Electronic / Web. Version. Manheim Township Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines

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1 Manheim Township Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines The MTFR Standard Operating Guideline Manual is organized into six sections. Each is representative of specific elements that combined, is the governing doctrine and characteristic make-up of the MTFR services. Adherence to these SOG's is important and required to ensure unity of command, effective and efficient operations and most importantly, promote firefighter / responder safety. Section 100 Management and Administration: This section includes SOG's that signify why the MTFR exists and fundamental personal and personnel responsibilities for the continued support of the organization. It includes guidelines pertinent to the safety of our membership, and it will outline guidelines affecting planning for the future of MTFR. Section 200 Prevention and Special Programs: This section is for guidelines to promote awareness of hazards, provide pre-emergency information and education to the public, and to promote prevention within the communities MTFR services. Section 300 Training: This section includes SOG s related to the requirements and expectations of individuals within the MTFR organization. Guidelines include the MTFR training grid as well as expectations for various training scenarios. Section 400 Emergency Operations: General Emergency Operations: This section will include guidelines that can be applied to the majority of operations with MTFR. Sub sections include guidelines on operating emergency vehicles, personnel safety at emergency incidents, command and control of an emergency incident, special operations, and post-incident operations. Section 500 Emergency Operations: Specific Operations: This section will outline specific operational guidelines for specific operations within MTFR. Guidelines will be included in the following topics: fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and disaster operations. Section 600 Fire Police Division: This section will include guidelines relating to operating as a Fire Police member within the MTFR organization. Appendix: The appendix of the guideline manual will be broken down into 3 appendixes. A: Appendix A will include other organizations guidelines or policies that MTFR has adopted. These documents will be included as is from the authoring organization. B: Appendix B will include any supplemental documents or forms that are referenced within the manual. These documents will be easily accessible for use after photocopying. C: Appendix C will be a list of global definitions used within the MTFR Standard Operating Guideline Manual. Coloring System: The following colors will identify guidelines within the MTFR Standard Operating Guideline Manual: White: Guidelines printed on white paper will signify the Low Risk / Low Frequency and Low Risk / High Frequency events within the organization. The majority of the guidelines will be white. Yellow: Guidelines printed on yellow paper will signify the High Risk / High Frequency and the High Risk / Low Frequency (Discretionary Time) events within the organization. Some guidelines included as yellow may include: Harassment, Incident Reporting and Documentation, and Exposure Control Plan. Red: Guidelines printed on red paper will signify the High Risk / Low Frequency Non-Discretionary Time events within the organization. Red guidelines may include: Rapid Intervention, Apparatus Backing, and Operating within Traffic.

2 Manheim Township Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines Management and Administration (100) General Administration Mission Statement Revision Date Chain of Command June 14, Application Process April 13, Probation Line of Duty Death (LODD) Uniforms Visitor Program Anti-Harassment Drug and Alcohol Computer Usage Motor Vehicle Violations Live In Policy March 8, Junior Job Descriptions Driver Only EMS Worker Firefighter Exterior Firefighter Engineer Sergeant October 12, Lieutenant Captain Safety Officer Chief Officer June 12, Fire Chief June 12, 2012 Member Health and Safety Programs Firefighter Physical April 13, 2010

3 Fitness Club Membership Physical Training Exposure Control Plan Injury Reporting Worker s Compensation April 13, Tobacco Use Facial Hair PPE Cleaning March 13, 2012 Organizational Planning and Preparedness (Future Development) 104 Prevention and Special Programs (200) Public Information and Education Fire Education and Safety Programs Training (300) Training Requirements and Expectations General Training In Station Training Out of Station Training Pre Paid Privilege Training Reimbursement Driver Training April 13, 2010 Training Levels Firefighter Apprentice (Level I) Firefighter (Level II) October 12, Master Firefighter (Level III) October 12, Fire Officer (Level IV) Emergency Operations: General Emergency Operations (400) Operating Emergency Vehicles Emergency Vehicle Operation Privately Owned Vehicles Blue Lights Apparatus Staffing Apparatus Response Order

4 Apparatus Backing Accident Investigation Apparatus Cover Response Types April 13, 2010 Safety at Emergency Incidents Risk Management Operating in or Near Traffic Emergency Incident Rehabilitation Communications (Future Development) 403 Command and Control Incident Command Special Operations (Future Development) 405 Post-Incident Operations Incident Reporting and Documentation Emergency Operation: Specific Operations (500) Fire Suppression Rapid Intervention Emergency Medical Response QRS / EMS Incident September 8, 2009 Hazardous Materials Response Hazardous Materials Incident Decontamination Carbon Monoxide Alarm Technical Response Machinery Rescue Disaster Operations (Future Development) 505 Fire Police Division (600) MTFR Fire Police Division Appendix A Supplemental Guidelines or Policies September 8, 2009

5 B Additional Support Documents and Forms March 13, 2012 C Glossary

6 Manheim Township Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines Addendum Issued: October 14, 2008 Approved By: The following requirements to the Master Firefighter (SOG ) and Fire Officer (SOG ) Training Levels will go into effect as of January 1, Master Firefighter: Must complete an ICS 300 course. Fire Officer: Completion of a 16 hour Legal Aspects for Fire Services. ICS 400 Incident Safety Officer (16 hours)

7 Manheim Township Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines Revision History SOG # Summary of changes Revision Date Statement number 3 under Section B (Procedure) in reference to the MTFR fire company Fire Chief forwarding personal information to the MTFR Fire Chief for the applicant s background check was removed. In the Child Abuse Clearance section (D), number 2 was moved to number 1, and the number 1 was moved to number 2 and modified to reflect the ability for the MTFR fire company to continue the membership process while the applicant is waiting for the Child Abuse Clearance check to be returned Refined statements B-8-10 into one new statement B8 that reflects the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (added to Appendix A). Added a statement to section C-6-a in reference to wearing shorts Added statement A-5 and section E that reflects the requirement for new applicants to obtain an entry level physical before being accepted by any MTFR fire company Modified verbiage in statement B-2 to reflect the changes to the Physical Examination Form. Added statement B-3 to define the Township approved medical facility Modified statement A-3 and changed the twenty four hour timeframe to forty eight hours Made minor verbiage changes and added statements A-1-a and A-1-a-1 & 2 in reference to drivers under the age of twenty one The NIMS ICS for the Fire Service training requirement was removed because it was determined to be equivalent to the ICS 200 course. An equivalency chart was added to appendix to reference all equivalent ICS courses. March 10, 2009 September 8, 2009 April 13, 2010 April 13, 2010 April 13, 2010 April 13, 2010 April 13, Modified statement B-2-h to reflect the Investigation Outside nature code. April 13, Modified verbiage to lower the training level requirement to Firefighter (level II). October 12, Modified SOG adding section C. October 12, Modified verbiage in section B removing the reference to Sergeants. October 12, Added Live In Policy to SOG Book March 8, Revised the Chain of Command to replace individual MTFR station numbers, added Deputy Chief 20, and removed the Engineer position from the Line Officer staffs at each station Added SOG , PPE Cleaning and associated checklist form to Appendix B , Chief Officer and Fire Chief SOGs were modified to include the word primary in the residency requirement item of each SOG. The new language reads Reside within the primary MTFR service area. June 14, 2011 March 13, 2012 June 12, 2012

8 Mission Statement Manheim Township Fire Rescue will provide the highest level of emergency services, which includes: fire protection rescue services emergency medical services emergency management public education and fire prevention to protect the lives and property of the residents, businesses, and guests of our communities.

9 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Administration Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: June 14, 2011 Chain of Command Approved By: Deputy Chief 204 Assistant Chief 204 Captain 204 Lieutenant 204 Chief 20 Chief 204 Chief 207 Chief 201 Deputy Chief 207 Assistant Chief 207 Captain 207 Deputy Chief 201 Assistant Chief 201 Captain 201 Lieutenant 207 Lieutenant 201 Deputy Chief 20 MTFR Career Staff Sergeant 204 Sergeant 207 Sergeant 201 * This list is to be used as a guide; each individual MTFR fire company will be able to fill the positions necessary for its own operations. Page 1 of 1

10 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: April 13, 2010 Application Process Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to explain the process of becoming a member of a MTFR fire company. SCOPE: This SOG applies to all new applicants to a MTFR fire company. A. General 1. All applicants must be at least 14 years old at time of application. 2. All applicants must fill out a MTFR application. 3. All applicants must agree to a Criminal Record Check performed by the Pennsylvania State Police. 4. All applicants must provide a completed Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. 5. All applicants must provide a completed Physical Examination Form. 6. All applicants must be interviewed by the MTFR fire company Chief or designated Officer. 7. All applicants must pay dues to the individual MTFR fire company upon acceptance as a member. B. Procedure 1. Completed application, required paperwork, and membership dues must be turned in to the MTFR fire company fire chief or designated officer. 2. The fire company Chief or designated officer will conduct an interview with the applicant. 3. The remainder of the membership application process will be defined by the MTFR fire company s bylaws. This process will be explained to the applicant during the interview. C. Criminal Record Check 1. Any individual volunteering with any MTFR fire company must have criminal background check completed prior to being accepted as a member. 2. The Criminal Record Check will be completed by the Pennsylvania State Police. 3. A Criminal Record Check must be conducted within ninety (90) days of submission of an application. 4. All Criminal Record Checks will be reviewed confidentially by the MTFR fire company Fire Chief or designated officer. 5. Any Criminal Record Check form returned indicating the applicant was convicted of a felony, falsified information provided on the membership application, or attempted to mislead any MTFR fire company will automatically be denied membership to any MTFR fire company. 6. The MTFR Fire Chief will be notified of any denials of membership due to a negative Criminal Record Check. No details of the Criminal Record Check will be distributed, and Page 1 of 2

11 the MTFR Fire Chief will notify the remaining MTFR fire companies of the applicant s membership denial. 7. Any MTFR fire company has the right to inform any Lancaster County Fire and/or Emergency Organization of the denial of an applicant due to a negative Criminal Record Check. No details of the Criminal Record Check will be distributed. D. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance 1. A Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance must be conducted within ninety (90) days of submission of an application. 2. Any individual applying for membership with a MTFR fire company must provide proof that a Child Abuse History Clearance has been submitted to the state prior to being accepted as a member. a) Proof shall consist of a copy of the payment method (money order) and a copy of the completed form. b) When the applicant receives the results of the clearance, a copy of the results shall be provided to the MTFR fire company.. 3. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. a) At the MTFR fire company s discretion, an applicant may be reimbursed for costs associated with this clearance. 4. All Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearances will be reviewed confidentially by the MTFR fire company Fire Chief or designated officer. 5. Any Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance returned indicating the applicant has a history of child abuse will automatically be denied membership to any MTFR fire company. 6. The MTFR Chief will be notified of any denials of membership due to a failed Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. No details of the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance will be distributed, and the MTFR Fire Chief will notify the remaining MTFR fire companies of the applicant s membership denial. 7. Any MTFR fire company has the right to inform any Lancaster County Fire or Emergency Organization of the denial of an applicant due to information obtained from a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. No details of the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance will be distributed. E. Physical Examination 1. A completed Physical Examination Form must be completed and submitted by all applicants prior to being accepted as a member of any MTFR fire company. 2. Please see the Firefighter Physical SOG for additional information on the procedures to obtain a physical. Page 2 of 2

12 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Probation Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to outline the probation period for a new member to a MTFR fire company. SCOPE: This SOG applies to all new members of any MTFR fire company. A. General 1. All new members to a MTFR fire company shall be placed on probation. 2. During this probation period all new members shall be referred to as probationary members. 3. All probationary members shall go through an orientation program to become familiar with the operations of the MTFR, the fire company, the equipment, and the apparatus. 4. Probationary members shall not to use or display blue lights. 5. With the exception of members in the position of Driver Only, probationary members shall not drive fire apparatus on emergency calls. 6. All probationary members shall respect the authority of MTFR, all MTFR fire companies, and shall follow the instructions and orders given by any MTFR fire company officer. B. Probation Period 1. This period shall be ninety (90) days long. 2. The MTFR fire company Chief and line officers may reduce the length of this probation for probationary members with previous experience in the fire service. The minimum probation period shall be thirty (30) days long. 3. The MTFR fire company Chief and line officers may extend the length of this probation period if needed. C. Probationary Member Responsibilities 1. All probationary members shall be responsible for knowing and understanding the MTFR SOGs. 2. All probationary members shall be responsible for knowing and understanding the MTFR fire company s bylaws. 3. All probationary members shall be responsible for knowing and understanding the functions they shall be required to perform with the MTFR fire company. 4. Probationary members shall not ride any fire apparatus until they have attended an orientation on that piece of apparatus. 5. Probationary members shall participate in fund raising activities when available. D. Turnout Gear Page 1 of 2

13 1. Turnout gear shall be issued upon acceptance of probationary membership. 2. Probationary members shall display yellow stripes on top of their helmets from front to back or a yellow frontice on the front of the helmet. Page 2 of 2

14 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Line of Duty Death (LODD) Approved By: PURPOSE: This procedure defines the policies and responsibilities to be followed in the event of a line of duty death, and can be escalated in the event of multiple deaths or a number of members seriously injured. DEFINITIONS: LODD: The death of any member of a MTFR fire company while performing duties for a MTFR fire company, or while undergoing medical treatment for any injury or disease resulting from such duties, is considered a line of duty death. This also includes the death of a MTFR fire company member while traveling in connection with such duties. A. Duty Chief s Responsibilities 1. In the event of a line of duty death, the Duty Chief of the involved MTFR fire company shall insure that the following occurs: a) Notify the MTFR Fire Chief, the individual fire company Fire Chief, and the fire company President. b) Secure the scene of the incident with the assistance of fire investigators (if available) and Police Department personnel. c) Direct all MTFR personnel to withhold the release of personal data relating to the member or the death, pending notification of next of kin. d) Begin to gather all available information concerning the incident and circumstances leading to the death. e) Place the entire MTFR fire station involved out of service. f) Assign personnel from the MTFR fire company to assemble as much personal data as possible concerning the deceased. Particular information needed includes name, date of birth, social security number, marital status, dependents, and name(s) and addresses of next of kin. g) Assign a Performance Auditor to secure the personal effects of the deceased and deliver them to the individual MTFR fire company fire station. h) Establish a record of all actions, contacts, requests and other pertinent data. This information will be furnished to the Survivor Action Officer when assigned. B. Notification of Next of Kin 1. Prompt and judicious notification of the next of kin is of the utmost importance in the case of a line of duty death. Notification shall be made by an official representative of MTFR, through personal contact if possible. 2. The official notification serves to assure the next of kin of the validity of the information and to provide a knowledgeable source of information concerning the death. Page 1 of 4

15 3. The MTFR fire company Fire Chief is responsible for the notification of next of kin. The MTFR fire company Fire Chief will make the specific assignment of this duty (Notification Officer). In incidents involving multiple deaths or serious injuries, more than one notification officer should be assigned. 4. If there is no LODD Questionnaire on file with specific persons to be responsible for notification of the involved LODD, it will be the responsibility of the Notification Officer and the MTFR Fire Chief to handle these responsibilities. C. NOTIFICATION OFFICER 1. The Notification Officer is responsible for making the initial contact with the next of kin. This shall be done in person whenever possible. This official notification must be made before any details of a death are released to the news media. 2. The Notification Officer should be prepared to assist the next of kin with the immediate emotional trauma associated with the notification. A friend of the family or a clergy member may be of valuable assistance at this time. 3. The Notification Officer should be prepared to stay with the next of kin until a family member or friend arrives, or as long as requested. 4. The Notification Officer shall: a) Wear dress uniform with tie (if time permits). b) Assign a MTFR fire company member to accompany him/her (from the LODD Questionnaire if available), also in dress uniform with tie. c) Have an official MTFR identification card in his/her possession. d) Establish an EMS unit to stand by out of view from where the notification is taking place. e) Be familiar with the circumstances of the death and the personal data concerning the deceased before making the notification. f) Once the notification has been made, the Notification Officer will advise MTFR personnel. An official announcement may then be made and details may be released to the news media. D. Survivor Action Officer 1. The MTFR fire company Fire Chief will appoint a Survivor Action Officer to act as representative in providing liaison with the next of kin. To provide a sense of continuity and familiarity for the surviving family, it may be advantageous in some cases for the Notification Officer to assume the duties of the Survivor Action Officer. The Survivor Action Officer is a special staff assignment. As a direct representative of the Fire Chief, the Survivor Action Officer will receive the full cooperation of the entire MTFR organization. 2. The Survivor Action Officer is responsible for the management of several important activities. The principal concern is the ongoing welfare of the next of kin. The Survivor Action Officer will render whatever assistance is necessary to settle the personal affairs of the deceased member and assist the next of kin and immediate family through the crisis. In incidents involving multiple deaths, more than one Survivor Action Officer should be assigned. E. Survivor Action Committee 1. The Survivor Action Officer also coordinates the activities of the Survivor Action Committee. The Survivor Action Committee will consist of a number of personnel assigned to handle specific aspects of the funeral arrangements and to assist the surviving family. Members of the Survivor Action Committee should be trained at a minimum to the Taking Care of Our Own (TCOOO) program provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. These assignments will be made by the MTFR fire company Deputy Chief and include: Page 2 of 4

16 a) FAMILY LIAISON OFFICER on call to the surviving family 24 hours per day as a logistical contact. Provides transportation for family and maintains constant communication with the Survivor Action Officer. b) FUNERAL OFFICER provides coordination and interaction with: 1. The Funeral Home Director; 2. The Minister and church to arrange the funeral service; 3. The agency responsible for the cemetery. c) PROCESSION OFFICER arranges and directs the funeral procession. d) RESOURCE MANAGEMENT provides necessary support functions. 2. Other assignments will be made as necessary by the MTFR fire company Deputy Chief at the request of the Survivor Action Officer. 3. It is important for the Survivor Action Committee to convene as soon as is practical after the line of duty death to begin making the necessary arrangements. This becomes especially important when the line of duty death occurs on or immediately prior to a weekend or holiday. F. In all cases, the level of MTFR participation with the funeral arrangements will be at the discretion of the surviving family, In incidents involving multiple deaths, planning funeral arrangements between the surviving families will require the assignment of more than one officer. G. Pallbearers 1. The pallbearers for a line of duty death will be eight members of MTFR with the family's approval. In the absence of specific persons listed in the LODD Questionnaire, the family may request certain individuals to act as pallbearers. In the absence of such a request, the Survivor Action Officer will appoint a friend of the deceased to form the party of pallbearers. The Funeral Officer will coordinate the pallbearers' activities with the Funeral Director. H. Ushers 1. The ushers to be used for church services and visitation will be ten MTFR members. In the absence of specific persons listed in the LODD Questionnaire and family requests for specific individuals to act as ushers, the Survivor Action Officer will appoint a friend of the deceased to form the party of ushers. 2. The Funeral Officer will coordinate the ushers' activities with the Funeral Director. I. Period of Mourning 1. Following notification of the next of kin, an announcement will be made informing all MTFR members of the line of duty death. a) EXAMPLE: "The Fire Chief regrets to announce the death of (rank), (name) who died in the line of duty." A brief description of the circumstances will follow. 2. Immediately after the announcement, all flags on MTFR fire stations and other MTFR facilities will be lowered to half-mast and all badges will be shrouded. Flags will remain at half-mast until the day following the funeral, and badge shrouds will be worn for 30 days after the funeral. J. Funeral / Procession Uniform 1. Members attending the funeral in uniform shall wear dress uniform to include tie and badge shroud. Page 3 of 4

17 2. Members assigned to apparatus stationed along the procession route shall also be in dress uniform to include tie and badge shroud. They will take a position near the apparatus and maintain an orderly, visible and respectful formation until the entire procession has passed their position. K. LODD Questionnaire 1. The LODD Questionnaire is a confidential record, completed by members of MTFR, indicating next of kin and emergency notification information. This information will be used only in case of an emergency involving a member of MTFR and will remain confidential for all other purposes. 2. Each member will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the time of original membership with a MTFR fire company. The questionnaire will be reviewed annually by the member, and updates to the information may also be made at any time by submitting a revised questionnaire to the MTFR fire company Fire Chief. The questionnaire is attached in APPENDIX ##. 3. Members of MTFR should list at least two persons to contact in case of emergency. These should include immediate family members, close friends and preferred clergy members, if any. This information should include work addresses and phone numbers where applicable. 4. The LODD Questionnaire information will supercede any instructions in this SOG. Page 4 of 4

18 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Uniforms Revised: Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to outline all approved uniforms and the accessories that go with each uniform. A. Uniform Descriptions 1. This guideline provides the descriptions of the approved MTFR Fire Company uniforms. 2. Three Classes of approved uniforms: a) Class A 1. Navy blue dress pants 2. Navy blue uniform blazer 3. Light blue long sleeve dress uniform shirt 4. White long sleeve dress uniform shirt (Officers, Lieutenant and above) 5. Navy blue uniform drum hat 6. White uniform drum hat (Chief Officers) 7. Black dress belt 8. Black hi-gloss oxford style uniform shoes (no boots) 9. Black socks 10. Black tie 11. Issued brass to include a) Company badge on left breast of jacket b) Collar brass on uniform shirt to signify rank c) Name bar on right breast of shirt d) Hat badge on drum hat 12. White gloves 13. Uniform shirt shall have company patch on left sleeve; right sleeve shall have the American Flag, PSFA Certification Program, or the MTFR patch. 14. Uniform blazer shall have company patch on one sleeve and MTFR patch on the other sleeve. b) Class B 1. Navy blue work pants 2. Navy blue uniform shirt a) Memorial Day to Labor Day- short sleeve b) Labor Day to Memorial Day- long sleeve c) Officer has discretion to alter above due to weather 3. Uniform shirt shall have company patch on left sleeve; right sleeve shall have PSFA Certification program patch (if applicable) or the MTFR patch. 4. Black belt or Last Chance belt 5. Black polished fire service boots or oxford style shoes. 6. Black socks 7. Issued brass to include: Page 1 of 3

19 a) Company badge on left breast b) Collar brass on shirt to signify rank c) Name bar on right breast c) Class C Uniform-Station/Work Uniform 1. Navy blue work pants 2. Department T-Shirt, Sweatshirt, or Jobshirt (if applicable) 3. Black belt or Last Chance belt 4. Black polished fire service boots or oxford style shoes 5. Black socks d) The Officer in Charge of any event shall determine the level of uniform required. B. Department Supplied Uniform Guideline 1. The MTFR fire company supplies full or partial funding for uniforms depending on activity level, office, and training level. They are as follows: a) Class A Uniform- Full Dress 1. A full Class A uniform shall be provided to a member who has completed the following: a) Completion of all required training classes through the Master Firefighter level. All classes must have current certification b) Must have twenty four (24) months of consecutive, active service in the company. 2. The administrative positions shall receive, after completing two (2) consecutive terms and beginning a 3 rd, a full Class A uniform, provided that the person is not an active firefighter and bound by the requirements in this SOG. b) Class B Uniform- General Duty Uniform 1. One short sleeve and one long sleeve uniform shirt shall be provided to each member after ninety (90) days of continuous membership. 2. One pair of matching navy blue pants shall be provided to each member upon completion of his/her probationary period. 3. One black last chance belt shall be provided to each member upon completion of his/her probationary period. 4. White or blue undershirt provided by the Uniform Group. c) Class C Uniform-Station/Work Uniform 1. One short sleeve T-shirt and one long sleeve T-shirt are provided to all members upon acceptance into the company. 2. One pair of navy blue pants shall be provided to all members upon acceptance into the company. a) During the summer months, or as weather permits, navy blue shorts may be worn as part of the Class C Uniform. 3. One sweatshirt (if applicable) is provided to each member upon completion of his/her probationary period. 4. T-shirts only are replaced for each member on an as needed basis. 5. Additional T-shirts and sweatshirts may be purchased by the member from the Uniform Group at the current posted cost. d) Badges, Collar Brass, Name Tags 1. Company badge with ID number shall be issued to each member after two consecutive years of service with the company is achieved and the member is off probation. 2. Generic company badges shall be available on an as needed basis for members that have not been issued their own personal badge. 3. Collar brass to signify rank shall be issued to each member. 4. Name bars shall be issued to each member who qualifies for a Class B uniform. 5. Hat badges shall be issued to each member who qualifies for a Class A uniform. Page 2 of 3

20 e) Miscellaneous 1. All items issued by the MTFR fire company to a member lost or damaged shall be the responsibility of the member to replace or repair to like new condition at their cost. 2. Uniforms are expected to be kept in good condition and clean at all times. 3. Members may not purchase their own uniforms. C. Standards of Conduct While in Uniform 1. All members wearing any class of MTFR fire company uniform shall conduct themselves as representatives of the company and act accordingly. 2. The uniform class shall be specified prior to any event. Personnel may and are encouraged to wear their Class B or Class C uniform when at station. 3. Any personnel wishing to wear their Class A or B uniforms to a function or event not sanctioned by the MTFR fire company, must seek approval prior to the event from the Fire Chief or President. 4. At no time shall any member consume any alcoholic beverage while in any uniform shirt as described in Section A of this SOG. There will be no exceptions or deviations from this rule. 5. It is encouraged to use discretion when consuming alcohol while in clothing (shirts, hats, coats, etc) that display any MTFR fire company name, insignia, or reference to, even if that item was purchased privately and not company issued. Page 3 of 3

21 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Visitor Program Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify the steps a visitor must complete before riding a MTFF apparatus to an emergency or non-emergency call. A. Visitors 1. Visitors with the purpose of participating in response activities must have the following: a) Authorization from their affiliation fire chief or organization head on its letterhead that reflects the following: 1. The person is a member in good standing within his/her affiliation and is approved to participate in MTFR activities. 2. The person is covered by his/her affiliated fire company s insurance policies. 2. The visitor must present all training certificates to the Duty Chief to determine riding qualifications. 3. Visitors must be orientated on the apparatus and equipment. This shall be documented on an incident card. 4. Visitors shall abide by the MTFR policies, guidelines, and procedures. a) Any violations will result in termination of the visitor s future visitation privileges. The visitor s fire chief will be advised in writing by the MTFR fire company s Fire Chief 5. Unless under the direct supervision of or by an order given by a MTFR fire company officer, visitors shall not drive an apparatus or ride in the OIC seat position. 6. Visitors may not ride apparatus or use equipment they are not qualified on.

22 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin No.: Anti-Harassment Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Approved By: PURPOSE: Provide an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. SCOPE: The Manheim Township Fire Rescue fire companies must provide a work environment that is committed to maintaining a positive volunteer experience in which all members are treated with dignity and respect. All members must treat each other with courtesy, consideration, and professionalism. The fire companies will not tolerate harassment of any member or by any member for any reason. The harassment for any discriminatory reason, such as race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, ancestry, veteran s status or religion is strictly prohibited and may subject the fire company and/or the harasser to liability for unlawful conduct. Accordingly, any derogatory racial, ethnic, religious, age, sexual, sexual orientation or other inappropriate remarks, slurs, or jokes will not be tolerated. Reference: Established Federal and State Guidelines A. Violation: Those found in violation of this policy will be investigated and may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership from the Manheim Township Fire Rescue fire companies. B. Harassment: May consist of unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual that is based upon a person s race, color, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, ancestry, veteran s status, religion or other legally protected status. The fire companies will not tolerate harassing conduct that potentially affects job benefits, that interferes unreasonably with an individual s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment, and/or adversely affects an individual s membership opportunities. C. Sexual Harassment: Defined as unwelcome or unsolicited advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal references, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. 1. Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term of condition of an individual s membership. 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis of membership decisions affecting such individual. 3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. 4. Examples of sexual harassment include, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, obscene gestures, visual harassment such as derogatory cartoons, posters and drawings, sexually explicit or voic and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as uninvited touching of a sexual nature or sexually related comments. Depending upon the circumstances, prohibited conduct can also include sexual joking, vulgar or offensive conversation or jokes, commenting on an Page 1 of 2

23 individual s physical appearance, conversation about an individual s own or someone else s sex life, teasing or other conduct directed toward a person because of his or her gender which is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create an unprofessional and hostile environment. It may range from inappropriate sexual suggestions to coerced sexual relations. D. Reporting: In the event that any harassment based on matters protected under applicable law, or other inappropriate conduct as described within this SOG interferes with the performance of any member, the member should immediately report the matter to the President, Fire Chief or any Line Officer of the fire company. If a member is unsure of whom to raise an issue of harassment, or if a member has reported the matter, but has not received a satisfactory response within five (5) business days after reporting any incident which the member perceives to be harassment may refer the complaint to the Manheim Township Fire Chief. E. Investigation: The fire company will undertake a prompt and thorough investigation into every complaint. Since the fire company is committed to investigating all complaints thoroughly, it must make every effort to guarantee confidentiality regarding this matter. As a member reporting a complaint or becoming involved in an investigation must likewise be obligated to treat the matter with confidentiality outside the investigation. F. Sanctions: Any member or members determined by the fire company to have engaged in inappropriate behavior as defined within this SOG will be subject to any or all appropriate disciplinary action. Appropriate discipline will be determined by the fire company and may include one or more of the following, a written warning, reprimand, suspension, and/or termination of membership within any or all Manheim Township Fire Rescue fire companies. G. Retaliations: Any member who brings a complaint to the attention of the fire company in good faith will not be adversely affected as a result of reporting any harassment. Likewise, the Manheim Township Fire Rescue fire companies prohibit any form of retaliation by an individual against individuals who report unwelcome conduct or who cooperate in the investigation of such reports in accordance with this SOG. The respective Fire Company will take appropriate disciplinary action for any such retaliation, up to and including termination. Page 2 of 2

24 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Drug and Alcohol Approved By: A. Introduction 1. MTFR (herein known as the company ) is committed to the safety, health, and well being of its members and of all people of the public, with whom we may come in contact. B. Policy Objectives 1. To assure a healthy and safe environment for all members, visitors, and the general public. 2. To reduce the opportunity for accidental injuries and protect property of the company, members, and the general public from unnecessary damage that could result in damaging the company s good standing with the public. 3. To ensure to the general public the reputation of the company and its members as good responsible citizens. 4. To deter and detect illegal and unauthorized substance abuse by the members of the company. C. Company Premises / Properties Defined 1. All sections of this policy may be enforced in all buildings, land or work areas being owned, leased, or used by the company or sanctioned by the company. D. Policy Application 1. The company s policy applies to the entire membership and applicants, as either a condition of possible membership or continued membership. E. Policy statement regarding illegal or unauthorized drugs, alcoholic beverages, and other items. 1. This is to notify all company members, applicants, and visitors that the use, abuse, presence in the body, manufacture of, distribution, transfer, trade, storage, concealment, promotion, possession, or sale of but not limited to the following illegal or unauthorized drugs, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, or drug related paraphernalia by any member or visitor is strictly prohibited from all company property or functions as defined in Section C. 2. Illegal Drugs a) Any drug in which is not legally obtained or is legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained by the person in possession of the drug(s). The term includes, but is not limited to, prescribed drugs being used by persons other than whom the drug was prescribed or being used for un-prescribed reasons. This also applies to, but not limited to, Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opium, LSD (lysergic acid diethyl amide) or any other slang terms referring to LSD, PCP (Phencyclidine) or any slang terms Page 1 of 4

25 referring to PCP. 3. Designer Drugs a) Any drug made in clandestine laboratories in which the molecular structures of both illegal and legal drugs are altered to create a drug that is not explicitly banned by law. 4. Controlled Drugs a) Any drug placed on a schedule by the Federal Government or in a special category to prevent, curtail, or limit the manufacture and distribution of, under the Controlled Substances Act of Some of which are illegal under federal, state, and / or local laws. These drugs include, but are not limited to, marijuana, heroin, hashish, hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants not prescribed for current personal treatment by an accredited physician. 5. Prohibited Drugs a) Any drug for which the use, possession, transfer, sale, trade, or storage of is illegal or any other drug including but not limited prescription drugs used for any reason other than legitimate medical purposes. 6. Alcohol or intoxication beverages a) Any beverage sold and consumed and that has alcohol content in excess of 0.5% by volume. Any member or visitor that has consumed an alcoholic or intoxicating beverage as described above within eight (8) hours is prohibited to be on company property as described in Section C. F. Substance Abuse Screening 1. The company reserves the legal right to require members (as described in Section D) to be screened for substance abuse under, but not limited to the following situations which will be utilized to enforce this company policy. a) Probation Screening: any potential member may be required to pass a drug and alcohol screen. b) Post Accident Screening: will be required following any accident in which safety precautions were violated, unsafe orders were given, unusually careless acts were performed, or the cause was due to failure to properly utilize PPE (personal protective equipment). Any driver of company owned apparatus involved in an accident that results in the injury or death of civilians or other members of this company will be required to submit to a drug and / or alcohol screen immediately. 1. An unrelated fire company officer will transport the individual to an approved facility. c) Reasonable Cause Testing: this will provide the company with a tool to identify drug or alcohol affected members who may pose a danger to themselves or others. Only the company President or Fire Chief may order a reasonable cause drug screen to be done. 1. An unrelated fire company officer will transport the individual to an approved facility. d) Random Screening: unannounced screening of members will be selected by a confidential method to randomly select members via company issued ID numbers provided to the testing agency selected by the company. This is to assure all members have equal opportunity of being selected. Testing of this nature will be done at various times and dates throughout the year. The primary reason for Random Screening is to deter drug use and ensure a drug free membership. In the event the member is already involved in a random screening program at his/her workplace, the member may be exempted from this program providing the member provided the company a letter from his/her employer stating that they are in a Page 2 of 4

26 random screening program and signed by the Human Resources department. This does not exempt the member from the remainder of this program. G. Sample Collection and Screening 1. Urine samples shall be collected, sealed, and monitored by professional collection specialists at a facility chosen by the company following all established guidelines, transported, and stored in compliance with all guidelines to a certified laboratory for testing. H. Drug / Alcohol Screening 1. The company will pay for all screening. Each member s blood or urine specimen will be tested by a facility chosen by the company, which is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Screening is a two (2) step process involving screening and confirmation. All samples are first screened using an approved methodology and if no drug metabolite is found, the sample is considered negative. Any sample suspected positive on an initial screening will be confirmed by a second test using gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GS/MS). Alcohol testing will be performed by a certified Breath Alcohol Technician (B.A.T.) using a government approved Evidential Breath Testing Device. The company also reserves the right to use non-evidential testing devices when applicable. I. Drug / Alcohol Screening Standards 1. All samples will be tested as per D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) testing standards (see below): Substance EMIT/EIA Cutoff GC/MS Cutoff Marijuana 100 NG/ml (Carboxy THC) 15 NG/ml PCP 25 NG/ml 25 NG/ml Amphetamine 1000 NG/ml 500 NG/ml Opiates 300 NG/ml (morphine) 300 NG/ml Cocaine Metabolite 300 NG/ml (benzoyl) 150 NG/ml Creatine Level > 20 mg/dl (ecogrine) PH 5-9 Alcohol BAC of.02 or greater J. Confidentiality of Records 1. All records, results, and samples will be considered highly confidential and will be decimated on a strict need to know basis or as required by law. Records will be maintained in a locked and secure personal file and will have limited access, except that in the event of discovery of any illegal substances, drugs, stolen property, or other prohibited items may result in the proper law enforcement authorities being notified. K. Off-duty Conduct 1. Any member who s off duty conduct related to the use, sale, manufacture, or abuse of any illegal drug, prescription drug, controlled substance, or alcoholic beverage that may or may not result in criminal charges or conviction will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate permanent suspension at the company s sole discretion (to be done according to the individual MTFR fire company bylaws and constitution) if the company believes that the member s off-duty conduct could possibly: a) Affect the member s safe duty performance. Page 3 of 4

27 b) Jeopardize the safety of other members, the general public, or the company s property. c) Reduce the community trust in the company s ability to carry out its responsibility to the public due to the notoriety of the member s conduct. L. Disciplinary action for policy violations (this also applies to prospective members) 1. A member shall be suspended for not less than six (6) months for the following violations. a) A positive drug alcohol screen result. b) Failing or refusing to submit to a drug / alcohol screen 2. A member shall be suspended for not less than five (5) years for the following violations: a) Failure of a second (2 nd ) drug / alcohol screen. b) Found to be in possession of or under the influence of, but not limited to, items mentioned in Section E while on company property. 3. A member or applicant will be subject to immediate permanent termination for the following violations: a) Submitting a sample for drug / alcohol screen that has been deemed as degraded, diluted, switched, altered, tampered, or any other means of falsification of a sample for drug / alcohol screen not mentioned in this policy if the testing site has made this determination. b) Failure of a third (3 rd ) drug / alcohol screen. 4. A member suspended for a violation of Section G must pass a drug / alcohol screen to have suspension lifted and return to active status. a) A member whom fails a re-entry screen will be subject to the next highest discipline above. M. Appealing Process of Positive Screening Results Each member has the right to challenge the results of a positive screening in the same manner that he/she would challenge any disciplinary action of the company. In the event of a challenged screen result, a re-screen will be the financial responsibility of the member, and will be taken at a facility mutually agreed upon by both the member and the company that is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Page 4 of 4

28 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Computer Usage Revised: Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to outline the rules for using a computer or other technology equipment on the Manheim Township Fire Rescue individual fire company premises. DEFINITIONS: Material: defined as any visual, textual, or auditory entity. A. General 1. The use of any MTFR individual fire company ( Company ) technology equipment including computers, phone system, fax machines, and all forms of Internet/Intranet access, is for company business. Personal use of the electronic mail system or the Internet on MTFR individual fire company equipment is acceptable as long as it is not excessive or inappropriate, and it occurs when Company business is not being done, and does not result in extraordinary expenses to the Company. 2. Use is defined as "excessive" if it interferes with normal job functions, responsiveness, or the ability to perform daily job activities. Electronic communication should not be used to solicit or sell products or services that are unrelated to the Company's business; distract, intimidate, or harass coworkers or third parties; or disrupt the Company and its mission. 3. Use of MTFR individual fire company equipment is granted from the Administration, and it may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct carried out on such systems, including, but not limited to: a) Sending chain letters or participating in any way in the creation or transmission of unsolicited commercial ( spam ) that is unrelated to legitimate Company purposes. b) Engaging in private or personal business activities, including excessive use of instant messaging and chat rooms. c) Misrepresenting oneself or the Company. d) Violating the laws and regulations of the United States or any other nation or any state, city, province, or other local jurisdiction in any way. e) Engaging in unlawful or malicious activities. f) Deliberately propagating any virus, worm, Trojan horse, trap-door program code, or other code or file designed to disrupt, disable, impair, or otherwise harm either the Company s networks or systems or those of any other individual entity. g) Using abusive, profane, threatening, racist, sexist, or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages. h) Sending, receiving, or accessing pornographic materials. i) Causing congestion, disruption, disablement, alteration, or impairment of Company networks or systems. Page 1 of 3

29 j) Failing to log off any secure, controlled-access computer or other form of electronic data system to which you are assigned, if you leave such a computer or system unattended. k) Using recreational games. l) Defeating or attempting to defeat security restrictions on company systems and applications. 4. Using Company automation systems to access, create, view, transmit, or receive racist, sexist, threatening, or otherwise objectionable or illegal material is strictly prohibited. Such material violates the Company anti-harassment policies and is subject to disciplinary action. The Company s electronic mail system, Internet access, and computer systems must not be used to violate the laws and regulations of the United States or any other nation or any state, city, province, or other local jurisdiction in any way. Use of company resources for illegal activity can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including membership termination and criminal prosecution. The Company will comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement and regulatory agencies for logs, diaries, archives, or files on individual Internet activities, use, or computer use. B. Ownership and Access of Electronic Mail, Internet Access, and Computer Files 1. The Company owns the rights to all data and files in any computer, network, or other information system used in the Company. The Company also reserves the right to monitor electronic mail messages (including personal/private/instant messaging systems) and their content, as well as any and all use of the Internet and of computer equipment used to create, view, or access and Internet content. Members must be aware that the electronic mail messages sent and received using Company equipment are not private and are subject to viewing, downloading, inspection, release, and archiving by Company officials at all times. The Company has the right to inspect any and all files stored in private areas of the network or on individual computers or storage media in order to assure compliance with policy and state and federal laws. No member may access another member's computer, computer files, or electronic mail messages without prior authorization from either the member or an appropriate Company administrator. 2. The Company has licensed the use of certain commercial software application programs for business purposes. Third parties retain the ownership and distribution rights to such software. No member may create, use, or distribute copies of such software that are not in compliance with the license agreements for the software. C. Internet Posting Boards 1. Members shall not post any information or media about MTFR individual fire company emergency calls, non-emergency calls, or other Company business on any website forum, discussion board, blog, or any other type of online diary without the written approval of the Fire Chief or the Chief s designee. a) MTFR fire company websites do not apply to this section. 2. Disciplinary action may be taken if information and media is found online about the MTFR fire company, and that information was not authorized to be released. D. Lancaster County Wide Communications (LCWC) WebCad 1. The privilege of accessing the MTFR fire company call information from the LCWC WebCad is granted to members authorized by the individual fire company Fire Chief. This privilege can, at any time, be revoked or suspended pending any investigation initiated by LCWC or the MTFR individual fire company. 2. Member s login information is private and each member should keep his/her login information secure. 3. Members are responsible for what happens while they are logged in to the LCWC WebCad. It is each member s responsibility to maintain the privacy of all MTFR Page 2 of 3

30 individual Fire Company call information that is contained in the WebCad, and it is each member s responsibility to log out of the LCWC WebCad when he/she is done using the service. 4. Any information that originated in the LCWC WebCad and is released to an outside source will be investigated. Any member who is found to have released such information either verbally or textually is subject to disciplinary action. Page 3 of 3

31 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Motor Vehicle Violations Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to state general guidelines related to motor vehicle violations when responding to any MTFR fire company incident. A. General 1. All drivers shall observe the current Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Vehicle Code at all times. B. Violation Types 1. Class A Violation a) Driving while intoxicated. b) Driving under the influence of drugs. c) Negligent homicide arising out of the use of a motor vehicle. d) Operating a motor vehicle under a suspended license. e) Using a motor vehicle for the commission of a felony. f) Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. g) Operating a motor vehicle without the owner s permission. h) Permitting an unlicensed person to drive. i) Reckless driving. j) Accidents involving attended or unattended vehicles. 2. Class B Violation a) All moving violations not listed as Class A violations. C. Discipline 1. Any driver who is convicted of a Class A violation shall receive an eighteen (18) month suspension of his/her driving privileges and must re-qualify as a driver on all fire company vehicles. 2. Any driver who has a combination of two (2) class B moving violation convictions and/or chargeable accidents in a three (3) year period shall be issued a written warning letter. 3. Any driver who has a combination of three (3) class B moving violation convictions or chargeable accidents in a three (3) year period shall be issued a ninety-day suspension from driving any fire company vehicle. 4. Any driver who has a combination of more than three (3) class B moving violation convictions or chargeable accidents in a three (3) year period shall be issued a one-year suspension from driving any fire company vehicle and must re-qualify on all fire company vehicles. 5. Previous driving history may influence the discipline noted above. The Line Officers of any MTFR fire company may decide to enhance any of the discipline in this section. Page 1 of 1

32 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: March 8, 2011 No.: Revised: Subject: Live-In Policy Approved By: PURPOSE: To establish a guideline for the proper management of in-station and off-site Live-In programs and personnel within the MTFR system. SCOPE: Applies to all Live-In personnel in any MTFR station, including those participating at in-station dormitories or off-site Live-In facilities. DEFINITIONS: A. Live-In A firefighter or QRS-only member who has been approved by the individual company Live-In committee to occupy a bunk space in the dedicated Live-In program. This person has completed a written application and received approval to participate based on minimum qualifications as outlined in this SOG. This person will be bound by the rules of this SOG. B. Bunk-In / Duty Crew An active member of non-live-in status who occupies an open and available bunk on a temporary basis only. The member shall be required to participate in section E (Chores) of this SOG while occupying available bunk space. Temporary status may not exceed three (3) bunk-ins per week or twelve (12) per month. Any amount above this shall constitute Live-In status and the Bunk In / Duty Crew member must follow the procedure to obtain Live-In status and will then be bound by this SOG. C. Non-Fire Company Member Any person who is not a member of any MTFR station who wishes to occupy bunk space for purposes of visitation or ride-along. A. Program Oversight 1. Live-In Committee a) A five (5) person Live-In Committee shall be established at each MTFR station operating a Live-In program. This committee shall have oversight over the respective Live-In program and shall be responsible for enforcement of this SOG. b) The Live-In Committee shall review and recommend all Live-In program applicants for acceptance into the program. c) The Live-In Committee shall provide a quarterly report to the MTFR Fire Chief showing quarterly statistics for the Live-In program. This report should include total personnel and monthly call totals and percentages of response. d) The Live-In Committee shall consist of the following personnel: 1. The Fire Chief of the respective station 2. One (1) Executive Board member (non Live-In) 3. One (1) Line Officer (non Live-In) 4. One (1) Firefighter (non Live-In) 5. One (1) Live-In Firefighter e) One (1) person from the Live-In Committee shall be selected as the chairperson of the Committee and will serve as the liaison to the respective fire company and as liaison to the MTFR Fire Chief. Page 1 of 6

33 f) The Live-In Committee shall be selected by whatever method is determined at each respective fire company. 2. Live-In Supervisor a) The Live-In Committee shall select one (1) current Live-In member to serve as the Live-In Supervisor. b) The Live-In Supervisor shall act as the liaison between Live-In personnel and the Live-In Committee. c) The Live-In Supervisor may not hold the position of Fire Chief or President within the respective fire company. d) The Live-In Supervisor will be responsible for the following: 1. Assigning bunk space/room assignments 2. Ensure all work/school schedules are posted as required 3. Maintain a file with all renters insurance policies from each Live-In 4. Assigning of chores and maintenance of the chore schedule B. Program Eligibility 1. Employment / Student Status a) All Live-Ins must maintain a level of employment or student status as follows: 1. Fulltime employment 40 hours a week Average of 36 hours per week 2. Fulltime student 12 credits per semester 3. Part-time status Average of 20 hours a week of employment and 6 credits per semester b) Any other combination of employment and/or student status must be approved by the Live-In Committee prior to being accepted into the Live-In program. c) Any Live-In who loses their employment or student status will have ninety (90) days in which to obtain new employment or student status. If the Live-In fails to achieve new status within 90 days they will be removed from the Live-In program. This requirement does not apply to summer break for those personnel with fulltime student status. d) Any Live-In who is removed from the program for failure to maintain employment or student status must wait six (6) months before becoming eligible to re-apply to any Live-In program within the MTFR system. 1. An independent review by the Live-In Committee may reduce or extend the minimum depending on the individual circumstances involved in the removal. 2. Training Requirements a) All Live-Ins must maintain the minimum training of MTFR Level I - Firefighter Apprentice to remain in the Live-In program. If a Live-Ins training status drops below Level I Firefighter Apprentice, they will have ninety (90) days to recertify. b) In the event of available bunk space, a Live-In may be accepted into the program that does not meet the minimum training requirements of the MTFR Level I - Firefighter Apprentice, but meets all other program eligibility requirements. In this event, a Training Plan must be written for the Live-In and the plan must be approved by the Live-In Committee and the Line Officers of the respective station. The Training Plan must outline the training deficiencies and must provide for a realistic time frame for completion of the training requirements. The Training Plan shall not provide more than twelve (12) months of time for the Live-In to rectify his or her training deficiencies. c) Any Live-In who is removed from the program for failure to maintain the minimum training and for exhausting the ninety (90) day grace period to recertify or failure to complete his or her Training Plan must wait a minimum of six (6) months and meet all training requirements before being eligible to re-apply to any Live-In program within the MTFR system. 3. Other a) Live-Ins must be 18 years of age or older Page 2 of 6

34 b) Live-In status shall not be granted to anyone 18 years of age who is still attending high school C. Live-In Personnel Responsibilities 1. Incident Response a) Live-In personnel shall respond to all emergency incidents while present in the station, dormitory, or in an off-site facility. This will include QRS calls if the Live-In is EMS certified. Exceptions to responding to emergency incidents are: 1. The emergency incident is dispatched one (2) hours prior to the Live-Ins scheduled departure time for work or class 2. The Live-In is ill and has reported this illness to the Live-In Supervisor and is subsequently listed as Out-of-Service 3. The Live-In has requested to be Out-of-Service with the Live-In Supervisor (or duty officer if Live-In Supervisor is unavailable) for other reasons such as death in the family, academic requirements for school, etc. a. Any Live-In who is listed as Out-of-Service is not eligible to receive points for calls or points for non-classroom training activities. 2. Incident Response Statistics a) Live-Ins will be monitored for appropriate participation in the Live-In program through an assessment of the average participation in each respective program. b) Each month the mean (average) will be calculated for each respective program. Each respective program will determine the percentage below the mean (average) that is acceptable. Any Live-In who falls below the acceptable percentage of participation for more than three consecutive months will be given notice that he or she risks being removed from the Live-In program. A corrective action plan with the Live-In should be drafted to address the deficiencies. c) If the Live-In continues for three additional consecutive months to be below the acceptable response percentage, the member will be removed from the Live-In program. d) Any Live-In who is removed from the program for failure to maintain an acceptable response percentage must wait a minimum of six (6) months before being eligible to re-apply to any Live-In program within the MTFR system. e) No alterations to this policy in regard to additional measures to insure sufficient Live-In time on station (such as curfew or minimum manning hours) will be permitted. It is the Live-In s responsibility to adjust his or her schedule accordingly in order to fall within the acceptable percentage of response in each respective program. 3. Staffing / Scheduling a) All Live-In personnel shall log available time in the station, dormitory, or in an offsite facility into the I Am Responding system. b) Live-Ins should make every effort to ensure appropriate staffing is on-station at all times before leaving the station for personal errands or other company business. 4. Training a) All Live-Ins must maintain their training requirements as outline in Section B-2 above 5. Insurance a) All Live-In personnel occupying Live-In space whether in a dormitory or off-site facility shall maintain a renter s insurance policy at all times. This policy is intended to provide financial coverage for personal belongings which are not covered by the respective fire company. b) Any Live-In who allows his or her renter s insurance to lapse will have five (5) days to secure a new policy or risk being removed from the Live-In program. 6. Dropping of Live-In Status Page 3 of 6

35 a) Live-In personnel are requested to provide a minimum thirty (30) day written notice of their intent to vacate the Live-In program. Failure to provide a minimum thirty (30) day written notice will impact any future request to be re-instated to any MTFR Live-In program. D. Live-In Personnel Conduct 1. All Live-In personnel must adhere to the Standard Operating Guidelines of MTFR. 2. All Live-In personnel must adhere to the House Rules of the respective fire company. 3. All drug and alcohol possession, use, transport, and storage is regulated under MTFR SOG , Drug and Alcohol, and will be strictly enforced. 4. Hazing or initiations of any type are forbidden. 5. Live-In personnel must be properly dressed with a minimum of a tee shirt and shorts at all times. 6. Lack of personal hygiene can be offensive to others. Live-In personnel are encouraged to properly care for themselves, their clothing and possessions, and their bunk space. E. Live-In Chores 1. Chore duties for all Live-In personnel shall be assigned by the Live-In Supervisor at each Live-In program site 2. Chores shall be divided among all Live-Ins, who will participate and complete their assigned chores from a weekly chore list. All Bunk In and Duty Crew members who are occupying bunk space must also be assigned and participate in chores. 3. Chores specific to the Live-In program areas in dormitories and off-site facilities shall include: a) Live-In rooms b) Restrooms c) Kitchen 4. In addition, common areas of the fire station, whether that facility maintains a dormitory or offsite facility, shall also be maintained to a desirable level of cleanliness. These areas include: a) Engine Bays b) Watch room c) Lounge 5. Chore duties for each of the areas in # 3 and # 4 above should include: a) Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping as needed b) Scrubbing and cleaning of sinks, showers, and toilets c) Replenish paper products as needed d) Empty trash in all areas 6. Live-In personnel are also responsible for individual chores that pertain to their personal space. This should include regular washing of bed linens, making of their bed, folding and securing clothing, dusting and general cleanliness of their personal bunk space, etc. 7. While Live-In personnel are expected to maintain their chore list, this does not eliminate the need for all members to clean-up after themselves and assist in cleaning other common areas of the fire station. 8. Non-common areas of the fire stations such as office areas, mechanical rooms, etc are not the responsibility of the Live-Ins to maintain. F. Inspections 1. Live-In room inspections may be made on an announced weekly basis by the Live-In Supervisor, and the Live-In Supervisor shall give a minimum of twenty four (24) hours advance notice of such inspection. Inspections are to determine compliance with this Live-In standard operating guideline only. Page 4 of 6

36 G. Discipline H. General 2. Live-In room inspections may be made by the following officers unannounced at any time to ensure compliance with this standard operating guideline or to investigate any complaint of a violation of any other MTFR standard operating guideline that may compromise the safety or well-being of any individual: a) Volunteer Chief of home station b) Executive Board President of home station c) MTFR Fire Chief 1. Any Live-In who fails to follow the Live-In SOG may face sanctions within the Live-In program from the Live-In Supervisor or disciplinary action from the respective MTFR fire company s Line Officers, Volunteer Station Chief, or MTFR Fire Chief in accordance with all policies and procedures set forth in the MTFR SOG s or respective company s House Rules. 2. A Live-In can be immediately suspended from the Live-In program by the Volunteer Station Chief or the MTFR Fire Chief for any offense deemed serious enough to warrant such action. In this event, the Live-In is immediately removed from the program and is unable to occupy his or her assigned bunk space. Dependent upon the infraction, the Live-In program suspension may also be accompanied by suspension from the respective fire company. 3. Any Live-In suspended from the program shall be provided with a hearing within five (5) days, excluding holidays and weekends, of the suspension. The hearing will be with a panel consisting of the available members, from the respective MTFR fire company, of the Live-In Committee, Executive Board, the Line Officers, and the MTFR Fire Chief. A decision as to the Live-In member s status will be made at the hearing. 4. Any appeal of the panel s decision must be made to the membership of the respective fire company following the appeal rules of the respective MTFR fire company. Any appeal above the respective fire company membership would go to the Manheim Township Fire Council for a final determination. There is no appeal beyond the Manheim Township Fire Council. 1. Non-Fire Company members are not permitted to occupy bunk space unless participating in an approved visitation or ride along shift. 2. Non-Fire Company members visiting any station, Live-In dormitory, or off-site Live-In facility shall be governed by the House Rules of the respective station with regard to vacating the premise. 3. No overnight guests of Live-In personnel are permitted in any Live-In dorm or off-site Live-In facility. 4. Only one (1) person shall be assigned to or occupy a bunk at a time. 5. Live-In personnel occupying dormitory space are not permitted to add additional furniture to the provided standard compliment. Live-In personnel occupying space in an off-site facility must have approval by that company s Live-In Committee before adding additional furnishings to the off-site location. 6. Posters, pictures, photos, and other wall hangings are permitted to be hung in the personal space of dormitory and off-site rooms. The Live-In Committee of each respective station reserves the right to have any of these items that are determined to be offensive removed. 7. There shall be no alterations to any part of any building or off-site facility without approval of the Live-In Committee and the Trustees of the respective fire company. 8. No pets of any type are permitted in any dormitory or off-site location 9. No weapons of any type may be carried, stored, or otherwise used on any fire company property, which includes Live-In dormitories and off-site facilities. 10. Live-In owned or operated vehicles are to be parked in appropriate spaces at facilities using a Live-In dormitory or parked in the garage and driveway appropriately at off-site facilities. Page 5 of 6

37 11. Smoking is not permitted in dormitories or off-site facilities. Reference MTFR SOG , Tobacco Use, and the individual MTFR fire company House Rules for information on where smoking may be permitted. 12. A Live-In may request a leave of absence from the Live-In program for personal reasons. The leave must be requested in writing and submitted to the Live-In Committee. The extent of the leave and reasons for the leave will be reviewed by the Live-In Committee on a case-by-case basis, noting that available bunk space cannot be guaranteed for extended periods of time. 13. Live-Ins will be assigned a mailing address to use at each respective station for the purposes of receiving mail and other deliveries. Page 6 of 6

38 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Junior Members Approved By: PURPOSE: To state general guidelines, limitations, and responsibilities of Junior Members. SCOPE: This SOG applies to all members of a MTFR fire company between the ages of fourteen to seventeen. A. General 1. Any member ages 14 to 17 shall be classified as a Junior Member. a) Membership status for any member under the age of eighteen who has graduated from high school or who has legally emancipated himself or herself shall be evaluated on a case by case basis by the MTFR Fire Chief and the MTFR fire company fire chief. 2. All Junior Members shall comply with this SOG, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws Act of 1915, P.L. 286, No. 177 Sec. 7.3 (see Appendix A4), and the Manheim Township Curfew Ordinance (see Appendix A5). 3. Members 17 years of age and under, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, must vacate the property one half hour prior to the stated Manheim Township Curfew Ordinance. 4. For non-emergency and emergency incidents, all Junior members shall be under the direct supervision of the chain of command for that incident. 5. For all other events or activities, all Junior Members shall be under the direct supervision of the Township Junior Advisor. a) The Township Junior Advisor will be appointed by the MTFR Fire Chief. 6. Junior Members may not respond to alarms after curfew hours. 7. Junior Members may respond to alarms after 0600 on non school days and after school has been dismissed on school days 8. Junior Members may not leave school or wear fire company pagers in school 9. Junior Members shall not be permitted to participate in fire company activities on any day that the member has been absent from school 10. Junior Members shall maintain a passing grade in all subjects. a) Junior Member that receives two grades of 69% or lower grade in a marking period shall be restricted from being on fire company property. The Junior Member shall be restricted until proof of these grades are 70% or higher. The restrictions include: fire calls, trainings, meetings, and all other fire company activities. Exceptions can be made by the MTFR fire company Fire Chief or the Township Junior Advisor for approved trainings, meetings, and activities. b) Report card must be given to the Township Junior Advisor and the MTFR individual fire company fire chief within two weeks of distribution from the school. Any junior member that fails to submit his or her report card within two weeks shall be placed on the above stated restrictions. Any junior Member that is home schooled must submit a progress report to the Township Junior Advisor each quarter. Page 1 of 2

39 c) The Township Junior Advisor shall notify the individual fire company Chief of any junior member that fails to meet sections a and b above. 11. If a Junior Member receives a failing grade of 59% or lower and must take summer school, or elects to take summer school classes, shall be considered to be in school, and shall comply with the section of this guideline that references the school year a) If a Junior Member receives one final grade of 69% or lower on the FINAL report card, the Junior Member shall be restricted from fire company activities for a period of 30 days at the start of the next scheduled school session. b) If a grade is found to be altered in any way the Junior Member shall be subjected to disciplinary action pending an investigation by the MTFR fire company Chief officers and Township Junior Advisor. 12. The following guidelines have been established by the Township Junior Advisor, Training Officer, and Line Officers, taking into consideration the safety and limitations of the Junior Members riding the apparatus. a) At the time of the call the Junior Member shall gear up and stand in clear view of the OIC of the piece, and shall ride only at the discretion of the OIC or highest ranking Line Officer. b) When arriving on the scene the Junior Member shall stay with the piece and assist the driver unless told otherwise by the OIC or another Line Officer. c) Junior Members are prohibited from riding any and all apparatus assisting outside MTFR districts. d) Junior Member shall vacate any seat position for a Senior Firefighter. e) Junior Members may use the radio only with approval from a senior member or line officer. f) Junior Members shall not drive any apparatus. 13. Junior Members must arrange for a ride to pick them up before curfew, unless on a call or approved training, after which he or she shall vacate the premises as soon as possible. 14. Junior Members shall not display or use a blue light on his or her vehicle. 15. All Junior Members shall conduct themselves with PRIDE and PROFESSIONALISM at all times. 16. An orange helmet or an orange stripe on his or her helmet shall identify a Junior Member. 17. All Junior Members shall be prohibited from the use of any tobacco products on fire company property and at fire company functions. 18. All Junior Members shall participate in fund raising activities when available and within the guidelines of the Child Labor Laws of Pennsylvania. 19. Any disciplinary action shall be upheld by all MTFR services. Page 2 of 2

40 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Driver Only Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide a guideline for all personnel in a MTFR fire company who do not wish to take part in aggressive interior firefighting activities but wish to be a driver only. SCOPE: All personnel in a MTFR fire company who is wishing to be a Driver Only shall meet the Level II Driver requirements within 24 months of joining a company and shall meet the following: A. Requirements 1. Shall be a member in good standing with a MTFR fire company. 2. Shall meet the requirements of MTFR Driver Training SOG documents. 3. Shall participate in fund raising activities. 4. Shall maintain certification in Haz-Mat Operations. 5. Shall complete NIMS 700 and ICS 100 Courses. 6. Shall be able to identify all equipment carried on apparatus. 7. Shall attend station orientation. Page 1 of 1

41 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: EMS Worker Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as an EMS Worker of a MTFR fire company. SCOPE: All MTFR fire company members wishing to participate as an EMS Worker only. A. Responsibilities B. Training 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Respond to medical incidents with the company and perform activities as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 3. Shall be responsible for equipment readiness before and after calls. 4. Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire company apparatus, equipment and property. 5. Shall perform a written checkout on equipment status of apparatus ridden after each incident that each apparatus responds to. 6. Shall maintain gear issued to them. 7. Shall clean gear and personal gear when necessary or directed. 8. Shall review in-station bulletin boards and training boards to keep informed of new policies, upcoming training sessions, equipment changes and/or additions, etc. 9. Shall keep current qualifications to ride apparatus. 10. Perform related work as required. 11. Prepare records and reports of company responses to medical emergencies. 12. Shall abide by all rules and SOGs of MTFR. 1. Maintain certification in CPR. 2. Maintain certification in Haz-Mat Operations. 3. Maintain certification in the Emergency Red Cross First Responder or PA DOH First Responder first aid course or higher 4. Completion of NIMS 700 and ICS 100 courses. Page 1 of 1

42 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Firefighter Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide a guideline for all firefighters in a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities B. Training 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Respond to alarms with the company and perform activities as directed to mitigate the incident. 3. Shall be responsible for equipment readiness before and after calls. 4. Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire company apparatus, equipment and property. 5. Shall perform a written checkout on equipment status of apparatus ridden after each incident that each apparatus responds to. 6. Shall maintain gear issued to them. 7. Shall clean gear and personal gear when necessary or directed. 8. Shall review in-station bulletin boards and training boards to keep informed of new policies, upcoming training sessions, equipment changes and/or additions, etc. 9. Shall keep current qualifications to ride all apparatus. 10. Perform related work as required. 11. Act as an officer in charge when required. 12. Shall abide by all rules and SOGs of the MTFR and fire company. 13. Participate in fund raising activities. 1. See Training section within this book for training levels for firefighters. Page 1 of 1

43 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Exterior Firefighter Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide a guideline for all firefighters in a MTFR fire company; who do not wish to take part in aggressive interior firefighting activities. SCOPE: All MTFR fire company members wishing to participate as an Exterior Firefighter. A. Responsibilities B. Training 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Respond to alarms with the company and perform activities as directed to mitigate the incident. 3. Shall be responsible for equipment readiness before and after calls. 4. Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire company apparatus, equipment and property. 5. Shall perform a written checkout on equipment status of apparatus ridden after each incident that each apparatus responds to. 6. Shall maintain gear issued to them. 7. Shall clean gear and personal gear when necessary or directed. 8. Shall review in-station bulletin boards and training boards to keep informed of new policies, upcoming training sessions, equipment changes and/or additions, etc. 9. Shall keep current qualifications to ride all apparatus. 10. Perform related work as required. 11. Shall abide by all rules and SOGs of the MTFR and fire company. 12. Participate in fund raising activities. 1. Maintain certification in CPR and AED. 2. Maintain certification in Haz-Mat Operations. 3. Completion of Vehicle Rescue Technician (VRT) Course. * 4. Completion of the new Essentials of Firefighting Modules 1, 2 & Completion of NIMS 700 and ICS 100 courses. * An Exterior Firefighter may satisfy the VRT Course requirement above by obtaining NFPA 1006 Vehicle and Machinery certification Page 1 of 1

44 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Engineer Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as an Engineer of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Shall be responsible for the mechanical readiness of the apparatus. 3. Shall assist in pump operations at large scale operations. 4. Shall be responsible for committees assigned to. 5. Shall prepare a monthly report to the fire chief concerning apparatus readiness. 6. Has the overall authority to place apparatus in or out of service, as he/she deems necessary. 7. Shall assist in the training of drivers/operators. 8. Shall abide by all rules and SOGs of the MTFR and fire company. 9. Participate in fund raising activities. B. Requirements C. Training 1. Be at least 21 years old. 2. Have served at least 24 consecutive months with a MTFR fire company. 3. Maintain a current and valid PA driver's license. 4. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 1. Must meet the requirements of the Driver Training SOG documents and shall be a Level III Driver prior to nomination, appointment, or election. 2. Must maintain certification in Haz-Mat Operations. 3. Must complete NIMS 700 and ICS 100 courses. 4. Must be qualified on all apparatus within the individual MTFR fire company fleet. 5. Must be able to identify all equipment carried on apparatus. Page 1 of 1

45 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: October 12, 2010 Sergeant Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as a Sergeant of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Respond to fires and emergency alarms, advise driver/operator concerning route of travel, evaluate the emergency and direct initial company operations. 3. Direct and assist the work of subordinates at the scene of an emergency at the station. 4. Inspect apparatus and equipment to insure proper order and condition. 5. Assist in training subordinates during company drills, using lectures, practical performances and demonstration. 6. As part of in-service training, will survey public buildings, industry, business, schools, public assembly structures, etc. for fire hazards or conditions dangerous to life and property. 7. Shall assist in giving fire prevention and public safety education talks and assist in fire investigations. 8. Prepare records and reports of company responses to emergencies, public services, personnel actions and other company activities. 9. Maintain discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations and SOGs of the MTFR and individual fire company. 10. Act as a chief officer when required. B. Requirements C. Training 1. Be at least 19 years old. 2. Have served at least 12 months with a MTFR fire company. 3. Maintain a current valid PA driver s license. 4. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 1. Must meet all the requirements of the Firefighter (Level II) training level to be eligible for nomination, appointment, or election. Page 1 of 1

46 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Lieutenant Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as a Lieutenant of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Respond to fires and emergency alarms, advise driver/operator concerning route of travel, evaluate the emergency and direct initial company operations. 3. Direct and assist the work of subordinates at the scene of an emergency at the station. 4. Inspect apparatus and equipment to insure proper order and condition. 5. Assist in training subordinates during company drills, using lectures, practical performances and demonstration. 6. As part of in-service training, will survey public buildings, industry, business, schools, public assembly structures, etc. for fire hazards or conditions dangerous to life and property. 7. Shall assist in giving fire prevention and public safety education talks and assist in fire investigations. 8. Prepare records and reports of company responses to emergencies, public services, personnel actions and other company activities. 9. Maintain discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations and SOGs of the MTFR and individual fire company. 10. Act as a chief officer when required. B. Requirements C. Training 1. Be at least 19 years old. 2. Have served at least 12 months with a MTFR fire company. 3. Maintain a current valid PA driver s license. 4. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 1. Must meet all the requirements of the Master Firefighter (Level III) training level to be eligible for nomination, appointment, or election. Page 1 of 1

47 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Captain Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as a Captain of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Respond to fires and emergency alarms, advise driver/operator concerning route of travel, evaluate the emergency and direct initial company operations. 3. Direct and assist the work of subordinates at the scene of an emergency at the station. 4. Inspect apparatus and equipment to insure proper order and condition. 5. Assist in training subordinates during company drills, using lectures, practical performances and demonstration. 6. As part of in-service training, will survey public buildings, industry, business, schools, public assembly structures, etc. for fire hazards or conditions dangerous to life and property. 7. Shall assist in giving fire prevention and public safety education talks and assist in fire investigations. 8. Prepare records and reports of company responses to emergencies, public services, personnel actions and other company activities. 9. Maintain discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations and SOGs of the MTFR and individual fire company. 10. Act as a chief officer when required. B. Requirements C. Training 1. Be at least 20 years old. 2. Have served at least 24 consecutive months with a MTFR fire company. 3. Maintain a current valid PA driver s license. 4. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 1. Must meet all the requirements of the Fire Officer (Level IV) training level to be eligible for nomination, appointment, or election. Page 1 of 1

48 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Safety Officer Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as a Safety Officer of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 2. Shall maintain a Firefighter Accountability System to be used at all incidents. 3. Shall coordinate pre-incident surveys with the Pre-Incident Survey Division concerning safety issues at target hazards. 4. Shall evaluate firefighting operations against safety operations. 5. Shall appoint secondary safety officers, as he/she deems necessary at the scene of a largescale incident. 6. Shall establish safety zones and perimeters. 7. Shall directly communicate with the incident commander of unsafe acts and advise of such. 8. Has the overall authority to force an immediate evacuation should the situation at the scene of an incident deteriorate. 9. Has the overall authority to stop a specific operation should the actions of conducting the operation be an immediate risk to the individuals performing the operation and/or individuals in the nearby area. 10. Maintain discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations and SOGs of the MTFR and individual fire company. 11. Participate in fund raising activities. B. Requirements C. Training 1. Be at least 23 years old. 2. Has served at least 5 consecutive years with a MTFR fire company. 3. Must be an active member of a MTFR fire company for the past 24 months. 4. Maintain a current valid PA driver s license. 5. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 1. Must meet all the requirements of the Fire Officer (Level IV) training level to be eligible for nomination, appointment, or election. Page 1 of 1

49 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management & Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: June 12, 2012 Chief Officer Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as a Chief Officer of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Shall assume command of all firefighting and rescue operations unless relieved by a superior officer. 2. Attend training classes, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression and rescue, and emergency medical services. 3. Oversee divisional officers of their performance of fire ground activities and committee assignments. 4. Develop SOGs in cooperation with the fire chief that will govern firefighting operations of the company. 5. Assist the fire chief in planning and implementing public safety education programs. 6. Assist the fire chief in the investigation of fires and analyze findings to determine the cause. 7. Review reports and records of company activities and operations and take appropriate actions when required to assure their effectiveness. 8. Assist the fire chief in the preparation of departmental budgets. 9. Maintain discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations and SOGs of the MTFR and individual fire company. 10. Participate in fund raising activities. B. Requirements C. Training 1. Be at least 23 years old. 2. Has served at least 5 consecutive years with a MTFR fire company. 3. Must be an active member of the respective MTFR fire company for the past 12 months. 4. Maintain a current and valid PA driver s license. 5. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 6. Reside within the primary MTFR service area. 1. Must meet all the requirements of the Fire Officer (Level IV) training level to be eligible for nomination, appointment, or election. Page 1 of 1

50 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management & Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: June 12, 2012 Fire Chief Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline will outline the roles and responsibilities to successfully perform duties as the Fire Chief of a MTFR fire company. A. Responsibilities 1. Shall supervise all fire prevention, public education, fire and rescue activities. 2. Shall review reports and records of company activities and operations, and take actions when required to assure effectiveness. 3. Shall respond to emergencies and determine what apparatus and equipment is needed. 4. Make decisions as to the best method of controlling and mitigating an incident. 5. Assist in establishing minimum standards of training and technical competence for all company personnel. 6. Assist in developing rules, regulations, and standard operating guidelines governing both emergency and non-emergency operations of the company. 7. Initiate and supervise the investigation of all fires and analyze findings to determine the cause. 8. Plan, organize, supervise and coordinate the fire company training program. 9. Assist in the administration of the company by budget preparation, developing and maintaining an effective system of reports and record of personnel action, alarm responses, fire and casualty reports, fire inspections, investigations, personnel training, station, apparatus, equipment maintenance and testing. 10. Obtain permission from the MTFR Fire Chief for any request of a fire company owned vehicle to travel outside Lancaster County on any non-emergency event. 11. Provide immediate notification of a firefighter or EMS worker line of duty death or serious injury to the Manheim Township Fire Chief. 12. Provide a complete worker s compensation report no later than twenty-four (24) hours after any line of duty injury of a firefighter, EMS worker, or company member to the MTFR Fire Chief. 13. Develop and implement public safety education programs for civic, fraternal, educational, institutional or industrial organizations or agencies. 14. Develop long range plans for the training, operations, manpower, and equipment requirements of the company. 15. Participate in local, regional, state and national conferences and seminars on fire administration, prevention, public education and suppression to maintain a continuing level of professional and technical competence. 16. Maintain discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations and SOGs of the MTFR and fire company. 17. Participate in fund raising activities. B. Requirements Page 1 of 2

51 C. Training 1. Be at least 23 years old. 2. Has served at least 5 consecutive years with a MTFR fire company. 3. Must be an active member of the respective MTFR fire company for the past 24 months. 4. Maintain a current and valid PA driver s license. 5. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 6. Reside within the primary MTFR service area. 1. Must meet all the requirements of the Fire Officer (Level IV) training level to be eligible for nomination, appointment, or election. Page 2 of 2

52 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: April 13, 2010 Firefighter Physical Approved By: PURPOSE: To ensure an initial pre-employment medical examination by a licensed Medical Practitioner is accomplished in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), Respiratory Protection. POLICY: Each Applicant to any of the MTFR fire company is required to obtain a physical examination and have a letter from a licensed Medical Practitioner stating they are either cleared for full firefighting duty, without limitations or cleared for all duties except direct Fire Suppression, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services functions. All current active firefighters must maintain physical and health standards and it is highly recommended that periodical physical examinations be completed. The Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, or Assistant Chiefs may direct a firefighter to obtain a medical examination if he/she shows or demonstrates any physical problems in the performance of his/her duties. A. General 1. Physical Requirements a) All active firefighters must be physically able to operate a variety of machines, tools, and equipment which includes a motor vehicle, computer, generator, fire pump, fire hydrant, axe, shovel, hydraulic tools, power tools, hand tools, medical equipment, etc. b) Must be physically able to wear and maneuver about in a complete set of personal protective equipment with self contained breathing apparatus in order to protect self and others from extreme heat, smoke, hazardous chemicals, falling materials, blood and other dangerous and life threatening situations. c) Must be able to use body members (arms, legs, etc.) to work, move, or carry objects and materials. d) Must be physically able to perform duties while bending, crouching, stooping, climbing, and crawling in buildings or confined spaces that may be filled with toxic smoke, fumes, odors, or lack of oxygen. e) Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work. B. Procedures 1. Manheim Township Fire Companies: Will provide a letter or instruction (see Appendix B8) to the applicant explaining the obligation for a physical examination and a Physical Examination Form (see Appendix B7) to be completed by the Township approved medical facility. The MTFR fire company will provide the MTFR Fire Chief with Page 1 of 2

53 confirmation that a new applicant has successfully passed the entry level physical, and the confirmation will be stored in a secured facility at the Municipal Building. 2. New Firefighter Applicant: The applicant will take the letter or instructions to the Township Approved Medical Facility, and upon completion of the examination, provide the completed Physical Examination Form from the Physician to the MTFR fire company. If necessary, the Physical Examination Form will be reviewed with the applicant for any additional clarification prior to the applicant being accepted into the MTFR fire company. 3. Township Approved Medical Facility: The MTFR approved medical facility for physical examinations and any non-life threatening injuries is Urgent Care Center of Lancaster located at 1821 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA, HIPPA Guidelines: Each MTFR fire company must adhere to these guidelines at all times and no medical or personal medical information can be obtained from a licensed Medical Practitioner. If any member of a MTFR fire company knows any medical or personal information, this information may not be released or provided to any other member or the public. 5. Active Firefighter: It is the duty and responsibility of any active firefighter to maintain physical standards and good health at all times. All firefighters should seek medical attention immediately if known he/she cannot comply with the current guidelines. 6. Fire Chief and Chief Officers: Upon observation of any active firefighter failing to meet medical and health standards must direct the firefighter to obtain a Physical Examination. The firefighter must provide a letter from a licensed Medical Practitioner indicating clearance or non-clearance to the Fire Company. The firefighter may be restricted from active status and may perform support operations as outlined by the licensed Medical Practitioner. Page 2 of 2

54 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Fitness Club Membership Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to explain the procedure for obtaining and the general use of a fitness club membership. A. General 1. Universal Athletic Club has provided MTFR with a free fitness club membership to its members. This membership includes unlimited use of the facility s weight room, locker rooms, pool, cardiovascular equipment, basketball court, fitness classes, and other services of a general membership that are provided without a fee. 2. The membership does not include services that would normally require a fee, including, but not limited to, spa treatments, tanning, kid club membership, and individual personal training. B. Requirements 1. An active firefighter, EMS provider, duty crew member, or any member in good standing according to the By-Laws and the Constitution of the individual MTFR fire company may be eligible for a fitness club membership. C. Obtaining Membership 1. A member who wishes to obtain a membership to Universal must attain a signed letter from the individual MTFR fire company Fire Chief indicating the member is in good standing and meets the requirements for receiving a fitness club membership. 2. The member must provide the signed letter to the membership department of the fitness club, and the member is required to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the fitness club to complete the membership process. 3. Once the membership process is completed at the fitness club, the member will receive a key card that will provide access to the club. D. Club Usage 1. Members shall use the key card given to them by the fitness club to gain access to the facility. 2. Members shall be courteous and respectful to the staff and other patrons of the fitness club. The fitness club is in the MTFR response area, and all members should assume that a patron around them is a member of the community that we protect. Any member who is disrespectful to a fitness club employee or another patron may face disciplinary action and a suspension or revocation of his/her fitness club membership. 3. Use the antibacterial wipes provided by the fitness club or personal towels for cleaning cardiovascular machines and other equipment after use. Page 1 of 2

55 4. All members should take to the fitness club any and all materials that you would need to complete your workout. The fitness club provides some equipment for the various fitness classes offered. 5. Members are encouraged to use the fitness club as often as possible to keep physical fitness as a priority in their lives. 6. If a group of members wishes to take a piece of apparatus to the fitness club, the apparatus shall be parked in the lower back lot of the Quality Inn (the fitness club now owns this lot). 7. If an emergency or non-emergency call is dispatched while members are at the fitness club with a fire company apparatus, members are expected to exit the fitness club in a quick but safe manner to respond to the call. 8. Members should be courteous to other fitness club patrons if a portable radio is brought into the facility to monitor LCWC. Please keep the volume of the radio to a minimum. E. Membership Termination 1. Your membership to the fitness club may be terminated if you are no longer in good standing with the Fire Company, or if the fitness club terminates your membership for violations of the club s policies. 2. Upon termination of a member s fire company membership, the gym membership will also cease, and the member is expected to return his/her fitness club access card. Page 2 of 2

56 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Physical Training Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to outline the importance of including physical training (PT) in the MTFR training program. A. General 1. The firefighting tasks that the MTFR personnel are faced with everyday are extremely demanding physically. These tasks are usually performed without proper warm up and under environmentally unfriendly conditions, and such activities are conducive to a high risk of injury. To reduce the risk of injury, the capacity to endure the physical demands of firefighting need to be increased. 2. Regular physical fitness activities are very important to the total well being of all our members. Participating in regular physical fitness activities not only reduces the risk of injury, but it also increases strength and stamina and lowers personal stress. B. Training Programs 1. If a Physical Training program has been implemented, the individual MTFR fire company will try to provide at least one training session per month devoted to PT. The fire company PT program should be an additional form of physical fitness for each member, and it should by no means be used as the only form of physical activity for a member. 2. The Health and Safety Group will maintain a schedule of physical training activities for the year, and depending on any environmental, staffing, or other factors, a partial list of activities that may be used as PT are listed: a. Open gym time b. Football c. Soccer d. Ultimate Frisbee e. Group bike ride or run f. Softball / Baseball g. Basketball h. Firefighter Olympics i. Other 3. Participation in PT is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for all members to increase personal physical fitness and to increase friendship and closeness within the fire company. 4. If PT is held in a public area, all members will act in a kind and professional manner when approached or being observed by the public. 5. When participating in an event where personal contact potentially exists, all members should try to avoid such contact at all costs. Page 1 of 2

57 6. The Health and Safety Group and Training Division will continually evaluate weather conditions during PT activities and will act in the best interest of our personnel when deciding to postpone or cancel an outdoor PT activity. 7. Members are encouraged to prepare themselves for current the weather conditions (warm clothes, water bottles, etc) that are present during a PT activity. C. Fitness Evaluations 1. The Health and Safety Group will attempt to hold at least one annual Fitness Evaluation at a local track. 2. Participation in fitness evaluations is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for all fire company personnel. 3. The fitness evaluation criteria used to evaluate personnel has been taken from the US Air Force Fitness test. Criteria used in scoring is: a. Body Composition (abdominal circumference) b. Aerobic (1.5 mile run) c. Push-ups (total in one minute) d. Crunches (total in one minute) 4. A total of 100 points is available and each category represents a portion of the maximum number of points. 5. Personnel are scored and evaluated for individual personal use only, and the score is not transmitted throughout the fire company. 6. If a potentially serious medical condition for any member is presented through the fitness evaluations, the Health and Safety Group may make a recommendation to the Line Officer Group for additional medical follow up. Page 2 of 2

58 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Exposure Control Plan Revised: Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a procedure for proper documentation for an exposure at an emergency or non-emergency incident involving any member of MTFR. DEFINITION: An exposure is defined as any direct contact, indirect (inhalation) contact, or ingestion of any substance (solid, liquid, gas) that could produce a negative effect or adverse health reaction to the member. Note: If there is no Infectious Control Supervisor or Safety Officer defined in the fire company organizational chart, it will be the Duty Chief, Station Officer, or Incident Commander s responsibility to complete the areas noted for the Infectious Control Supervisor or Safety Officer. A. Member Responsibility 1. It will be the responsibility of the member and the Infectious Control Supervisor to complete the Infectious Exposure Form and the Incident Exposure Record within twentyfour (24) hours of the incident. B. Infectious Exposure Form 1. The member will photocopy the Infectious Exposure Form (Se Appendix B4). 2. The member will fully complete the Infectious Exposure Form. 3. The Infectious Control Supervisor will complete the report on the second page of the Infectious Exposure Form. 4. A copy of the form will be made available to the member, and it will go into the member s personnel file. C. Incident Exposure Record 1. The member will photocopy the Incident Exposure Record (see Appendix B3). 2. The member will fully complete the Incident Exposure Record. 3. The member and Fire Chief will sign and date the document. 4. The Safety Officer will complete the Safety Officer s Analysis form that is the second page of the Incident Exposure Record. 5. A copy of the form will be made available for the member, and it will go into the member s personnel file. Page 1 of 1

59 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Injury Reporting Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a procedure for proper documentation for an injury involving any MTFR member. Note: If there is no Safety Officer defined in the fire company organizational chart, it will be the Duty Chief, Station Officer, or Incident Commander s responsibility to complete the areas noted for the Safety Officer. A. General 1. An injury report form will be completed anytime there is an incident involving an MTFR member while performing duties for MTFR. 2. If any injury or illness requires the attention of a medical professional, the member may be transported to any hospital, or the member may visit his/her own family physician. a) If a member is transported to a hospital, the Manheim Township Worker s Compensation program will cover costs associated with the hospital visit. b) If a member is not transported to a hospital and chooses to visit his/her primary physician, or as a follow up to a hospital stay, a Manheim Township Physician Follow-Up (see Appendix B6) form shall be completed and submitted to the MTFR Fire Chief for Worker s Compensation reimbursement. 3. If the injury will cause the member to miss or be absent from his/her full time day job for any amount of time, the approved Manheim Township form for Worker s Compensation must be completed. a) The MTFR fire company Fire Chief or Safety Officer shall complete the above mentioned form and submit it to the MTFR Fire Chief. 4. A member will be reimbursed following medical attention for an injury sustained while operating on behalf of a MTFR fire company for any out of pocket expenses incurred as long as the proper channel and forms have been completed. B. Member Responsibility 1. It will be the responsibility of the member and the Safety Officer to complete the Personal Injury / Illness Investigation Report form immediately following an injury or illness. C. Personal Injury / Illness Investigation Report 1. The member will photocopy the Personal Injury / Illness Investigation Report (see Appendix B5). 2. The member and Safety Officer will fully complete the Personal Injury / Illness Investigation Report. 3. A copy of the report will be made available to the member, and the original will be placed in the member s personnel file. Page 1 of 1

60 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: April 13, 2010 Workers' Compensation Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide a uniform policy for treatment and report of injuries related to any incident in which a MTFR firefighter was properly dispatched to a fire, emergency, public service requirement or any incident/requirement covered under Workers Compensation Insurance coverage by Manheim Township REFERENCES: INSERVCO Insurance Services, Inc. policy for Manheim Township Forms: Employer s Report of Occupational Injury or Disease (LIBC-344 INSHBG Rev ), Manheim Township Treatment Letter A. General 1. Any member of any MTFR fire company sustaining an injury shall be taken or transported immediately to the Manheim Township established medical facility for evaluation or the member s health care provider. 2. If a member chooses to report to a local provider, he or she should provide the provider a form letter from Manheim Township indicating the treatment is covered by Workers Compensation (see Appendix B6). 3. A Workers Compensation report must be completed as soon as possible by a fire officer of the assigned member s fire company and submitted to the MTFR Fire Chief within forty eight (48) hours from when the injury occurred. 4. The MTFR Fire Chief will review the form for completeness and correctness and process the form with the Administrative Section of Manheim Township. 5. Any follow-up action or questions must be referred to the MTFR Fire Chief. 6. Failure to follow these procedures could result in fire company administrative/disciplinary action or out of pocket expenses for the MTFR fire company member. Page 1 of 1

61 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Tobacco Use Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide a guideline stating when it would be acceptable and not acceptable to use tobacco. SCOPE: The MTFR fire companies have a vital interest in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for its membership, members of the public, and guests. DEFINITIONS: Public Education Event: An event where the MTFR fire company is presenting on fire safety, health safety, etc. to the public. This may be at a MTFR fire company or at an offsite location. External Policy: a policy that MTFR did not establish. Typically it is written by the property owner to establish a healthy environment. (ie, restaurants, bars, government buildings, etc.) Tobacco Use: the use of tobacco products through smoking and non-smoking (ie, chew) methods. A. Acceptable Use 1. Tobacco use is acceptable only in approved locations at each individual MTFR fire station and in accordance with the Clean Indoor Air Act. 2. Tobacco use is acceptable when the individual maintains cleanliness. (ie, using spill proof containers, using ash trays, etc.) 3. Tobacco use is acceptable when the individual properly disposes of remains after tobacco use. 4. While operating at an incident or MTFR event tobacco may be used with discretion and safety as a priority. This includes all MTFR members (ex: Auxillary, Fire Police, Firefighters, Support Staff, etc). B. Unacceptable Use 1. Tobacco use is prohibited in any MTFR fire company apparatus. 2. Tobacco use is prohibited when the potential for harm is present. (ie, fueling, operating machinery, etc.) Page 1 of 1

62 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Facial Hair Approved By: PURPOSE: The following guideline shall outline the facial hair regulations for all MTFR fire company personnel. SCOPE: This policy will apply to all firefighting / response personnel within the MTFR organization. A. General 1. Due to the importance of obtaining a proper seal when wearing a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), facial hair should be groomed and properly trimmed. 2. Beards and other facial hair, other than a trimmed mustache, or other circumstances that will interfere with maintaining a proper SCBA face-piece seal shall not be acceptable. 3. Sideburns are permitted to the bottom of the ear lobe. 4. Any firefighting / response personnel who are directly involved with or may become directly involved with donning an SCBA are required to adhere to this guideline. 5. Officer discretion of a responding MTFR apparatus may deem a firefighting / response member ineligible to don an SCBA depending on facial hair conditions. A. Non-Compliance 1. Any firefighter / response member not complying with this guideline shall be able to respond to calls, but the member may not be counted as qualified staffing if the response may require the use of SCBA. 2. No Line Officer of any MTFR fire company, including the MTFR Fire Chief, at any time shall wear any facial hair other than what is listed as acceptable above. Page 1 of 1

63 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Management and Admin Issued: March 13, 2012 No.: Revised: PPE Cleaning Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard shall be to establish a program for structural firefighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements to reduce the safety risks and potential health risks associated with poorly maintained, contaminated, or damaged structural firefighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements. SCOPE: This policy will apply to all firefighting / response personnel within the MTFR organization. DEFINITIONS: 1. Cleaning Advanced: The thorough cleaning of ensembles or elements performed by washing with cleaning agents. Advanced cleaning usually requires elements to be temporarily taken out of service. Examples include hand washing, machine washing, and contract cleaning. 2. Cleaning Routine: The light cleaning of ensembles or elements performed by the end user without taking the elements out of service. Examples include brushing off dry debris, rinsing off debris with a water hose, and spot cleaning. 3. Cleaning Specialized: Cleaning to remove hazardous materials or biological agents. This level of cleaning involved specific procedures and specialized cleaning agents and processes. A. General 1. The importance of maintaining the cleanliness of ensembles and ensemble elements should not be underestimated. Soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements are a hazard to fire fighters since oils and contaminates can be flammable, toxic, or carcinogenic. Additionally, soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements can have reduced protective performance. 2. Soiled or contaminated ensembles and ensemble elements can expose fire fighters to toxins and carcinogens that enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption. Repeated small exposures to some contaminants can add up over time and cause health problems. 3. Although great emphasis is placed on safety to avoid injury or inhalation hazards while working on the fire ground, many of the toxins which lead to health risks are being carried away from the fire scene on personal protective equipment used by the fire fighter. 4. Toxins that a fire fighter will come into contact with are found in soot, trapped within the fibers of soiled ensembles and ensemble elements or absorbed into the materials themselves. Contact with the soiled ensembles and ensemble elements increase the risk of the contaminants being introduced into the body. Page 1 of 3

64 B. Records 5. Clothing contaminated with blood or other body fluids presents a potential risk of a communicable disease being transmitted to the person coming into contact with the contaminated clothing system. 6. When ensembles and ensemble elements or equipment become contaminated, other problems are faced in addition to being exposed to toxins, such as the following: a) Soiled ensembles and ensemble elements typically reflect less radiant heat. After materials are saturated with hydrocarbons, they will tend to absorb rather than reflect the radiant heat from the surrounding fire. b) Ensembles and ensemble elements heavily contaminated with hydrocarbons are more likely to conduct electricity, increasing the danger when entering a building or vehicle where wiring can still be live. c) Clothing materials impregnated without grease and hydrocarbon deposits from soot and smoke can ignite and cause severe burns and injuries, even if the materials are normally flame resistant. 1. MTFR shall compile and maintain records on their structural firefighting protective ensembles or ensemble elements. These records will be kept on file with the MTFR Health and Safety Officer. 2. At least the following records shall be kept for each ensemble element: a) Person to whom element is issued b) Date and condition when issued c) Manufacturer and model name or design d) Manufacturer s ID number, lot number, or serial number e) Month and year of manufacture f) Date(s) of and findings of advanced inspection(s) by organization g) Date(s) of advanced cleaning or decontamination h) Reason for advanced cleaning or decontamination i) Date(s) of repair(s), who performed repair(s), and brief description of any repair(s) j) Date of retirement k) Date and method of disposal C. Inspection 1. Each individual member shall conduct a routine inspection of their personal ensemble or ensemble elements after each use. 2. An advanced inspection of all personal ensembles and ensemble elements shall be conducted at a minimum of every twelve (12) months, or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem may exist. The advanced inspections shall be conducted by any MTFR personnel who has received training in the inspection of structural firefighting protective clothing and equipment (see Appendix B14). Page 2 of 3

65 D. Cleaning and Decontamination 1. Soiled or contaminated elements shall not be brought into the home, washed in home laundries, or washed in public laundries unless the public laundry has a dedicated business to handle firefighting protective clothing. 2. Commercial dry cleaning shall not be used as a means of cleaning or decontaminating ensembles and ensemble elements. 3. When contract cleaning or decontamination is used, the contract cleaner shall demonstrate, to MTFR s satisfaction, procedures for cleaning and decontamination that do not compromise the performance of ensembles and ensemble elements. E. Routine Cleaning 1. After each use any elements that are soiled shall receive routing cleaning. 2. Should routine cleaning fail to render the element(s) sufficiently clean for service, the element(s) shall receive advanced cleaning. F. Advanced Cleaning 1. Every six (6) months, at a minimum, elements that have been issued, used, and are soiled, shall receive advanced cleaning. 2. Water temperature in the washing machine shall not exceed 105 deg. F. 3. Extraction force of washing machine shall not exceed 100 G Force. 4. Chlorine bleach or chlorinated solvents should not be used to clean or decontaminate 5. Cleaning or decontamination solution shall not be greater than ph Heavy scrubbing or high velocity power washers shall not be used G. Drying Procedures 1. MTFR shall consult with the element manufacturer for instruction on drying. In the absence of manufacturers instructions, one of the drying procedures provided in this section shall be used 2. The following procedures shall be used for air-drying: a) Place elements in an area with good ventilation b) Do not dry in direct sunlight 3. The following procedures shall be used for machine or cabinet drying a) Temperature inside cabinet shall not exceed 105 deg. F b) Once all moisture is removed from the elements, heat must be turned off, air can still be circulated H. Garment Repair 1. Major A seams are critical to the integrity of the garment and re-stitching of more than 1 continuous inch of a major A seam shall require consultation with the manufacturer, or shall be performed by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer recognized repair facility in a manner consistent with the manufacturer s instructions. 2. Major B seams in the moisture barrier shall be repaired or altered only by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer recognized repair facility and shall not be repaired in the field. 3. Minor seams in the moisture barrier shall be repaired or altered only by the manufacturer or by a manufacturer recognized repair facility and shall not be repaired in the field. 4. All repaired stress areas shall be reinforced in a manner consistent with the manufacturer s instructions. Page 3 of 3

66 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Prevention and Special Programs No.: Fire Education and Safety Presentations Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to outline the public education and safety programs for MTFR fire companies. A. Standing Orders 1. It is the responsibility of MTFR fire companies to provide adequate fire education and safety guidelines for those who inquire. 2. All inquiries of station tours, fire education events, requests for inspections, or other public education events are to be referred to the Public Education Group. B. Preparation 1. Know the information before your presentation. 2. Think about the members of the audience to whom you will be speaking and their capability to understand the information to be covered. 3. Plan what materials you may want to use. C. Presentation 1. Class C uniform will be the minimum attire. 2. Properly represent MTFR. 3. Use visual aids. 4. When needed, be serious, sincere, and aware of the audience s feelings. D. Materials- the following are just some topics to aid in presentation: 1. Fire Safety a) Playing with matches b) Ashtrays c) Extension Cords d) Fireplaces and Stoves e) Smoke Detectors (annual testing and battery replacement) f) Stop Drop and Roll 2. Exit Drills a) Stay low b) Feel doors before opening c) Towels or sheets around bottom of doors. d) Plan two different means of exit. (Include an outside meeting place.) e) Practice your means of exit monthly. f) Have a head count ready for the fire company. g) Do NOT reenter the house. This will always be emphasized. Page 1 of 2

67 h) Go to a neighbor s house and call a) The two most important pieces of information to give to 911 operators are your address and the problem. b) Do not play with Fire Company Operations a) Explain our turnout gear and some basic equipment (remember do not bore them with details) b) Dress a firefighter in turnout gear and SCBA. c) Touch on fire extinguishers and where they can be located in home and schools. 5. Wrap Up a) Allow time for questions. b) Stress the importance of passing information on to parents and siblings. c) If at a school or group where parents are not present give letter to teacher or kids to give to parents explaining what was covered during the fire safety education. Page 2 of 2

68 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: General Training Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide the general guidelines for training within MTFR. SCOPE: This guideline applies to all personnel within the MTFR organization. A. General 1. Training will be performed in a safe manner. Horseplay will not be tolerated or taken lightly. Disciplinary action may be taken. 2. Appropriate gear will be worn on all practical exercises. 3. SCBA will be donned on air whenever a toxic environment exists or potentially exists. 4. The training officer or committee will post all company sanctioned training classes. 5. All training activities and copies of training certificates will be turned in to the training officer. 6. All training activities will be documented using training report forms. 7. If gear or equipment is needed to be taken for a class, it will be the responsibility of the member using the equipment to make sure it is cleaned and ready for service after the class. Before any gear or equipment may be taken out of the station, the member will have to get approval from the officer in charge of equipment. Page 1 of 1

69 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: In Station Training Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide the general guidelines for in station training. It is the purpose of the training officer or committee to make available training of all levels to all members. It is highly recommended that members participate in training to better their skills in all areas. A. General 1. Members may only use equipment for which they are qualified, except: a) If the member is in the direct supervision of a qualified member. b) If the member is in the direct supervision of the training officer or an approved training assistant. 2. Juniors may only participate within the guidelines established by the Child Labor Laws. 3. Persons allowed to conduct in station training include the training officer, training committee, line officers or an appointed training assistant. 4. Any in station training in Manheim Township will be open to any MTFR personnel to attend. Page 1 of 1

70 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Out of Station Training Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide the general guidelines for personnel engaging in out of station training. A. Out of Station Training 1. A member wishing to attend out of station training classes must fill out an enrollment form and forward it to the training officer for approval from the line officers. 2. The MTFR fire company line officer s reserve the right to reject any and all requests for attending out of station training. 3. The MTFR fire company will pay for the cost of the approved training class as long as the member meets the following criteria: 4. Has no outstanding debt to any MTFR fire company. a) Is in good standing with the fire company. b) Application is approved by the line officers prior to the start date of the class. 5. Juniors may only attend classes within the Child Labor Law guidelines. 6. Juniors may not attend classes that require overnight lodging. 7. All members participating in out of station training are reminded that they represent the MTFR and will act in a professional manner. 8. The highest-ranking officer will be in charge. If no officer is attending the class, the training officer will appoint a firefighter to be in charge. 9. Any unsafe or reckless behavior will not be tolerated. Any person or persons doing so will be sent home, and will be responsible for reimbursing the MTFR fire company for all costs incurred. The incident will be brought to the training officer s attention and will be brought before the line officers for disciplinary action. 10. There must be at least two members taking the course to use a fire company vehicle as a means of transportation. Fire company vehicles may be used only with a chief officer s permission. 11. Members using the fire company owned vehicles for travel outside of Lancaster County will need to obtain permission from the MTFR Fire Chief. 12. All members using fire company vehicles for out of station training will remove any equipment not needed and place equipment back on upon returning. All members using that vehicle will be responsible for cleaning and making sure it is full of fuel. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of the privilege to use fire company vehicles as transportation. Page 1 of 1

71 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Pre Paid Privilege Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide the general guidelines of the pre paid training privilege given to members of MTFR. A. General 1. The MTFR fire company will pay for approved classes as long as the member does not have but not limited to: a) Any outstanding debits with any MTFR fire company. b) Is not under suspension at the time of the class. c) MTFR fire company line officers have the final say and may override any restriction. 2. Once the class is paid for, the student is responsible for attending. If the student cannot attend, a replacement must be found or the student must reimburse the MTFR fire company for the cost of the class. 3. If the student does not successfully complete the course requirements, the student is responsible for reimbursing the MTFR fire company for all costs incurred for the class including course tuition and other costs. 4. Any member who must reimburse a MTFR fire company must arrange payment within two (2) weeks of the completion date of the class or course with the MTFR fire company. 5. If at any time during a training class, any member whose status becomes not in good standing or is terminated from a MTFR fire company shall be responsible for reimbursing the fire company for all expenses incurred during the class. Page 1 of 1

72 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Training Reimbursement Approved By: PURPOSE: To provide the general guidelines for personal reimbursement for training expenses while operating as a member of MTFR. A. General 1. If the course warrants overnight lodging, the member may be reimbursed for the cost of lodging, meals, and mileage. 2. Overnight lodging will require the course to be sixty (60) miles or more from the station. Meals will be a maximum of $30 per person per day. The member must turn in receipts for reimbursement. Receipts must be turned in to the training officer for review. 3. The MTFR fire company will reimburse mileage to a member who takes his or her own personal vehicle to an approved training course. This will be approved prior to the course date by the training officer and by the MTFR fire company line officer s. Mileage reimbursement will be paid at the current IRS rate. 4. The only time mileage reimbursement will be considered, but not limited to: a) When there is only one member taking the course. b) When there are more members taking the course then seats in fire company vehicles available. c) If a fire company vehicle is already committed or out of service. 5. The training officer and the MTFR fire company line officer s will determine the number of personal vehicles to be taken to an approved training course. 6. To be eligible for expense reimbursement, ALL of the following must be met: a) Must be a member in good standing at the time of the course. b) Must be debt free from any money owed to any MTFR fire company. c) The MTFR fire company line officer s reserve the right to add any requirements to this section they deem necessary. 7. The MTFR fire company line officer s reserve the right to revoke any member from expense reimbursement with approval from the fire company Fire Chief. 8. If a new member with less than one year of service requests to attend a course that warrants lodging or expense reimbursement and does not meet the reimbursement requirements, the line officers may waive the requirements. Page 1 of 1

73 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: April 13, 2010 Driver Training Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to describe the driver training process including: driver qualifications, general vehicle code, and driver levels. DEFINITIONS: An apparatus in this SOG is defined as any vehicle owned by a MTFR fire company. A. General 1. Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age to begin driver training on any non-utility MTFR fire company apparatus. a) A member who is eighteen (18) years of age shall be able to drive utility MTFR fire company apparatus only on non-emergency incidents and after the driver has successfully completed the driver training program as set forth in the remainder of this SOG. 1. The individual MTFR fire company will define utility vehicles in the respective stations. 2. At no time shall any member less than twenty one (21) years of age be permitted to tow anything behind the utility vehicle. 2. Must maintain a valid PA driver s license. 3. Must be approved by the Driver Training Officer prior to driving any fire company vehicle 4. Progression of driver training on apparatus shall be as follows: a) Squad / Utility vehicle (modified pickup truck or car). b) Tiller position c) Engine d) Rescue e) Tanker f) Tractor position of truck company. 5. Any individual MTFR fire company that does not own an apparatus listed in the above progression list shall skip to the next applicable apparatus in the list. 6. An exception to the progression order may be given to individuals who have joined a MTFR fire company with previous fire apparatus driving experience. This shall be evaluated on a case by case basis and may be different for each member with previous driving experience. 7. Drivers for any vehicle fewer than 10,000 pounds GVW can be orientated and qualified by any Level III Driver Trainer without having to comply with the Level I Driver Trainee section below. 8. Drivers must be accompanied by a qualified Level III Driver Trainer. 9. Loss of license shall forfeit driving privileges a) If a loss of license continues longer than 90 days, the driver shall re-qualify on all apparatus he/she was previously qualified to drive. 10. All drivers shall train on the pumps annually (apparatus with pumps only) Page 1 of 2

74 11. All drivers shall drive fifty (50) miles per year on each apparatus that they are qualified to drive. a) Any member failing to meet the fifty (50) mile minimum annually shall prove proficiency by driving a street course determined by a Level III member of the Driver Training Group for each apparatus he/she has not attained the required fifty (50) miles. B. Driver Training Group 1. The Driver Training Group shall consist of a chief officer and at least three Level III drivers appointed by the Fire Chief. 2. It shall be the responsibility of this group to keep an updated list of personnel and the apparatus each member is qualified to drive and to post this list visible to all members. 3. The group shall maintain a Driver s Checklist (see Appendix B9) for each Level I trainee. 4. Driver trainee mileage shall be logged in the appropriate training module in Firehouse Software. 5. Complaints about a member's driving shall be in writing to the Driver Training Group and shall be handled by the Driver Training Group and the MTFR fire company Fire Chief. C. Level I Driver Trainee 1. Must be oriented by a Level III Qualified Driver Trainer. 2. Must be accompanied at all times while driver training by a Level III Qualified Driver Trainer. 3. Must drive the apparatus for fifty (50) miles on the streets of the first due, not including limited access highways. Ten (10) of these miles shall include night time driving. 4. Shall not drive to an emergency call. 5. Must prove the ability to operate all equipment, including but not limited to pumps, aerial devices, and hydraulic equipment, on the apparatus as requested by the driver trainer. 6. Must possess a PA EVOC and a PA Pump I certificate, or NFPA 1002 certification, within one year of beginning the driver training program. 7. Must pass a written district awareness test with at least 80% and pass a street course as developed by the Driver Training Group. D. Level II Driver Qualified Driver Operator 1. The MTFR fire company Fire Chief or chief officer in charge of driver training must approve a Level I Driver to become a Level II Driver. 2. When needed, a Level II Driver shall drive and operate apparatus. 3. Shall maintain the understanding of how equipment on the apparatus functions. 4. Shall not act as a driver trainer for any Level I Drivers. E. Level III Driver Driver Trainer 1. Shall serve as a driver trainer for Level I Drivers. 2. Shall possess a PA Pump II certificate or NFPA 1002 certification. 3. Must be qualified on all apparatus within the individual MTFR fire company fleet. Page 2 of 2

75 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Firefighter Apprentice (Level I) Approved By: PURPOSE: All firefighters in a MTFR fire company shall obtain the Firefighter Apprentice level within two years of acceptance into a MTFR fire company, and these individuals shall meet the following: A. Requirements 1. Maintain certification in CPR and AED. 2. Completion of DelMar Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4. * 3. Maintain certification in Haz-Mat Operations. 4. Completion of a Vehicle Rescue Technician (VRT) Course. ** 5. Completion of NIMS 700 and ICS 100 Courses. * A Firefighter Apprentice may satisfy the DelMar Modules requirement above by obtaining Firefighter I certification through an approved certification agency. ** A Firefighter Apprentice may satisfy the VRT Course requirement above by obtaining NFPA 1006 Vehicle and Machinery certification through an approved certification agency. The Line Officers of each MTFR fire company may make exceptions to, and potentially extend, the two year time frame in the cases of active military leave or for members participating in full time higher education. Failure to meet these requirements within the aforementioned time frame may result in a membership review by the individual MTFR fire company s Line Officers. Page 1 of 1

76 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: October 12, 2010 Firefighter (Level II) Approved By: PURPOSE: All firefighters in a MTFR fire company are encourage to obtain their Firefighter training level, and these individuals shall meet the following: A. Requirements 1. Must meet all requirements of Manheim Township Firefighter Apprentice. 2. Completion of a 16 hour Fire Arson Detection class. 3. Completion of a 16 hour Principles of Building Construction, Combustible Materials. 4. Completion of a 16 hour Principles of Building Construction, Non-Combustible Materials class. 5. Completion of a 16 hour Aircraft Crash Rescue Short Course. 6. Completion of an ICS 200 course, or equivalent course (see Appendix B11 for equivalency courses). B. An individual may elect to achieve Firefighter status through the following alternative: 1. Firefighter II Certification through an approved certification agency. 2. Completion of a 16 hour Aircraft Crash Rescue Short Course. 3. Completion of an ICS 200 course, or equivalent course (see Appendix B11 for equivalency courses). C. All Sergeants must meet these additional requirements. 1. Certified at the Fire Firefighter I level through an approved certification agency prior to nomination, appointment, or election. Page 1 of 1

77 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: October 12, 2010 Master Firefighter (Level III) Approved By: PURPOSE: All firefighters in a MTFR fire company who wish to achieve the Master Firefighter training level shall meet the following: A. Requirements: 1. Must meet all the requirements of Manheim Township Firefighter. 2. Completion of a 16 hour Managing Company Tactical Operations: Preparation. * 3. Maintain certification in Emergency Red Cross First Responder or PA DOH First Responder first aid course or higher. 4. Must be qualified to ride all apparatus that is housed in station. 5. Must complete an ICS 300 course. B. All Lieutenants must meet these additional requirements. 1. Certified at the Fire Firefighter II level through an approved certification agency prior to nomination, appointment, or election. * A Master Firefighter may satisfy the Managing Company Tactical Operations: Preparation requirement above by obtaining Fire Officer I certification through an approved certification agency. Page 1 of 1

78 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Training No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Subject: Fire Officer (Level IV) Approved By: PURPOSE: All MTFR personnel who wish to achieve the Fire Officer training level or who are appointed or elected to the position of Fire Chief, Chief Officer, Captain, or Safety Officer shall meet the following: A. Requirements 1. Must meet all the requirements of Manheim Township Master Firefighter. 2. Completion of a 16 hour Legal Aspects for Fire Services. 3. Certified at the Fire Officer I level through an approved certification agency. 4. Incident Safety Officer (16 hours) 5. ICS 400 & NRP 800 Page 1 of 1

79 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Emergency Vehicle Operation Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to state general guidelines for response of apparatus to both emergency and non-emergency calls. DEFINITIONS: A vehicle in this guideline is defined as any MTFR owned vehicle. A. General 1. Prior to entering the cab the driver shall circle the vehicle to ensure all compartment doors and equipment are secured and any physical obstructions are moved out of the way. B. Response Speed 1. When responding in the emergency response mode, drivers shall operate the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner, conditions permitting. 2. Conditions that may require slower response speeds include, but are not limited to: a. slippery road conditions b. inclement weather c. poor visibility d. heavy or congested traffic conditions e. sharp curves C. Intersection Practices 1. Uncontrolled intersections: a. When an emergency vehicle approaches any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle or where the traffic signal is green for the emergency vehicle, drivers shall do the following: 1. Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, fast moving vehicles, etc.). 2. Observe traffic in all 4 directions 3. Slow down if any hazards are detected and cover the brake pedal with driver s foot. 4. Change the siren cadence not less than 200' from intersection. 5. Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible. b. Drivers should not force or assume the right of way, and drivers should be prepared to stop. 2. Controlled intersections: Page 1 of 2

80 a. When an emergency vehicle approaches any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow or red traffic light, the driver shall come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection. b. In addition to bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, the following steps shall be performed: 1. Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic. 2. Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, fast moving vehicles, etc.). 3. Observe traffic in all 4 directions. 4. Begin to slow down well before the intersection and cover the brake pedal with driver's foot. 5. Change the siren cadence not less than 200' from intersection. 6. Scan intersection for possible passing options; avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible. 7. Establish eye contact with other drivers; have officer communicate all is clear reconfirming all other vehicles have stopped. 8. Proceed one lane at a time treating each lane as a separate intersection. 3. Railroad intersections: a. When an emergency vehicle approaches an unguarded rail crossing, the driver shall bring the apparatus to a complete stop before entering the crossing. b. In addition to bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, the following steps shall be performed: 1. Turn off all sirens and air horns 2. Operate the vehicle's engine at idle speed 3. Turn off any other sound producing equipment or accessories. 4. Open the window and listen for a train's horn D. Riding Practices 1. All persons riding in any vehicle shall ride only in approved seated riding positions, and all riders shall be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts. 2. Riding on tail steps, sidesteps, running boards, hose beds or any other exposed position is strictly prohibited. Page 2 of 2

81 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Privately Owned Vehicles Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to state general guidelines for the use of personal privately owned vehicles when responding to any MTFR fire company incident. A. General 1. No member shall respond to the scene of an emergency incident in his/her personal vehicle. a) The exception to this rule is chief officers and fire police officers with approved visual and audible warning devices. b) Members responding to incidents that occur within their direct route of travel to their respective fire station, and that prevents their response to the fire station, may stop, safely secure their vehicle out of harms way and render aid. c) An approved MTFR fire company photographer may respond directly to an incident scene. 2. No privately owned vehicle shall respond on a limited access highway. a) The exception to this rule is for Fire Police officers who are not involved in staffing a Traffic unit. 3. All members responding to any MTFR fire station are not afforded any exemptions or special privileges under the state law; therefore they must obey all local and state traffic laws. 4. Any member observed breaking any traffic laws or operating in an aggressive or unsafe manner will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension, loss of driving privileges, and loss of blue light privileges. Page 1 of 1

82 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Blue Lights Revised: Approved By: Purpose: The purpose of this SOG is to state the general guidelines for the use of blue lights when responding to any MTFR fire company incident. A. General 1. All Pennsylvania blue light laws must be followed (see Appendix A6). 2. Blue lights may only be used within Manheim Township. 3. Member must be 18 years of age. 4. MTFR fire company members that are on probation may not use blue lights. 5. All MTFR fire company members that use blue lights must have a card signed by the fire chief. 6. The vehicle on which the blue lights are used must be registered each year with the Pennsylvania State Police. B. Violations 1. 1 st violation: 30 days suspension of blue light privileges 2. 2nd violation: permanent suspension of blue light privileges and the member, at the discretion of the MTFR fire company, may be suspended. Page 1 of 1

83 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Apparatus Staffing Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to prescribe the minimum qualifications that an emergency responder of the MTFR fire companies must maintain for response on both emergency and non-emergency incidents. SCOPE: This SOG applies to all MTFR personnel who respond to emergency and non emergency calls. A. Apparatus Designations 1. All apparatus maintained by each MTFR fire company shall be approved by the Lancaster County-Wide Communications Center and have an approved radio designation. 2. All new/replacement apparatus shall be inspected by the Lancaster County Fire Chiefs Association Apparatus Inspection Committee and receive favorable approval thereof prior to responding to incidents. 3. For the purposes of this SOG, the apparatus types for which riding qualifications are assigned include the following: a) Engine* b) Rescue *^(capability) includes Rescue Pumper*^ / Rescue Truck*^ dual designated apparatus. c) Truck*^ d) Tanker^ e) Note: 1. * indicates front-line apparatus designation in subsequent guideline parameters. 2. ^ indicates that unit may serve as a special service unit that will required additional training competencies. 4. Riding qualifications for apparatus designated as Squad, Duty Officer/Command, and Traffic vehicles maintained by any MTFR fire company shall be determined by the separate guidelines established by each respective MTFR organization. 5. Riding Seat Definition Numbering / Minimum Qualifications for all Apparatus a) Each riding position will be assigned a number for the purpose of further defining positions and qualifications. 1. Seat 1 Driver Operator a) Meet requirements established by the Driver Training Group 2. Seat 2 Officer In Charge a) Meet the requirements of Manheim Township Firefighter b) Be proficient in use and interpretation of pre-plan books, apparatus borne laptops, ADC map books (or equivalent), and current version of the Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook. 3. Seats 3 and Up Crew/Group Member Page 1 of 3

84 B. General Procedures a) Meet the requirements of Apprentice Firefighter 1. MTFR fire company apparatus may respond within Manheim Township with a minimum staffing of 3 before the second dispatch if, at the dispatch time, the responding officer is fairly certain that no additional personnel will be responding to the station for the call. 2. MTFR fire company apparatus shall always respond with a minimum of 4 qualified personnel when responding outside of Manheim Township. 3. The Officer in Charge of each apparatus will announce staffing upon response of all calls. 4. Personnel responding shall don the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the incident nature before mounting the apparatus. 5. Personnel will dismount apparatus with appropriate PPE and other equipment for the incident nature. C. Riding Qualifications Rescue 1. In addition to the minimum qualifications established above, when response is made under the Rescue element, the following qualifications apply: a) All Seats: 1. Proficient on set-up and use of apparatus equipment 2. Must be Rescue Qualified (as specified below) a) Pennsylvania State Vehicle Rescue Technician or current NFPA 1006 Vehicle and Machinery certification. b) Emergency Red Cross First Responder or PA DOH First Responder minimum. D. Riding Qualifications Truck 1. In addition to the minimum qualifications established above, when response is made under the Truck element, the following qualifications apply: a) All Seats: 1. Must be Truck Qualified (as specified below) 2. Proficient on set-up and use of apparatus equipment a) Truck Qualified (minimum) 1. Pennsylvania State Fire Academy 16 hour Truck Company I E. Riding Qualifications Tanker 1. When dispatch of Tanker is for the purpose of water supply only, it may respond with a staffing of 2 with those riding meeting the minimum qualification criteria established in Apparatus Designations Section When dispatch of the Tanker is as a Foam unit, the following qualifications apply in addition to the minimum established above: a) All Seats 1. Proficient on set-up and use of apparatus equipment 2. Must be Foam Qualified (as specified below) a) Foam Qualified (minimum) b) Pennsylvania State Fire Academy 16 hour Foam Fire Fighting Technician class. F. Riding Qualifications QRS / EMS Call 1. The minimum staffing for a QRS / EMS call shall have the following to respond for assistance: one (1) person with a current certification as a Emergency Red Cross First Responder or PA DOH First Responder or higher. 2. Additional staffing must have a current CPR / AED certification. Page 2 of 3

85 3. If a MTFR Engine or Special Service is used to respond on a QRS / EMS call, the minimum staffing requirements for the responding piece shall be observed, and at least one of the responding members shall meet the above mentioned QRS / EMS qualifications. G. Riding Qualifications South Central Task Force (Decontamination Unit) 1. When a MTFR apparatus is dispatched to respond as part of the South Central Task Force, the riding qualifications established by the Task Force will be applicable. (See Appendix A2, A3) H. Riding Qualifications South Central Task Force (Foam Unit) 1. When a MTFR apparatus is dispatched to respond as part of the South Central Task Force, the riding qualifications established by the Task Force will be applicable. (See Appendix A8) Page 3 of 3

86 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Apparatus Response Order Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to prescribe the response order of apparatus for MTFR fire companies to the most common incident natures. SCOPE: This SOG applies to apparatus designated as front line as noted in the Apparatus Staffing SOG. A. General Elements 1. The most common incident natures, as used by the Lancaster County Wide Communications center (LCWC) are provided below to prescribe response order of apparatus. 2. The incident natures and respective response orders listed below are respective to first due districts. 3. Mutual aid or automatic aid response order shall prescribe the specific service unit response if more than one apparatus is due per MTFR organization. 4. When a Township call is dispatched and a MTFR apparatus is on the street from another activity, it may respond on the call if not initially due when: a) The apparatus officer notifies the Incident Commander and LCWC of the response. b) Response discretion should be used given the type and location of the call. 5. The Incident Commander may direct the unit on the street to return to its station and respond with a specific apparatus other than the unit which is on the street. B. Nature Codes and Response Order 1. Automatic Alarm (AA) & Structure Fires (SF)/ Structure Related Incidents (SRI) / Hazardous Material Incidents (HMI). a) The first out piece from a MTFR fire company for first due AA, SF, SRI and HMI s (including gas leaks and carbon monoxide incidents with illness) will be the primary fire suppression unit. b) Secondary or tertiary equipment shall be dependent upon available staffing and severity of the incident. c) Circumstances such as time of day and known staffing limitations may require the response order to change at the discretion of the highest ranking officer on-station at each respective MTFR fire company. 2. Other Fires Other fires shall include vehicle, brush, woods, refuse, dumpsters and the like. a) The first out piece from a MTFR fire company for first due other fires will be the primary fire suppression unit. b) Secondary or tertiary equipment may respond depending upon available staffing and severity of the incident. Page 1 of 2

87 c) Circumstances such as time of day and known staffing limitations may require the response order to change at the discretion of the highest ranking officer on-station at each respective MTFR fire company. 3. Vehicle Accident / Rescue Related Incident a) First out apparatus for first due vehicle accident and rescue nature codes shall be the designated special service vehicle (if applicable) from the respective MTFR fire company. Otherwise the primary fire suppression unit shall respond. b) Secondary, such as a fire suppression unit, or tertiary apparatus such as a squad, may respond depending upon available staffing and severity of the incident. c) Circumstances such as time of day and known staffing limitations may require the response order to change at the discretion of the highest ranking officer on-station at each respective MTFR fire company. 4. Utilities/ Miscellaneous Nature Codes includes trees/wires, wires, utility poles, transformers, spill control, vehicle accident standbys, public services, carbon monoxide no-illness, investigations and the like. a) First out apparatus utility nature codes shall be at the discretion of the highest ranking officer on-station at each respective MTFR fire company. b) Secondary or tertiary apparatus may respond depending upon available staffing and severity of the incident. c) Circumstances such as time of day and known staffing limitations may require the response order to change at the discretion of the highest ranking officer on-station at each respective MTFR fire company. 5. Other Natures a) For nature codes not addressed above, unit response shall be at the discretion of the highest ranking officer on-station at each respective MTFR fire company. 6. Mutual Aid a) For MTFR resources dispatched to assist an out-of-township organization, the requested unit shall respond with appropriate staffing as outlined in the Riding Qualification SOG and appendixes. Page 2 of 2

88 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Apparatus Backing Approved By: PURPOSE: This guideline shall outline the guideline for safe backing of MTFR apparatus. SCOPE: This SOG applies to apparatus designated as front line apparatus. It is not intended for Chief vehicles, modified cars, or pick-up trucks. A. General B. Backing 1. Backing should be avoided whenever possible. 2. When backing any fire company apparatus and at the discretion of the chauffeur or Officer, a senior member shall be utilized as a spotter to assist backing the vehicle. 3. Any tractor drawn apparatus (including trailers) shall require the use of a driver of that apparatus while backing. 4. If possible, two spotters shall be utilized, one on each side of the apparatus and in the view of the driver from the respective mirrors. 5. Each spotter shall use safety equipment pertinent to the current environment, and each spotter shall always have a safety vest donned and be carrying a portable radio. For communication, the portable radio should be on the same channel as the mobile radio in the apparatus being backed. The preferred radio channel should be a local channel that is not monitored by LCWC to keep traffic on working channels to a minimum. 1. While backing, the spotter(s) shall have one hand covering the transmit button on his/her portable radio. 2. If a dangerous situation is imminent, the spotter shall transmit the word STOP over the portable radio to alert the driver to stop the apparatus. After the apparatus has come to a complete stop, the spotter and driver shall communicate to remedy the dangerous situation, and once the situation has been cleared, backing can begin again. 3. Crewmembers are encouraged to be alert to their surroundings while backing and talking between crewmembers with or without headsets should be kept to a minimum unless a dangerous situation is imminent. Page 1 of 1

89 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Subject: Accident Investigation Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a procedure for proper documentation for an accident involving any MTFR vehicle or any member s personal vehicle that is involved in an accident while en-route to a MTFR function. Note: If there is no Safety Officer defined in the company organizational chart, it will be the Duty Chief, Station Officer, or Incident Commander s responsibility to complete the areas noted for the Safety Officer. A. General 1. An accident is defined as any incident involving a MTFR vehicle or a member s personal vehicle that results in property damage to a vehicle, damage of private property, or personal bodily injury. 2. An accident investigation and report form (see Appendix B2) will be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident. a) A copy of the report will be made available to the driver for his/her personal records. 3. If a member does not immediately report or attempts to hide an incident involving a MTFR vehicle, that member is subject to further discipline by the MTFR fire company. B. Accident Procedures 1. Two types of accidents a) Reportable in accordance to the Department of Transportation. 1. Must follow all parts of this section. b) Non-reportable accident that causes damage to fire company vehicles only. 1. Must follow items If you are involved in an accident, stop immediately. 3. Contact LCWC and place unit out of service and have it replaced if responding to an emergency. 4. Assist any injured persons. 5. Request police immediately. 6. Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or authorized personnel from the fire company s insurance company. 7. Notify the Duty Chief. 8. With the assistance of the Safety Officer, complete a Vehicle Accident / Loss Investigation Report (see Appendix B2). 9. All persons on the apparatus shall complete a company incident card. 10. The accident will be investigated by the MTFR Accident Investigation Team. Page 1 of 2

90 a) The MTFR Accident Investigation Team will consist of 4 representatives comprised of one of the following from each station: Safety Officer, Driver Training Officer, Chief Officer, or highest ranking line officer, and the MTFR Fire Chief. 1. If a person outlined in section B.10.a is involved in the accident, that person may not be part of the investigation team. b) If the accident is a Personal Injury Accident, the driver will serve an immediate 48-hour driving suspension. For all other accidents, the driver will serve an immediate 24-hour driving suspension. 1. Suspensions will only be served if the driver is found to be at fault in the accident. c) If the driver was found to be negligent before or during the accident, he/she will be subject to further discipline by the MTFR fire company. Page 2 of 2

91 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Apparatus Cover Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to establish the procedures for a MTFR fire company to provide cover for another MTFR fire company on an emergency incident in order to provide quick and efficient fire rescue services to the citizens of Manheim Township. A. Time Requirements to Cover 1. A MTFR Engine Company cover of the initial unit may take place when the following conditions are met: a. The home dispatched fire company does not respond on the initial dispatch b. The home fire company has been re-dispatched at the three minute mark and no apparatus has signed on the air c. The covering apparatus has a qualified crew as outlined in the Apparatus Staffing SOG. d. The incident is within the established 4 mile drive distance response zone as outlined in section B of this guideline 2. At no time will a cover be permitted prior to the second dispatch of the home Engine Company. 3. A cover of any subsequent Engine Companies (second due or above on a box alarm) will be at the discretion of the initial responding engine company officer or officer on the scene. Radio contact must be established in order to receive permission to respond as the cover. B. Cover Zones 1. MTFR fire apparatus will only be permitted to respond on a cover call in the designated 4 mile drive-distance zone within the mutual aid territories of Manheim Township. 2. The allowable 4 mile drive-distance zone is established from each respective fire station. 3. The 4.0 mile zone will be set as driving distance, NOT aerial distance. 4. Lancaster County-Wide Communications will provide coverage area maps showing the 4.0 mile driving distance from each fire station into the mutual aid territories. C. Apparatus Covering 1. The intent of this guideline is to provide coverage for Engine Company responses within Manheim Township by another Engine Company apparatus. 2. Engine Company responses may be covered by special service apparatus if staffing and conditions warrant. Allowable engine company responses to be covered by special service apparatus shall include: a) Automatic Fire Alarms, Page 1 of 2

92 D. Staffing Requirements b) Vehicle Accidents, c) Other miscellaneous dispatches that DO NOT involve an alarm of fire. 1. All Engine Company cover apparatus will abide by the staffing requirements as set forth in the MTFR Apparatus Staffing SOG. 2. If the covering apparatus is a special service apparatus (Truck, Rescue, or Tanker), the special service apparatus will abide by the staffing requirements as set forth in the MTFR Apparatus Staffing SOG. E. Participation 1. This guideline is only applicable to MTFR fire companies. No mutual aid companies from outside Manheim Township proper will be permitted to engage in this practice. 2. This guideline pertains only to Engine Company or Special Service apparatus performing as a cover unit. Squad apparatus responding to supplement crews is not addressed in this guideline. 3. This policy shall apply only to calls within Manheim Township. No apparatus covers shall take place for calls dispatched outside of Manheim Township, which includes any first due district a MTFR fire company may be responsible for (East Lampeter or Penn Townships). Page 2 of 2

93 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: April 13, 2010 Response Types Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to state the types of response for MTFR apparatus. DEFINITIONS: A vehicle in this guideline is defined as any MTFR owned vehicle. A. Emergency Response 1. Vehicles responding in an emergency mode shall operate all visual warning devices at all times. 2. Audible warning devices shall be used at all times when driving in traffic or when approaching an intersection. 3. An emergency incident may be reduced to a non-emergency response. Upon instructions from the highest ranking company officer responding or on station or by additional information received by LCWC, if a non-emergency response is requested or warranted, all audible and visual warning devices shall be terminated, and all vehicles shall respond in accordance with the Non-Emergency Response section. B. Non-Emergency Response 1. Vehicles responding in a non-emergency mode shall be operated without any audible or visual warning devices and in compliance with all state motor vehicle laws that apply to civilian traffic 2. The following is a list of incidents requiring a non-emergency response: a. Carbon Monoxide Alarms with no illness reported. b. Search Details c. Spill Control / Wash Down d. Transfer Assignment to another department or jurisdiction e. Public service calls including pump details. f. Animal rescue g. Utility Pole / Trees / Wires / Transformers h. Investigation Outside i. Fire Alarms reported false or in trouble. j. Vehicle Accident Stand By k. Assist the Police Department or other agency l. Any other incident where common sense dictates a non-emergency response. 3. A non-emergency incident may be determined to be an emergency response based upon additional information received. The highest ranking company officer responding or on station shall determine appropriate response. 4. Upon arrival at a non-emergency incident, visual warning devices may be employed depending on the circumstances for safety of personnel working at the incident. An example may be a spill control incident on the highway. Upon arrival, the apparatus shall Page 1 of 2

94 be positioned appropriately in accordance with the Operating In or Near Traffic SOG and warning lights shall be activated to alert motorists of emergency service workers. Page 2 of 2

95 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Risk Management Approved By: PURPOSE: The following SOG will define a risk management policy to guide all MTFR personnel on matching emergency incident objectives with an appropriate level of risk to personnel. A. Risk Levels 1. There are three risk levels under which all emergency incidents may operate: a) Risk Level One: Risk a lot, in a calculated manner, to save savable lives b) Risk Level Two: Risk a little, in a calculated manner, to save savable property c) Risk Level Tree: Risk nothing to save lives or property already lost. 2. Risks are threats to our members safety. We respond to a wide variety of incidents with a wide variety of risks. All personnel on the incident are responsible for identifying and reporting these threats as they are encountered. The Incident Commander, Line Officers, and crewmembers will attempt to maximize personnel safety by minimizing incident specific risk. B. Risk Level One: Risk a lot, in a calculated manner, to save savable lives. 1. A Risk Level One is acceptable when: a) We believe there are lives at risk b) We believe we can save them 2. Risk Level One requires a calculated, continually re-assessed plan (strategy) for saving lives to ensure the execution of the selected tactics do not require undue risk. Once all savable lives have been saved, the risk level must be reduced. C. Risk Level Two: Risk a little, in a calculated manner, to save savable property. 1. A Risk Level Two is acceptable when: a) A reevaluation (size up) reveals that property can be saved with little risk to the health and safety of personnel. D. Risk Level Three: Risk nothing to save lives or property already lost. 1. Personnel cannot be put at risk in order to save lives or property that has been deemed not savable. 2. Overhaul operations should be included in Risk Level Three. No risk to the health and safety of personnel during overhaul activities is acceptable. 3. Risk level three requires a continual evaluation of what is savable and what is not to ensure the execution of selected tactics do not require undue risk. Page 1 of 1

96 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Operating In Or Near Traffic Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify safe practices that will provide maximum protection and safety for all fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel operating in or near moving vehicle traffic. DEFINITIONS: Advance Warning notification procedures that advise approaching motorists to transition from normal driving due to emergency traffic control measures ahead of them. Block position a fire company apparatus on an angle to the lanes of traffic creating a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area. Buffer Zone the distance or space between personnel and vehicles in the protected work zone and moving traffic. Downstream the direction that traffic is moving as it travels away from the incident scene. Shadow the protected work area at a vehicle-related roadway incident that is shielded by the block. Taper the action of merging several lanes of moving traffic into fewer moving lanes. Upstream the direction that traffic is traveling as the vehicles approach the incident scene. A. Safety Benchmarks 1. Establish an initial block with the first arriving fire apparatus to redirect the flow of traffic. Never use EMS vehicles in the block. 2. All personnel must don the Class III high visibility reflective vest during all operations on or near any roadway. a) This requirement is regardless of the time of day. b) Exception: Personnel directly involved in Fire Attack operations will not wear safety vests. 3. All personnel should avoid turning their back to approaching traffic if possible. 4. Turn off all unnecessary sources of vision impairment to approaching motorists at nighttime incidents including vehicle headlights, traffic preemption transmitters, and spotlights. 5. Establish advanced warning and adequate transition area upstream of the incident in order to reduce travel speeds of approaching motorists as soon as possible. 6. Fire police officers should be the primary personnel directing traffic. Use of personnel not sworn as fire police officers should be discouraged from performing this task. B. Apparatus and Vehicle Benchmarks Page 1 of 3

97 1. Always position first-arriving apparatus to protect the scene, patients and emergency personnel. a) Initial apparatus placement should provide a work area protected from traffic approaching in at least one direction. b) Angle apparatus on the roadway with a block to the left or a block to the right to create a physical barrier between the incident scene and approaching traffic. c) Allow apparatus placement to slow approaching traffic and redirecting them around the scene. d) On two lane roadways, attempt to block the lane of traffic the incident is in plus the shoulder of that lane. e) On limited access highways consisting of two lanes in each direction, block the lane the incident is in plus the corresponding shoulder. f) For highways with more than two lanes in one direction, block the lane the incident is in plus attempt to block one additional lane. g) When practical, position fire apparatus in such a manner to protect the pump operator position from being exposed to oncoming traffic. 2. Position front line fire apparatus in such a manner to create a safe parking area for EMS units and other emergency response and recovery vehicles. Operating personnel, equipment, and patients should be kept within the shadow created by the blocking apparatus at all times. 3. When blocking with fire apparatus to protect the emergency scene, establish a sufficient sized work zone that includes all vehicles involved in the incident, all operating personnel, patients, the ambulance loading area, and debris and/or evidence for law enforcement. 4. Incidents involving fire on the roadway, except for limited access highways, all lanes must be blocked till suppression efforts are ceased. As soon as possible after the completion of fire suppression, every attempt should be made to open the roadway. 5. EMS units should be positioned within the protected work area with the rear patient loading area angled away from the nearest lanes of moving traffic. 6. The Incident Commander shall stage all unneeded emergency vehicles off of the roadway or return the units as quickly as possible in order to limit the exposure on the roadway. 7. At incident scenes in intersections, two or more sides of the incident may need to be protected. a) Additional vehicles must be strategically positioned to expand the initial safe work zone for traffic approaching from opposing directions. The blocking of the work zone must be prioritized, from the highest traffic volume flow to the least. b) For first arriving companies that will deploy a charged hose line, block so that the pump operator is placed downstream or on the opposite side of oncoming traffic. c) Intersection incidents may require use of fire police or traffic units to provide additional traffic control and scene safety. C. Incident Command Benchmarks 1. The Incident Commander must assure that the first-arriving apparatus establishes the initial block to create a safe work zone. 2. The Incident Commander must assure a safe parking area in the shadow for all EMS units and that all patient(s) loading is done within that shadow. 3. All non-essential units should be recalled as soon as possible to prevent them from being on the roadway or entering a limited access highway. 4. Traffic units should be in place of law enforcement personnel if at all possible, especially on extended incidents. D. Emergency Personnel Benchmarks 1. Personnel shall always look before they move on roadway incidents. 2. Avoid turning your back to moving traffic if at all possible. Page 2 of 3

98 3. Personnel arriving on fire apparatus in crew cabs should exit the apparatus from the protected side, in the shadow. 4. Personnel arriving in vehicles with individual seats should exit and enter their riding position with extreme caution if not on the shadow side. 5. Full protective clothing as issued by their organization, including helmets and class III reflective vests for fire department personnel, must be donned prior to leaving the vehicle. a) This requirement is regardless of the time of day. b) Exception: Personnel directly involved in Fire Attack operations will not wear safety vests. E. Limited Access Highway Operations 1. Any incident involving fire, all lanes in the direction of travel must be completely blocked till suppression efforts are ceased to provide a safe working environment. As soon as possible after the completion of fire suppression, every attempt should be made to open the roadway. 2. First arriving fire apparatus should establish the initial block as listed in section B.1.a. 3. The second arriving fire apparatus that is non-essential to the operations should provide an upstream block at a distance appropriate for the incident scene. a) The position of the apparatus should take into account all factors that may limit sight distance of approaching traffic: including lighting conditions, weather related conditions, road conditions, and road design (bridges, curves, etc.) b) The driver operator of this secondary vehicle should be prepared to sound a series of long blasts on the air horn to warn all personnel if any vehicle disregards the traffic control measures in place and appears to be heading in the shadow of the incident scene. 4. Request police department to assist with upstream blocks if the situation warrants. This request should be made to the highest ranking law enforcement officer on the scene. 5. The Incident Commander should work closely with the highest ranking law enforcement officer to jointly coordinate a safe work zone and to determine how to most efficiently resolve the incident and return to normal traffic flow. 6. During any incident that becomes extended, a Unified Command system with law enforcement must be established. 7. The quick and efficient termination of the incident must be managed with the same aggressiveness as the incident operations. All personnel, apparatus, and equipment must be removed from the highway as promptly as possible, in order to reduce the exposure to the responders and to minimize the impact on traffic congestion. 8. The fire company does recognize that traffic congestion and backups are a primary cause of secondary incidents and will work as expeditiously as possible. 9. At no time, under any circumstances, will any personnel cross the median or Jersey barrier for any reason. 10. Emergency apparatus approaching an incident scene on a limited access highway that finds itself in the opposite travel direction, must move to the next emergency crossover or interchange in order to change direction. 11. At no time will any apparatus, including utility vehicles, duty officer vehicles, or personally owned vehicles belonging to chief officers or fire police, cross a grass median to change direction. a) Any vehicle that was traveling in the opposite direction and finds itself needing to change direction must follow section E.10. b) Any vehicle that is facing the correct direction of travel and requires traveling in the other direction must either follow section E.10 or travel down to the following exit and turn around, whichever is first available. Page 3 of 3

99 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Emergency Incident Rehabilitation Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a framework for the establishment and operation of a Rehab Group/Sector to support the physiological needs of firefighters and other responders engaged in emergency operations, extended duration incidents, and training exercises. SCOPE: This guideline identifies situations where the establishment of a Rehab Group/Sector is appropriate. It provides information on the operation of a Rehab Group/Sector, the tasks and procedures that are to be followed by those managing and those using a Rehab Group/Sector, and the equipment and staffing needs of these operations. The Rehab Group/Sector provides firefighters and other emergency responders with fluids and food, shelter from the elements, and a medical evaluation to assure that the responder is ready to return to work in a safe and managed manner. A. General Information 1. Firefighting and tasks associated with firefighting are among the most physiologically taxing activities that can be performed by humans. During the course of their work, firefighters are exposed to physiological stresses in the form of strenuous physical work. This work is most often performed within the confines of heavy structural firefighting personal protective clothing which further stresses the firefighter. The work is timesensitive and often is performed under the psychological stressors of danger to the firefighter and others, the desire to do a good job, and the desire on the part of the firefighter to make an individual contribution to the work effort. 2. Proper implementation of this policy will ensure that members who may be suffering the effects of metabolic heat buildup, dehydration, physical exertion, and/or extreme weather (hot or cold) receive evaluation and rehabilitation during emergency and nonemergency operations. 3. Most heat and cold emergencies and injuries are entirely preventable. Rehab assists the Incident Commander (IC) with monitoring the health of firefighters and controlling the work/rest cycle to prevent environmental injuries. 4. The Rehab Group/Sector may be staffed by fire company personnel, emergency medical services (EMS) responders, or responders specifically tasked with this function. B. Policy 1. This guideline shall be implemented at all working fires, greater alarm emergencies or during extended operations. The Rehab Group/Sector is usually implemented during hot or cold environmental temperature extremes but may be used at any time at the direction of the IC. The situations that generally produce the need for the Rehab Group/Sector include, but are not limited to: a) Greater alarm structural fire operations; b) Wildland operations; Page 1 of 4

100 c) Hazardous materials incidents; d) Trench rescue; e) Confined space rescue; f) Training exercises or special events; and g) Any other situation deemed necessary by the IC. 2. The responsibility for the establishment of a Rehab Group/Sector rests with the IC. Other Command system positions, such as the Safety Officer, may assist the IC with recognition of the need for Rehab. 3. On smaller incidents, Rehab may be accomplished within an ambulance or protected area. Larger incidents require the commitment of resources to accomplish the necessary Rehab tasks. 4. It is the policy of the fire department that no member will be permitted to continue emergency operations beyond safe levels of physiological, medical, or mental endurance. The intent of the Rehab Group/Sector is to lessen the risk of injury that may result from extended field operations under adverse conditions. C. Rehab Functions 1. The Rehab Group/Sector, radio designation REHAB, will be used to evaluate and assist personnel who could be suffering from the effects of sustained physiological or mental exertion during emergency operations. The Rehab Group/Sector will provide a specific area where personnel will assemble to receive: a) A physical assessment; b) Revitalization rest, hydration, and refreshments; c) Medical evaluation and treatment of minor injuries; d) Continual monitoring of physical condition; e) Transportation for those requiring treatment at medical facilities; f) Initial trees support assessment; and g) Reassignment. 2. A Rehab team concept will be used wherever possible to establish and manage the Rehab Group/Sector. This team will be led by a Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor who has been appointed by the IC. The Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor should be wearing an appropriate Command vest that identifies him or her as this person. This full team will consist of: a) Designated Group/Sector Supervisor with crew; b) Rehab vehicle; c) Utility (air/power/light) vehicle; d) Canteen vehicle; e) One or more EMS transport vehicles; f) Advanced life support (ALS) company/personnel; and g) Critical incident management team member(s), as needed. 3. Rehab resources will be dispatched on all second alarm or greater incidents or when special-called by the IC. It will continue to be the responsibility of Incident Command to make an early determination of situations requiring the implementation of a Rehab Group/Sector. Given the time needed to assemble and deploy the needed resources, the IC should call for Rehab resources early. 4. At times, due to the incident size, weather conditions, or geographic barriers, it may be necessary to establish more than one Rehab Group/Sector. When this is initiated, each Group/Sector will assume a geographic designation consistent with the location at the incident site, i.e., Rehab South, Rehab North. 5. At incidents involving large life loss, or extended rescue operations (i.e., plane or train crash), the critical incident stress management (CISM) team should be contacted and be assigned to Rehab Group/Sector. 6. A Mass Transit bus may be called to the incident scene to provide cooling or heat and shelter. 7. Other considerations for selecting the exact location of the rehab site include Page 2 of 4

101 a) Ability to accommodate the number of personnel (fire, law enforcement, other) expected (including EMS personnel for medical monitoring) and accommodate a separate area to remove personal protective equipment (PPE). b) Accessibility for an ambulance and EMS personnel should medical treatment or transportation be required. c) Ability to be removed from hazardous atmospheres including apparatus exhaust, smoke, and other toxins. d) Ability to provide shade in summer and protection from inclement weather at other times. e) Accessibility to a water supply (bottled or running) to provide for hydration and active cooling. f) Location away from spectators and media whenever possible. 8. The Rehab Group/Sector and vehicles should be located close to the Command Post (CP) whenever possible. The Rehab Group/Sector area boundaries will be defined with blue tape or blue traffic cones and will have only one entry point. It will be divided into the four Sections described later in this guideline. D. Criteria for Reporting to Rehab 1. Personnel should perform self-rehab procedures as follows: a) Following the use of one 30-minute SCBA cylinder; b) After 20 minutes of intense physical labor; and c) Other times as necessary. 2. Personnel must report to the Rehab Group/Sector as follows: a) Following the use of two 30-minutes SCBA cylinders or one 45- or 60-minute cylinder b) After 40 minutes of intense physical labor c) After performing duties in hazardous materials encapsulating suits; d) When directed by an officer to do so; and e) When feeling the need to do so. E. Entry Point 1. This is the initial entry point and decontamination area. Assigned personnel will collect accountability tags from crews and take a pulse rate on all crew members. Any member who has a pulse rate greater than 120 will report directly to Section G, Medical Treatment and Transport, where they will be treated appropriately. Members that do not require medical attention will then report to Section F, Hydration and Replenishment. F. Hydration and Replenishment 1. This Section is staffed by the canteen driver and other personnel, as required. During warm weather conditions, all personnel in this area must remove coats, helmets, gloves, and protective hoods. Turnout pants also should be removed or at least rolled down over the boots. All personnel will be provided supplemental cooling devices, fluid and electrolyte replacement, and the proper amount of nourishment. For extreme heat, a misted area shall be provided for initial cool-down, with fans creating air movement. 2. Hand-forearm immersion procedures to lower core body temperatures should also be used. Forearms should be submerged at least 10 and preferably 20 minutes. Airconditioned areas for extended rehabilitation to which members can be moved after their body temperatures have stabilized should be provided. Initial CISM support will be provided in this Section, if needed. 3. The following other requirements pertain to personnel assigned to this area: a) All personnel should spend a minimum of 20 minutes resting in this area. b) Personnel should consume a minimum of 10 ounces of water or other approved beverages while in this area. c) Smoking shall not be permitted in this area. Page 3 of 4

102 G. Medical Treatment and Transport 1. An ALS crew and at least one EMS transport vehicle staff this Section. Personnel reporting here will receive evaluation and treatment for heat stress and other injuries or illnesses. A standard EMS patient report form should be started for each person sent to this Section. The ALS personnel assigned will advise the Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor of the necessity of medical transportation and extended medical attention requirements of personnel due to physical condition. A department representative should accompany members who are transported to a medical facility. Crews released from Section C will be released as intact crews to report to Section H. The ALS crew in this Section will pay close attention to the following: a) Pulse; b) Blood pressure; c) Body temperature; and d) Obvious injuries or illness. 2. After appropriate rehabilitation and medical monitoring (minimum of 20 minutes for an initial cool down and evaluation period) the pulse, blood pressure, and temperature will be reevaluated and triage members with one of the following dispositions: a) Returned to duty adequately rehabbed and medically sound; b) Removed from duty evidence of an illness or injury; including any person with a pulse rate greater than 100; or c) Transported to an appropriate medical facility for further evaluation and treatment of illness or injury; including any member who has a temperature greater than 101 F (38 C) or a blood pressure less than 100. H. Reassignment 1. This critical Section determines a crew s readiness for reassignment. Diligent efforts and face-to-face communication with the Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor are required. Personnel staffing this Section advise the Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor of the status of all companies for reassignment and crews that are running short or without a Company Officer (CO). This information is relayed to Command by the Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor. Crews without a CO will be assigned to another company or have a member of the crew move up to the officer s position. 2. The Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor will collect accountability passports from companies reporting to Section A Entry Point. The passports will be placed on a status board and all personnel will be logged on the Rehabilitation Group/Sector Personnel Log Form. The log will indicate the assignments as directed by Command. Companies may be reassigned to operating Groups/Divisions/Sectors or released from the scene. 3. The Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor will update Command throughout the operation with pertinent information including the identities of companies in Rehab, the companies available for reassignment, and the status of injured personnel. All personnel leaving Rehab will retrieve passports from the Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor. COs must keep crews intact and report to the proper sections in Rehab. The Rehab Group/Sector Supervisor will direct the crew to the proper sections; however, it is the CO s responsibility to make sure crewmembers receive refreshments, rest, and a medical clearance. 4. The basic function of rehab needs to be addressed for each firefighter or emergency responder that enters rehab drink fluids, rest, and be ready for work prior to leaving the Rehab area. Page 4 of 4

103 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Incident Command Approved By: PURPOSE: The following guideline shall outline the guidelines for successfully running Incident Command at a MTFR incident. SCOPE: This policy will apply to all personnel within the MTFR organization. A. General 1. MTFR shall adopt the Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association (LCFCA) Incident Command System standard operating guideline as established and approved by the Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association (see Appendix A1). Page 1 of 1

104 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: General Operations No.: Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Incident Reporting and Documentation Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to describe the proper reporting and documentation of incidents and company related personnel activities. DEFINITIONS: An incident or activity is any situation upon which equipment, personnel, or services are requested, initiated, utilized, or provided to the public, to and for the fire company, an organization, a facility, or to the environment A. Scope 1. All incidents and company related activities will be properly documented by any responsible member involved in a situation as defined above and includes, but not limited to, the situations listed below: a) Incidents 1. Dispatched Emergency and Non-Emergency Responses 2. Fire Education Details 3. Pre-Incident Surveys 4. Pump Details 5. Traffic / Access Control Details 6. Lock Box Installations 7. Public Aid & Assist 8. Assist to the Police Department 9. Public Events (parades, block parties, festivals, etc.) 10. Out of Station Training where apparatus leaves the station 11. Emergency Medical Incidents / QRS b) Personnel Activities 1. Scheduled Duty Tours (Fire and QRS) 2. Training Activities where certificates are not issued. 3. Committee Assignment Work 4. Fund Raising Activities 5. Meetings (company, officer, township, professional) B. General 1. Proper and consistent documentation is necessary to maintain accountability of personnel and equipment. 2. Proper and consistent documentation is necessary for justification of several aspects including equipment procurement, training, and response recovery and other legal standard requirements. Page 1 of 5

105 3. The recognized incident reporting medium for the MTFR fire companies is the MTFR Incident Report form (updated version as dictated by the Manheim Township Fire Council). 4. Other documentation mediums shall be completed as described under the Documentation Mediums section. C. Documentation Mediums 1. Incident Card / Tag System a) Each MTFR fire company shall maintain an Incident Card or Tag System b) Shall be used to document equipment maintenance issues. c) Initially to document personnel disciplinary issues. d) Distribution 1. A copy shall be maintained by the individual generating the form. 2. A copy shall be distributed to the officer(s) responsible for the committee, apparatus, or equipment being referenced. 2. Event Attendance Roster (Carbonless Form if applicable) a) Each MTFR fire company shall maintain an Event Attendance Roster b) This form shall be used to document member attendance and participation in the following activities. 1. Training a) In station training activities b) Out of station training of which a certificate is not issued. 2. Meetings a) Line Officer b) Executive Board c) Company d) Committee e) Fire Council 3. Maintenance of facilities and equipment 4. Duty tours for both fire and QRS 5. Public relations activities 6. Fund raising activities 7. Other activities not specifically listed above. c) Distribution 1. A copy of the form shall be provided to the Group Supervisor or Committee Chairperson and Secretary or designee for data entry and record-keeping. 2. This form will not be used to document incidents as outlined in the Scope a). 3. First Person Incident Report (FPIR) a) The FPIR shall be used to continue incident narratives when space on a MTFR Incident Report may be restricted or exhausted. b) FPIRs used to further document the incident narrative shall be kept with the incident report c) Any incident that results in a fatality (ies) or potential fatality (ies) or an incident that is deemed criminal in nature by the local law enforcement agency shall require a FPIR by all members responding to the scene of the call. 1. EMS incidents are exempt from this provision and will be documented using the proper EMS reporting tool. 2. At the discretion of the officer in charge, a FPIR may be requested. d) Each member shall document the facts of the incident as he/she knows or observed them. He/She shall write a description of what he/she did, saw, etc. No opinions, assumptions or speculations are to be made, and only factual information is to be provided. FPIRs are to be completed individually and shall not be compared to other FPIRs. e) If more than one page is used, the author shall number each page including the specific page number along with the total pages (i.e. 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc) and sign and date each page. Page 2 of 5

106 f) Information required on each FPIR shall include the date and time of the incident, location, hand written or typed personal account. g) All FPIRs shall be signed with a blue inked pen. h) It shall be signed and dated by the member completing the FPIR. i) A FPIR being completed due to the circumstances in letter C shall be completed upon termination of the incident and upon immediate return to station. j) A member may maintain a copy of his or her own FPIR, but the original shall be filed with the fire company fire chief. k) Completed FPIRs shall be given to the fire company fire chief. 4. MTFR Incident Report a) This report form shall be used to document all incidents as listed in the Scope a). b) All applicable information shall be completed. c) Apparatus and Personnel Response fields should reflect only units and personnel attending from the respective fire company. d) It is the responsibility of the officer in charge of the incident (first due incidents) or the primary response unit (for automatic or mutual aid calls) to complete the report unless delegated to another responsible member. Appropriate names and signatures shall be provided at the bottom of the report. e) All incident reports should be completed within 24 hours after a call. Supporting information may not be readily available, but shall be included as soon as presented to complete the report. f) The officer in charge of the incident or the delegated member is responsible for recording the incident number and details in the paper call log immediately upon returning to the station after the call. g) When additional documents are developed to support the MTFR Incident Report, such as subsequent FPIRs, insurance documents, Material Safety Data Sheets, etc., a content log sheet shall be created that lists all supporting documents that are a part of the record. This will allow for maintaining a correct inventory and accountability of supporting documents for the respective incident. 5. Incident Roster a) For any incident upon which a MTFR Incident Report is generated, an Incident Roster shall be completed with all personnel and appropriate identification numbers listed in the respective position each member was involved. b) The Incident Roster shall be kept with the MTFR Incident Report. 6. Alarm Affidavit a) Manheim Township Alarm Affidavit 1. Shall be completed for all fire alarm activations in Manheim Township. 2. Shall be completed in accordance with Manheim Township Ordinance. 3. Completed forms shall be immediately faxed to the Manheim Township Office of Code Compliance. Forms shall be initialed and dated when fax transmission was successful. 4. Completed forms shall be kept with the MTFR Incident Report. b) East Lampeter Township Alarm Report (Eden Fire Company only) 1. Shall be completed for all fire alarm activations in East Lampeter Township. 2. Shall be completed in accordance with East Lampeter Township Ordinance. 3. Completed forms shall be immediately faxed to the East Lampeter Township Municipal Office. Forms shall be initialed and dated when fax transmission was successful. 4. Completed forms shall be kept with the MTFR Incident Report. 7. Incident Command Forms a) Appropriate Incident Command System (ICS) forms shall be used to document incident actions, resource management, strategies, command organization and facilities for special events that are resource intensive (or directed by the Manheim Township Fire Chief / Emergency Management Coordinator), multiple alarm incidents, hazardous material incidents and incidents that span more than one operational period. Page 3 of 5

107 b) Forms approved by the NIMS Integration Center (NIC) shall be used, or those endorsed by the South Central Task Force (SCTF) shall be used. c) Tactical worksheets may be used to support incident operations. The worksheet format should be endorsed by the Manheim Township Fire Council. d) MTFR fire companies shall use when applicable, but are not limited to, the following ICS forms: 1. ICS 201 Incident Briefing 2. ICS 202 Incident Objectives 3. ICS 203 Organization List 4. ICS 204 Assignment List 5. ICS 205 Communications Plan 6. ICS 206 Medical Plan 7. ICS 207 Organizational Chart 8. ICS 209 Incident Summary (SCTF approved version) 9. ICS 214 Unit Log e) Incidents that span more than one operational period shall require the development of a written Incident Action Plan (IAP). f) All ICS forms and IAPs generated at and for an incident shall become attachments to the final incident report file. 8. Firehouse Software (FHS) a) Each MTFR fire company shall maintain a current version of FHS. b) Each MTFR fire company shall designate a program administrator to facilitate maintenance and system upgrades. The name(s) of the FHS program administrator(s) shall be provided to the MTFR Fire Chief at least annually or as changes are made. c) Each MTFR fire company shall have sufficient personnel trained to utilize the respective modules of FHS to ensure current and accurate recordkeeping. d) The fire chief of a MTFR fire company is responsible for ensuring the data entered in FHS is current and up-to-date. This is essential for accountability to the Manheim Township Fire Council as well as external auditing agencies. e) Every MTFR Incident Report generated shall be entered into the respective fire company FHS program. f) By the 7 th of each month, each MTFR fire company shall electronically submit FHS reports for the previous month to: 1. The MTFR Fire Chief so that he/she can prepare monthly response reports to municipal leaders and Manheim Township Fire Council representatives. 2. Lancaster County-Wide Communciations (LCWC) to be compliant with PennFIRS (Pennsylvania Fire Incident Reporting System) reporting requirements established by the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner and in accordance with state and federal grants. g) Extensions to file may be granted verbally by the MTFR Fire Chief to a MTFR fire company fire chief. h) Other reports maintained in FHS may be disseminated to the MTFR Fire Chief per his/her written request including, but not limited to training / certification activities, maintenance, equipment status and service time. 9. Excuse Form Letter a) MTFR fire companies will utilize the Excuse Form Letter for any member requiring an excuse from work or school. D. Request For Copies / Information of Fire Reports 1. All requests from the public, township, insurance, etc shall be made in writing to the attention of the MTFR fire company fire chief. 2. No one shall copy a report without authorization from a MTFR fire company fire chief. 3. Copies made for the public and insurance industry require a fifty($50) service fee paid by certified check or money order in advance of the report being copied and mailed. Page 4 of 5

108 4. A log shall be maintained with the master report listing all entities to which a copy was distributed. 5. When copies are mailed to entities that have made appropriate requests and payment, it shall be sent with a return receipt requested, requiring a signature from the requesting entity to ensure delivery. Upon return of the receipt card, it shall be filed with the log established in 4 above. 6. Requests for information from an incident report shall be directed to the fire company fire chief. E. Field Notes 1. Field notes are defined as any medium, other than recognized / appropriate documentation forms, used at the scene of any incident or during the course of incident operations / investigation to log, collect or organize specific information. 2. All field notes for all fire and QRS incidents shall be destroyed via the fire company paper shredder after the incident information has been transcribed on or in recognized reporting mediums. F. QRS Reporting 1. QRS (emergency medical calls) incidents will be documented in the following manner: a) A MTFR Incident Report will be completed as described in the SOG. b) Applicable general incident forms shall be completed. c) No patient information shall be listed on the Manheim Township Incident Report. d) In the narrative field of the MTFR Incident Report, only the nature of the medical call is required. No details of patient condition or vitals shall be provided. e) A Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Services Report will be completed by utilizing an EHSF approved software package within twenty-four (24) hours of the call. The following information will be necessary for the software. 1. Service Name 2. Unit designation (Squad, Engine, Truck, Rescue) 3. Incident number (same as the fire report) 4. PSAP Number 5. Incident location (address, municipality) 6. All required time fields. 7. Call outcome i.e., care transferred to the medic number, refused, cancelled en route, etc. 8. Nature of dispatch (ALS or BLS) 9. Patient information including name, address, gender, and age if available should be recorded. Insurance information is not necessary. 10. Narrative of the chief complaint including previous history, medications, allergies, causes and extent of injury as well as treatment measures administered by the QRS staff. 11. Complete, sign and close the electronic trip sheet. Page 5 of 5

109 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Specific Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Rapid Intervention Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to outline the procedure for performing as the Rapid Intervention Crew at an emergency incident. A. General 1. When assigned the task of Rapid Intervention Crew (R.I.C), a minimum of the following equipment shall be assembled and staged for deployment (if needed): a) RIC SCBA b) Below Grade KIT c) Search rope d) Metal and wood saws e) RIC equipment bag f) Sledge hammer / ram g) Appropriate hand tools h) Radio 2. If an engine company is utilized for RIC, a consideration will be given as to acquiring a secondary water supply and the officer should assess fire conditions to determine if a back up line is needed. a) Backup line should be larger than what is currently in service at the emergency scene. 3. The chauffeur should deploy lighting appropriate for the needed conditions. 4. The Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor shall report to the Incident Command Post and receive a briefing related to fire conditions and location, the possible change of tactics from offensive to defensive, and crew locations and conditions. 5. The Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor shall make every attempt to do a 360 walk around of the building, and if possible, after equipment is staged, the Supervisor will coordinate a 360 walk around with the crew. 6. If the size of the building does not warrant a 360 walk around, the Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor should request the incident commander to add an additional RIC to survey the opposite side of the building. 7. After completing the 360 walk around, the Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor should discuss tactical considerations with the crew to setup a strategic plan if a mayday event should be declared. Page 1 of 1

110 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Specific Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: September 8, 2009 QRS / EMS Incident Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify the response rules for any and all Class One and Class Two EMS calls. A. General 1. The QRS unit shall only respond on Class One (1) and Class Two (2) calls. 2. The rules and guidelines for operating a QRS service are set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and shall be followed at all times. B. Response Procedures 1. The Apparatus Staffing SOG shall be followed in regards to staffing requirements for a QRS / EMS incident. 2. If a qualified crew is not available to respond on the call, the unit shall not respond. 3. The QRS unit shall recall if requested by a licensed ambulance service already on the scene. 4. Scenes, which may include shootings, stabbings, emotional disorders, attempted suicides, or any other call where LCWC has provided information that suggests a dangerous situation may be present, shall not be approached until the scene is deemed safe by a law enforcement agency. The QRS unit shall stage in a safe location until the scene is safe. 5. BSI precautions shall be followed on every call to ensure provider and patient safety. 6. Upon arrival of the dispatched EMS unit, the QRS crew chief shall give a patient report to the EMS unit crew chief and assist the EMS unit as requested. 7. Upon completion of the call, the QRS crew chief shall complete the required documentation as outlined in the Incident Reporting SOG. 8. All patient information shall be kept confidential in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (see Appendix A9). 9. Upon completion of the call, all equipment shall be cleaned and/or replaced. C. Special Circumstances 1. The QRS unit shall be staffed with the appropriate crew as to not limit the MTFR fire company s ability to field a qualified crew in the event of a fire/rescue response. 2. The responding personnel should take their structural turn out gear on the QRS call in case they have to respond from the QRS incident to a fire/rescue incident. 3. The crew shall only leave the QRS incident scene when released by the responding EMS agency. Under no circumstances will a patient be abandoned. 4. In the case of leaving a QRS call to respond on a fire/rescue incident, the QRS shall respond directly to the incident scene unless a responding MTFR fire company apparatus or officer specifically requests otherwise. Page 1 of 2

111 5. Due to staffing limitations or location of the call, the ranking station officer has the option to respond to the QRS call in any of the licensed and equipped apparatus to ensure a quick response and crew safety. 6. Turn out gear or MTFR fire company duty uniforms shall be worn during responses. a) Shorts of any kind shall not be worn on a QRS / EMS incident. D. Pennsylvania Department of Health Required Policies 1. Record Keeping Policy a) All QRS personnel are required to legibly complete a pre-hospital trip report on forms provided by the Department of Health or its representative for each emergency response by the Quick Response Service. b) One trip report shall be completed for each QRS response. The QRS service can also use an approved alternate data collection method approved for use within the services regional EMS council area. c) In the event of multiple patients encountered during a QRS response, one (1) trip report shall be completed for each patient. 2. Scene Control Policy a) All QRS personnel shall adhere to the following scene policy and procedures: 1. Control of all aspects of the patient management at an emergency scene shall be the responsibility of the individual, from the dispatched service, in attendance, which has the highest level of EMS certification/recognition, and is affiliated or dispatched, with a service whose response area includes the incident scene. 2. The hierarchy of the certification/recognition shall be: (1) Health Professional; (2) EMT-Paramedic; (3) Emergency Medical Technician; (4) First responder; (5) and ambulance attendant. 3. The QRS Service and the ambulance service agree to work cooperatively for the orderly transfer of the patient to the ambulance service upon arrival of the ambulance service. 3. Carrying Firearms/Weapons/Explosives Policy a) All QRS personnel shall adhere to the following scene policy and procedures: 1. Providers shall not wear on their person, nor carry aboard any QRS vehicle or ambulance, any firearms, weapons, or explosives. This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers who are serving in an authorized law enforcement capacity. 4. Driver s Statement a) Each QRS apparatus driver, as identified on the QRS service personnel roster, who operates apparatus for an MTFR organization meets the following qualifications: 1. At least 21 years of age 2. Holds a valid driver s license 3. Will observe relevant traffic laws 4. Is not addicted to, or will not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol 5. Is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that may impair his/her ability to drive an emergency vehicle 6. Has not been convicted in the last four (4) years of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and with thin the last two (2) years, has not been convicted of reckless driving, or had a driver s license suspended under the points system. Page 2 of 2

112 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Specific Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Hazardous Materials Incident Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOG is to outline response guidelines to incident involving hazardous materials, known or suspected. SCOPE: The guidelines provided below are not limited to hazardous materials but may be applied to other hazardous environments including gas leaks or carbon monoxide incidents. A. This guideline applies to incidents involving or suspected of hazardous materials including incidents dispatched as hazardous materials leak, spill, fire, etc. B. Units responding should note weather conditions and approach the scene up hill and up wind of the incident. Apparatus shall position in a manner to facilitate rapid exit should conditions deteriorate. C. For unknown materials, units should initially stage a minimum of 200 if there are no scene signs (see also D) to indicate a larger exposure area. D. For known materials, staging shall be no closer than initial distances prescribed in the current version of the Emergency Response Guidebook or as dictated by monitoring devices and incident scene signs including, but not limited to, vapor clouds, liquid spills, symptomatic persons, dead foliage and or wildlife. E. Incident priorities include the following list, and subsequent strategies and tactics shall be initiated to mitigate: 1. Life Safety 2. Incident Stabilization 3. Property Conservation F. Incident management shall follow the following steps: 1. Site Management and Control a) Isolate and Deny Entry of citizens and untrained personnel. b) Establish Command (Unified Command) 1. Expand the Incident Command System (ICS) organization with the necessary Command and General Staff positions and well as supporting units including Resource, Situation and Documentation. 2. Appropriate ICS forms, as outlined in the Incident Reporting SOG, shall be used to comprehensively document the incident. 3. Assemble representative(s) from stakeholder organizations including the responsible party. c) Establish Hot, Warm and Cold Divisions. d) Consider Evacuation or Shelter in Place. e) Ensure dispatch of state-certified hazardous materials response capability (if appropriate). f) The Unified Command structure shall continually evaluate the situation. Should the incident duration be determined to require more than one operational period, a formal written Incident Action Plan shall be developed and dispatch of the regional Incident Management Team recommended to facilitate on-going operations. 2. Identify the Problem Page 1 of 3

113 a) Assume hazardous materials are present until otherwise verified. From a safe and unexposed distance, attempt to identify the product category through: 1. Container Shape 2. Occupancy Type 3. Markings and Labels 4. Placards 5. Senses (Interview Eyewitnesses) 6. Shipping Manifests b) Using the most current version of the DOT ERG and or other available resources, determine: 1. Primary Hazard 2. Responder issues including personal protective equipment 3. Potential Public Safety issues including evacuation or shelter in place. 4. Emergency response considerations for fires/leaks/spills 5. Emergency medical treatment and precautions. c) Use air monitors to record exposure levels for products within the capability of the air monitor. d) For unknown atmospheres for which air monitors will be used, the atmosphere shall first be monitored for corrosiveness by proper use of litmus paper. 3. Hazard and Risk Evaluation a) Evaluate hazards and risks of the identified material 1. Expand the Incident Command System as needed. 2. Use all available references to ensure consistency of information/hazards/risk. 3. Coordinate hazard and risk evaluations with the haz mat branch/group. 4. Identify the proper Personal Protective Equipment 5. Brief all personnel on the material(s) and risks/hazards. b) Product control/confinement/containment 1. Using available materials perform actions within scope of certified training level. 2. No MTFR fire company shall perform, supervise, assume or provide clean-up of hazardous materials. a) Exposure Limits and Levels 1. Monitoring methodology of interior spaces should be considerate of the materials vapor density. 2. If monitor record levels in excess of the monitor s capability, it shall be assumed the interior levels are above acceptable published exposure limits and / or within the explosive range. 3. For circumstances outlined above, initiate dispatch of a state-certified haz-mat response team for additional monitoring capabilities. a) For flammable gases, levels that are within 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit indoors and/or 20% outdoors, the following actions can be taken: 1. Evacuate and secure the area and/or involved structure(s). 2. Ventilate structure(s) and affected surrounding areas 3. If possible, remove, de-power, or disconnect source of hazardous environment 4. Continue atmospheric monitoring within the structure(s) and the surrounding environment. b) Decontamination a) Establish appropriate decontamination method. Have in place prior to entry. b) Personnel and equipment exposed to the material shall be properly decontaminated. 4. Termination a) The Incident Commander shall determine when emergency services are no longer necessary and coordinate transfer of incident activities to the responsible party. Page 2 of 3

114 b) The Incident Commander shall initiate a termination briefing to all personnel and conduct a critique of the incident. Page 3 of 3

115 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Specific Operations No.: Decontamination / WMD Response Issued: October 14, 2008 Revised: Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to outline the procedure for responding to a hazardous materials incident including a decontamination response or a Weapons of Mass Destruction attack. A. General 1. Incidents of civil unrest, terrorism, and WMD are the jurisdiction of law enforcement. 2. Upon notification or dispatch to such an incident, only the designated Duty Officer shall respond to the scene as part of a Unified Command System to coordinate the fire department roles and response. 3. All other personnel should assemble at the fire station and await further instructions. 4. Apparatus that is requested to the scene should respond in a non-emergency fashion unless otherwise instructed not to. 5. Upon arrival at the scene, all safety and accountability aspects shall be observed. 6. Personnel not trained to as least the Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO) level may not respond. B. Decontamination Team / Web Electronic 1. When an Engine Company is dispatched to respond as part of the South Central Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force (SCTF), the apparatus and its crew shall respond in accordance with the guidelines established by the SCTF (See Appendix A2, A3) Page 1 of 1

116 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Specific Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Carbon Monoxide Alarm Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify the incident objectives for Carbon Monoxide Alarms. A. General 1. Upon arrival, the first in officer shall assess the alarm activation for suspected problem or source through the following methods: a) Discussion with occupants (outside of the premise). b) Entry into structure (only with full PPE with donned SCBA and utilizing the appropriate atmospheric monitoring device. 2. Only after the CO levels are below published exposure limits shall personnel or occupants be permitted to re-enter the structure without full PPE and SCBA. B. Investigating Sources 1. Monitoring methodology of interior spaces should be considerate of CO s slightly lighter than air vapor density. 2. The following elements should be investigated as potential sources of CO accumulation: a) Furnace or chimney flue. b) Appliances that use petroleum products (natural gas, kerosene, oil, etc.) c) Space heaters d) Fireplaces / wood stoves e) Indoor operations of gas grills / cooking appliances. f) Seepage from other sources (garages, storage sheds, etc.) g) The officer does not have to limit his/her investigation to these items. 3. If monitors record levels in excess of the monitors capability, it shall be assumed the interior levels are within the explosive range and: a) Initiate dispatch of a state-certified hazardous materials response team for additional monitoring capabilities. b) Take actions for a potential fire situation. C. Actions 1. If it is determined that levels exceed published limits or levels are within 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit, the following actions can be taken: a) Evacuate and secure the involved structure(s). b) Ventilate structure(s) and affected surrounding areas. c) If possible, remove, de-power, or disconnect source of hazardous environment. d) Continue atmospheric monitoring within the structure(s) and the surrounding environment. Page 1 of 2

117 e) Advise owner/occupant not to use suspected source until serviced by a qualified technician. f) The MTFR fire companies will not attempt any repairs or alterations to any appliance or other device. Notification shall be made to the appropriate agency should the problem involve utilities. D. Medical Services 1. For incidents initially dispatched without illness, Emergency Medical Services should be requested immediately if any of the occupants are symptomatic of CO exposure to include dizziness, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, facial discoloration, or difficulty breathing. 2. A triage area will be set up in a safe zone until EMS arrives. Page 2 of 2

118 Manheim Township Fire Rescue: Standard Operating Guidelines Section: Specific Operations Issued: October 14, 2008 No.: Revised: Machinery Rescue Approved By: PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify the procedure for the safe method of rescue from machinery. A. Procedure 1. Upon Arrival a) Insure that all power is shut off to the machine involved. Have someone standby the switch or utilize a lock-out tag-out kit to insure that power is not accidentally restored while rescue operations are underway. b) If possible, obtain technical assistance from foreman, supervisor, local dealer, factory, or other knowledgeable person. c) Request necessary assistance as required. 2. Operations, General a) Utilize special tools or equipment that may be kept on hand in the shop or facility for such emergencies. b) With wrenches, you may be able to remove gears, chains, etc., sufficiently to get the trapped person out. In general, do not spare the machinery. c) Bolt cutters or hacksaws may be useful. d) If necessary to use a cutting torch, protect the body as much as possible with wet clothes, wool, or an asbestos blanket, being alert to steam burn possibility. e) In spring-wound devices, place bar through sprockets to prevent further rotation. f) Grease or lard may be of some help g) Provide emergency medical care appropriate to the injury after extrication. Remember that shock is most likely to occur. h) In some cases, it may be necessary for a trapped person to be removed from machinery by a surgical procedure. In such cases, dismantle the involved machine to the point where the patient may be transported to the hospital with the injuring machine component still attached. Page 1 of 1

119 Manheim Township Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines Appendix A Appendix A A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 Lancaster County Fire Chiefs Incident Command System Lancaster County Decon Strike Team Guidelines PEMA Regional Decon Strike Teams Pennsylvania Child Labor Law Manheim Township Curfew Ordinance A6 Flashing or Revolving Lights on Emergency and Authorized Vehicles (PA Title 67, Chapter 173) A7 Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75, Chapter 45) A8 Lancaster County Foam Task Force Guidelines (not available) A9 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Revision Date

120 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 1 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 PURPOSE Effective functioning at the scene of an emergency requires clear, decisive action and command responsibility. The Incident Command System (ICS) will establish the daily procedures normally utilized in making decisions at the scene of a fire or other emergency situation. This SOG also establishes the foundation that will be employed to control and manage large and complex incidents incorporating certain aspects of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The establishment of this policy for the Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association will: 1. Provide for the safety of personnel operating at emergency incidents through improved command and control (or management of emergencies). 2. Improve the use of resources and tactical effectiveness. 3. Meet the OSHA/EPA regulations requiring the use of an Incident Command System for hazardous materials incidents. 4. Meet the NFPA Standard 1500 section 8.1 recommendations for the use of an Incident Command System for operations at all emergency incidents. 5. Ensures compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive No.5 and provide a media for future compliance directives through the National Incident Management (NIMS) Integration Center. The Incident Command System identifies the suggested operating guidelines to be employed in setting up the command post and establishing command responsibility at the emergency scene. RESPONSIBILITY 1. All fire department chiefs are responsible to comply with and ensure that personnel under their command are adequately trained, fully understand, and comply with this guideline. 2. All personnel have the responsibility to learn and follow this guideline. 3. All personnel shall use proper terminology identified in this SOG when functioning in ICS system. 4. This guideline will be adopted by the Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association and should be adopted by all fire agencies dispatched by Lancaster County-Wide Communications (LCWC).

121 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 2 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 DEFINITIONS NOTE: THOSE LISTED BELOW WILL BE CHANGED AS AGREED BY DISCIPLINES OF THE NIMS WORKING GROUP Area Command: An organization established (1) to oversee the management of multiple incidents that are each being handled by an ICS organization or (2) to oversee the management of large or multiple incidents to which several incident management teams have been assigned. Area Command becomes Unified Command when incidents are multi-jurisdictional. EOC: Emergency Operations Center. The EOC coordinates support functions and provides resources support. Incident Command System: The combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organization structure with responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives pertaining to an incident. Incident Commander (IC): The individual responsible for the management of all incident operations. IDLH: Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health Resources: All personnel and major items of equipment available, or potentially available, for assignment to incident tasks on which status is maintained. Single Resource: These are individual personnel and equipment items and the operators associated with them. Staging Area: That location where personnel and equipment are assigned on an immediately available status. Strategic Goals: The overall plan that will be used to control the incident. Strategic goals are broad in nature and are achieved by the completion of tactical objectives. Strike Team: Strike teams are a set number of resources of the same kind and type that have established minimum of personnel. Tactical Objectives: The specific operations that must be accomplished to achieve strategic goals. Tactical objectives must be both specific and measurable. Task Force: A task force is any combination of resources assembled in support of a specific mission or operational need.

122 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 3 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 Unified Command: An application of ICS when there is more than one agency with incident jurisdictional authority or when incidents cross other jurisdictions. Agencies work together to establish a common set of objectives and strategies. Working Incident: Any incident fire, rescue, hazardous materials incident that will require commitment of resources to mitigate the incident. PROCEDURES 1. Theory The one function that will always be filled at every emergency incident, regardless of size, type, or jurisdiction that the incident occurs in, is the Incident commander (IC) position. The IC has the responsibility for overall management of the incident. Incident command procedures are designed to accomplish the following: A. Fix responsibility of command with a designated member through a standardized identification system, based on arrival sequence and other variables. B. Insure that visible, direct, effective command be established as early as possible upon arrival at the incident scene. C. Establish an effective framework within which the activities and responsibilities assigned to the Incident Commander can be properly addressed. D. Provide a system for accomplishing the orderly transfer of command from the initial Incident Commander to later arriving officers. 2. Initial Command It shall be mandatory that the officer or other fire department member arriving first on the scene of an emergency incident initiate the basic incident command function, establish a command post, and assume all related command responsibilities. This shall be performed regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. The initial Incident Commander shall retain these responsibilities until one of the following occurs: A. Command is passed to the next arriving officer (only once per incident). B. Command is officially transferred. (See Transfer of Command Procedures) C. The incident is terminated. Passing command is not to be confused with Transferring command. Command is passed only when the situation requires the immediate active participation of

123 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 4 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 the first member or officer on the scene which prohibits them from establishing a fixed command position. When this occurs, the next arriving officer or member shall be notified and will assume command of the incident. Command can be passed only once! 3. Command Responsibilities Within the broad structure of the basic incident command function, certain command options are available to the Incident Commander. These options or command modes will be explained in detail below. However, it must be understood that regardless of the command option chosen, the initial Incident Commander retains responsibility for all command functions until relieved of them according to the standardized methods detailed in this guideline. The person assuming Command is responsible for the following: A. Assuming an effective command location when the fixed command mode is chosen. B. Calling on the scene and transmitting the initial radio report and size-up as outlined in Section 5 of this chapter. If it is a working incident, C. Assign a name to the incident itself. For example, a working incident at 125 Elm Road could be called Command 100, or Command 100 Elm Road if there is more than one incident in a fire district. A working incident is defined as any emergency situation that requires more than one company to be tied up, or units are operating in an IDLH atmosphere. A working incident can be a fire, hazmat emergency, water rescue, emergency medical operation, etc. D. Assessing the incident priorities. E. Determining the incident s strategic goals and tactical objectives and completing applicable forms if in fixed command mode. Forms SM 2-6 and SM 2-7 and ICS Forms 201 and 202. F. Approve and authorize the implementation of an Incident Action Plan and ICS Forms 209 and 213. G. Developing an incident command structure appropriate for the incident. H. Assessing resource needs and orders, deploying needed resources. I. Coordinating overall emergency activities. J. Ensure that adequate safety measures are in place. K. Coordinate with key people and officials. L. Authorizing information release to the media M. Order the demobilization of the incident when appropriate. N. Ensure Incident Status Summery (ICS 209) is complete and forwarded to appropriate higher authority. O. Ensure planning meetings are scheduled as required. 4. Command Modes

124 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 5 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 The first arriving officer or fire department member must decide on an appropriate commitment for each assigned company, including his/her own. This decision will usually result in command being exercised according to the provisions of one of two (2) general modes. They are: Fixed Command Mode Mobile Command Mode A. Fixed Command Mode The fixed command mode is defined as a command structure that maintains a fixed command location, which is usually outside of a structure and in which the Incident Commander devotes all of his/her energies to command. The fixed command mode is desirable and should be used unless conditions dictate otherwise. NOTE: the location of the fixed Command Post should be easily identifiable. If the Incident Commander chooses to leave the interior of his/her vehicle, then he/she should be easily identifiable. B. Mobile Command Mode Included are incidents requiring immediate action in order to stabilize the situation, and where due to staffing and/or experience factors, the Company Officer feels that it is necessary for him/her to accompany his/her crew in their initial efforts. This may include situations where there is nothing showing and the Company Officer assuming command accompanies his/her crew in order to investigate the situation. WHENEVER THE MOBILE COMMAND MODE IS CHOSEN, IT SHOULD BE CONCLUDED VERY RAPIDLY, WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OUTCOMES: a. The situation is quickly stabilized by the initial offensive attack or the preliminary investigation reveals no problem requiring the Incident Commander s active participation. In either case, the Company Officer should then return to a fixed command location and continue to discharge his/her command responsibilities. b. The situation is not likely to be quickly stabilized, or initial investigations indicate possible long-term involvement. The Company Officer should recognize these situations and assign command of his/her company to a company member or another Company Officer, return to a fixed command location and continue to function as the Incident Commander until relived of this responsibility. c. Command is passed to the next arriving company or officer.

125 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 6 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 NOTE: the Passing of Command can occur only once during any given incident, and may be initiated only by the first arriving officer or fire department member, and should be confined to Mobile Command Mode operations. In addition, it must be understood that this command option is not to be used as a means of circumventing established incident command procedures or otherwise shirking required command responsibilities. When the first arriving member determines the need to pass command, the initial radio report will include an announcement that the next arriving company should assume command. 5. Establishing Command and Initial Size-up The person establishing command should use the standard procedures outlined below. If the person assuming command is not an officer, or is not normally assigned to a company, then this transmission should be adjusted accordingly. When command is established, an initial radio report and size-up should be given: A. Identify transmission by giving: Company, unit establishing Command, the location of the Command Post (if other than the front of the occupancy/incident), and, if more than one command in the same response district, the name assigned to the incident. Example: Engine on location, Engine is Command 100, or Command 100 Main St. Command is located on Side Bravo. Until command is transferred or passed, the original Incident Commander will remain in charge of the incident. B. The apparent extent of the emergency Example: Nothing Showing, Situation Contained, Working fire, Second alarm, etc. NOTE: If the first arriving member gives no information as to smoke showing or working fire, etc., it will be assumed by incoming companies that nothing is showing. IF THE INCIDENT COMMANDER DETERMINES THAT A WORKING INCIDENT IS IN PROGRESS, THE INITIAL RADIO REPORT SHALL INCLUDE; C. General size of structure one story, two story, multi-story, high-rise, etc. NOTE: If the location of the incident or complex is well known, the name will suffice.

126 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 7 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 D. Type of construction fire resistive, non-combustible, ordinary construction, mill, or frame. NOTE: Use the text description, not the Type Code 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Use caution when given the type of construction. It can be difficult to determine the exact construction type by external appearances. Unless the building has been pre-planned, providing the construction may be best avoided. E. Occupancy residential (specific type such as apartment, multi family, single family), high occupancy, special care, hotel, business, commercial, industrial, storage, etc. F. Action being taken (Offensive or Defensive) laying supply line, leading off with 1 ¾ line and tank, etc. G. Apparatus in service Engine 100-1, Truck 100, etc. NOTE: Decide early if there is a necessity to call for additional assistance. Additional help should be standing by at the scene, prepared to go into action if there is a possibility the incident may exceed the capabilities of the companies working on the incident. The notification of a working incident shall initiate a dedicated RIT following Departmental policy. The following examples illustrate the initial establishment of Command: Engine on the scene, Engine is Command 100. We have a well-involved vehicle on the first floor of a 2-story wood frame storage building. Engine and Truck 100 are going in service with two 1 ¾ inch hand lines. All other companies Level 1 Stage. Engine on the scene, Engine is command 100 located in the parking lot across the street. We have a working fire in a second floor bedroom of a two-story single-family dwelling. Leading off with one 1 ¾ and tank water. Engine on the scene, Engine is Command 100. We have a trash fire at the rear of a frame garage; situation is under control, holding to Engine Engine on the scene. We have a working fire in a two-story multi family dwelling. Passing command to the next arriving company. Other company officers on the scene should be advised of existing situations; initial decisions made, and plan of operation. When only one company responds to an emergency such as an auto fire or trash fire, the company officer shall transmit a brief initial radio report upon arrival. As soon as it has been determined that no additional help will be required, a situation under control will be transmitted to the fire dispatcher.

127 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 8 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, Transfer of Command When circumstances allow, the Incident Commander being relieved will brief the officer assuming command. This brief may include, but is not limited to, the following: A. Incident factors, objectives and strategies B. Strategies that have been assigned and that need to be assigned. C. Evaluation of strategies (Effective or not Effective) D. Personnel safety concerns Should any higher ranking officer decide to officially assume command of the incident, the officer shall locate the Command Post, if established, and follow the transfer of command guideline whenever possible. After the transfer of command has actually taken place, the officer assuming command shall announce such transfer over the radio, stating the name and rank of the new Incident Commander. Example: County from Command 100. Chief 100 is now Command 100. At this time, the officer assuming command will assign the former Incident Commander to a new duty. This new assignment may be to assume a command or general staff function, to rejoin and take command of his/her company, or any other assignment deemed necessary by the new Incident Commander. NOTE: If preceded to the scene by the companies of another department, the officer responding from the department having jurisdiction shall report to the Incident Commander. Regardless of rank, this officer is responsible for the incident and shall have the option of assuming command, or allowing the original Incident Commander to remain in charge of the incident. Expanding the Command Structure The command structure at any incident must correspond to the complexity of the situation. To effectively control an emergency, the incident should be divided into manageable units. In this section, we will examine some of the options the Incident Commander can use to manage an incident. While it is important to have a sufficiently large command structure at an incident, don t use more than the situation requires. The command structure should not contribute to the complexity of the incident. Consider the command options available as a toolbox full of tools. Use only the ones you need to fix the problem. Remember that any member can hold any command position. It is the Incident Commander s responsibility to assign the appropriate person to command functions.

128 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 9 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 NOTE: Terminology to describe these functions/positions should not vary between different organizations in accordance with the intent of NIMS. Common terms that are acceptable include branches, divisions, and groups. The recommendations identified in NIMS for adopting the basic tenets of the incident Command System (ICS) will be used. 1. Divisions and Groups A. Divisions: Divisions are an organizational level responsible for operations in a specified geographical area at an incident. You could have an interior division (within a building) or a division outside a building. Some examples are: Division Charlie, Division 5, Roof Division, etc. Divisions and Groups Incident Commander Division Charlie Roof Division Division 5 Division 6 Engine 100 Engine 200 Truck 100 Engine 300 Engine 400 Engine 500 Engine 600 Truck 300

129 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 10 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 B. Groups: Groups are an organizational level responsible for a specified functional assignment at an incident. Examples are salvage group, search and rescue group, fire suppression group, water supply group, etc. Salvage Group Engine 100 Engine 200 Divisions and Groups Incident Commander Search & Rescue Group Truck 100 Engine 300 Suppression Group Engine 400 Engine 500 Water Supply Group Divisions and Groups are both commanded by Supervisors. Divisions and Groups operate at the same command level. Divisions do not work for Groups and Groups do not work for Divisions. However, a Group s functional responsibility may cross established Division boundaries. For example, a Ventilation Group may be working in the same area as the Interior Division. Once a specific assignment is given to a Group, the division is no longer responsible for that task, concentrating instead on all other tactical activity in that geographic area. Engine 600 Truck 300 Divisions and Groups address the following three significant management principles: 1. They reduce/solve span-of-control problems at an incident. 2. They provide essential coordination at a designated area or for a specific function. 3. They fix personnel accountability. Division and Group Supervisors provide accountability and coordination of companies, ensuring maximum safety and survival of response personnel. They are also responsible for the implementation of their assigned portion of the overall incident action plan and they coordinate activities within their assignment. Division and Group Supervisors keep the next

130 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 11 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 higher level of command informed of the status of resources within their area of responsibility and evaluate the resource needs, making adjustments as needed. It is essential that the next higher level of command be made aware of any needs for resource adjustment. Each Division or Group Supervisor requires certain information from the Incident Commander. They must know their radio designation (Division Alpha or Ventilation Group), their assigned objectives and strategies, and the resources under their command. Each functional or geographical assignment does not need to be commanded by a Division or Group supervisor. An activity that only requires one unit to effectively handle the situation would not necessitate the implementation of a Division or Group; there is not a coordination problem and obviously the assignment does not cover a large area or require the deployment of several single resources. 2. Dividing the Incident To insure uniformity, there needs to be a standard means of dividing an incident. The following designation system will be used whenever it is necessary to divide an incident: Side Bravo Side A-B-C-D Designatiion System Side Charlie Building Side Alpha Side Delta Front of Buidling There will be a letter designation for each exterior side of the incident area. Normally, the addressed or street side of the incident will be designated as Side Alpha and the letter designations move clockwise around the incident. Exposures may also be identified with a similar system. The supervisor assigned to a side where tactical operations will be initiated shall be designated as Division (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta whichever is appropriate). Side A-B-C-D Designatiion System Exposure Charlie Exposure Bravo Building Front of Buidling Exposure Alpha Exposure Delta

131 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 12 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 When operating in a multistory structure, it may be necessary to designate geographic Divisions by floor. This system of geographic designation uses the floor number once an officer has been assigned. For example, the fourth floor would be designated as Floor 4 or Fourth Floor, however, after an officer has been assigned to supervise activities on that floor, it is then designated as Division #4. 3. Branches Multistory Designation System Floor 5 Division 4 Floor 3 Floor 2 Floor 1 At large-scale or complex incidents, the number of Divisions and/or Groups may create a significant span-of-control problem (3 to 7). When this occurs consideration should be given to the implementation of Branches. Branches are also of great value when large numbers of resources are committed to a specific functional activity. A good example would be a fire incident with a major Medical problem. A Medical Branch could be implemented to alleviate these problems. A Branch is an organizational level between Divisions or Groups and the Incident Commander. A Branch Director is responsible for implementing the portion of the incident action plan appropriate for that particular Branch. Branches are commonly used within the Operations and Logistic sections. The specific responsibilities of a Branch Director are: A. Implements the portion of the incident action plan appropriate to the Branch function. B. Coordinates the activities of the units within the Branch. C. Evaluates objectives and strategies within the Branch and requests additional resources, if needed.

132 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 13 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 D. Keeps his/her supervisor, whether the IC or the Operations or Logistics Section Chief informed of the status in the Branch s area of responsibility. E. Assigns specific tasks to Divisions or Groups within the Branch. F. Resolves logistical problems associated with the units deployed in the Branch. 4. Command Staff Positions At large-scale or complex incidents, consideration may have to be given to the functions of safety, liaison and information. If the Incident Commander cannot effectively handle any of these functions, they must be delegated. These functions should be staffed when their demands begin to affect the IC s ability to perform his/her command functions. A. Safety Officer (ICS Forms 202, 208HM & 214) The individual given the Safety Officer s assignment must monitor and assess the safety hazards and unsafe situations and develop measures for ensuring personnel safety. The Safety Officer will be required to operate in an area(s) other than the Command Post. The Safety Officer position is implemented to manage the safety of all personnel and to relieve the Incident Commander of direct involvement in this responsibility. The Safety Officer also keeps the IC informed of present problems and potential hazards. He/she should not only identify problems, but should also suggest solutions to minimize the risks. The Incident Commander will use the information provided by the safety Officer during development of the incident action plan. The Safety Officer has the authority to bypass the chain of command when it is necessary to correct unsafe acts immediately, such as removing all personnel from areas of imminent danger. The IC must ALWAYS be informed of these corrective actions. For the Safety Officer to be truly effective, he/she must have a broad knowledge of the risks associated with the incident. B. Liaison Officer (ICS Form 214) A Liaison Officer is the point of contact for assisting or coordinating agencies. This function is assigned since the Incident Commander may become overloaded by questions from the number of assisting agencies that some incidents attract.

133 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 14 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 One of the most important responsibilities of the Liaison Officer is to coordinate the management of assisting or coordinating agencies. This is essential to avoid the duplication of efforts. It allows each agency to perform what it does best. Liaison management provides lines of authority, responsibility, and communication, and increases the control necessary to provide for the safety of personnel from all involved agencies. C. Information Officer (ICS Form 214) The information Officer is responsible for interface with the media and other appropriate agencies. This function is implemented to relieve the Incident Commander of needing to work with the media, taking him/her away from command responsibilities. The media needs are real and must be met. They need accurate and consistent information. The IC shall designate a PIO and be available at the CP as necessary depending on the incident type and complexity. At large and complex incidents the PIO shall be in charge of all PIO activities. At smaller incidents, the IC shall ensure the PIO receives the proper information. The Information Officer acts as a central clearing point for the dissemination of information, reducing the risk of generating conflicting information from multiple sources. The Information Officer must coordinate all releases of significant information with the Incident Commander. The IC will decide on sensitive topics, such as the cause of the incident, victims name, and any other information that should not be (and does not have to be) released immediately to the press.

134 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 15 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 COMMAND 5. General Staff Functions SAFETY Officer LIAISION Officer Public Information Officer As incidents increase in complexity or size, it often becomes necessary for the Incident Commander to delegate major functional responsibilities to maintain an effective workload and span of control. Effective incident management involves more than just putting water on a fire or merely stabilizing the incident. The IC needs to be aware o the full range of management tools that are available to handle the entire incident. If major functional authority for Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance is not delegated, the IC must perform those functions. (Use only the tools necessary to safely and effectively manage the incident.)

135 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 16 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 Command OPERATIONS PLANNING LOGISTICS FINANCE A. Operations (ICS Forms-211, 214 & 215 and Resource Status Sheet) Operations are responsible for management of all tactical operations at the incident. The person in charge of Operations is called the Operations Section chief. (Deputies may also be assigned). Operations is implemented when the Incident Commander is faced with a complex incident having major demands in one or more of the remaining major functional areas. For example, the IC may be faced with a rapidly escalating incident with a significant need to evaluate incident objectives and strategies. Faced with a major functional responsibility in addition to management of tactical Operations, the IC may choose to staff Operations. Another reason to staff Operations would be multiple functional demands placed on the Incident Commander, such as the Planning, Logistics and Finance workload generated by a large or complex incident. When several major functions have been delegated, the IC may need to staff Operations to maintain an effective span of control. The Operations Section Chief is responsible for the direction and coordination of all tactical Operations. As a part of this overall responsibility, Operations also: i. Assists the IC in developing goals and strategies for the incident. ii. Implements the incident action plan iii. Works directly with other assisting agencies (law, public works etc.) iv. Consults with the IC about the overall incident action plan. v. Keeps the IC informed of situation and resource status within Operations. vi. Supervises the staging area manager and calls for additional resources. vii. Insures required ICS forms are completed.

136 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 17 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 The most common reason for staffing Operations is to relieve span of-control problems for the Incident Commander. A complex incident, in which the IC needs assistance determining strategic goals and tactical objectives, may also require implementing Operations. Operations is not necessary for small incidents where span of control is not exceeded. For smaller incident the use of Group or Division Supervisors is appropriate. OPERATIONS BRANCHES DIVISIONS or GROUPS B. Planning (ICS Forms- 203,204,207,209,211,214,& 215) Planning is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination, and use of information about the development of the incident and the status of resources. The person in charge of Planning is called the Planning Section Chief. When faced with a complex, or rapidly escalating incident, or one requiring designated operational periods, the Incident Commander may require assistance with the Planning function. Planning must include an assessment of the present and projected situation. In addition to assessment of the situation status, there is a critical need to maintain information about resources committed to the incident and projected resource requirements. The Planning Section Chief is responsible for managing information about incident status and resources. As a part of this major responsibility, Planning also performs the following functions: i. Collection of information regarding the incident and resources. ii. Evaluation of information received from a variety of sources.

137 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 18 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 iii. iv. Dissemination of information to the IC, Operations, and incident personnel, as necessary. Use of information in preparation of the incident action plan. Planning assists the Incident Commander in: i. Developing an effective incident action plan based on incident goals ii. Modifying the incident action plan to meet changing needs iii. Anticipating changing resource needs. iv. Preparing alternate strategies and tactical options based on incident potential. v. Planning meeting The Planning Section Chief may need to establish functional units to maintain an acceptable span of control. These units may include, but are not limited to, the following: SITUATION STATUS UNIT (SITSTAT) RESOURCE STATUS UNIT (RESTAT) DOCUMENTATION UNIT DEMOBILIZATION UNIT TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS Each unit within the Planning Section will have a Unit Leader who is responsible for specific functions within each unit and completing necessary ICS forms required for the IAP. C. Logistics (ICS Forms-205, 206,218 & 260) Logistics is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials for the incident. The person in charge of Logistics is called the Logistics Section Chief. (Deputies may be assigned) As incidents grow in size, complexity, and duration, the logistical needs of the operating forces also increase. Even in a relatively simple structure fire, there are requirements for breathing air supply, drinking water, and emergency medical care. Long duration incidents of any type require provisions for feeding personnel, toilet facilities, refueling of apparatus, and a myriad of other service and support resources.

138 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 19 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 The Logistics Section Chief manages service and support resources required for the incident. The Logistics Section Chief is responsible for all logistics functions needed for an incident. This individual should establish functional units when needed to maintain an acceptable workload and span of control. Branches may be required within Logistics to maintain span of control when several functional units are established. The person in charge of each Branch is called Branch Director. SERVICE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEDICAL UNIT (for emergency personnel, not civilians) FOOD UNIT SUPPORT BRANCH SUPPLY UNIT FACILITIES UNIT GROUND SUPPORT UNIT Each unit within the Logistics Section will have a unit leader who is responsible for specific functions within each unit and completing necessary ICS forms required for the IAP. D. Finance (ICS Forms-226, 227, 228 & 214) Finance is responsible for tracking all incident costs and evaluating the financial considerations of the incident. The person in charge of Finance is called the Finance Section Chief. (Deputies may be assigned) Financial issues normally are not a major factor during daily incident operations. However, when a department is involved in large complex incidents involving significant expenditures originating from multiple sources providing assistance to the incident the financial documents and funding sources become critical to the operation and recovery process. The Finance Section Chief must provide for the documentation of all incident costs, and provide guidance to the Incident Commander on financial issues that may have an impact on incident operations. These responsibilities include: i. Future payments ii. Future budgeting iii. Payment of personnel costs iv. Cost recovery

139 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 20 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 The Finance section is usually staffed in large-scale or complex incidents. Personnel for this position should be identified prior to an incident including municipal financial departments. The Finance Section Chief is responsible for all finance functions needed for an incident. This individual should establish functional units when needed to maintain an acceptable workload and span of control. These units would include: TIME UNIT (responsible for ensuring accurate recording of daily personnel time) PROCUREMENT UNIT (responsible for financial matters pertaining to vendor contracts, leases, & fiscal arrangements) COMPENSATION/CLAIMS UNIT (documents potential Worker s Compensation incidents and initiate processes) COST UNIT (provides all incident cost analysis) Each unit within the Finance Section will have a unit leader who is responsible for specific functions within each unit and completing necessary ICS forms required for the IAP. 6. Incident Support Team (IST) Response Guidelines (Local AHJ) A. The Incident Commander of all incidents, regardless of that persons rank has the responsibility of taking care of various duties. These duties are, but not limited to life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation. During the initial arrival or as the incident escalates the IC may feel that he may need additional support for command staff positions. B. These positions are in the Command Staff, General Staff and EOC. C. The South Central Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force has developed an IST that can be requested to fill Command and General Staff positions. D. The IST Leader will receive a briefing from the initial IC and will shadow him/her to gather additional information. E. As IST members of the local IST arrive, they shall meet with the IST Leader for a briefing to receive assignments (incident objectives and strategies) and begin to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the function they represent. F. The IST Planning section Chief, and additional Planning staff, will immediately set up the Planning Section. These personnel will start to develop necessary contingency plans, and ICS forms.

140 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 21 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 G. The IST Logistics Section Chief, and additional Logistics staff, will immediately set up the Logistics Section. These personnel will begin to order necessary resources required to control the incident and provide incident support and service needs. The Local AHJ Finance personnel will work hand and hand with logistics at this level. Summary of Future Incident Management Procedures Mutual Aid Operational Plan (MAOP) Procedures are being developed at the local level with the Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association standards committee that will provide an operational procedure for requesting additional resources through the Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency (LEMA) whenever your daily mutual aid capabilities are exceeded or the IC feels the incident is major or complex and will be an extended operation. These resources will be in the form of certified personnel for required staffing levels or equipment for task forces or strike teams and certified personnel for staff and command functions along with standardized resource typing of equipment. National Incident Management System (NIMS) This Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) meets jurisdictional compliance with certain aspects of the NIMS document. Other aspects of NIMS will require additional development and refinement to enable compliance at a future date. These additional requirements will include data and communications systems interoperability and compliance by LCWC with additional standards, guidelines and compliance protocols. This SOG will remain a working document. All personnel are encouraged to provide comments if they feel this documents needs to be updated or additional information added in order to meet the ongoing development aspects of NIMS.

141 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 22 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 Forms Appendix Command ICS 201 ICS 202 ICS 209 ICS 213 ICS 215 SM 2-6 SM 2-7 SM 3-17 Safety Officer ICS 202 ICS 208 ICS 214 Liaison Officer ICS 214 Public Information Officer ICS 214 Operations Officer ICS 211 ICS 214 ICS 215 SM 3-17 Incident Briefing Incident Objectives Incident Status Summary General Message Form Operational Planning Worksheet (approval only) Incident Check Sheet Hazardous Materials Check Sheet Resource Status Sheet Complete the General Safety Message Area Site Safety and Control Plan for HazMat Unit Log Unit Log Unit Log Check-In-List (Staging Area Manager) Unit Log Operational Planning Worksheet Resources Status Sheet

142 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association SOG # : Title: Incident Command System Page: 23 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 Planning Section Chief ICS 203 ICS 204 ICS 207 ICS 209 ICS 211 ICS 214 ICS 215 Logistics Section Chief ICS 205 ICS 206 ICS 214 ICS 215 ICS 260 Finance Section Chief ICS 226 ICS 227 ICS 228 ICS 214 Organization Assignment List Division Assignment List Organization Chart Incident Status Summary Check-In-List Unit Log Operational Planning Worksheet Incident Radio Communications Plan Medical Plan Unit Log Operational Planning Worksheet Resource Order Compensation Injury Log Claims Log Incident Cost Worksheet Unit Log

143 SOG # : Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Fire Chief s Association Title: Incident Command System Page: 24 of 24 Date: Spetember 5, 2007 Example of expanded ICS with the Command Staff, General Staff, Single Resource, Groups, Divisions and Branch assigned. Branch Division Single Resources Task Forces or Strike Teams Operations Branch Group Safety PIO NIMS Organizational Structure Planning Incident Command Branch Liaision Logistics Branch Assign "Units" to Planning Section & Finance /Administration and to Logistics under the Branch Directors Managerial Level Command Staff Finance Administration Section Chief Directors Supervisors Leaders

144 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 1 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 PURPOSE This guideline contains information concerning organization, implementation and utilization of Decon Companies and Strike Teams (DST) in support of local, county and Regional hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction operations. SCOPE This guideline is applicable to agencies and individuals participating with Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency (LEMA), Lancaster County-Wide Communications (LCWC), Hazmat 2-9, and members of decontamination companies. DECON COMPANY A Decon. Company is a specially trained and equipped Engine Company capable of immediate response within their local area for decontamination operations, or as a component of a County or Regional Decontamination Strike Team. DECON STRIKE TEAM The County/Regional Decon Strike Team is designed to support mass decon operations by providing trained and capable personnel and a standard cache of equipment. The DST will provide mass decon operations during an event where mass decon is required. The DST will operate under the operations section within the National Incident Management System (NIMS). BASIC DST ORGANIZATION The DST shall consist of 5 apparatus (minimum Class A Pumper) composed of three (3) firefighters and one (1) officer per apparatus, and is under the Command of a Strike Team Leader. The Decon Strike Team shall be comprised of Emergency Service Organizations recommended by the Regional Task Force Fire/Rescue/HAZMAT Committee, and approved by the executive committee. The specific companies providing personnel for the DST, should be staffed sufficiently deep to provide 3 firefighters and an officer, that meet Team Criteria, and pre-determined apparatus when dispatched.

145 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 2 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 Strike Team Leader (1) Engine 3 Firefighters 1 Officer POSITION DESCRIPTIONS Strike Team Leader The Strike Team Leader (STL) is commander of the Strike Team, coordinating the performance of tasks assigned by the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief. Company Officer The Company Officer (CO) is responsible to ensure tactical objectives specified by the STL are accomplished. Firefighter The firefighters perform tasks assigned by the Company Officer as coordinated by the STL. COMMUNICATIONS Engine 3 Firefighters 1 Officer Engine 3 Firefighters 1 Officer Engine 3 Firefighters 1 Officer Engine 3 Firefighters 1 Officer In County Response Decontamination Companies assigned to an incident shall operate from frequencies established by LCWC at the time of the event. All Companies will utilize their Lancaster County radio designations. Regional Use The Decon Strike Team shall operate on a pre-established (Lancaster County) frequency for internal communications. The Strike Team Leader shall have communications with the Operations Section within the ICS organization by means of a radio provided by the local jurisdiction or the Regional OpenSky 800 MHz Radio System. The radio designation to be used is Decon Strike Team 36.

146 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 3 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 ACTIVATION OF DECON COMPANY(S) The local Incident Commander may request activation of a decon company that is within Lancaster County. Upon any request for a Decon Company, the LEMA and Hazmat Duty Officer shall be notified. In addition, consideration should be given to notification of the South Central Task Force Incident Support Team (IST) Leader. Lancaster County-Wide Communications shall dispatch requested companies as per Decon Company Dispatch Procedure. (Attachment 1) ACTIVATION OF THE DECON STRIKE TEAM Within the County When activated within Lancaster County, the Decon. Companies will respond directly to the pre-designated Hospitals. Hospital assignments are: Ephrata Community Hospital Lancaster Regional Medical Center Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center Lancaster General Hospital Floater Engines Engine (Lincoln) Engine (Highville) Engine (Lititz) Engine (Refton) To scene or fill in. Note: If additional equipment is needed to support the DST, the STL will make this request through the Incident Commander or Operations Section of the incident. Within the Region The Emergency Management Coordinator, or designee, of any county within the Regional Task Force may request the activation of a Decon Strike Team from another county within this region. The Requesting County shall fill out the South Central Task Force Resource Request Form (Attachment 2) and fax to the specific County(s) the Decon Strike Team(s) is being requested from. In the event that Lancaster County receives a request for a Decon Strike Team from another County within this region, the following procedure will be utilized. - LCWC will notify the LEMA and Hazmat 2-9 Duty Officers. - LCWC will notify the Decon Companies Decon Strike Team Dispatch Procedure. (Attachment 1)

147 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 4 of 9 Date: August 8, Decon Companies and Hazmat 2-9 (Prime Mover and Mass Decon Trailer) will report to the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center to the rear of Hazmat Station The STL will contact LCWC via telephone to obtain detailed incident information. - The STL will review and ensure all Decon Companies have their assigned and required PPE and Equipment. (Attachment 3) - STL will develop a travel plan from the muster point to the incident scene. - Note: Only five (5) Engine Companies, Hazmat 2-9 Prime Mover and Mass Decon Trailer will respond. Regional DST Request to PEMA If Regional resources have been exhausted, or if an event is obviously overwhelming to regional resources, the Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force POC, or designee, may request additional DST s from PEMA. This request shall contain specific information, as identified in the next section, and shall be made to the State EOC. PEMA Request for a DST In accordance with provisions identified in the Counter Terrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act, the Governor or designee, may activate a DST from any region for use in another region of the Commonwealth. This request should be forwarded through the Task Force Chairman or designee for the region, from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The Task Force Chairman shall activate the team as per the following protocol. - The Task Force Chairman shall contact the County PSAP of all counties providing resources to Decontamination Strike Teams, and shall determine the availability of these resources. o County PSAP shall implement local procedures for determining availability. (See Activation, Within the Region) - The Task Force Chairman shall determine the actual resources to respond to the request, and shall notify the applicable county(s) PSAP(S). o Selection based on location of assignment, current activities within this region, and availability. o The DST shall muster as per established county guidelines, and respond as requested by PEMA. (See Activation, Within the Region)

148 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 5 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 RESPONSE Local The Local Incident Commander may utilize decon companies for initial scene decontamination and local hospital support. Use and operations of these companies shall be consistent with this guideline, and shall be under the direction of the Lancaster County Emergency Management Office, or Hazmat 2-9 Duty Officer. Within County/Region Lancaster County Decon Strike Team resources may be utilized, as necessary, to support incident scene decontamination operations, or area hospitals. All Companies operating shall be under the Command of the Strike Team Leader. Companies shall operate from the established Decon Company Guideline, unless specifically directed otherwise by the Strike Team Leader. Outside of Region All Companies operating shall be under the Command of the Strike Team Leader. DST should be prepared for a minimum 24 hour response duration. CRITERIA Strike Team Leader The Strike Team Leader shall be trained to the Hazardous Materials Technician and Incident Commander levels and shall be competent in the selection of decon methods and procedures. The Strike Team Leader shall be a member of Hazmat 2-9, and shall be assigned at the time of the incident. Officer Criteria The Engine officer shall be a company grade officer of the participating agency, meeting the following certifications and training: Firefighter 2 (NFPA) recommended, OR PA Essentials of Fire Fighting or equivalent, and HAZMAT operations, and Terrorism Operations, and NIMS ICS 201 or equivalent

149 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 6 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 Firefighter Criteria Firefighter 1 (NFPA) recommended OR PA Essentials of Fire Fighting or equivalent, and HAZMAT Operations, and Terrorism Operations Strike Team Capabilities Each Engine in the strike team shall have supplies to decon a minimum of 50 people Each Strike Team shall have supplies to decon a minimum of 250 people It is recommended that each Engine have supplies to decon 100 people It is recommended that each Strike Team have supplies to decon 500 people

150 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 7 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 ATTACHMENT 1 (Dispatch Procedures for In and Out of County)

151 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 8 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 Decon ST ATTACHMENT 2 South Central Task Force Strike Team / Task Force Resource Request Form Request For (circle resource needed) Law Enforce Medical TF Rescue TF Other Other ST Request Type: In County Response Out of County Response 1. Requesting Agency Information: This Is: Phone Number: Date / Time: (Name) 2. Request Mode Respond to Incident 3. Requesting Organization: 4. Reporting Supervisor: a. Radio Frequency b. Phone Number 5. Location of Staging Area: 6. Nature of Incident: 7. Incident Specific Details: 8. County Notifications Communications Supervisor from Emergency Management Duty Officer LCWC On Call Manager 9. Received By: Name / Position: (County or Agency) Stand By in County Date: Time:

152 Standard Operating Guideline Lancaster County Emergency Management SOG #: Title: Decontamination Engine Company and Strike Team Page: 9 of 9 Date: August 8, 2006 ATTACHMENT 3 Equipment Cache per Engine ITEM QUANTITY LOCATION PPE, BE-10 Kits 4 APR/PAPR* 4 BE-10 Kits Chemical Resistant Coverall 8 BE-10 Kits Gloves, Pair, Butyl 8 BE-10 Kits Gloves, Pair, Nitrile 8 BE-10 Kits Overboots, Pair 8 BE-10 Kits Filter, Canister 12 BE-10 Kits Tape, Chem, Roll 4 BE-10 Kits Battery, Lithium 8 BE-10 Kits Flow Meter 4 BE-10 Kits Bags, carryall 8 BE-10 Kits 1 Decon Response Kit Soap Solution, gallon 1 Decon Kit Thread Adaptor, 2.5", Universal 1 Decon Kit Trash Bags, Heavy Duty, 250 count box 1 Decon Kit Plastic, Heavy Duty, roll 1 Decon Kit Tape, Chem, Roll 1 Decon Kit Shears, cast cutting (EMS) 1 Cut down kit Shears, aviation, tin 1 Cut down kit Shears, brush, 1", short handle 1 Cut down kit Cutter, seatbelt 1 Cut down kit Cutter, diagional, metal 1 Cut down kit Bags, carryall 1 Cut down kit Pack, detection, M8 1 Detection Kit Pack, detection, ph 1 Detection Kit Tape, detection, M9 1 Detection Kit Container, plastic, sealed 1 Detection Kit Patient Kit Garments, modesty 50 Patient Kit Blankets, space, aluminized 50 Patient Kit Towels, disposable, rolls (50 count) 2 Patient Kit Trash Bags, Heavy Duty, 250 count box 1 Patient Kit Tags, manilla w/tie string 100 Patient Kit Pad, writing, all weather 1 Patient Kit Pens, pencils, misc 1 Patient Kit

153 PENNSYLVANIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 2605 Interstate Drive Harrisburg, Pennsylvania EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE NO. D SUBJECT: REGIONAL DECONTAMINATION STRIKE TEAMS DATE: December 31, 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Purpose 2 II. Authority and References 2 III. Regional Decontamination Strike Team Scope 2 IV. Regional Decontamination Strike Team Definition 2 V. Mission Statement 2 VI. Regional Decontamination Strike Team Organization 3 VII. Position Descriptions 3 VIII. Communications 3 IX. Activation of the Decontamination Strike Team 4 X. Development and Criteria 4 XI. Response 5 XII. Equipment List 5 XIII. Rescissions 6 Page - 1 -