Fire Ground Decision Making
Course Abstract
How do you implement initial, tactical actions on the fireground as an officer in a quint or partial quint concept? How do you decide between operating as an engine or truck company? Who does the truck work in a system which does not operate true truck companies? This presentation is designed to demonstrate the critical importance of having educated, experienced fireground decision making processes and to stimulate discussions toward achieving consistently safe coordinated fire attacks. The answer is having effective standard operating guidelines, experienced company officers and training.
In regard to a coordinated fire attack, there is nothing more effective than a timely, coordinated team effort between engine crews and the functions that facilitate or assist these crews (truck work). In a system where well-trained truck companies and engine companies arrive simultaneously or in close proximity, this is almost a guarantee. Both companies know their duties and commit.
Does this mean that systems without truck companies are ineffective? No, but such setups require greater coordination, training and experience. Many of us who already work under the conditions of this system understand this. The policymakers who decide to transition to this system need to understand that there is more involved than simply removing apparatus from service. The answer is having effective standard operating guidelines, experienced company officers, and training.
This PowerPoint based workshop is designed to stimulate and lead discussions toward finding solutions toward creating effective, efficient and safe fireground operations. The lecture will begin by defining the factors which affect “truck-less” decision making and define the partial and full quint concept. In the process of this endeavor, arguments will be made between effectiveness and efficiency and how certain elements must be present in order to achieve effectiveness under the constraint of efficiency. The program will then thoroughly describe the elements of an accurate scene size up and depict critical components of situational awareness and future event anticipation. At this point, critical elements of a safe, coordinated fire attack will discussed and circumstantially prioritized. Sample suggested operating guidelines will be created and implemented in order to consistently organize this prioritization of functions. Finally, the lecture will suggest essential elements which support agency needs toward decision making, such as: developing training programs, creating preferred operating methods, identifying equipment needs, and implementing evaluation benchmarks.
It should be noted that these classes is not exclusionary toward any regional demographic. It is beneficial and pertinent to urban, suburban, and rural operations
Request an offering of Fireground Decision Making for a conference or department near you.
Suburban Fire Tactics 