Transcript Fireground Procedures and IMS Terminology

Fire ground Procedures and
Command Modes
For a number of years the VRFA has used terminology on scene of an
incident that was consistent with Zone 3 practices.
Some of this terminology has changed; other departments in the zone
have made the switch; now we are making the switch also.
The new terminology is adopted from the Model Procedures Guide for
Firefighting. In 2009 the King County Chiefs implemented the Fire
ground Procedures Policy that addresses this issue.
The following slides will address only the terminology changes that are
affecting the VRFA
Command Options
• Investigation Mode
• Fast-Attack Mode
• Command Mode
**Note –
“Rescue Mode” is not a command option
Investigation Mode
• Formerly called “Nothing Visible” mode
Upon arrival, an incident may not have visible indicators of a significant
event. These situations generally require investigation by the first
arriving company, while other responding companies remain staged.
The officer of the first-in company should assume command and go
with the company to investigate, using a portable radio to command
the incident.
**Note – In this situation this officer may not formally establish
command on the radio right away, but it is known that this first-in
officer is commanding the incident in the “Investigation Mode” until
relieved.
**Note – It is still appropriate to say “Nothing visible, investigating”
when warranted.
Fast Attack Mode
• This is used when the first-in company
officer needs to “go to work” with their
crew (i.e. rescue or offensive attack).
Situations that require immediate action to stabilize the incident
mandate the company officers assistance to carry out the critical
operation. In these situations, the company officers goes with the
crew to provide the appropriate level of supervision. Examples of
these situations include: (See next slide)
Fast Attack Mode Examples
• Offensive Fire Attack
• Critical Life Safety Situations (i.e.. Rescues) that
must be achieved in a compressed time
• Any incident where the safety and welfare of
responders are of major concern
Fast Attack Mode Examples
• Examples of new terminology;
“E-31 will be in Fast Attack mode for rescue”
____________________________________
Old terminology;
“E-31 will be in rescue mode”
Fast Attack Mode Examples
New terminology;
“E-31 will be in Fast Attack mode for
offensive fire attack”
“E-31 will be in Fast Attack mode for ground
ladder rescue on side C-Charley”
Command Mode
• There is no change to this mode; you will
be establishing command and verbalizing
the location of your command post.
Passing Command
• Historically, we have verbalized “passing
command” on the radio prior to another
officer arriving at the scene.
• This terminology no longer exists. We do
not “pass command” to somebody who is
not at the scene yet.
Passing Command
• If the first-in company officer is in “Fast
Attack” mode – It is known that the nextin company officer will establish command
upon their arrival.
• The first-in CO is always in command
(whether announced or not) until relieved
by another officer.
The End