Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 1-Firefighter Orientation and Safety
FF1 Test Review

What categories do firefighters fall into?

• Career, Paid on Call, or Volunteer

What is classified as an emergency?

• fires, cave-ins, building collapses, vehicle accidents, aircraft crashes, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents, civil disturbances, rescue operations, explosions, water incidents, and medical emergencies

What are the most important factors in managing an incident?

• having the knowledge, ability, and skill to calmly evaluate the problem and bring it to a successful conclusion

What is the Chain of Command?

• the pathway of responsibility from the highest level of the department to the lowest.

What is Unity of Command?

• the principle that a person can report to only one supervisor

What is Span of Control?

• the number of personnel one individual can effectively manage (3-7 people)

What is Division of Labor?

• dividing large jobs into small jobs

Why is Division of Labor necessary?

• to assign responsibility
• to prevent duplication of effort
• to make specific and clear-cut assignments

What is Discipline?

• refers to an organization's responsibility to provide the direction needed to satisfy the goals and objectives it has identified

What is a Fire Company?

• a company that is organized, equipped, and trained for definite functions

What is an Engine Company?

• deploys hoselines for fire attack and exposure protection

What is a Truck (Ladder) Company?

• performs forcible entry, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage and overhaul, and provides access to upper levels of a structure

What is a Rescue Squad Company?

• typically is responsible for the removal of victims from areas of danger or entrapment

What is a Brush Company?

• extinguishes wildland fires and protects structures in the urban interface

What is a Hazardous Materials Company?

• responds to and mitigates hazardous materials incidents

What is an Emergency Medical Company?

• provides emergency medical care and support to patients

What are the typical duties of a FF 1 and FF2?

• Attend training courses; read and study materials related to firefighting, fire prevention, Haz Mat, and EMS
• Respond to medical emergencies and other patient care requests
• Respond to fire alarms with the company, operating fire equipment, lay and connect hose, maneuver nozzles and direct fire streams, raise and climb ladders, and use extinguishers and all fire fighting hand tools
• Ventilate burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or by cutting holes in roofs or floors
• Remove people from danger and administer first aid
• Perform salvage operations, which include placing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris
• Complete overhaul procedures with the goal of ensuring total fire extinguishment
• Relay instructions, orders, and information, and give locations of alarms received from the telecommunicator
• Exercise precautions to avoid injury while performing duties
• Exercise loss control measures (reducing or eliminating loss and damage during and after a fire) to avoid unnecessary damage or loss of property
• Ensure safekeeping and proper care of all fire department property
• Perform assigned fire inspections and check of buildings and structures for compliance with fire prevention ordinances

What standards must firefighters meet?

• meet NFPA 1001
• Know department organization, operation, and standard operating procedures (SOP's)
• Know the district or city street system and physical layout
• Meet minimum health and physical fitness standards

What is the function of a Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator?

• safely drives assigned fire apparatus to and from fire and emergency scenes, operates pumps.
• aerial devices, or other mechanical equipment as required (NFPA 1002)

What is the function of a Fire Department Officer?

• to fulfill any of the following responsibilities depending on the size and structure of the fire department (NFPA 1021)
• The fire chief is ultimately responsible for all operations within a fire department
• Fire department officers supervise a fire company in the station and at the fire scene. They may also supervise a group of fire companies within a specified geographical region of the city
• Other roles assigned include operations, personnel/administration, public information, fire prevention, resources, and planning

What is the responsibility of the Safety Officer?

• Oversees a fire department's occupational safety and health program and monitors 
  operational safety of emergency incidents (NFPA 1521)

What is the responsibility of Communications/Telecommunications personnel?

• take emergency and non-emergency phone calls, process the information, dispatch units, maintain and provide communications link to companies that are in service, and complete incident reports (NFPA 1061)

What are the responsibilities of Fire Alarm Maintenance Personnel?

• to maintain municipal fire alarm systems

What are the functions of Apparatus and Equipment Maintenance Personnel?

• to maintain all fire department apparatus and portable equipment

What is the responsibility of Fire/Police Personnel?

• assist regular police officers in emergency operations with traffic control, crowd control, and scene security

What is the responsibility of Information Systems Personnel?

• to manage the collection, entry, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of electronic databases such as fire reporting

What is ISP?

• Incident Safety Plan

What is NBC?

• Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical

What is the responsibility of an Airport Firefighter?

• Protects life and property, controls fire hazards, and performs general duties related to airport operations and aircraft safety (known as ARFF-Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting)

What is the NFPA standard relating to Airport Firefighters?

• NFPA 1003

What is the NFPA standard for Haz Mat Technicians?

• NFPA 472

What is the function of a SCUBA Diver?

• to perform both topside and underwater rescues and recoveries

What is the function of a Special Rescue Technician?

• to handle special rescue situations such as high angle (rope) rescue, trench and structural collapse, confined space entry, extrication operations, and cave or mine rescues

What is the responsibility of a Fire Prevention Officer/Inspector?

• conduct technical and supervisory work in the fire prevention program (NFPA 1031)

What is the responsibility of a Fire and Arson Investigator?

• conducts the investigation of the fire area and makes analytical judgements based on the remains at the fire scene to determine the origin and cause of a fire (NFPA 1033)

What is the responsibility of a Public Fire and Life Safety Educator?

• informs the public about fire hazards, fire causes, precautions, and actions to take during a fire (NFPA 1035)

What is the responsibility of a Fire Protection Engineer/Specialist?

• acts as a consultant to the upper administration of the department in the areas of fire department operations and fire prevention

What is a first responder?

• the first medically trained personnel on scene that sustains life until more competent medical personnel arrive

What is an Emergency Medical Technician?

• trained personnel that provide basic life support (BLS) for those whose lives are in danger

What is the responsibility of a Paramedic?

• handle incidents similar to those handled by EMT's but is able to provide advanced life support (ALS)

What is the duty of a Training Officer/Chief of Training/Drill Master?

• administer all fire department training activities (NFPA 1041)

What is the responsibility of Instructors?

• delivers training courses to the other members of the fire department (NFPA 1041)

What is a Policy?

• a guide to decision making within an organization

What is a Procedure?

• a detailed guide to action

What is an Order?

• a request based on a policy or procedure

What is a Directive?

• a request not based on policy or procedure

What is an SOP?

• Standard Operating Procedures-provide a standard set of actions for specific situations

What is the order of fireground priorities?

• Life Safety
• Incident Stabilization
• Property Conservation

What are the components of the IMS System?

• Common Terminology
• Modular Organization
• Integrated Communications
• Unified Command Structure
• Consolidated Action Plans
• Manageable Span of Control
• Predesignated Incident Facilities
• Comprehensive Resource Management

What is an Incident Commander?

• the person in overall command of an incident (IC)

What is an Operations Officer?

• reports directly to the IC and is responsible for managing all operations that directly affect the primary mission of eliminating the problem

What is purpose of the Planning branch of IMS?

• responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination, and use of information concerning the development of the incident

What is the purpose of the Logistics branch of IMS?

• responsible for providing the facilities, services, and materials necessary to support the incident

What are the two branches within Logistics and their functions?

• Support Branch-includes medical, communications, and food services
• Service Branch-includes supplies, facilities, and ground support (vehicle services)

What is the responsibility of the Finance/Administration branch of IMS?

• tracking and documenting all costs and financial aspects of the incident

What is Command?

• the function of directing, ordering, and controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal, agency, or delegated authority

What is a Division?

• a geographical designation assigning responsibility for all operations within a defined area

What is a Group?

• functional designations (forcible entry, salvage, ventilation, etc.) 
• when assigned function is completed, they are ready for reassignment

What is a Sector?

• a geographical or functional assignment that is the equivalent of a division or a group or both

What is a Supervisor?

• someone in command of a division, a group, or a sector

What is an IAP?

• Incident Action Plan-a written or unwritten plan for managing an emergency

What are Resources?

• all personnel and major pieces of apparatus on scene or en route on which status is maintained

What questions must be answered at a scene using IMS?

• What has occurred?
• What is the current status of the emergency?
• Is anyone injured or trapped?
• Can the emergency be handled with the resources on scene or en route?
• Does the emergency fall within the scope of the individual's training?

What steps should be included in the Incident Action Plan?

• Ensuring personal safety and survival
• Rescuing or evacuating endangered occupants
• Eliminating the hazard
• Conducting loss control
• Cleaning up and protecting the environment

When could there be more than one IC?

• in multi-jurisdictional incidents (orders still should come from only one person)

When and who can command be transferred?

• only to those of higher authority
• person must be on scene

What must a person relinquishing command provide to the person assuming command?

• a Situation Status Report to provide an updated version of the incident evaluation performed on arrival

What does a Situation Status Report include?

• Description of what has happened
• Whether anyone is/was injured or trapped
• What has been done so far
• Whether the problem has stabilized or is getting worse
• What resources are on scene or en route
• Whether it appears that current resources are adequate for the situation or that more resources need to be called

What does acknowledge information mean? 

• to repeat back information to ensure complete understanding
• In the event a ranking officer comes on scene, should command be transferred?
• if the ranking officer thinks the original IC has control of the incident, the command can remain with the original IC as long as it's within scope of training

What notification of command transfer should be made?

• announce to avoid possible confusion in hearing a different voice
• Should IMS be the same for every incident?
• NO, it should only be as large as necessary to handle the incident effectively

What elements of the IAP tracks resources?

• procedures for checking in at the scene
• way of identifying the location of each unit and all personnel on scene
• procedure for releasing units no longer needed

What is the procedure for terminating the incident?

• resources no longer needed should be released
• portable equipment accounted for
• all personnel accounted for
• scene stabilized

Why is close cooperation with EMS important?

• to avoid working against each other, wasting valuable time, and further endangering victims and rescuers

When would hospital personnel likely be called to an incident?

• during a mass-casualty incident

What is triage?

• sorting of victims by severity of injuries

When might firefighters assist police?

• forcible entry at an investigation scene
• to illuminate a crime scene
• body recovery operations

What is law enforcement usually in charge of at an incident?

• traffic flow
• assist in securing needed resources

What utility companies are used at incidents?

• electric, gas, and water

What are other agencies that might be encountered at an incident?

• Public Health Department
• Coroner/Medical Examiner
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

What are some costly losses due to poor safety?

• lost manpower (due to injuries)
• damaged equipment (which is expensive to repair and replace)
• legal expenses
• death of a firefighter

What are 2 basic factors that motivate accident control?

• life safety factor-natural desire to prevent needless suffering
• economic factor-includes legal expenses and expenses caused by the loss of manpower, apparatus, equipment, tools, property, or systems

What is the stereotypical image of a firefighter?

• heroic and fearless in the face of danger

Are most injuries preventable?

• YES, most injuries are a direct result of preventable accidents

What should the firefighter be too professional and too smart to take?

• unnecessary risks

What standard covers fire department safety?

• NFPA 1500
• Contains the minimum requirements and procedures for a safety and health program

What is the concept of NFPA 1500, Occupational Safety and Health Program?

• to apply the same degree of safety throughout the fire service regardless of individual status or type of organization

What are the main goals of a good safety program?

• to prevent human suffering, deaths, injuries, illnesses, and exposures to hazardous atmospheres and contagious diseases
• to prevent damage/loss of equipment
• to reduce the incidence and severity of accidents and hazardous exposures

Where does the success of a safety program begin?

• at the top of the fire department administrative chain

Safety practices must be taught as well as ___?

• practiced and enforced

What do FF's need strength for?

• tasks such as rescuing victims, placing ladders, handling hoselines, and forcing entry

What do FF's need aerobic endurance for?

• to move rapidly, climb ladders, or combat fires

Why is FF flexibility important?

• to reach for equipment, tilt a ladder, and move a victim onto a ladder

What things are essential to a FF's personal health?

• stay informed about job-related health issues
• follow recommendations for vaccination against hepatitis B
• use precautions to avoid exposure to HIV
• learn proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries
• use tools designed to assist in lifting heavy objects
• properly clean and store tools and equipment used in patient care
• maintain a regular exercise program to sustain physical fitness
• maintain a diet that reduces cholesterol, fat, and sodium intake
• be aware of cardiovascular and cancer risks such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels
• have regular physicals and medical checks

What kind of program should a FF maintenance program be?

• ongoing

Who is responsible for ensuring that measures are taken to limit the number of stress related accidents and injuries?

• the department

What is EAP?

• Employee Assistance Program

What does EAP offer?

• confidential assistance with problems that could adversely affect job performance

What are some areas in which EAP can help?

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Personal and Interpersonal Problems
• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Divorce
• Career Development
• Nutrition
• Hypertension
• Smoking Cessation
• Weight Control

Who should EAP's be made available to?

• to all personnel and their families

What referrals should EAP's provide?

• referrals to appropriate health care services, alcohol treatment centers, community services, self-help groups, and other professionals

What is CIS?

• Critical Incident Stress

What is CISD for?

• to give members a chance to debrief after dealing with victims of horrific or gruesome incidents

What is pre-briefing?

• when personnel are told what to expect at a scene so they can prepare themselves

When FF's work more that one shift, what kind of debriefing is needed and when?

• a minor debriefing, called defusing should be at the end of each shift
• a full debriefing should occur within 72 hours of completing the incident

Who is CISD for?

• firefighters and any others that had to deal directly with the victims

What is the most common danger that a firefighter experiences?

• riding the apparatus to and from emergency calls

What should personnel not do while an apparatus is in motion?

• stand
• dress

When must FF's wear helmets and eye protection?

• when not riding in enclosed seats

When must FF's wear hearing protection?

• when noise levels exceed 90 decibels

What should be available if it is necessary to ride in an unenclosed jump seat?

• safety bars

When should FF's use handrails?

• when exiting apparatus, EXCEPT for when aerial apparatus is extended close to electrical lines

If aerial apparatus is extended near electrical lines, what sould FF's do to exit the apparatus?

• jump clear of the apparatus

Where is the best place to ride on an apparatus?

• in an enclosed seat

Who is responsible for fire station visitors?

• the fire department

What are the 2 most common causes of injuries?

• improper lifting techniques
• slip-and-fall accidents

What is the most common injury related to improper lifting and carrying techniques?

• back strains

What can also result from improper lifting and carrying techniques?

• bruises, sprains, fractures

What can improper lifting cause besides personal injury?

• damage to equipment if it is dropped

What is the single most expensive type of injury in terms of worker's compensation?

• back injuries

A FF should not attempt to carry or lift an object that is?

• too bulky or heavy for one person to safely handle

What does a slip, trip, or fall generally result from?

• improper footing

What are some things that cause slip, trip, fall injuries?

• slippery surfaces, objects or substances on surfaces, inattention to footing on stairs, uneven surfaces, and similar hazards

What can slip, trip, fall incidents result in?

• minor and serious injuries as well as damaged equipment

How can slip, trip, fall incidents be avoided?

• good housekeeping, floors clean and free of slipping hazards such as spills or loose items, aisles unobstructed, stairs well-lighted, eliminate tripping hazards
• handrails, slide poles, and slides properly maintained in a safe condition

What does NFPA 1500 state in relation to tool and equipment safety?

• stresses the importance of safety in every aspect of tool and equipment design, construction, purchase, usage, maintenance, inspection, and repair

What are some procedures to be observed when using hand and power tools?

• wear appropriate PPE
• remove jewelry
• select the appropriate tool for the job
• know the manufacturer's instructions and follow them
• inspect tools before each use to determine condition
• if tool is deteriorated or broken, replace it
• provide adequate storage space for tools, and always return them promptly to storage after use
• inspect and clean tools before storing
• get approval of manufacturer before modifying tools
• use spark-resistance tools when working in flammable atmospheres

What are tool handle extensions and cheater bars used for?

• to provide extra leverage to pry bars, wrenches, and similar tools
• care must be taken to avoid overloading tool beyond capabilities

What are some power tools commonly found in fire stations?

• grinders, drills, saws, and welding equipment

Who should be allowed to operate power tools?

• only those who have read and understand manufacturer's instructions

Who should repairs be made by? 

• by someone trained or authorized within the fire department or an outside agency

What must any tool not marked double-insulated have?

• a three prong plug with the third prong grounded properly

What are the most common types of power saws used by FF's?

• rotary and chain saws

What type of rotary saws are used in the fire service?

• in the station, bench or table saws
• on scene, rescue or forcible entry type

What are some safety rules when using power saws?

• match the saw to the task and the material to be cut
• never push a saw beyond its limits
• wear proper PPE, gloves and eye protection
• avoid loose clothing
• have hoselines in place when forcing entry
• have hoselines present when cutting generates sparks
• avoid the use of all saws when working in flammable atmospheres or near flammable liquids
• keep unprotected or unessential people out of the work area
• follow manufacturer's procedures for proper operation
• avoid igniting gas vapors when refueling a hot saw, allow to cool first
• keep blades and chains sharpened

How often does NFPA 1500 require FF's to train?

• at least once per month
• when new procedures or equipment is introduced (at least two times per year)

When must protective gear be worn?

• raising ladders, laying hose, or performing any activity that simulates actual fire scene conditions

What should trainees do if they have illness or physical discomfort?

• do not continue training until a medical evaluation can determine fitness level

What should older trainees and trainees who appear unfit should be watched for what?

• fatigue, chest pain, or unusually labored breathing during heavy exercise

When should horseplay be allowed?

• NEVER

When can boredom develop?

• when everyone is unable to participate due to the size of the group

What are some examples of frequently used training items?

• ropes, straps, buckles, harnesses that must be tied and retied or fastened and unfastened repeatedly

What must be maintained on all training equipment?

• records of use, inspections, and testing

What does the officer in charge at a scene decide?

• whether it is safe and/or feasible to attempt an emergency operation

What must the IC decide about a situation?

• whether it requires rescuing victims or stopping property loss

What must all FF's remember about emergency incidents?

• they did not cause it
• they are not responsible for the victim's situation
• they are not obligated to sacrifice themselves to save victims
• it is unprofessional to take unnecessary risks
• not to add victims (themselves) to the situation
• first priority is FF safety
• second priority is victim's safety

What does proper scene management reduce?

• congestion and confusion by reducing the number of personnel within a perimeter

Who is usually responsible for crowd control?

• law enforcement

Where should victims friends and relatives be allowed to stand?

• within the cordoned area but a distance from the actual scene

How should zone boundaries be established?

• by taking into consideration the amount of space needed for emergency personnel to work
• the degree of the hazards presented
• general topography of the area

What is a personal accountability system?

• a system that identifies and tracks all personnel working at an incident
• the system must also account for personnel who respond in personal vehicles

What does accountability help?

• in finding downed FF's who are victims of structural collapse, flashover, backdraft, SCBA out of air or malfunction, lost or disoriented FF's

How are Personal Identification Tags used?

• tag is left with a designated person for accountability
• can be attached to a control board or ID chart for quick reference
• upon leaving fireground, FF's collect their tags

What does an SCBA tag system provide?

• closer accountability for those inside a structure

What is contained on an SCBA tag?

• users name and air pressure of cylinder

What is recorded from SCBA tags?

• time of entry and expected time of exit

When are relief crews sent in?

• before the estimated time of the sounding of low-pressure alarms of the previous crew