First Due to the “Big One”: Initial Decisions at Atypical Events Randall W. Hanifen, Ph.D.

Response to the “Big One”: First Due Decisions at Atypical Events Presented by Randall W. Hanifen, Ph.D. Shift Captain-West Chester Fire-Rescue Associate Professor-American Public University Adjunct Professor, University of Cincinnati Vice-Chair, IAFC Company Officer Section Professional Development Chair, Institute of Fire Engineers

Learning Objectives Through case study of atypical calls, the first due company officer will make decisions based on: Call information Resources available and assigned Safety of crew and the public The company officer will provide follow-up information related to: Assigning secondary companies Requesting proper resources The company officer will develop documentation for the event to include: ICS 214 ICS 207

Disclaimer The presenter does not advocate responding with less than ideal alarm assignments. The presenter recommends following 1710 and 1720, as well as NFPA 1500 to ensure safety and proper resources to accomplish the needed critical tasks at an incident The participant’s organization should conduct a critical task analysis based on their community risk profile to ensure the proper resources are available to respond to incidents within their jurisdiction

-John Centers, Fire Chief Monroe Fire There is a fine line between passing out commendations and passing out flags -John Centers, Fire Chief Monroe Fire

Nursing Home Fire Courtesy of Monroe Fire Department

Picture of Building Prior to Fire

Picture

Picture

Alarm Assignment E61 (3)-First Due T-61 (2)-Second Due E-62 (4)-7 Minutes C60 (1)-10 Minutes

Situation Upon Arrival Heavy Smoke and some flames from Roof Fully occupied Assisted Living Facility Smoke visible on the 3rd floor Occupants calling dispatch to report they are trapped in their rooms and see visible smoke Most occupants not able to traverse stairs on their own

First Due Size Up and Initial Actions Provide a Size up for your group Provide initial actions taken by your crew Provide reasoning

Strategic Considerations What will be your strategic priorities? Why What influences your strategic priorities? What is the first assignment you will make to the next due company Why? What will you assign to the subsequent company

Information Relayed What information will you relay to the incoming chief? If permitted by policy, what additional resources will you order? If not permitted, what resources will you ask for from the incoming chief? What information will you relay to incoming fire units? Why is the information important?

Safety Considerations What safety considerations not already mentioned would you consider? Why? How does the motto “Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing” fit into your scenario and decision-making? At what point do you change to a defense strategy, if not already chosen?

Man in a container Silo Incident

Pictures of Event

Picture of Event

Alarm Assignment E81 (3)-First Due M82 (2)-Second Due M83 (2)-7 Minutes B80 (1)-10 Minutes

Situation Upon Arrival Man in Silo In silo for extended time while friends attempted to free him Think he is up to chin Product is Fly Ash

First Due Size Up and Initial Actions Provide a Size up for your group Provide initial actions taken by your crew Provide reasoning

Strategic Considerations What will be your strategic priorities? Why? What influences your strategic priorities? What is the first assignment you will make to the next due company? What will you assign to the subsequent company?

Information Relayed What information will you relay to the incoming chief? If permitted by policy, what additional resources will you order? If not permitted, what resources will you ask for from the incoming chief? What information will you relay to incoming fire units? Why is the information important?

Safety Considerations What safety considerations not already mentioned would you consider? Why How does the motto “Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing” fit into your scenario and decision-making? At what point do you change to a defense strategy, if not already chosen?

Tornado Aftermath

Overview of Area

Sample of Damage

Alarm Assignment E1 (3)-First Due E-3 (2)-Second Due E-2 (4)-7 Minutes C1 (1)-10 Minutes

Situation Upon Arrival Significant devastation throughout the town Numerous calls for possible trapped occupants Numerous calls for damage to property Most streets blocked

First Due Size Up and Initial Actions Provide a Size up for your group Provide initial actions taken by your crew Provide reasoning

Strategic Considerations What will be your strategic priorities? Why? What influences your strategic priorities? What is the first assignment you will make to the next due company? What will you assign to the subsequent company?

Information Relayed What information will you relay to the incoming chief? If permitted by policy, what additional resources will you order? If not permitted, what resources will you ask for from the incoming chief? What information will you relay to incoming fire units? Why is the information important?

Safety Considerations What safety considerations not already mentioned would you consider? Why? How does the motto “Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing” fit into your scenario and decision-making?

What Did We Learn Today What did we learn from a technical standpoint? What did we learn about teamwork? How stressful was it to make life decisions on limited information and how will you gain the information in your jurisdictions?

Conclusion Randall W. Hanifen, Ph.D. randall@hanifen.org 513-266-6124