TASK FORCE MANAGEMENT

Unit 5Squad Operations

Unit Goal

Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to describe the search and rescue squad organizational structure and position

responsibilities, as well as personal and team preparedness considerations.

Unit Objectives Review TF organizational structure and position

responsibilities. Identify lines of authority and reporting

responsibilities. Review the Squad Officer’s role and

responsibilities in task force operations. Identify functional responsibilities of squad

members. Discuss personal and squad readiness needs. Review issues related to squad safety.

Squad OperationsSquad Operations is where the

“rubber meets the road”. The competence and capabilities of the search

and rescue squads will determine the success of the incident and may likely be measured in

lives saved!

It All Starts With Working together Training, training, and more training Following sound ICS principles Ensuring that the Code of Conduct is

recognized and followedby EVERYONE!

Be familiar with your SOGs

Squad OperationsThe Squad Officer or Boss is critical to a safe and

successful operation and deployment!

He or She has responsibility for the squad under them regardless of department they are from. While everyone is entitled to their opinions and suggestions, just remember that right or wrong, there is a reason we have the command

structure.

LEAVE YOUR EGOS AT HOME.

Be Prepared

24 Hour Pack

72 Hour Pack

Article – USAR Gear Guide

PPEProper FootwearHelmet with lightEye ProtectionHearing ProtectionElbow PadsKnee PadsGlovesN95 Respirator

Proper ClothingLong sleevesLayeredWeather specificBoonie-soft cap Handkerchief/wipe ragRain gear

Personal equipment may be position dependent but there are basics everyone

should have.

Other Personal Items Identification Notepad & Pens 214 – Activity Log FOG Manual Whistle Sunglasses Sunscreen Bug Repellant First Aid Kit Lip Balm Extra Socks/LS T-Shirt

Knife/Multi-Tool Webbing/Rope Flashlight Extra batteries Voltage Meter Personal Meds/Glasses Advil/Pain Reliever Toilet Paper Hand Sanitizer Water High Energy Snacks

Someone Should Carry Radio & Cell Phone Maps/Floor Plans Gas Monitor Air Horn/Whistle Trauma/Medical Bag Hotstick Water/Gas Shutoff Tool or vise grips

En Route Activities Start Activity Log - 214 Review initial Tactical Action Plan – TF Briefing Review Operational Checklists Review USAR FOGs

Marking SystemsEmergency Signals

Maintain squad accountability Check your personal gear Rest Hydrate

TF 214 Activity Log

Operational Period

• Legible• Be detailed• Each squad will

maintain an activity log

• Field Notes – what happens to them?

Task Level Field PositionsSquad Officer/BossK9 Search SpecialistTechnical Search SpecialistRescue SpecialistHeavy Equipment & Rigging SpecialistStructures Specialist – Building EngineerHazardous Materials SpecialistLogistics SpecialistMedical Specialist

Squad Formation Squads may be organized and named

by function or geographic area. Squad size varies by assignment and

available resources. Typical functions

ReconSearchRescue

Squad Formation (cont) Each squad must have a supervisor – Squad

Officer or boss Each squad may have a Medical Specialist Each squad should assign someone to monitor

hazards – Hazardous Materials Specialist Other positions may depend on function or

assignment The number of squads or complexity of

assignments may determine if additional levels of supervision are needed, i.e. Search Manager or Rescue Manager

While all positions may not be filled, you must ensure that the responsibilities are assigned

and met.

Example: While there may not be a Hazardous Materials Specialist on the squad, someone still needs to be responsible for monitoring

air quality.

Who Do Squad OfficersReport To?

Make sure you know!Keep your supervisor updated

CAN ReportConditions

ActionsNeeds

Don’t deviate from your assignment without getting approval!

When you arrive at the incident everyone is chomping at the bit to go to work but….

Be Patient!!

Keep your squad busy while waiting for an assignment. Recheck personal and task

force equipment, review your FOG, emphasize safety.

Don’t Get Tunnel Vision Maintain Accountability Don’t forget a 360 Size up must be continuous. Don’t get

so involved in the task that you forget to step back and take a look at the big picture.

Your best view is not from the working end of a tool.