Fire Department Organization, Command, and Control

1. Fire Department Organization, Command, and Control

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Fire Department Organization

7. Business of Fire Protection • Fire protection is the business of providing help to people during emergency and non-emergency operations.

8. 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

9. Organizational Structure • A fire department must have some type of organizational structure. • Structure may be internal. • Structure can show interdependence.

10. Internal Structure • Organizational structure for medium to large department

11. Interdependence Structure • Interdependence of the community, fire department, governing body, and the firefighter

12. The Firefighter • Member of a fire department who fights fires • May have training in other areas • NFPA 1001 defines skills and abilities

13. Firefighters at Work

14. The Company • Basic unit (engine, truck, or rescue company) • Under the direction of a captain and lieutenants

15. Engine Company • Delivers water at fire scene • Stretches hoselines • Attacks and extinguishes fires • Carries hose, pump, water tank, tools, and appliances

16. Truck (Ladder) Company • Forcible entry • Search and rescue • Ventilation • Ladders • Securing utilities • Overhaul • Carries ladders, aerial device, and tools

17. Rescue (Squad) Company • Forcible entry • Search and rescue • Light tower • Specialized rescue • Vehicle extrication • Confined space • Rope rescue

18. 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.

19. Chief Officers • Chief of department • Deputy chief • Assistant chief • Division chief • Battalion chief

20. Fire prevention Code enforcement Fire/life safety Training division Emergency Medical Services Apparatus maintenance and purchasing Special operations Additional Fire Department Functions (1 of 2)

21. Additional Fire Department Functions (2 of 2)

22. 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.

23. 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

24. Allied Agencies and Organizations • Police • Public works • Utility companies • Environmental protection • Private business

25. 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.

26. Incident Management (2 of 2) • 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

27. Summary • To survive on the fire scene, firefighters must know the roles and responsibilities of the personnel, how the command structure works, and be part of that command structure.