MAJOR CAUSES OF FIREFIGHTER INJURY/DEATHS
Cardiovascular/Overexertion Motor Vehicle Accidents - POVs/Apparatus Lost & Disorientated In Fire Structures Flashovers/Backdraft/Structural Collapse Trauma – Falls/Lacerations/Burns Infectious Disease
PERSONAL SAFETY
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Observe Incident Command Use Personal Protective Equipment (Turnouts/SCBAs/PASS
device/Radio) Comply with accountability Stay with apparatus and crew Observe procedures Know your limits - 1 bottle (2-30 minute bottles) – rehab Have an exit plan Think then act
INJURY & LIFE PREVENTION OPTIONS
Adopt Safety Culture Safe driving/use of seat belts Physical fitness/routine
exams/eating/smoking Personal protective equipment Fire ground safety procedures Immunizations & infection control
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Speed Driver and driving conditions Seat belt usage Backing-up – Use a spotter Civilian vehicles at scene – Not seen - be visible/have an escape route Struck by - stay out of the way/block with
apparatus Apparatus – Too fast for GVW
HEALTH & LIFE PREVENTION
Routine Physical Exams Lifestyles
Diet Exercise Smoking/Alcohol
Immunizations/ vaccinations
PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Turnout Gear - hoods
SCBA
PASS device
RIT breathing connection
Radio
Lighting
Tools
TI Camera
Rope/webbing/carabiner
LOST OR DISORIENTED IN FIRE STRUCTURE
Incident Command
Duration of burn
Signals upon arrival
Color of smoke
Thermal damage
Physical damage
Risk Management
Risk little to save little
Tactical
Staffing
Level of water/ventilation provided
Exits available – provided and created
RECOGNIZING POTENTIAL FLASHOVER
Def: All surfaces reaching their ignition temperature simultaneously
Warning Signs:
Flames in overhead Sudden increases in heat generation Sudden lowering of the smoke layer
RECOGNIZING POTENTIAL BACKDRAFTS
Def: Fuel rich smoke with limited oxygen content
Warning Signs: Heavy Smoke Stained Windows Glass Crazing Puffing/Pulsing Smoke Pressurized Smoke Black smoke becomes dense gray
STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE
Incident Command –duration of burn Size-up – interior/exterior conditions/signs Light weight construction- truss/masonry
veneer walls/chimneys Sound out floor/surfaces upon entry Be aware of area capacity – standing water &
personnel Heavy suspended mechanical equipment Fall-down zone – 1.75 X.
FIREGROUND SAFETY PROCEDURES
Incident Command Accountability System 2-in-2 out rule Teams with radio Teamwork - staying together or on apparatus Use PPE/Turnout gear Use SCBAs/PASS devices Plan Escape routes - ladders/lighting 1 bottle rule - rehab
ACCOUNTABILTY
2 Tags Command Board/Apparatus OIC PAR – Personnel Accountability Record Safety/Accountability Officer Used for all types of operations Haz-Mat/Technical Rescue
LOST FIREFIGHTER ACTIONS Stay calm – preserve air supply/ skip breathing Stay with partner/crew Activate PASS device Initiate MAYDAY ( L.U.N.A.R.) Use hose line to follow back (Lug to The Plug.) Use flashlight to signal rescuers Use tools to alert rescuers Locate an exit – openings/exterior walls Get to lower level– except for basement Take defensive position/location
STANDARD SIDE DETERMINATIONS
KNOW YOUR LOCATION!!! A - (Alpha) Front/street side B - (Bravo) left side – clockwise from A C - (Charlie) rear side – clockwise from AB D - (Delta) right side - clockwise from ABC Division 1,2,3… indicate levels above
ground... Lower levels designated Basement.
LOCATING LOST FIREFIGHERS
RIT/FAST Assistance Required Last known location Tracing hose lines Evidence of location described by the lost
FF Listen for audible sounds of FF
(shouting/tapping)/PASS/SCBA alarm Flashlight beams Planned searches
FIREFIGHTER RESCUE TECHNIQUES
HOSE LIFT HANDCUFF LIFTS SCBA HARNESS SLIDE/LIFT WEBBING/CARABINEER ON SCBA HIGH POINT LADDER RETRIEVAL WALL BREACHING WINDOW CUT-OUT
COMMUNCIATIONS
PRIORITY VS. MAYDAY
Water supply problem Lost/disoriented
Important message Low or out of air
Impending collapse Structural Collapse
Change in fire conditions Rapid fire change
MAYDAY COMMUNICATIONS
L.U.N.A.R L = Location (Division, and ABCD side) U = Unit (2614, 2619) N = Name A = Air Supply R = Resources needed for Rescue
TRAUMA
Falls
Ladders – use spotters/tie off/leg locks
Apparatus – use steps & railings/get help Cuts/Lacerations
Gloves/boots Crushing Injuries
Beware of collapse zones
Stay away from under suspended loads
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Blood/body fluids – Hand/eye protection Plastic gloves under work gloves
Treatment of cuts/lacerations – seek physician attention
Wash hands after calls
Decontamination/discard soiled gear/equipment
Waterborne Dry suits
No open wounds
Treatment of injuries
Immunizations
Decontaminate
Cancer Prevention Use SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul Gross field decon of PPE Use wet naps to remove soot from head, neck, jaw,
throat,underarms and hands Change clothes when returning to station Shower thoroughly after a fire Clean PPE immediately Do not take contaminated clothes home Decon fire apparatus interior Keep bunker gear out of living quarters