnout pants (black), fire boots, fire gloves, nomex hood, reflective safety vest, safety glasses, personalized accountability tags, flashlight, and a safety escape harness. Any damage to these items, personal or departmental, shall be reported to the officer in charge of the incident/training. Each member is responsible for all issued equipment and must take care of it appropriately. Any member misusing issued equipment will be subject to disciplinary action. Probationary members may wear a black helmet with an orange shield if the helmet was purchased by the member.

 

- Leather Shield Configurations and Colors for Traditional Style Helmets

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the requirements for the design of display and color for leather shields for traditional style helmets

 

Fire Chiefs

The following shall apply to Fire Chief shields; Body Color: White; Panel lettering: Reflective Red; Panel color: Black; Center Character: Red “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “FIRE CHIEF” or “ASST CHIEF”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

EMS Chiefs

The following shall apply to EMS Chief shields; Body Color: White; Panel lettering: Reflective Red; Panel color: Dark Blue; Center Character: Blue “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “AMB CHIEF” or “ASST AMB CHIEF”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

Fire Department Line Officers

The following shall apply to Fire Line Officer shields; Body Color: Red; Panel lettering: Reflective Red; Panel color: White; Center Character: White “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “CAPTAIN” or “LIEUTENANT”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

Firefighter

The following shall apply to Firefighter shields; Body Color: Black; Panel lettering: Reflective White; Panel color: Red; Center Character: Red “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “FIREFIGHTER” or “FF/EMT”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

Medical

The following shall apply to Medical shields; Body Color: Blue; Panel lettering: Reflective Red; Panel color: White; Center Character: Red “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “EMT or 1st Responder”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

Junior/Probationary Member

The following shall apply to JR/Probationary shields; Body Color: Orange; Panel lettering: Reflective Red; Panel color: White; Center Character: Red “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “JR. FIREFIGHTER or PROBATIONARY”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

Safety Officer

The following shall apply to Safety Officer shields; Body Color: Green; Panel lettering: Reflective Red; Panel color: Black; Center Character: Red “8”. The following shall be the wording used; Top Panel: “SAFETY OFFICER”; Middle Panel: “LAWRENCEVILLE”; Bottom Panel: “LAST NAME”.

 

- Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

 

Purpose: It shall be described below the requirements to provide proper respiratory protection to members through the utilization of self-contained breathing apparatus.

 

Policy

A. It is the policy of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD) that all personnel expected or likely to respond to, and function in, areas of atmospheric contamination, shall be equipped with, and trained in, the proper use and maintenance of the self-contained breathing apparatus.

B. Members shall utilize only SCBA, which are of the approved, positive pressure type.

C. Only pure, compressed air shall be used to fill the air cylinders of the LFD’s SCBA’s. Said cylinders shall be filled and maintained in accordance with LFD policy and documented in the SCBA log book.

D. SCBA air cylinders shall be pressurized between 4200 and 4500 psi.

E. Fire Department SCBA shall be inspected monthly and shall be briefly operated by inspecting personnel.

F. SCBAs or their component parts, which are observed to be worn, defective, or damaged, shall be removed from service immediately and a suitable replacement SCBA or part shall be provided. An officer of LFD shall be notified of the out of service SCBA.

G. SCBAs and their spare air cylinders shall be properly secured to apparatus and vehicles in such a manner as to be readily available for quick operations, yet shall be well secured enough to prevent injuries to personnel or accidental damage to apparatus and/or equipment.

Responsibility

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

B. Officers are responsible for insuring that the policy for the use and maintenance of SCBAs is followed by members under their supervision at emergency incidents and in training.

C. All members are directly responsible for their safety and shall utilize and maintain self-contained breathing apparatus in accordance with this policy.

Check and Maintenance

A. In service SCBAs shall be checked and briefly operated monthly.

1. Make visual inspection of SCBA.

2. Hook up mask and regulator.

3. Place unit into service for and observe operation.

4. Activate PASS alarm.

5. Ensure all straps are extended and regulator is in the stored position.

6. Ensure the pressure is at least 4200 PSI and not more than 4500 PSI. 

Cleaning and Returning to Service

A. SCBA and facepiece shall be cleaned after each use.

1. The facepiece assembly shall be washed with mild soap and water and thoroughly rinsed with clean warm water and dried with clean wiping cloths or disposable towels.

B. The air cylinder should be fully filled or replaced when returning an SCBA to service.

Repairs

A. A replacement SCBA will be provided whenever a SCBA is removed      from service for repair. The unit replaced must be tagged with the reason it is out of service.

Training

A. Training will be scheduled on the use and maintenance of SCBA

B. Training and drills in the use of SCBAs shall be provided which simulate as near actual emergency conditions as possible.

Operations

A. SCBA shall be worn and used by all qualified Members when:

1. Entering confined spaces that are oxygen deficient, or where smoke, chemicals, toxic agents, toxic fumes or unknown type of gases or vapors are present.

2. At the scene of emergency incidents where personnel may be exposed to toxic vapors, gases, fumes, mist or dust caused by fires, explosions, leaks, spills or other means.

3. Any possible or anticipated IDLH atmosphere as determined by the nature of the call or by presence on the scene.

B. Do not remove SCBA during routine fire situations until instructed. Carbon monoxide levels increase during overhaul, due to the incomplete combustion of smoldering materials.

C. When working in breathing apparatus, work in pairs.

D. Never remove the face mask or regulator to talk when in hazardous atmosphere.

  

Investigations & Reports

 

All investigations are to be done by the officers in charge of the incident. Any press on scene or otherwise inquiring about an incident is to be handled by the Officer in Charge or designated Public Information Officer. An end of call report will be completed on every dispatched incident. This will include a paper roster report and NFIRS computer report. In any circumstances in which a cause cannot be easily determined, the cause is suspicious in nature, or the monetary loss due to damage is excessive, the PA State Police Fire Marshall will be contacted to investigate the incident.

 

Incident reports maybe disseminated to insurance companies, private individuals in which were involved in the incident (ex: home owner), involved fire departments, or investigating law enforcement agencies. A $10 (ten dollar) charge may be imposed prior to the dissemination of the report.

 

Definitions

 

Accountability: The organized process of tracking personnel operating at an incident. This process shall be completed by using a designated individual that tracks personnel using a physical tag system as described by the Tioga County Fireman’s Association.

 

Driver/Operator: Any personnel that has taken part in the Lawrenceville Fire Department Vehicle Operation Plan and authorized by the Chief of the Fire Department for operation of an emergency vehicle. These individuals shall follow the driver operation plan and be responsible for the safe operation of an emergency vehicle regardless of the event.

 

DOG’S: Department Operating Guidelines; A document that provides the guidance and rules for the safe and correct operation of members and activities at an incident and other events of the Lawrenceville Fire Department. The DOGS are meant as a guideline and maybe altered by an officer for exigent circumstances. The DOG’s may also include standards as additional guidelines.

 

Emergency: Any event that requires resources of the Lawrenceville Fire Department and the development of an incident regardless of the risk to life and property. An emergency shall begin at the time of notification by the Emergency Communications Center and shall conclude when all units are in quarters and in service.

 

Emergency Member: Any individual designated by the officer in charge to assist in the completion of an activity at an incident. At the completion of an incident, the individual is no longer considered an emergency member.

 

Emergency Vehicle: Any apparatus owned by the Lawrenceville Fire Department and operated for the transportation of personnel or equipment to an incident. This shall include vehicles operated and owned by chief officers and equipped with two-way radios, audible, and visual warning devices.

 

Incident: Any event that the department or members operates on to effect the protection or prevention of loss of life or property, whether dispatched or created. The incident shall be considered an emergency regardless of the risk of life or property hazard and shall not be concluded or considered finished until the department is in quarters and in service.

 

Incident Commander: Any personnel of the Lawrenceville Fire Department that has been designated at an incident to assume the overseeing and supervision of all operations and personnel related to the incident. This person shall be responsible for the safety and activities that take place at the scene of an incident.

 

PPE: (Personal Protective Equipment). PPE shall include by not limited to: Turnout coat, bunker pants, nomex hood, gloves, boots, eye protection, reflective vest, helmet, and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Wildfire PPE shall be defined as a helmet, 100% cotton long sleeve shirt, long pants, work boots, gloves, and eye protection.

 

Standards: Any additional guidance or rule that has been developed for the safe and correct operation of the Lawrenceville Fire Department without amending the document known as the Department Operating Guidelines. Standards shall be considered part of the DOG’s as an appendix and followed as the same.

 

Vehicle Operation Plan: The program developed to qualify and authorize members to safely and responsibly operate any emergency vehicle. The program consists of many requirements and stages for the candidate to complete before authorization can be given by the Chief of the FD. The program also provides record keeping of operation of emergency vehicles.


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