A Course Designed to Save Firefighters Lives

A Course Designed to Save Firefighters Lives
Firefighter Survival Course A Course Designed to Save Firefighters Lives

Firefighter Survival Course
Course Introduction Instructors Lt. Rodney Smith Lt. Don Gibson FF Chad Chadwick Program Goals Orientation to concepts of self rescue and rapid intervention Review of actual scenarios Practical experience Train the Trainer focus Firefighter Survival Course

“Saving Our Own” This course was developed by the Illinois Fire Service Institute. The course was taught by members of the Chicago and Schaumburg Fire Department members. This was initially a 16 hour “train the trainer” course taught to members of Fire Departments through-out the United States. The course can be modified to meet the needs of your local Fire Department. Additional components of this course should be incorporated into future training sessions. 32 - Volunteers 8-10 Per Shift Any suggestions are needed to improve and make this an ongoing learning process Firefighter Survival Course

Course Objectives Classroom Understand the concepts of self-rescue Understand the process of rapid intervention teams Understand the responsibilities of the RIT officer and team members Identify some of the basic tools required for SR and RIT Practical Exercises Self-Rescue Techniques Size-up for RIT Rapid Intervention Scenarios Firefighter Survival Course

Course Objectives At the end of this training session the firefighter will be able to: Identify factors that lead to firefighter injury and fatalities. Identify factors that increase Firefighter Safety including: Pass Devices Improved communications Fire Ground Accountability Demonstrate basic firefighter rescue techniques. Understand the importance of Rapid Intervention Crews Factors Leading To Injury - 1) Freelancing - Go in together, stay together, come out together 2) Little or no communication with crews in opposing positions 3) No visible means of egress 4) Not using protective gear and or safety equipment Factors Increasing FF Safety - 1) Pass Devices - Turn On! 2) Improve communications - PASSPORTS, Task or Divisions Face to Face by radio. Firefighter Survival Course

Course References Illinois Fire Service Institute - Saving Our Own Program Firefighter Survival - John Sulka, FDNY Firefighter Safety and Survival - USFA / NIOSH /NFDC/NFPA Reports Personal Experiences and Case Studies Training Firefighter Survival Course

Firefighter Injury Facts
Firefighter Injuries ,500 50,640 Injuries on the Fire Ground Fatality Statistics 1997 NFDC 43.6% Fire Ground / 40 of 94 13 Heart Attack 8 Asphyxiation 7 Crushing 5 Internal Trauma 3 Burns 1 Heat Stroke 1 Drown 1 Asthma Attack 1 Shot 43.3% caught or trapped This slide will identify that firefighter injury is significant Stress the “Problems” - Lack of P.D.D. usage - Lack of safety of PPE - Going in too far - Freelancing More Toxic Materials - Plastics and Resins Routine Fires - FFs very lax in preparation Firefighter Survival Course

Common Factors Contributing To Firefighter Injury & Fatality
Failure to read the building - # 1 overall factor Lack of, or incomplete size up Lack of knowing building construction and fire behavior Heavy Fire on lower levels Walk out basements Floor weakened or holes burnt through Communications - Information between IC & Companies Hackensack, NJ 5 fatalities, called for help over 30 minutes, 17 minutes after collapse last call for help. Indianapolis, called for help 7 times in 5 minutes. WHY DON’T WE HEAR? Size-up - Need for good communication Start Early Pass Device - Not turned on - unacceptable - Notice the high number of fatalities w/ no pass device - Use PPE Firefighter Survival Course

Common Factors in Firefighter Fatalities and Injuries
Lost or separated from team Hotter Fires Malfunctioning SCBA Lack of knowledge of self-rescue techniques Inactivated PASS device Firefighter Survival Course

Common Factors Contributing To Firefighter Injury & Fatality (Cont.)
Accountability # 1 factor in accountability is the officer knowing where his/her people are. 25% of all firefighter fatalities are due to a lack of accountability Other problems Routine Fires Less Fires Common factors Instructor Notes: Hot Zone - 1) Requires SCBA 2) Charged Line 3) Protective Clothing 4) Area which A FF is at risk of becoming lost, trapped , or injured by the environment or structure Crew size - minimum of 2, with a radio - Freelancing is an unacceptable practice - Enter and leave together - Reiterate the “OUT OF AIR” Quick Drill. Firefighter Survival Course

Common Factors Contributing To Firefighter Injury & Fatality (Cont.)
Hotter fires - Since 1970 fires have tripled the BTU output. Smoke output can be as much as 20 times worse on synthetics Iowa (Royers) L X W X H / 100 = GPM NFA L X W / 3 = GPM Energy Efficient Windows Average apartment has over 2500 lbs... Of plastic Temperature inversion at flashover at ceiling 1700 at floor. Deteriorating buildings Light weight and truss construction Light weight truss can fail as soon as 4 minutes Instructor Notes: Plastic, Vinyl, Man-made Fabrics - Modern construction techniques are killing us Firefighter Survival Course

Firefighter Rescue 85 - 90% of Firefighters have never practiced
Instructor Notes: This class will provide various techniques Firefighter Survival Course

Firefighter Rescue Basic Concepts of Firefighter Rescue
“The Concept is one of Attitude” Instructor Notes: Do you want someone as well-trained as you - coming to your Rescue? Firefighter Survival Course

Firefighter Rescue Concept of Firefighter Rescue
Attitude is everything!!! It doesn’t take a 500,000 dollar squad to begin thinking and ACTING… Do you come dressed for the party? Firefighters are killed surrounded by 1/2” sheetrock. “Don’t give up! Mentality is essential!” Who do you want coming to get you? Rapid Intervention Crew Instructor Notes: Are you up to the task? BE PREPARED!! Firefighter Survival Course

Concepts of Firefighter Rescue (Cont.)
Anticipate problems - Everyone must be looking!!! Read the building 360 degree survey Throw ladders Engineers Stand by companies Clean out windows Think Forcible EXIT Tools. Instructor Notes: As with EMS Survey - Size-up & Survey are “On-going” Never stops as conditions are constantly changing. THIS IS A BUILDING EXTRICATION!! GET OUR OWN OUT!! VIDEO: 1st segment Chicago Flashover, emphasize ladder position, initial action to effect rescue (3 min.) 2nd segment - Heavy Smoke to flashover illustrates reading the building (3 min.) Firefighter Survival Course

Concepts of Firefighter Rescue (Cont.)
Ensure Operation of PASS when dismounting apparatus Watch your air Point of no return SCBA Emergencies Consider level of activity Listen to the radio. (Lapel Mic’s) Have a procedure in place today! Communicate to IC Declare “MayDay” w/ CO. I.D. and best known location Activate PASS Turn on Flash Lights Inform IC of noises heard, ie. Saws, Fans, Crews, etc. Tap or Beat on Surroundings Instructor Notes: SOP Procedure Look-out for each other Don’t enter too deep - anticipate your need to leave, if necessary Search ropes Staying on the hose line Emphasize lapel mic’s Firefighter Survival Course

Your Procedure Must be basic May in the form of a IAP Must be familiar to all fireground companies Dispatchers should be able to recognize emergency and activate plan. Must provide for additional resources Should be incorporated into training evolutions Must be practical and provide common terminology Discuss Air horns, Emergency traffic, Mayday…. Instructor Notes: A FF is either trapped by a collapse or lost in a smoke-filled, burning building. MAYDAY Extremely Time Sensitive PAR - Last location ID’s lost firefighter or company Activate RIC Firefighter Survival Course

Self Rescue Concepts Before Rapid Intervention even begins, firefighters must posses the ability to begin to remove themselves from mechanisms that have trapped them Wires Debris Occupancy Hose Slide Firefighter Survival Course

Firefighter Rescue Scenarios
Self Team assisted Quick exit using hose slide SCBA onto unconscious FF Firefighter Survival Course

Skills Necessary for Self Rescue
Knowledge of Building Construction Fire Spread and Fire Behavior How to Call for Help Mayday, Emergency Traffic Where are you in building How to find the FASTEST way out Turnout gear protects for only seconds in flashover Low air means time to get out No more primary, secondary or firefighting operations Firefighter Survival Course

Personal Equipment Suggested Equipment for Self-Survival
Should be available to EACH firefighter Firefighter Survival Course

Self Rescue Scenarios Must be able to tie handcuff knot around self or downed firefighter (RIT) Firefighter Survival Course

Self Rescue Scenarios Ladder Bail-out
Was ladder placed for rescue, by RIT, or for ventilation? Firefighter Survival Course

Self Rescue Scenarios Getting into a safe refuge area
FDNY found this most overlooked Firefighter Survival Course

Self Rescue Scenarios Performed with minimum equipment
Firefighter Survival Course

Self Rescue Scenarios $5.00 - $10.00
Cable TV, Phone, Ceiling Support, Flex Duct Firefighter Survival Course

Firefighter Survival Skills Training
Quarterly review of these lifesaving skills is a must: Donning / Doffing of SCBA (Reduced Profile Maneuver) Other product specific advanced SCBA techniques; quick fill Tying of basic rescue knots Bowline around self Handcuff knot Activation of RIT Mayday or Emergency Traffic Release from obstructions techniques Swim Method for wire, use of sidecutters Hose direction identification by couplings Safety and Survival Drills Firefighter Survival Course

Rapid Intervention Teams Firefighter Survival Course

Rapid Intervention Teams

Cover of Trapped Firefighter
Rapid Intervention Teams Firefighter Survival Course

Rapid Intervention Teams Basic Concepts
A function of Command Assembled in teams of 2 or more Bring rescue equipment to Command Perform own size-up of scene May do other functions as long as available immediately Most important assignment given to a company Protect and rescue firefighters Firefighter Survival Course

Personal Skills Required for RIT Assignment
Size-up Skills Building Construction Fire Spread and Behavior Communications Aggressive “Can-do” spirit Use of multiple types of tools and equipment Ability to act fast under poor conditions ATTITUDE ATTITUDE Firefighter Survival Course

Team Skills Required for RIT Assignment
Must be familiar with all aspects of assignment Fireground is not the place to learn Preparation in training will begin process Ability to function as a team Identification of key tasks and positions Firefighter Survival Course

NFPA Requirements for RIT

OSHA 2 in / 2 out Compliance
A Rapid Intervention Team should fulfill the requirements as specified in the 29 CFR Part regulation A minimum of four individuals is required before entry into the hazard area (interior operations) may begin Two of the four must be present and ready outside the hazard area Must be identically equipped Crews in hazard area must remain in either voice, visual or tethered contact with each other at all times Radio may not be substituted for direct visual contact Firefighter Survival Course

The Beginning of Self-Rescue and RIT
FDNY and Philadelphia Found common denominators in many situations No quick way to mobilize firefighters to rescue our own Many names for RIT Firefighter Assist Team, Rapid Intervention Crew, Firefighter Rescue Team, etc. Idea is still the same Firefighter Survival Course

Case Histories Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Memphis, Tennessee Denver, Colorado Columbus, Ohio Burr Ridge, IL Other of note not included in this presentation Hackensack, NJ Seattle, WA Philadelphia, PA New York, NY Must Know Info. Firefighter Survival Course

Case Histories Pittsburgh 3 Firefighters Killed
Three Pittsburgh firefighters died on Feb 14, 1995 died at a dwelling fire after they were unable to escape the interior of a building. All three firefighters were together in one room and had exhausted their air supplies. - 3 other firefighter were rescued from same room, accountability did not identify all who were lost. - All 3 had PASS devices that were not activated - No RIT available to rescue lost and trapped firefighters Firefighter Survival Course

Case Histories Memphis High-Rise Kills 2 Firefighters
2 Memphis Firefighters will killed on April 11, 1994 in a high-rise fire. Both firefighters died when trapped on the fire floor of this building. 1 firefighter became trapped by cable TV wire which had fallen from the ceiling area and wrapped around his SCBA bottle. - Both firefighters became separated from each other and ran out of air. PASS devices were worn but never activated. - Rescue crews lacked understanding of position of trapped firefighters and crawled right past one member Firefighter Survival Course

Case Histories Denver Office Fire Kills 1 Firefighter
A Denver firefighter was killed on September 28, 1982 when he became trapped inside the structure by the failure of lightweight construction members. Numerous attempts at rescue from a confined space through a window frame were unsuccessful. - Firefighter was separated from his crew when collapse occurred. - Rescue crews were unable to assist firefighter through window. - Limited visibility and victim position were factors in the rescue attempt. Firefighter Survival Course

Case Histories Columbus Commercial Fire Kills 1 Firefighter
A firefighter was killed when he fell through a hole in the floor of a mixed commercial occupancy on July 25, This firefighter was located early into his entrapment and despite many heroic efforts to rescue him, firefighters were unable to remove him from the hole he had fallen through. - Numerous attempts to pull and lift firefighter were unsuccessful - Self-rescue techniques did not work due to altered mental status - Crews had to abandon structure with firefighter still trapped inside Firefighter Survival Course

Case Histories Pleasantview Firefighter Killed in Single Family Dwelling On December 6, 1989, Lt. Joseph Samec died while battling a residential house fire in Burr Ridge, IL. Lt. Samec and his crew tried to rapidly exit the structure due to heavy involvement of the basement when the floor collapsed. - Rescue attempts included face to face and holding of arms/hands were unsuccessful. - Lt. Samec breached two walls in his attempt to escape but failed to make the stairs and was found face down on the staircase. Firefighter Survival Course

Case Studies - Summary May Joe Samec, John Nance, Mark Langvardt, and the 100 other firefighters who have make the SUPREME SACRAFICE every year rest in peace forever. Their memory serves as a catalyst for how and why we train We must learn for these tragedies and every “near-miss” that occurs We must revisit these occurrences as often as possible Firefighter Survival Course

Referenced from NFPA 1500, 1992 Edition Now in use nationwide as the ultimate in firefighter life safety procedures Provides for the rescue of lost, trapped or injured firefighters Allows Command to have outside tasks completed while RIT crew is in the standby mode Firefighter Survival Course

Definition RIT’s are crews of at least two members who may be called upon to supply rescue techniques to other firefighters operating a the scene of an emergency. These crews will have at least the same level of training and protective equipment as those operating at the scene. Firefighter Survival Course

General Purpose of Rapid Intervention Teams
Provide for the establishment of a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) within the Incident Management System Essential function of COMMAND Allows for dedicated company assigned to this function Meets current federal and local regulatory requirements One of the last industries to apply rescue of our own to work place Work Place = Emergency Scene Firefighter Survival Course

When to have a Rapid Intervention Team
Utilized at any time firefighters are at risk structural firefighting* hazardous materials response technical rescue water rescue or recovery *during attack and hazard operations Firefighter Survival Course

Objectives of a Rapid Intervention Team
Objectives of RIT Establish a means of effectively assisting members suddenly threatened by a dangerous situation at an emergency incident Provide a means for the IC to initiate an immediate rescue effort. Firefighter Survival Course

Assigning Rapid Intervention Teams
Dispatch of Equipment-Assignment to RIT IC should establish the RIT’S whenever FD personnel are required to operate under hazardous conditions. The composition and structure of RIT should be flexible based on the size and complexity of operations. The IC shall evaluate the situation and risks to operating teams and shall provide more teams commensurate with the needs of the situation Some scenes may require the establishment of more than one team Size of structure or complexity of structure Firefighter Survival Course

In the initial stages of an accident, the RIT shall be either: On scene personnel designated and dedicated as RIT On scene personnel performing other functions but ready to redeploy to perform RIT functions As the incident expands in size or complexity, the RIT’s shall be on scene personnel dedicated to that function Firefighter Survival Course

Reporting to the Fireground Companies designated as RIT will bypass staging, and report directly to the IC Companies designated as RIT must park their apparatus so as not to interfere with fireground operations Must bring minimum specified equipment and be prepared for immediate entry into incident area if required Additional equipment may be required after RIT completes own size-up of scene Incident Command must supply WHATEVER is determined to be needed Firefighter Survival Course

Rapid Intervention Teams Command Notes
If used for other tactical assignments, the RIT must be replaced another crew May be used to secure utilities Force exit/entry around structure Don’t place into position where deployment would be delayed If the need for rescue is diminished, the RIT may be assigned to other tasks Firefighter Survival Course

Primary Tasks for RIT’s
Respond to any firefighter reported in distress Assess the need for ground ladders Monitor radio and maintain contact with IC for quick response if needed Assess where ff. personnel are located in the structure and any special tasks they are performing Size up structure, walk building to determine these factors Appropriate tools carried by members Firefighter Survival Course

Rapid Intervention Team Equipment
Minimum Suggested Equipment Flat head axe/halligan tool Sledge hammer or maul Search rope, 150’ minimum Portable saws Hand lights Ground ladders Oxygen/EMS Portable radios SCBA complete SCBA spare bottles Firefighter Survival Course

Equipment Note Key word is RAPID. Don’t overload the personnel. Equipment must be available and RIT’s have priority to use it. Use pre-arranged bags or kits with most equipment pre-packed and ready to go. Saves time when arriving on fireground Firefighter Survival Course

RIT Size-up Skills Fire Eng. Jan 1998, R. Lasky, B. Hoff Building Dimension Occupancy Construction Type Placement of windows, doors, escapes, porches, etc. Tactics Offensive, Defensive, Defensive to Offensive Command Operations in place Ladders and Truck Operations Time of Operations Firefighter Survival Course

Equipment - Wood Frame, Heavy Timber, Ordinary
Pickhead axes and pikes Circular wood-blade saw Ventilation chain saw Halligan and sledgehammer Search rope SCBA and extra supply Charged hoseline Ground ladders Firefighter Survival Course

Equipment - Noncombustible/Fire Resistive
Halligan bars Sledgehammers Circular metal-blade saw Torches Search rope SCBA and extra supply Charged hoseline Ground ladders Firefighter Survival Course

Other Size-up Considerations
Check with rehab officer on condition of firefighters Check with Safety Officer and compare information Relocate or add another RIT Potential collapse and collapse area EMS for the RIT available Firefighter Survival Course

THE RIC OFFICER: EXPECTATIONS
The chief officers must have high expectations of their RIC Officers Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: First few minutes tell a lot. Size-up - Communication paints a good picture (or bad). When enroute as RIC, officers should listen for crew locations and situations. Example: E3 on 3rd floor with heavy smoke TF1 on 2nd floor - fire attack. Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: RIC officer should meet with IC and review crew location and situation. IC will be accountability point for RIC at this time. The RIT Officer upon arrival Observe the tactics and strategy being used. Offense or defensive What was done, what is being done, what needs to be done. Constantly monitor the radio. Use the remote mic, and keep it at the collar. Listen to progress reports closely! Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: RIC should do a brief survey of building, locating exits, obstructions, etc. Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: Firefighter Survival Course

THE RIC OFFICER: ENROUTE
Officer has a different role! Responding for firefighter rescue, not suppression. Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: After survey return to Command Post and continue to listen to radio to stay informed on situation. Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: When you are called for Lost or Trapped firefighters, you should know the general area of victim (or last known location.) Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Instructor Notes: When victim is found check his/her air situation: bottle empty? Mask on or off? Place extra a SCBA air on victim RIC officer: * Give location of victim * Condition of victim (name of victim) * Extra crews needed - equipment needed * Tell everything you can At this point, RIC is now RIC group because you have help coming to assist you and work under you. Firefighter Survival Course

RIT Size-up of a Structure

RIC Instructor Notes: When arriving at the scene, check in at command post with basic tools - Halligan Flash light Rope Extra SCBA (not just extra bottles) You may start a tool staging area for heavier equipment Stay light, stay mobile-ready to go!! Firefighter Survival Course

Command Mode Slide 1 1-58

Tips from the “Pros” Firefighter Survival Course

Special Thanks and Acknowledgements
All Fallen Firefighters, Their Sprit Lives In Us Forever Saving Our Own - Illinois Fire Service Institute Getting Out Alive - Fire Department New York City Firefighter Survival - Phoenix AZ, FDNY Elgin IL - Regional Fire Academy Firefighter Survival Program Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors Pleasantview Fire Protection District Firefighter Survival Course

RIC Frequently Asked Question: Can different companies rotate in and out of the RIC role? No - only as last resort Can personnel assigned to RIC be used for fireground “work”? No - RIC must keep fresh Instructor Note: Firefighter Survival Course

A Course Designed to Save Firefighters Lives

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