CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.1 Fire Department Organization, Command, and Control
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.2 Objectives (1 of 3) Describe a typical fire department organization and mission statement. Define the functions of a firefighter and list the common tasks a firefighter must be able to perform.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.3 Objectives (2 of 3) Explain the meaning of a standard operating procedure (SOP) and list five general areas covered by SOPs. List five rules and regulations of an organization and describe how they apply to the firefighter List and define the five major components of an incident management system.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.4 Objectives (3 of 3) Describe duties and responsibilities in assuming and transferring command within the incident command/management system. List five allied agencies that assist with fire department operations and describe their functions.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.5 Introduction A fire department will consist of companies. –Companies are divided into functions. Organization is designed to establish a division of work assignments. A firefighter may have different roles.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.6 Fire Department Organization
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.7 Business of Fire Protection Fire protection is the business of providing help to people during emergency and non-emergency operations.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.8 Mission Statement Provides clear and defined purpose of the type and level of service a department provides Lets the public know what to expect from the fire department
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.9 Organizational Structure A fire department must have some type of organizational structure. –Structure may be internal. –Structure can show interdependence.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.10 Internal Structure Organizational structure for medium to large department
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.11 Interdependence Structure Interdependence of the community, fire department, governing body, and the firefighter
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.12 The Firefighter Member of a fire department who fights fires May have training in other areas NFPA 1001 defines skills and abilities
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.13 Firefighters at Work
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.14 The Company Basic unit (engine, truck, or rescue company) Under the direction of a captain and lieutenants
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.15 Engine Company Delivers water at fire scene Stretches hoselines Attacks and extinguishes fires Carries hose, pump, water tank, tools, and appliances
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.16 Truck (Ladder) Company Forcible entry Search and rescue Ventilation Ladders Securing utilities Overhaul Carries ladders, aerial device, and tools
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.17 Rescue (Squad) Company Forcible entry Search and rescue Light tower Specialized rescue –Vehicle extrication –Confined space –Rope rescue
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.18 Emergency Medical Services Many fire departments provide BLS or ALS care. May be assigned to engine, truck, or rescue company. Some fire departments operate ambulances providing EMS transport service.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.19 Chief Officers Chief of department Deputy chief Assistant chief Division chief Battalion chief
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.20 Additional Fire Department Functions (1 of 2) Fire prevention –Code enforcement –Fire/life safety Training division Emergency Medical Services Apparatus maintenance and purchasing Special operations
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.21 Additional Fire Department Functions (2 of 2)
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.22 Regulations, Policies, Bylaws, and Procedures (1 of 2) All organizations must have regulations, policies, and procedures. Regulations are rules that determine how an organization operates. Policies are formal statements or directives. Volunteer departments may be organized as independent corporations.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.23 Regulations, Policies, Bylaws, and Procedures (2 of 2) Board of Directors establish bylaws as governing documents. Procedures are often referred to as standard operating procedures (SOPs). –Define how a task or assignment is to be accomplished –Same uniform function performed
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.24 Allied Agencies and Organizations Police Public works Utility companies Environmental protection Private business
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.25 Incident Management (1 of 2) Fire departments respond to more than 2 million fire incidents a year. Firefighters must understand concept of command and control. –Command officer must be able to manage effectively. –Command and span of control help maintain control of a scene.
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.26 Unity of command –One designated leader or officer Span of control –Number of resources one person supervises First arriving unit assumes command. –Command usually transferred to person with more experience or senior officer Incident Management (2 of 2)
CHAPTER 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning 2.27 Summary To survive on the fire scene, firefighters must know the roles and responsibilities of the personnel, how the command structure works, and be part of that command structure.