1. 17 Fire Fighter Survival

2. 2 Objectives (1 of 2) Describe the procedure for making an appropriate risk-benefit analysis. Describe the procedures for the personnel accountability system. Describe the role of the rapid intervention crew (RIC). 17

3. 3 Objectives (2 of 2) Define self-rescue techniques. Describe how to conserve SCBA air supply. Describe the critical incident stress management process. 17

4. 4 Introduction Fire fighter survival is the primary objective. Survival depends on making the right decisions and performing the right actions. Learn to recognize dangerous situations and to take appropriate actions. 17

5. 5 Risk-Benefit Analysis (1 of 7) Approach to emergency operations can limit the risk of fire fighter deaths and injuries. Based upon comparing the positive results that can be achieved with the probability and severity of potential negative consequences 17

6. 6 Risk-Benefit Analysis (2 of 7) Practiced at several different levels IC Responsible for the high-level risk-benefit analysis Assesses the risks and benefits before committing crews to an interior attack Reassess the risks and benefits during the operation 17

7. 7 Risk-Benefit Analysis (3 of 7) Company officer Processes risk and benefits to ensure the safety of a group of fire fighters Involved in continuous risk analysis Fire fighter Makes a risk-benefit analysis from his or her perspective 17

8. 8 Risk-Benefit Analysis (4 of 7) Philosophy We will not risk our lives at all for persons or property that are already lost. We will accept a limited level risk, under measured and controlled conditions, to save property of value. We will accept a higher level of risk only where there is a reasonable and realistic possibility of saving lives. 17

9. 9 Risk-Benefit Analysis (5 of 7) Do not risk fire fighters’ lives by entering a burning building if: Unoccupied Occupants could not survive No property of value can be saved Property has no value 17

10. 10 Risk-Benefit Analysis (6 of 7) If there is a reasonable possibility that property can be saved, but no lives are at stake, fire fighters can be committed to an interior attack. Combination of PPE, training, and SOPs designed to allow fire fighters to work safely No property is worth the life of a fire fighter. 17

11. 11 Risk-Benefit Analysis (7 of 7) Only permissible to risk fire fighter’s life when there is a real possibility of saving a life Actions must be conducted in as safe a manner as possible. Determination that risk is acceptable does not justify taking unsafe actions. 17

12. 12 Hazard Indicators (1 of 4) Fire fighters must be capable of working safely in a hazardous environment. Danger of firefighting should never be thought of as routine. Learn to routinely follow safe SOPs. 17

13. 13 Hazard Indicators (2 of 4) Recognize many different types of hazards and act appropriately. Example of a common hazard is the presence of smoke inside a structure. Proper response to the hazard is to wear SCBA. Obvious hazard is recognized and a standard solution is applied. 17

14. 14 Hazard Indicators (3 of 4) Many hazards easy to recognize Smoke Other hazards require further study and experience. Building construction Weather conditions Occupancy 17

15. 15 Hazard Indicators (4 of 4) Building construction Predict fire behavior and collapse potential Weather conditions Can create hazards Occupancy A warning placard 17

16. 16 Safe Operating Procedures Define how operations are conducted. Many based on fire fighter health and safety Consistently follow safe operating procedures. Must be learned and practiced When under pressure, people will revert to habits. 17

17. Team Integrity (1 of 2) Teamwork is essential. Standard team is a company. Standard company is 3-5 fire fighters and a company officer. 17

18. 18 Team Integrity (2 of 2) Team integrity means that a company arrives at a fire together, works together, and leaves together. Always use a buddy system. Follow the two-in/two-out rule. 17

19. 19 Personnel Accountability System (1 of 3) Systematic method to track everyone’s location and function Responsibility of the IC Track from arrival to release Track each member of a company 17

20. 20 Personnel Accountability System (2 of 3) Can take many forms Written roster or computer database List of assigned company members is carried on each piece of apparatus. Tags for all members are affixed to a special board called a passport carried in the cab. 17

21. 21 Personnel Accountability System (3 of 3) Passport given to command post or at point of entry Picked up upon exiting 17

22. 22 Personnel Accountability Report Personnel accountability report (PAR) Roll call taken by each supervisor Company officer verifies presence of members. Occurs every 10 minutes, tactical benchmarks, and after unusual events Any time a fire fighter cannot be accounted for, he or she is considered missing until proven otherwise. 17

23. 23 Emergency Communication (1 of 2) Breakdown is a major cause of deaths and injuries to fire fighters. Ensure message is stated clearly. Repeat message back as confirmation. 17

24. 24 Emergency Communication (2 of 2) Reserved phrases, sounds, and signals for emergency messages should be a part of your department’s SOPs. Phrases should be known and practiced by everyone in the department. In many areas, these procedures are coordinated regionally. 17

25. 25 Mayday Used if a fire fighter is in danger A fire fighter can call Mayday to request help. Another fire fighter can use to report team member missing or in trouble. Mayday takes precedence over all other radio communications. 17

26. 26 Emergency Traffic Used to indicate imminent fire ground hazard Potential explosion or structural collapse Used to order fire fighters to immediately withdraw from interior Takes precedence over all other radio communications Except Mayday 17

27. 27 Special Tones Communications centers can emit a special tone over the radio to alert all members. Information is repeated to be certain it is heard correctly by all. All imminent hazards and emergency instructions should capture the attention of everyone at the incident scene. 17

28. 28 Initiating a Mayday (1 of 2) Analysis shows that fire fighters often wait until it’s too late to call for help. Failure to act promptly can be fatal in many situations. Do not hesitate to call for help when you think you need it. 17

29. 29 Initiating a Mayday (2 of 2) Transmit Mayday-Mayday-Mayday over radio. Clearly state: Name Nature of problem Location Activate PASS. Activate emergency button on radio 17

30. 30 Rapid Intervention Crew (1 of 3) Established solely to rescue fire fighters Stands by fully dressed and equipped An extension of the two-in/two-out rule Minimum of two fire fighters is required to establish an entry team. Minimum of two additional fire fighters is required to remain outside the hazardous area. 17

31. 31 Rapid Intervention Crew (2 of 3) Outside fire fighters can perform other duties. Must be ready to assist at all times The two fire fighters who remain outside are the first stage of RIC. The dedicated RIC team is the second stage. 17

32. 32 Rapid Intervention Crew (3 of 3) RIC should be in place when fire fighters are operating in IDLH conditions. IC should immediately deploy the RIC to any situation where a fire fighter needs immediate assistance. Lost or missing fire fighter Injured fire fighter who has to be removed from a hazardous location A trapped fire fighter 17

33. 33 Fire Fighter Survival Procedures Your personal safety could depend on learning, practicing, and consistently following fire fighter survival procedures. 17

34. 34 Maintaining Orientation (1 of 3) Very easy to become disoriented in a dark, smoke-filled building Extremely important to stay oriented If you get lost, you could run out of air. 17

35. 35 Maintaining Orientation (2 of 3) Several methods can be used to stay oriented inside a smoke-filled building. Before entering, look at building from the outside to get an idea of the size, shape, arrangement, and number of stories. After entering, follow walls and pay attention to where you go. Always stay in contact with a hose line. 17

36. 36 Maintaining Orientation (3 of 3) Team integrity is an important factor in maintaining orientation. Everyone works together to stay oriented. When team members cannot see each other, stay in direct physical contact or within verbal contact. 17

37. 37 Guideline A rope attached to an object on the exterior or a known fixed location Used for orientation when inside a structure Stretched out as a crew enters the structure Guideline technique requires intense practice. 17

38. 38 Self-Rescue (1 of 5) Immediately call for assistance. Do not wait. Initiate the process as soon as you think you are in trouble. 17

39. 39 Self-Rescue (2 of 5) If you are simply separated from your crew: Follow a hose line back to an open doorway. Descend a ladder. Climb out through a ground floor window. Notify IC that you are safe. 17

40. 40 Self-Rescue (3 of 5) There are complicated techniques that fire fighters can use to escape from dangerous predicaments. Include some standard methods: Breaching a wall Using a rescue line and harness to rappel down to the ground 17

41. 41 Self-Rescue (4 of 5) Disentanglement Important skill that needs to be learned and practiced Many fire fighters carry small tools to cut through wires or small cables. Can be very difficult if visibility does not allow the entangling material to be seen and identified 17

42. 42 Self-Rescue (5 of 5) Some self-rescue methods involve using tools and equipment in manners for which they were not designed. These are considered last resort methods. Should only be taught by instructors and practiced with strict safety measures in place Very controversial 17

43. 43 Safe Havens (1 of 3) Temporary location that provides refuge while awaiting rescue or finding a method of self- rescue Safety is relative—less dangerous than the alternative Important when situations become critical Know where to look for and how to recognize one. 17

44. 44 Safe Havens (2 of 3) A room with a door and a window could be a safe haven. Safe haven provides time for rescue team to reach fire fighters. A roof or floor collapse often leaves a void adjacent to an exterior wall. Maintaining team integrity is important. 17

45. 45 Safe Havens (3 of 3) These activities require good instruction and practice. Follow your department’s operating guidelines. 17

46. 46 Air Management (1 of 5) Air equals time. Time in a hazardous atmosphere must include entry and exit time. Time rating on an SCBA is for low exertion. Often a 30-minute supply is used in 10-12 minutes. 17

47. 47 Air Management (2 of 5) Rate of consumption varies among fire fighters. Also depends on activities being performed Air management is a team effort as well as an individual effort. Team member who uses the air supply most rapidly determines the working time for the team. 17

48. 48 Air Management (3 of 5) Determine your personal air usage rate by participating in an SCBA consumption exercise. Knowing team members’ physical conditions and workload can help keep them safe. Team member could use up his of her air supply much faster without realizing it. 17

49. 49 Air Management (4 of 5) Be aware of the SCBA limitations. Do not enter a hazardous area unless your air cylinder is full. Know your air supply. Do not wait until the low-pressure alarm sounds to start thinking about leaving the hazardous area. 17

50. 50 Air Management (5 of 5) Emergency situations can occur. SCBA can malfunction. Fire fighters can be trapped. Remain calm. Know how to use all of the SCBA emergency features. 17

51. 51 Rescuing a Downed Fire Fighter (1 of 4) One of the most critical and demanding situations Air management has to be considered for the rescuers as well as the fire fighter who is in trouble. 17

52. 52 Rescuing a Downed Fire Fighter (2 of 4) Assess the fire fighter’s condition. Is the fire fighter conscious and breathing? Does the fire fighter have a pulse? Is the fire fighter trapped or injured? Make a rapid assessment. Notify IC of your situation and location. Have the RIC deployed to your location. 17

53. 53 Rescuing a Downed Fire Fighter (3 of 4) Can the fire fighter be moved quickly and easily? Air supply will be an important consideration. A fire fighter who is breathing and has an adequate air supply is not in immediate, life-threatening danger. 17

54. 54 Rescuing a Downed Fire Fighter (4 of 4) If there is very little air or no air in the SCBA, this is a critical priority. Move the fire fighter out of the hazardous area immediately or provide an additional air supply. Many newer SCBA units are designed with an additional hose or hose connections for buddy breathing. 17

55. 55 Rehabilitation (1 of 3) Reduces the effects of fatigue during an emergency operation Firefighting involves very demanding physical labor. Can challenge fire fighters when combined with the extremes of weather and the mental stresses 17

56. 56 Rehabilitation (2 of 3) Helps fire fighters retain ability to perform and restores capacity to work At small incidents, can be set up on tailboard with a water cooler At larger incidents, complete operation established Personnel monitor vital signs and provide first aid. 17

57. 57 Rehabilitation (3 of 3) Rehabilitation is integral to fire fighter safety and survival. Personnel accountability system must continue to track fire fighters who report to and are released from rehabilitation. 17

58. 58 Critical Incident Stress (1 of 5) Critical incidents challenge the capacity of individuals to deal with stress. Examples of critical incidents include: Line-of-duty deaths (police, fire/rescue, EMS) Suicide of a colleague Serious injury to a colleague 17

59. 59 Critical Incident Stress (2 of 5) Situations that involve a high level of personal risk Events in which the victim is known Multicasualty/disaster/terrorism incidents Events involving death or life-threatening injury/illness Events that are prolonged or end with a negative or unexpected outcome 17

60. 60 Critical Incident Stress (3 of 5) Normal coping mechanisms help many fire fighters. Exercise Talking to family and friends Religious beliefs 17

61. 61 Critical Incident Stress (4 of 5) Sometimes fire fighters react to critical incidents negatively. Alcohol abuse Depression Inability to function normally Negative attitude towards life and work Symptoms can occur in anyone. 17

62. 62 Critical Incident Stress (5 of 5) A routine incident can trigger negative reactions from a past incident. Critical incident stress can also be cumulative. Sometimes it is called burnout. Cannot be traced to any one incident 17

63. 63 Critical Incident Stress Management (1 of 7) Designed to prevent reactions from having a negative impact on the fire fighter’s work and life Understand CISM and how to access it. Important part of fire fighter survival 17

64. 64 Critical Incident Stress Management (2 of 7) Emotional reaction experienced by fire fighters can include: Anxiety Denial/disbelief Frustration/anger Inability to function logically Remorse Grief Reconciliation/acceptance 17

65. 65 Critical Incident Stress Management (3 of 7) Stages occur within minutes, hours, days, or even months. Not all steps will occur and will not always occur in order. 17

66. 66 Critical Incident Stress Management (4 of 7) CISM helps fire fighters recognize and deal with these reactions in the most positive manner possible. There are some variations in the way this is accomplished. In-house, peer-driven programs guided and assisted by mental health care professionals are a proven method for CISM. 17

67. 67 Critical Incident Stress Management (5 of 7) Most CISM programs operate in a similar manner. First, there is an informal process where a trained CISM team member will have a conversation with an individual. 17

68. 68 Critical Incident Stress Management (6 of 7) If an incident requires further intervention, a series of steps might follow. Range from a semi-formal group discussion of the incident to the inclusion of health care professionals Most common form of CISM is peer defusing. Purpose of a debriefing is to allow an open discussion of feelings, fears, and reactions to the situation that occurred. 17

69. 69 Critical Incident Stress Management (7 of 7) A debriefing is not an investigation or an interrogation. Usually held within 24 to 72 hours after a major incident Leaders offer suggestions and information on overcoming stress. Fire fighters should realize that emotional and mental health must be protected, just as much as physical health and safety. 17

70. 70 Summary (1 of 2) Risk-benefit analysis Hazard indicators Safe operating procedures Fire fighter survival procedures Team integrity Personnel accountability system Emergency Communications Mayday RIC 17

71. 71 Summary (2 of 2) Fire fighter survival procedures Safe havens Air management Rehabilitation Critical incident stress management 17