CHAPTER
2
2.1
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Fire Department
Organization, Command, and
Control
CHAPTER
2
2.2
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Objectives (1 of 3)
• Describe a typical fire department organization and mission statement.
• Define the functions of a firefighter and list the common tasks a firefighter must be able to perform.
CHAPTER
2
2.3
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Objectives (2 of 3)
• Explain the meaning of a standard operating procedure (SOP) and list five general areas covered by SOPs.
• List five rules and regulations of an organization and describe how they apply to the firefighter
• List and define the five major components of an incident management system.
CHAPTER
2
2.4
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Objectives (3 of 3)
• Describe duties and responsibilities in assuming and transferring command within the incident command/management system.
• List five allied agencies that assist with fire department operations and describe their functions.
CHAPTER
2
2.5
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Introduction
• A fire department will consist of companies.– Companies are divided into functions.
• Organization is designed to establish a division of work assignments.
• A firefighter may have different roles.
CHAPTER
2
2.7
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Business of Fire Protection
• Fire protection is the business of providing help to people during emergency and non-emergency operations.
CHAPTER
2
2.8
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Mission Statement
• Provides clear and defined purpose of the type and level of service a department provides
• Lets the public know what to expect from the fire department
CHAPTER
2
2.9
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Organizational Structure
• A fire department must have some type of organizational structure.– Structure may be internal.– Structure can show interdependence.
CHAPTER
2
2.10
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Internal Structure
• Organizational structure for medium to large department
CHAPTER
2
2.11
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Interdependence Structure
• Interdependence of the community, fire department, governing body, and the firefighter
CHAPTER
2
2.12
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The Firefighter
• Member of a fire department who fights fires
• May have training in other areas
• NFPA 1001 defines skills and abilities
CHAPTER
2
2.14
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The Company
• Basic unit (engine, truck, or rescue company)
• Under the direction of a captain and lieutenants
CHAPTER
2
2.15
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Engine Company
• Delivers water at fire scene
• Stretches hoselines• Attacks and
extinguishes fires• Carries hose, pump,
water tank, tools, and appliances
CHAPTER
2
2.16
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Truck (Ladder) Company
• Forcible entry• Search and rescue• Ventilation• Ladders• Securing utilities• Overhaul• Carries ladders,
aerial device, and tools
CHAPTER
2
2.17
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Rescue (Squad) Company• Forcible entry• Search and rescue• Light tower• Specialized rescue
– Vehicle extrication– Confined space– Rope rescue
CHAPTER
2
2.18
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Emergency Medical Services
• Many fire departments provide BLS or ALS care.
• May be assigned to engine, truck, or rescue company.
• Some fire departments operate ambulances providing EMS transport service.
CHAPTER
2
2.19
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Chief Officers
• Chief of department
• Deputy chief
• Assistant chief
• Division chief
• Battalion chief
CHAPTER
2
2.20
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Additional Fire Department Functions (1 of 2)
• Fire prevention– Code
enforcement– Fire/life safety
• Training division
• Emergency Medical Services
• Apparatus maintenance and purchasing
• Special operations
CHAPTER
2
2.21
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Additional Fire Department Functions (2 of 2)
CHAPTER
2
2.22
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Regulations, Policies, Bylaws, and Procedures (1 of 2)
• All organizations must have regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Regulations are rules that determine how an organization operates.
• Policies are formal statements or directives.
• Volunteer departments may be organized as independent corporations.
CHAPTER
2
2.23
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Regulations, Policies, Bylaws, and Procedures (2 of 2)
• Board of Directors establish bylaws as governing documents.
• Procedures are often referred to as standard operating procedures (SOPs).– Define how a task or assignment is to be
accomplished– Same uniform function performed
CHAPTER
2
2.24
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Allied Agencies and Organizations
• Police
• Public works
• Utility companies
• Environmental protection
• Private business
CHAPTER
2
2.25
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Incident Management (1 of 2)
• Fire departments respond to more than 2 million fire incidents a year.
• Firefighters must understand concept of command and control.– Command officer must be able to manage
effectively.– Command and span of control help maintain
control of a scene.
CHAPTER
2
2.26
Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning
• Unity of command– One designated leader or officer
• Span of control – Number of resources one person supervises
• First arriving unit assumes command.– Command usually transferred to person with
more experience or senior officer
Incident Management (2 of 2)