Objective Based Tactics

OBJECTIVE BASED TACTICS “A Road Map for Operational Safety and Effectiveness By: Timothy E. Sendelbach INTRODUCTION: It’s 06:30hrs when the dorm lights suddenly come on and the cracking of the house speaker begins to sound. The voice of dispatch begins to echo the dormitory – “Reported house fire at 1338 Bull Street for Engines 5, 6, 3, Truck 5, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, and Safety 2.” The respective crews immediately dismount from their beds and dash quickly to the apparatus floor to don their protective clothing for an immediate response. Within minutes each unit checks enroute to the address provided. Engine 5 arrives on scene reporting, “Smoke showing from the second floor a two story residential structure, Engine 5 has Bull Street Command, fast attack mode.” As the on scene report plays out over the radio the later arriving units begin to prepare to go to work – the question is, will they each be working off the same PRE-ESTABLISHED incident action plan? To be effective in competitive team sports a group of individuals must work together to achieve a common goal. The fireground is no different, all units and personnel working on the incident scene must work “collectively” under the direction of a single incident commander to achieve a safe and effective outcome. Unfortunately, some departments/members still operate without a pre-established game plan – they make it up as they go. If your fireground changes with each response, each shift, or worse yet, with each officer who assumes command, this program is for you. Command & control on the modern fireground is arguably one of the most difficult task faced by company officers and chief officers alike. The need for a pre-arrival incident action plan that promotes standardization and predictability is far over due. This month, I would like to introduce a training tool titled, ”Objective Based Tactics” - A Road Map for Operational Safety and Effectiveness. PRESENTATION: The concept of Objective Based Tactics (OBT) is to establish a universally accepted (pre-arrival) incident action plan for companies/personnel responding to structure fires. OBT are simply the who, what and how of fireground operations. OBT provide specific operational objectives for each of the units/crews responding in support of effective fireground command and control. OBT take into consideration physical capabilities (and limitations) of the assigned crew based on the number of personnel assigned to the unit and their respective air supply. By implementing this program you can effectively establish a formalized pre-incident action plan

- 1 - that takes the guesswork out of command and control while enhancing fireground safety and survivability. SAMPLE INCIDENT: INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: At 02:30hrs on Friday morning, Fire Communications receives a call from a passing motorist for a fire in a residence at 1338 Bull Street. No additional information is available. CURRENT CONDITIONS: Temperature is 87 degrees with no measurable wind conditions. DISPATCH: Reported house fire 1338 Bull Street for Engines 5, 6, 3, Truck 5, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Safety 2 BUILDING DESCRIPTION: Four story wood frame structure w/ smoke showing from the third floor. OFFENSIVE STRUCTURE FIRE Est. / 1ST Alarm Primary Fire Back- Water Assume R.I.T. Vent Rehab Safety Response Search Attack Up Supply Command 1st If staffing permits, provide I.R.I.T. – Staffing less than (4), Arriving X X await arrival of 2nd Engine Engine 2nd If 1st arriving engine Arriving X X establishes water supply, Engine establish I.R.I.T. / Back-up. 3rd Relieve initial rapid intervention team – Arriving X Establish R.I.T. Group Engine Rescue If necessary, provide forcible entry for 1st due engine. Initiate primary Company X search – priority one areas (i.e. fire floor/known occupant areas). Truck If necessary, provide forcible entry for 1st arriving crews, provide Company ventilation, conduct search & rescue operations. X Battalion Conduct face-to-face transfer of command, as necessary, assume command from first Chief X arriving OIC. Safety Conduct 360º size-up, report to findings to command, isolate scene, assume role of Officer Incident Safety Officer. X *All assignments are based on minimum staffing for units assigned. SAMPLE PRE-ARRIVAL INCIDENT ACTION PLAN: 1 st ARRIVING ENGINE 1. Approach and size up, consider laying a supply line (Dry if light smoke, Wet if heavy smoke or visible fire) 2. Set up in a position just short or just past the involved structure(s), allow frontal access for the 1st due Truck Company 3. Provide a brief on scene report (I-Identify, D-Describe, E-Establish, A-Action Mode – All points must be transmitted), request “Working Fire File” (Pre-established dispatch assignment of support units – Utility company, Police, EMS Medic Unit, etc.) if applicable. 4. Set up command in front of the structure (Side A) 5. Confirm IRIT assignment (unless known life hazard exist), attack the fire (offense or defense – unburned to burn), initiate fire attack (Division 1 Fire Attack or Division 2 Fire Attack depending upon floor of operation), and search immediate fire area for potential victims. 6. Maintain crew continuity, account for all crewmembers operating working within the IDLH 7. Provide C.A.N. (C-Conditions, A-Actions, N-Needs) reports as necessary to keep Command and Division Officers updated on status.

- 2 - 8. Apparatus operator, dons reflective vest, proper PPE (helmet, bunker pants, boots), sets up truck lighting, stages necessary equipment at or near entry point (attic ladder, pike poles, axes, SCBA cylinders, etc.)

2 nd ARRIVING ENGINE 1. Ensure an adequate water supply for first unit. Provide supply line, if needed. If no supply line is needed, stage apparatus in a position as to avoid blocking access to the structure. 2. Provide backup or extension coverage as directed by command, establish Division 1 Backup or Division 2 Back-up depending upon floor of operation). Remember never operate opposing hose lines! 3. Provide C.A.N. (C-Conditions, A-Actions, N-Needs) reports as necessary to keep Command and Division Officers updated on status. 4. Maintain crew continuity, account for all crewmembers operating within IDLH.

3 rd ARRIVING ENGINE (Designated R.I.T. Company) 1. Position apparatus safely away from the scene; ensure that the roadway is clear for later arriving units. 2. Upon arrival, establish RIT Group, don cylinder wraps for RIT identification (All members shall be fully bunkered with SCBA - face pieces should NOT be donned unless directed otherwise), establish RIT staging area outside collapse zone for quick access, assign tools and equipment to each crew member. 3. RIT Officer reports to Command Post for face-to-face, crewmembers standby at RIT staging area for orders from RIT Officer. 4. RIT Crewmembers initiate a 360°, confirm utility isolation, and report findings to RIT Officer, deploy ladders, force doors, and remove security bars as necessary to secure a secondary means of egress. Repeat 360° every 10 minutes until incident is declared under control 5. Provide C.A.N. (C-Conditions, A-Actions, N-Needs) reports as necessary to keep Command and Division Officers updated on status. 6. Maintain crew continuity, account for crewmembers if deployed into IDLH.

1 st ARRIVING TRUCK 1. Position apparatus as close to structure as possible for use of aerial (Consider collapse zone and overhead hazards/obstructions when positioning apparatus), ground ladders and other equipment. 2. Provide (if necessary) forcible entry for 1st arriving Engine Company. 3. Provide thorough and complete ventilation. Use technique selected by Command and confirm method before starting ventilation. If assigned to vertical ventilation, establish Roof Group. 4. Conduct primary search and rescue, coordinate with all previous and ongoing searches as not to duplicate efforts and waste time (Use thermal imager if available), establish Division 1 Search or Division 2 Search depending on floor of operation. 5. Control all service utilities. Emphasis on electricity and gas due to danger involved. Shut off water and any other utilities as needed. 6. Provide interior lighting support (Entry point lighting should be provided just inside the point of entry – direct upward to avoid blinding exiting crews) 7. Provide four point scene lighting during night time operations (set up lights on opposing corners of the structure) 8. Check for fire extension (Consider the use of thermal imager) 9. Manage salvage / overhaul operations 10. Provide C.A.N. (C-Conditions, A-Actions, N-Needs) reports as necessary to keep Command and Division Officers updated on status. 11. Maintain crew continuity, account for crewmembers if deployed into IDLH.

- 3 - 1 st ARRIVING RESCUE (Assume role of Engine or Truck depending on needs) 1. Attempt to position apparatus just past or just short of the structure to allow for quick access to tools and equipment. 2. Assist with forcible entry for 1st arriving Engine Company (if applicable). 3. Conduct primary search and rescue, coordinate with all previous and ongoing searches as not to duplicate efforts and waste time (Use thermal imager if available), establish Division 1 Search or Division 2 Search depending upon floor of operation. 4. Provide thorough and complete ventilation. Use technique selected by Command and confirm method before starting ventilation. If assigned vertical ventilation, establish Roof Group. 5. Provide interior lighting support (Entry point lighting should be provided just inside the point of entry – direct upward to avoid blinding exiting crews) 6. Provide backup or extension coverage as directed by command, assume Division 1 Backup or Division 2 Back-up depending upon floor of operation). Remember never operate opposing hose lines! 7. Provide four point scene lighting during night time operations (set up lights on opposing corners of the structure) 8. Check for fire extension (Consider the use of thermal imager) 9. Provide C.A.N. (C-Conditions, A-Actions, N-Needs) reports as necessary to keep Command and Division Officers updated on status. 10. Maintain crew continuity, account for crewmembers if deployed within IDLH.

1 st ARRIVING BATTALION CHIEF 1. Parks at a safe and reasonable distance from the structure. A scene view is preferable, but not a requirement. 2. Be mindful of wind direction, terrain and growth/spread of the situation. Never park in the collapse zone. 3. Obtain a briefing from Command (face-to-face preferably – radio acceptable) that includes: a. Situation status b. Resource status c. Action plan d. Current outcomes e. Any and all other pertinent information 4. Once briefing is completed, assume Command and announce the same over radio (Don Command vest). 5. Revise, adjust or continue action plan, request “Working Fire File” if not previously initiated. 6. Account for all personnel operating within IDLH 7. Track and record resource movement and use 8. Request assistance (if needed) as soon as possible 9. Divide the incident into logical and manageable components (if not previously initiated) 10. Work with Safety Officer (and all others) to ensure that a complete and comprehensive Safety Plan is initiated. 11. Designated an assistant (recorder) from most logical source (first arriving officer, staff officers, call back members on scene, etc.).

1 ST ARRIVNG SAFETY OFFICER 1. Position apparatus safely away from the scene; ensure that the roadway is clear for later arriving units. 2. Establishes Safety Group, assumes the role of incident safety officer (Dons PPE, safety officer vest) 3. Assigns thermal imaging camera (with spare battery) to designated RIT Team 4. Secures scene with fire line tape using the police or ambulance companies etc.

- 4 - 5. Initiates a 360° size-up, reports findings to Command 6. Develops and implements a comprehensive safety action plan. 7. Provide C.A.N. (C-Conditions, A-Actions, N-Needs) reports as necessary to keep Command and Division Officers updated on status. 8. Addresses displaced persons (Completes applicable documentation for Red Cross)

MOBLIE AIR CASCADE (M.A.C. UNIT) 1. Position at least 500’ away from the hazard zone and/or Command Post (Consider co- locating with the Rehab Group, if possible). 2. Advises Command of arrival on location 3. Sets up unit to replace air cylinders and recharge air cylinders (must be in safe/clean atmosphere). 4. Ensure that all air supply needs are met at each incident.

EMS UNIT 1. Position away from the hazard zone and/or Command Post (Consider co-locating with the Rehab Group, if possible). Ensure apparatus is not blocked or obstructed for immediate departure. 2. Advise Command of arrival on location 3. Deploy cot and related medical equipment for patient care at or near command post 4. Ensure that all medical needs are met at each incident.

SUMMARY: While this incident action plan may not reflect the exact response of your department, a few simple modifications can be made to customize it to meet your needs. The important point to remember is this, while all fires may be different, all fires present standard conditions requiring standardized actions to ensure a safe and effective outcome. The idea of “Objective Based” pre-arrival assignments is to ensure that all units/members responding to the incident work to accomplish the same operational objectives. By implementing this program you can effectively eliminate the guesswork for responding personnel while enhancing the operational effectiveness and safety of your fireground. As fire officers, and trainers we need to work to develop standardization and predictability on the fireground. “Objective Based Tactics” provide us with a quick instructional tool that incorporates predictable actions into more effective and manageable fireground.