Transcript MAYDAY” - FireServiceSLT

“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”
Managing the Fireground Mayday: The critical link to
firefighter survival.
Battalion Chief Daryl Smith
Sandy Springs Fire Department
June 13, 2008
INTRODUCTION
Over the past several years, the fire service has placed a
new emphasis on firefighter rescue, an emphasis never
before considered to be necessary. Prior to the inception
of NFPA 15OO (Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program) and programs
such as “Get Out Alive” and Saving Our Own”, few if any
firefighters could ever fathom the possibility of needing
to rescue one of our own.
Terminal Objective:

After lecture and discussion students when given a
specific emergency scenario (situation) will be able to
select the appropriate actions with (100% accuracy) to
take if they or a crew member becomes trapped,
disoriented or injured and have the need to call for a
“MAYDAY”.
Enabling Objectives:

a. After lecture and discussion the student will be able to
recognize the critical factors that are present before
entering a dangerous environment.

b. After lecture and discussion the student will be able to
know and understand the proper procedure for initiating
a “MAYDAY” call for help.

c. After lecture and discussion the student will be able to
understand the importance of establishing RIT / RIC.
Two Questions to ask yourself:
1.
Have we taken the time to properly prepare our fire
ground commanders?
2.
Have we, as fire instructors and trainers dedicated the
necessary time and training to ensure the safe and
effective management of a “Mayday” incident?
To most, the answer would be without a doubt, “NO”.
Definition

Mayday as defined by Webster's Dictionary: an
international radio-telephone signal word used as a
distress call.

The mere phrase “Mayday” has forever changed the
careers and lives of many dedicated fire service
professionals.
Firefighter Distress Signal

Initiation or transmission of a firefighter distress signal
produces more stress and potential chaos than any other
single type of incident we may encounter throughout our
careers. As firefighters, fire officers and trainers, we
must develop a standard plan of action that allow us to
properly manage and overcome these chaotic and
stressful events.
Preparing & Planning for a “MAYDAY” call

The lack of pre-fire planning has claimed the lives of
many fire service professionals in the recent past.

Fire service managers today must use pre-fire planning
to serve as a safety net when managing the fireground.

Proper risk management coupled with a structured
firefighter survival program enables today’s firefighters
to understand the associated risks they are to
encounter.
Pre-fire planning / Pre-fire Analysis

Case studies have shown that the success or failure of
any “Mayday” incident is a direct result of effective IM
and pre-fire planning.

The best preparatory effort given to the fireground
commander is the pre-plan or the pre-fire analysis.
Frank Brannigan

Frank Brannigan once stated, “There is no substitute for
the fire department developing a system of accumulating
and organizing information for retrieval at the time of the
fire”.
Five Pre-fire Indicators that can lead to a potential
“Mayday” incident and/or compromise fireground
operations:



Weight - excessive weight in the overhead should be
of immediate concern to the IC when deciding to
deploy additional firefighters during a rescue effort.
This may include: HVAC units, large billboards, storage
tanks, etc.
Fuel Loads - Excessive fuel loads (flammable or
combustible) are an indication of potential rapid-fire
spread which may lead to firefighters being trapped or
overcome during initial firefighting.
Building History – Previous fires, structural collapses,
renovations (known & unknown) to the IC may lead to
the entrapment of firefighters.
Pre-fire Indicators (con’t)


Deterioration – A factor to the fireground continues to
be vacant buildings or buildings in ill repair. As
firefighters we’re taught early on that all buildings are
occupied until proven otherwise. Pre-fire planning
should enable the IC which buildings require absolute
defensive operations to support firefighter safety and
survival.
Support Systems / Truss Construction – Examples of
firefighter fatalities have been shared with the fire
service for years. Bowstring and light weight truss
construction must be of utmost importance to the IC.
Truss Collapse

Being under a burning truss , is like playing Russian
Roulette with a loaded revolver. (Most notable
bowstring truss collapse is the Hackensack, NJ fire
which killed several firefighters).

As fireground commanders begin to consider deploying
RIT teams for rescue efforts, careful consideration
must be given to the potential of truss collapse, which
could further complicate if not compound the rescue
efforts. (This should also be considered before
deploying interior attack teams).
On-Scene Indicators and how they can potentially lead to a
“Mayday” incident:

Prolonged burn time - continued or heavy fire
throughout the structure.

Smoke showing through walls - extensive structural
damage, gas accumulations.

Inadequate ventilation - flammable gas accumulations,
potential for rapid fire development.
On-Scene Indicators (con’t)

Two or more floors involved in fire – multi point
structural compromise.

Sagging floors, bulging walls, interior collapse – major
damage to structural integrity.

Water between bricks, excessive water in building –
excessive downward force.

Unprotected steel – direct flame impingement or
structural components, collapse pending.
Firefighter Survival Training

Firefighters who have been properly trained in selfsurvival skills can greatly enhance the possibility of a
successful RIT team rescue. Standardized, predictable
actions of a trapped, lost or disoriented firefighter will
enable rescuers to locate and remove the firefighter in a
more timely and effective manner.
Actions to take if you become trapped or disoriented:

Initiate an emergency “Mayday” / Activate Emergency
Distress Button.

Stay “calm” and preserve your air supply.

Activate P.A.S.S.
Actions to take if you become trapped or disoriented
(con’t):

Provide a situation / problem report.

If trapped or disoriented as a crew, it’s imperative to
“stay together”.

Search for an exit – look for light.

Attempt to follow a hose line or life line to safety.
Actions to take if you become trapped or disoriented
(con’t):

Retreat to an area of safety.

Assume a horizontal position (if possible) to enhance the
audible signal of your P.A.S.S. and enhance thermal
protection.

Use your flashlight as a beacon device and attempt to
making tapping noises using tools or other objects.
Fireground Preparations:
Proactive fireground preparations for survival cannot be
over stated!
1.
2.
3.
Proactive ladders - provide secondary means of egress
and serves as an immediate access point for RIT
members
Scene lighting at entry point or all 4 sides if possible –
provides enhanced firefighter accountability and
directional orientation for lost or disoriented
firefighters.
Back-up / Safety lines – provides an additional line of
support in case of rapid-fire development.
Standardization / Predictability

Standardization creates predictability, and predictability
enables fireground commanders to manage and forecast
the needs of the fireground.

SOP’s / SOG’s – well established SOP’s / SOG’s create
operational effectiveness for fire departments across the
country. The safe and effective management of a
Mayday incident is dependent upon a structured,
predictable fireground based on firm rules of
engagement.
Standardization / Predictability (con’t)

Incident Management System – Strong, early presence
of a fireground commander is paramount to effective
fireground management. Any fire ground that lacks an
early command presence is destined for disaster.

Standardized Communications – this continues to be an
ongoing problem in the fire service. “It is imperative
that on-scene operations be given fire ground tactical
radio channels that are separate from the normal
dispatch frequencies”.
Discipline / Enforcement

Strict discipline and strong enforcement enable
fireground commanders to adequately account for and
assign the necessary crews to complete the task without
the fear of freelancing or contradictory actions.

RIT – In the event of a Mayday incident, physical and
mental limitations will be taxed to the limit, rescuers
must be forced to follow rules of personal safety at all
times. Teams that fail to follow the directions of the IC
and their respective RIT Officer will most likely become
victims themselves.
Discipline / Enforcement (con’t):

Suppression Personnel – Personnel assigned to fire
attack / suppression operations must overcome the
desire to get involved. Previously assigned fire
attack/suppression crews must maintain their position in
order to limit the threat of flame impingement on the
trapped or disoriented firefigter(s).

A trapped or disoriented firefighter has two factors
working against them: 1) limited air supply and 2) flame
impingement barring the fact that direct physical trauma
is not involved.
LODD - Recent Case Histories

Funeral services will be Monday afternoon for the firefighter who died in a
house fire early Friday morning. Visitation will be today, Sunday from 2-9
p.m. at Bayside Baptist Church and Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of
the funeral at 1 p.m. for 24-year-old Shane Daughetee. This is in the
Chattanooga area.

Firefighter Daughetee was leading a search for a family member when he
fell into the basement area. Other firefighters tried to rescue him, and one
actually had a hold of his airpack, but was not able to hold on. A ladder was
lowered to him, but firefighters had to retreat when the roof started to
collapse. No one realized that the family had already gotten out safely.

The 5,000-square-foot, $500,000 house was a total loss....the cause was
accidental (electrical). According to the homeowners, they awoke to a
popping sound and found the basement full of smoke and fire. They
evacuated the home with their daughter and called 9-1-1.
Case Histories (con’t)

Regretfully, we have been advised that 1 of the
firefighters injured at the working house fire in
Washington City, Washington County, PA this morning,
has died. Initial reports are that there was a roof
collapse and members were trapped. The on-scene RIT
team was immediately deployed and trapped members
were extricated, but unfortunately the 1 firefighter from
Washington City FD succumbed. Other members at that
fire were injured as well.

The firefighter who was killed was in his early 20's.
ATLANTA FIRE BUREAU LODD

This is the actual fireground communication from the last
Atlanta Fire Bureau LODD.

Pay close attention when the IC asks for a PAR and the
response the unit gives back.

Accountability is a “MUST” on any scene.
Tragic Training Memories:

Firefighters in Boulder (CO) and around the nation are
remembering one of its worst days when two of their
own died during a training exercise. On January 26,
1982, Fire Engineer Bill Duran and FF Scott Smith died
when the fire flashed and ran through the abandoned
garage where the live fire training was held.
Tragic Training Memories (con’t)

The flashover also forced surviving FF Dan Cutler
through a wall...ending up with burns over 60 %.
Hearings were held to figure out what caused the deaths
and found there were still combustible ceiling tiles in the
building. There were also no water supply established,
no back-up engine companies for the training and
firefighters did not do a walk thru to find the
exits....amongst other problems. This tragic LODD was
"the final straw" for the creation of NFPA 1403,
“Standard for Live Fire Training”.
Critical Factors to Consider

Fireground Command - as the IC during a “Mayday”
incident in which a firefighter(s) is lost, trapped or
disoriented within a structure, your composure, selfcontrol and self-discipline are sure to be tested. The IC
must immediately begin to build a support staff for
immediate and post-incident needs.
Critical Factors (con’t)

Activation of the Rescue Action Plan – The IC must
understand that regardless of his/her experience,
training level and personal confidence, the initial plan
may not always be the best plan; reevaluation and
willingness to compromise is the key to success (this
should be done throughout the entire incident).
Critical Factors (con’t)

Personnel Safety – as rescue efforts begin, adrenalin
often times overruns our ability to think clearly which
may inevitably lead to rescuer injuries which further
complicates the rescue operation. “Be a part of the
solution and not a part of the problem”.

Communication – The IC must maintain constant
communication with RIT team(s) throughout the
incident.
Critical Factors (con’t)

Progress Reporting – Good, clear, concise and regular
progress reports are a absolute necessity.

Emergency evacuation signal – RIT teams typically
operate under conditions that are or will potentially
become too hazardous to safely operate in. As an
additional measure of safety all personnel should be
made aware of and/or reminded of the emergency
evacuation signal/procedures prior to making entry.
Critical Factors (con’t)

Restricted entry – Following the initial PAR report, the IC
should immediately restrict entry to only those members
of the RIT team.

Crew continuity – this is an absolute necessity
throughout the incident for proper accountability during
firefighter rescue operations. “STAY TOGETHER”
Call for PAR
Calling for an immediate PAR is three-fold;

enables the IC to quickly and effectively identify the
number of personnel involved.

identifies the general area of the structure involved.

potentially identifies the extent of the rescue effort.
PAR (con’t)
PAR’s should be first requested from the personnel
in the area of most danger.
This cannot be overstated, it enables the IC to
prioritize the fireground.
Deployment of the RIT

RIT should be deployed only after a quick briefing of
known facts from the IC.

By adequately identifying the last known location,
number of personnel involved and the possible cause of
deployment of RIT, personnel can properly prepare
themselves for assignment and ensure proper equipment
is deployed.
3 Things the IC should consider when deploying RIT
personnel
1.
Initial RIT (Reconnaissance Team)
–
–
–
–
Locate the downed, trapped member(s)
Establish a tractable means of access to the
victim(s)
Determine additional needs (air, water, fans,
extrication, thermal imaging cameras, etc.)
Suggested team size: 2 firefighters, 1 officer
Deploying RIT personnel (con’t)
2.
Secondary RIT (Stabilization/Removal Team)
–
–
–
Provide equipment and personnel as requested by
the Recon Team
Begin extrication process, clear debris for rapid
egress
Suggested team size: 2-4 firefighters
Deploying RIT personnel (con’t)
3.
Third and subsequent RIT (Support Team(s)
– Provide external support as requested by initial
teams
– Provide personnel to relieve initial teams
As a general rule, the IC should try to stay one alarm
ahead of the incident demands. Mutual aid in small
departments should be requested early to ensure relief
and support personnel are available as necessary.
Termination of Rescue Efforts
Although no firefighter, fire officer or IC ever wants to
terminate a rescue effort, firefighter safety “must”
remain the top priority. As unfortunate as it may be, the
IC must terminate the rescue efforts when conditions
begin to jeopardize the safety of those involved. No
decision, order or assignment ever given by an IC during
their career will ever bare equal weight. It’s decisions of
this nature that will ultimately decide the number of
members lost or injured.
Summarizing a “MAYDAY” Incident

PAR – upon immediate distress signal, call for a PAR of
on-scene units.

Initiate RIT Operations – utilizing a technique that is
expedious.

Hazard Assessment – Upon locating downed
firefighter(s), RIT personnel must quickly perform a
hazard assessment to ensure their own safety.
Summary (con’t)

Identify victim needs – air supply, fire impingement,
extrication needs, etc.

Initiate victim removal (if possible) – an initial progress
report of findings and/or actions should be relayed to
the IC.

Provide medical care – upon removal from the hazard
area, on-scene EMS personnel should provide
immediate care / transport.
Summary (con’t)

PAR – once victim(s) have been extracted from hazard
area, another PAR should be given by all on-scene
companies.

Post-incident analysis / debriefing – following all RIT
deployments a formal post-incident analysis should be
conducted to review, revise and update existing
procedures. Request (Critical Incident Stress
Debriefing) CISD team if needed.
Conclusion
After you (the IC) have assessed the situation and have a
known rescue operation keep this in mind:

Assume the worst and prepare for the worst. By doing
this you will enable yourself to overcome anything less
than the worst with positive results. Preparing for
anything less will put you in a reactionary or catch-up
mode during a high stress, high emotional incident in
which the lives of fellow firefighters lie in the balance.

Are there any questions?