Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES

These guidelines are being reviewed and updated. As the updates are completed, they will be posted here.
DVFDBP00 July 10, 1996
Table of Contents
Purpose: The purpose of these Best Practice's is to provide uniform guidance to follow in various emergency and non emergency situations. Not every situation encountered by firefighters will be exactly the same. The way each situation is dealt with will necessarily be different. For that reason, most of the SOP's contained here are to be considered flexible guidelines. The discretion of the Incident Commander will be paramount in the actions taken to mitigate any emergency.
Best Practice Title Date
DVFDBP01 Personal Protective Equipment 7/2/96
DVFDBP02 Emergency Vehicle Response 1/18/05
DVFDBP03 Personnel Accountability 2/15/04
DVFDBP04 Communications 7/3/96
DVFDBP05 Job Assignments 7/3/96
DVFDBP06 Camera 7/3/96
DVFDBP07 Incident Command 7/5/96
DVFDBP08 Carbon Monoxide Detectors 7/3/96
DVFDBP09 Cold Water/Ice Rescue 7/3/96
DVFDBP10 Private Vehicle Response 7/5/96
DVFDBP11 Emergency Medical 7/5/96
DVFDBP12 Truck Officers 7/5/96
DVFDBP13 Rehab Operations 7/10/96
DVFDBP14 Incident Safety Officer 1/16/96
DVFDBP15 Respiratory Protection 4/28/97
DVFDBP16 Significant Event Operations 1/25/98
DVFDBP17 Firefighter Safety Ropes / Bail-Out Bags 2/15/2010
JEFFERSON 1.1 Incident Command 5/21/92
JEFFERSON 1.2 Vests 6/6/92
JEFFERSON 1.3 Tags 6/6/92
JEFFERSON 2.1 Fire Checklist 10/15/92
JEFFERSON 2.2 HAZMAT Checklist 10/15/92
This Page will be replaced any time a new or updated SOP page is distributed.

Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP01 July 2, 1996
Personal Protective Equipment

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for the wearing of turnouts. These procedures include Jefferson County Self-Insured and OSHA mandates.

Definitions:
Full Turnouts: a. Full-length coat, Storm king boots, helmet, gloves
NOTE: Bunker boots will NOT be worn without bunker pants!
b. Full-length coat, regular bunker pants, bunker boots, helmet, gloves
c. Short coat, high bunker pants, bunker boots, helmet, gloves
Hood: Nomex hood. Wearing of the hood is optional for outside operations, but is required for interior operations, especially with an air pack.
Air-Pack: MSA Ultra-Lite Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This is the only model in use by this department.
PASS Device: An alarm which sounds if the wearer is motionless for approximately 20 seconds.

Procedures for firefighting:
Full turnouts will be worn by all personnel operating or backing up a nozzle regardless of the amount or severity of the fire.

Full turnouts and air packs will be worn by all personnel within or on a fire building. This includes those working in close proximity to the fire, even if outside. Air packs will also be worn by attack personnel at vehicle fires.

PASS devices will be armed before entering a fire building

Water supply personnel (trailer pump and tanker) may wear black coats for protection from weather and identification. The black coats are not to be used for firefighting.

Non-Fire Police personnel involved in traffic control must wear appropriate protective equipment, to include reflective vests and hardhats, or turnout coats and helmets, at minumum.

Air Pack Distribution

The following is a guide for use of air packs, and may be modified depending on the actual situation.
2 - Attack Team
2 - Rescue Team/Attack 2
2 - Ventilation Team
2 - Backup

Return to Service

Following an incident, all personnel are responsible for ensuring that the equipment they used is replaced in its proper location and is servicible. Wet equipment should be dried before stowing. Dirty turnouts should be washed and dried as necessary. Damaged or otherwise unservicable equipment will be reported to the appropriate captain or other officer.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP02 January 18, 2005
Emergency Vehicle Response

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance on proper response of Department emergency vehicles. This SOP does not supercede applicable traffic laws and other safe practices.

Definitions:
Response Area: Generally, that area south of, and on the south side of County Route 5 in the town of Clayton. Consult fire maps for exact boundries
Mutual Aid: Any call outside our response area.
Qualified Operator: Any member who has received necessary training and has been approved by the appropriate officers to operate a given vehicle.
Incident: Any occurance, man-made or natural, which requires the response of the Fire Department. All incidents are reported to NYS via the Fire Reporting system.

Vehicle Manning
Each vehicle will be manned by a minimum of two firefighters, with at least one being a qualified operator, before responding to an incident. Operator and all passengers having seat belts available w I l l be belted in.

Exceptions: 1. Orders of a chief
2. Manpower shortage. Wait two (2) minutes, then qualified operator may respond.
3. See rescue truck guidance.

Rescue Truck Manning
The rescue/equipment truck will normally be the last vehicle to roll to a non-EMS incident. The driver should wait two (2) minutes after other equipment has rolled, or when sufficient manpower is aboard, whichever comes first. For EMS (Ambulance) calls, one or two EMT's are usually sufficient.

Response Level
Priority One: All emergency responses will be made at Priority One unless otherwise directed. Priority One is in full emergency mode - Red Lights and Siren.
Priority Two: The IC may direct units to continue to the scene Priority Two. This is "quiet" mode - no lights or siren, and IAW V&T laws. Pump Details and other non-emergency responses will be made Priority Two.
Expedite: Respond Priority One, with all due haste. Safety is still paramount.
With Caution: Used mostly due to weather conditions. If the situation is no longer an emergency, Priority Two should be used.
Stand Down: Cancel response, return to quarters. May be qualified if certain units are still desired at the scene, ie, "All units except the rescue stand down." Clayton FD currently has this listed in their Best Practice as "Priority 3."

Appropriate Response
Structure Fire in our Response Area: All equipment
Structure Fire - Mutual Aid: Village - Engine 1, Rescue 1
Rural - Engine 1, Tanker 1, Tanker 2, Rescue 1
Or as requested. Roll only equipment requested.
Motor Vehicle Accident: Engine 1, Rescue 1 (Roll Tanker 1 or Tanker 2 only for accompanying spill or fire)
Vehicle Fire: Engine 1, Rescue 1 (Roll Tanker 1 or Tanker 2 with caution)
EMS (Ambulance): Rescue 1

Calling out of service
The first unit to roll should notify Jefferson Fire Control that Depauville units are enroute. Other units may report "enroute", but may not be acknowledged.
EMS (Ambulance) Calls: Report level of care (ie, BLS, Level III) when calling enroute.

Parking at incident scene
Access of firefighting vehicles (Pumpers, Tankers) is paramount. The rescue truck should be parked in such a location as to allow use as a command post, and for easy access to equipment. The rescue will also be used as "Rehab" at our incidents (See Incident Command SOP).
Private Vehicles should be parked on the same side of the road as the incident, well off the highway.

Return to Service
Following an incident, all personnel are responsible for ensuring that the equipment they used is replaced in its proper location and is servicible. Damaged or otherwise unservicable equipment will be reported to the appropriate captain or other officer.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP03 February 15, 2004
Personnel Accountability

Definitions:
Tag System: A system for accounting for personnel at an incident, using two county issued tags for each firefighter. It is recommended that tags be stored with the firefighters equipment.
Run book: A log of the particulars of an incident, including location, owner, type incident, times, equipment used, and attendance. This book is used as a source of information for completing NYS Fire Reports.
Rehab: A designated location where currently unneeded firefighters are held for future use, and where firefighters requiring rest, etc, are served.
Free-lancing: An undesirable situation where firefighters act individually, with no accounting of their location or activities.
Level One Accountability: To be used at all incidents and training sessions.
Level Two Accountability: To be used at extended incidents.

Level One Accountability:
1st Tag – During any alarm or training, when personnel exit an apparatus, each member will attach one of their tags to the apparatus collection ring.
Personnel arriving in POVs will leave one tag at the primary response vehicle, at Rescue 1, with a Depauville chief, or Rehab. Tanker and trailer pump personnel will tag in on their vehicle.
2nd Tag – Once on the emergency or drill ground, the 2nd tag will be given to the Entry Point Control Officer, Staging Officer, or Rehab Officer, as designated by the IC. Personnel in transit between an assignment and Rehab will have this tag with them.

Level Two Accountability:
When the IC designates a Level Two Accountability status, the assigned accountability and/or safety officer will collect all apparatus tags, with attached personnel tags and transfer them to the IC easel. The Accountability Officer will be responsible for working with the Safety, Staging, Rehab, and Entry Control Point Officers to maintain accurate monitoring of personnel on scene and the location of personnel assigned to missions.

EMS Responses:
Personnel Accountability Tags may not be available for routine medical calls, since they will routinely be kept with turnout gear. The IC shall make a suitable record of personnel present as early in the incident as the situation allows. Should the incident escalate to the point where tags are necessary, the “spare” tags may be used.

Demobilization:
As personnel are demobilized from the incident scene or training, they will ensure that they have retrieved both of their tags. Apparatus operators will ensure that the apparatus collection ring from their vehicle has been retrieved and personnel whose tags are still attached to the ring are accounted for.

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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP04 July 3, 1996
Communications
Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to standardize communications within the department and in accordance with Jefferson County directives.

Definitions:
Mobile Radio: A radio installed in a vehicle.
Hand-held radio: A "walkie-talkie"
Base Station: A permanently installed radio in a building, generally powered by commercial sources and having greater range than a mobile radio.
Tone generator: A device which transmits tones which activiate pagers and home alert monitors.
Channel Guard: Subtone necessary to break squelch at Fire Control. It is not needed to talk between mobiles.

Radio Channels
Channel 1*.....46.180 Mhz Dispatch Use for comm with Fire Control and single unit operations
Channel 2*.....46.220 Mhz Truck/Truck Go to this channel when enroute to any major incident
Channel 3*.....46.080 Mhz Fireground Use for fireground or other special operations (ie, relay)
Channel 4*.....46.400 Mhz Command Reserved for use by command personnel and dispatch
Channel 5.......46.040 Mhz EMS Use for comm with EMS units at major EMS incidents
Channel 6.......46.280 Mhz Fire Police For use in traffic and crowd control only.
* Channels available to Jefferson Fire Control

Special Considerations
Channel 1 - Do not use for on-scene communications. Use channel 2 or 3
Channel 2 - Go to this channel as soon as enroute to major incidents. On mutual aid calls, wait until you are approaching the incident scene.
Scan - Rescue truck should utilize scan at scene to monitor all channels as necessary. Other units should not use scan unless they are not directly involved in incident operations.

Radio Manning
One firefighter will man the rescue truck at all times, with emphasis on covering the radio.

Reporting Activities to Jefferson Fire Control:
Report the following activities to Dispatch:
First unit enroute Other units may report enroute, but may not be acknowledged
First unit on scene
Situation on scene See notes below
Last unit back in service

Situation Reports
Reported Fire: "Nothing Showing" No smoke or fire showing/No Fire
Full Size Up - Working Fire (Specify Type/Extent of Fire)
MVA's: Report number of vehicles involved, type of accident, and number, type, and severity of injuries.
Other: Report any hazardous condition which may require assistance by Fire Control
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP05 July 3, 1996
Job Assignments

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide an outline of possible job assignments at an incident. Most jobs involve teams, and the forming of teams to be assigned by the incident commander or sector/division officers will serve to reduce free-lancing at incidents.

Fires
At any incident, all personnel should report to Rehab, normally the rescue truck, for equipment and an assignment. If Rehab has not been established, report to the officer in charge for an assignment. Sector officers will draw needed personnel from Rehab. Some areas may only need one or two people.

Sector Officers - appointed as needed by Incident Commander. Report to IC.
Attack - initial attack and suppression of a fire. Reports to Attack Sector officer.
Rescue - search of fire building for possible victims. Works with Attack, and may become additional attack team following search. Reports to Attack Sector officer.
Ventilation - proper horizontal and vertical ventilation of fire building. Reports to Attack Sector officer.
Exposures - protecting exposures. Reports to Exposure or Attact Sector officer, depending on severity of threat to exposures.
Water Supply - provide adequate water for suppression efforts. Reports to Water Supply officer.
Rehab - serves as staging for personnel. Will be manned by at least one EMS provider. Reports to Rehab Sector officer.
EMS - as needed, depending on potential for injuries/victims. Reports to EMS officer.
Support - assists Rehab and IC by ensuring equipment is available (ie, tools available, air packs are refilled, refreshments available)
Fire Police - provide crowd and traffic control

MVA's/EMS
Many of the above jobs will also need to be filled at MVA's. In addition, the following are listed:
Triage - at any incident where number of victims exceeds number of EMT's
Extrication - to remove vehicles from around the victims.

Other Incidents
Many of the functions listed above will also come into play at other types of incidents.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP06 July 3, 1996
Camera

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for use of the Fire Department 35mm camera. The camera will be used to document department activities as incidents, training, and other special functions. Photos will be used for historical record, critique, and possibly evidence.

Definitions:
Camera: The 35mm auto-exposure/autofocus/autowind/date back camera owned by the Fire Department.
Film: 35mm color film. Desired speed is 200ASA or 400ASA, 24 exposure.

Date Back
The date back should be set to display day of the month and time of day.

Preferred Coverage
The following incidents should be considered for photographic coverage:
Structure Fires Significant Loss
Mutual Aid received
Unique Situations
MVA's Serious Injury or Fatality (Avoid including victim's faces/identifying features)
Special or Unique Circumstances (Extrication, unusual vehicle)
Other Incidents Newsworthy, Special or Unique Techniques
Training All controlled burns involving structures
Specialized or newsworthy training
Other Functions Newsworthy or special significance

Actions at Scene
Upon arrival at an incident, one firefighter should, if possible, immediately begin photographing the scene.
The following are recommended subjects for photographs at an incident:
Situation on Arrival: Color and amount of smoke, situations or circumstances of note
All sides of incident: Include exposures and other relevant situations. Repeat several times during incident.
Placement of Apparatus: Also include placement of hoses, deluge guns, smoke ejectors, etc.
Firefighters at work: Watch for proper use of equipment, etc.
Overall shots of incident: "Action" or "Cover" Shots

Film Usage:
For a minor incident, the camera operator should not leave less than 12 exposures in the camera.

For a major incident, the camera operator should finish the roll at the end of the incident and provide the roll to an officer for immediate processing.

Suspicious Fires
In the event a fire is regarded as suspicious, the camera operator may, at the request of the investigators, and with permission of the chief, surrender the film to a county investigator. The transaction should be recorded, to include when and to whom the film was surrendered.

In any such case, the camera (and film) must be in the positive custody of a member of the department at all times after pictures have been taken of the incident.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP07 July 5, 1996
Incident Command System

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for the establishment and use of Incident Command. Use of ICS will establish and maintain control of all areas of an active incident.

Definitions:
Incident Command System (ICS): A nationally recognized method of controlling resources at fire, EMS and other emergency incidents.
National Incident Management System (NIMS): A national guideline for implementation of Incident Command.
Command Post: A strategically located site, usually vehicle based, from which the Incident Commander operates. Must have communications with Dispatch and on-scene units available.
ncident Commander (IC): Ideally the senior officer or member present at the scene. Delegates specific tasks to "Sector" or "Division" officers. Designation is "16-I-C" (Sixteen-eye-sea), "Depauville IC", or on scene, just "IC" . Only one IC can exist for a give incident. Home department chief generally holds the post.

Establishing Incident Command
The officer in charge will, as soon as possible after arriving at the scene, establish a command structure, based on needs and the list below. The IC will designate a command post, and should not venture from the CP except as necessary to assess the situation.

Transferring Command
On arrival of a higher ranking officer, the Outgoing IC should give the Incoming IC as complete a rundown of the current situation as possible. The outgoing IC will usually be assigned a sector to direct.

Sector Assignment
Sector officers are responsible for specific areas of concern. All members should become aware of these areas, and should strive to become proficient in several. Captains and Leiutenants should be capable of handling the sectors that apply to their vehicle. All sector officers report directly to the IC.

Safety Officer: Monitors conditions in and around the scene for conditions that jeopardize the safety of firefighters and civilians. Reports directly to IC, and, safety being paramount, can overrule the IC.
Attack: Responsible for suppression efforts. May include rescue, vent, and exposure elements.
Rescue: Responsible for search and rescue at fire scenes, other rescue operations.
Ventilation: Proper vertical and horizontal ventilation.
Exposures: Preventing spread of the fire.
Water Supply: Ensures an adequate supply of water for suppression efforts.
Rehab: Serves as staging area for personnel, and as a rest and recovery area.
EMS: Dealing with injuries. May be part of Rehab.
Staging: Holding area for reserve apparatus.
Triage: An EMS area, needed for mass casualty incidents (MCI).
Extrication: MVA's or collapse scenes
Transport: Coordinating ambulances at an MCI.

Other considerations
Most incidents will require only a few of the above sectors. Larger incidents may see such practices as placing Attack, Rescue, Vent, and Exposure under an "Operations" sector, with Rehab, Staging, and possibly EMS under a "Support" sector.

Immediate establishment of an ICS, even when an incident seems too small to warrant it, will make dealing with the incident later, when it has grown substantially, a great deal easier.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP08 July 3, 1996
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for responses to reports of carbon monoxide alarm activations.

Definitions:
Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, ordorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. Abbreviated "CO".
CO Detector: Home: A device, similar in appearance to a smoke detector, which detects, on a cumulative basis, the amount of CO in the air. The alarm activates at a preset threshold.
Industrial: A device which detects and displays the amount of CO in the air. It is displayed in parts per million (PPM).
Air-Pack: MSA Ultra-Lite Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This is the only model in use by this department.
Vendor: The business that provides fuel and/or service to the device that may be generating the CO.

Response of equipment
Confirmed activations of CO Detectors: Respond rescue (Rescue 1) only, with manpower.
Unknown if CO or smoke detector: Full Structure Fire response. Use due caution.

Actions at Scene
Use full turnouts and air packs until CO concentration is determined to be at a safe level.
Evacuate: Ensure all occupants are out of the building.
Secure: Close the building to preserve current concentration of CO, to assist in determining cause.
Contact Vendor: Determine the appropriate vendor and contact them for response with CO detector.

Vendors:
Some potential vendors include:
Fuel Oil Propane (LPG)
Agway Agway
F.K.Gailey F.K.Gailey
Ryan Petro Star
Griffeth Suburban
Small's Small's
Petro Star

Niagara Mohawk does not have any natural gas facilities in our response area, however, they do have CO detectors available, and may be able to respond if the appropriate vendor cannot.

Clearing the Scene
When the source of the CO has been found and the problem corrected, ventilate the building using open windows and the smoke ejector(s) to lower the CO level to an acceptable level.

If it is determined that this was a false alarm, advise homeowner to check the manual for the CO detector to determine any action that may be necessary.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP09 January 16, 1996
Cold Water/Ice Rescue

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for performing cold water/ice rescue operations using Fire Department equipment.

Definitions:
Gumby Suit: Cold water rescue suit which provides insulation against the cold and flotation. Only those personnel properly trained in their use should attempt to don the Gumby suits and enter the water.
Throw Bag: Special mesh bag containing 75' of bouyant rope, intended for water rescue. After securing one end of the rope, the bag can be thrown, carrying the rope with it toward a person needing assistance.
PFD: Personal Floatation Device, life preserver. Any wearable device intended to keep its wearer afloat.

Rescue Operations
The first rule of rescue is to prevent the rescuer from becoming a victim. As such, firefighters must take such measures are may be necessary to protect themselves while working toward rescuing a victim.

Personal Equipment
Firefighters Entering the Water Gumby Suit, rope secured to carabiner on suit
Line Handlers PFD, Hardhat or Helmet, Throw Bag
Other Participants PFD, Hardhat or Helmet; or keep distance from water's edge.

Actions at Scene
If Gumby suit personnel are prepared (dressed), they should report immediately to the Incident Commander for assignment.

If Gumby suit personnel need time to dress, other rescuers should take such actions to assist the victim as may be possible. This might include:
Throwing rope(s) and/or flotation devices
Placing a ladder (on the ice)
Extending air-filled fire hose

In no case should a firefighter not properly clad in PFD, Gumby Suit, or other approved flotation device, enter the water or venture onto the ice.

All personnel working in, or in immediate proximity to, water will be secured by a lifeline.

Preparation to receive victim
On-shore personnel (including EMS) should prepare to treat victim for exposure by securing a warm place for the victim to be treated until an ambulance arrives. This might be the rescue truck or a nearby heated building.

Securing the operation
All equipment used during the rescue must be dried and/or stowed as necessary.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DFDSOP10 Revised May 2, 2019
Private Vehicle Response

Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to provide guidance to members on responding to incidents in their private vehicles. The overriding concern is safety of responding firefighters and the public.

Definitions:
Blue Light: A courtesy light which may be displayed by authorized firefighters while responding to an emergency call. The blue light confers no priviledges whatsoever to the operator. All Vehicle and Traffic Laws of the state of New York will be obeyed.
Emergency Lights: Red and white flashing lights displayed in accordance with NYS V&T Laws. Such lights may only be displayed by the three Chiefs and on emergency vehicles. Vehicles displaying such lights have limited rights to disregard certain traffic laws, but are burdened with the duty to exercise due caution.

Responding:
On hearing an alarm, all firefighters will, if possible, respond to the fire station. This has two purposes:
1. Ensures that all equipment is adequately manned.
2. Reduces the traffic congestion at the incident.
Chiefs may respond directly to the scene for size up and advance planning of apparatus placement.

Responding direct to scene:
If a firefighter must respond directly to the scene, because all equipment has already responded, he/she must follow fire apparatus by a minimum of 500 feet.

At the Scene:
1. Park on the same side of the road as the incident.
2. Park a minimum of 200 feet from the incident, to allow emergency vehicles access to the scene.
3. Park in a manner that does not restrict the flow of traffic.
4. Report to the IC or Rehab, as appropriate, for assignment. See Best Practice's 3 & 13

The first/ranking chief on the scene may park in such a position as to use his vehicle as a command post, as long as maneuvering of fire apparatus is not hindered. If another vehicle is in use as a command post, the above guidelines apply.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP11 April 25, 1997
Emergency Medical Responses

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for "First Responder" calls. All EMS personnel in the Department are trained to at least the Basic Emergency Medical Technician. This Department provides EMS "First Responder" service to residents in our response area in conjuction with the Clayton Ambulance, and mutual aid EMS support to surrounding communities.

Definitions:
Basic Life Support (BLS): The management of life threatening emergencies, especially involving bleeding, breathing and pulse. All personnel trained as Certified First Responders, EMT's, and those with CPR and/or first aid training are capable of providing this level of care.
Advanced Life Support ALS: Patient care involving invasive therapies (IV's), medications, cardiac monitoring, etc. Only "Level 3" (and in some cases "Level 2") EMT's can provide this care.
Infectious Disease: Any disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another. In EMS we are chiefly concerned with those that can be passed via body fluids, including (but not limited to) AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.

Equipment:
First Aid Bag: Contains the equipment and supplies EMT's need for patient assessment and BLS care.
Airway Box: Contains Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM), masks, and suction.
Dressing Box: Contains numerous dressings for controlling bleeding. Serves as backup to First Aid Box.
Oxygen: "D" size Oxygen (O2) cylinder, regulator, and several masks. Contained in First Aid Bag.
C-Collars: A variety of cervical immobilization collars, tape, and a rolled blanket, stored in a milk crate.
Pulse Oximeter: A device which measures pulse and amount of oxygen in blood. Usually in First Aid Box.
Back Boards: Used to immobilize the spine of MVA and fall patients. Stored behind driver's seat.
KED Jacket: Used to minimize the risk of further spinal damage to MVA victims.

Response Guidance (EMT may ask for other equipment based on dispatch/assessment info)
General Illness: First Aid Box and Oxygen. Airway Box if assessment points to other diagosis.
Heart Problems, Stroke, Unconscious, Allergic, Breathing Problems: First Aid, O2, Airway
MVA or Fall: First Aid, O2, Airway, C-Collars, Backboard.

Documentation:
A NYS Prehospital Care Report will be completed for each patient seen. The PCR will record only that care provided by Department EMS personnel, thus ending on arrival of an ambulance.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: On arrival, and if there is no patrol on scene, report to Fire Control:
- Number and type of Vehicles
- Type of accident (head-on, rollover, etc)
- Number of injuries, severity
Advanced Life Support Criteria
Following assessment, a brief report should be given to the responding ambulance if possible. Use channel 2 or channel 5. If the assessment reveals any of the following situations, and there is no ALS on scene or enroute, the ambulance should be advised to request an ALS response.

1. Allergic Reaction 10. Hypothermia
2. Serious Bleeding 11. Overdose
3. Cardiac Arrest 12. Respiratory Distress or Arrest
4. Chest Pain/Heart Attack 13. Seizures
5. CVA (Stroke) 14. Serious Trauma
6. Diabetic Emergencies 15. Unconscious
7. Drowning or Near-Drowning
8. Electric Shock
9. Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion

Once ALS has been dispatched, only a Basic EMT or higher at the scene may cancel the ALS response.

Infection Control Guidelines

The following precautions are suggested as basic sanitary measures applicable to the handling of all patients:

1. Assume that all patients may have a communicable (infectious) disease;
2. Assume that all blood is potentially infected;
3. For patients known to have a communicable disease, inform medical personnel (if applicable) and the receiving hospital;
4. Always exercise caution in administering any life support procedures which result in contact with blood or body fluids.
5. Gloves will be worn when treatment involves contact with patient's blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions in order to avoid accidental contamination of open lesions or wounds. Goggles and/or masks should be worn if there is a possibility that such fluids could be sprayed or otherwise thrust at the face;
6. Exercise care to avoid accidental wounds or punctures from sharp instruments, metal, or glass.
7. After coming into contact with a patient, avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes, or other mucous membranes until you have washed your hands thoroughly.
8. Use of a BVM with reservoir, a manually triggered resuscitator or pocket mask is preferred for patients in respiratory arrest.
9. Wash you hands after every call.
10. Place items that can be sterilized in an impervious plastic bag and turn them into the hospital for sterilization.
11. Place disposible items which have been contaminated into an impervious bag (preferably red), mark "Biohazard" and turn into the hospital for proper disposition.
12. Clean equipment that cannot be sterilized, but was in contact with the patient's body fluids, using a 10% sodium hypoclorite (household bleach) solution.

Ryan White Act
If you feel you may have been exposed to an infectious disease, contact the department Ryan White Act coordinator, who will query the hospital to that effect and inform you of the results. Provide name of patient, date, PCR Number and suspected exposure.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP12 July 5, 1996
Company Officer Duties

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance to appointed Captains and Lieutenants. These positions are important to efficient operation of the department, and may serve as training for those who wish to advance to the chief ranks.

Definitions:
Engineer Foreman: Elected officer generally responsible for maintenance of all vehicles and equipment.
Captain: Appointed officer responsible for a specific vehicle.
Lieutenant: Appointed officer responsible for a specific vehicle, junior to Captain. This position is a training position, for future appointment to Captain.
Engine: Engine 1
Tankers: Tanker 1 & Tanker 2
Rescue: Rescue 1
Hose: Utility 1 & Utility 2

General Duties:
Company (truck) officers are responsible for: Keeping their vehicle prepared for service
Assuring proper operation during incidents
Training and certifying drivers for that vehicle

Vehicle Maintenance: The company officers will generally track maintenance of their vehicle, and may, with the approval of the engineer foreman, perform maintenance items on the vehicle. Any discrepancies must be reported to the foreman (or a chief) as soon as possible.

Equipment Maintenance: Company officers will ensure that all tools and equipment on their vehicle are servicable and in good repair. Equipment requiring repair or replacement will be reported to a chief or the foreman.

Other Duties
Company officers should be familiar with operations associated with their vehicle to the extent that they can fill a related sector officer position at an incident.

Engine: Initial Attack, Exposures
Tanker: Rural Water Supply
Rescue: Rescue, Ventilation, Rehab, Extrication
Hose: Hamlet Water Supply
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP13 July 10, 1996
Emergency Incident Rehabilitation (REHAB)

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to ensure that the physical and mental condition of firefighters operating at the scene of an emergency incident or training excercise does not deteriorate to the point that affects the safety of the member or the rest of the operation. REHAB also serves as a staging point for non-committed personnel, a pool from which the incident commander can draw to form team to perform various tasks.

Definitions:

Establishment of REHAB:
Rehab should be established as soon as possible for any incident which will require an extended commitment of resources.

Staffing of REHAB
At least one person should be committed to designate and manage the Rehab area. This person will ensure that fresh/rested personnel are ready for assignment, that resting personnel have access to food and beverages, and that personnel get a sufficient break. Others should include EMT's, personnel to handle equipment handling (ie, filling air bottles), and food/beverage servers.

Location of REHAB
Environment: Weather is a major consideration and the site should provide relief from extreme weather conditions. Space must be available for firefighters to sit, remove equipment, etc. The site should be far enough from the incident to isolate firefighters from hazards yet near enough for easy access to the incident. Noise and exhaust from fire apparatus is also to be considered.
Location: Garages, Barns, Lobbies, School buses, Fire apparatus (rescues), ambulances.
Staging/Rehab: Separate areas should be designated for personnel waiting for an assignment and those resting after relief from incident activities.

Resources
Fluids: Water, activity beverage, oral electrolyte solutions, ice. Caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol are not recommend as they interfere with the body's water conservation mechanisms.
Food: Soup, broth, or stew in hot/cold cups.
Medical: BP Cuffs, stethescopes, Oxygen, Thermometers, ALS supplies (monitor, IV's)
Others: Tarps, fans, heaters, dry clothing, blankets, lighting, traffic cones, hazard tape (to mark rehab area)

Operation
Staging: All personnel reporting to the scene of an incident should report to the Rehab area for formation into teams and assignment to incident tasks. Personnel who have rested should move to this area.
Rest: The two bottle rule, or 45 minutes of worktime, is recommended as an acceptable level prior to mandatory rehabilitation. Personnel requiring rest prior to that point will not be denied, however.
Rest will not be less than 10 minutes.
EMS personnel may screen resting personnel (vital signs), especially if the incident will be of long duration. All vital signs will be recorded. Heart rate of >110 with temperature >101 must rest longer.
Equipment: Maintenance (ie, filling bottles) should be handled by support personnel so firefighters can gain
full benefit of rest.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP14 January 16, 1996
Incident Safety Officer

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for the implementation of a safety sector at incidents

Definitions: See DVFDBP07

Duties: The safety officer is responsible for ensuring that all operations at an incident are carried out in the safest manner possible. Personnel safety is of paramount importance.

Safety Officer concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Proper use of personal protective equipment
- Appropriate practices for the incident
- Accountability
- Safe vehicle operations
- Traffic Operations
- Structure integrity of fire building(s)
- Collapse zones
- Appropriate Rehab

Authority: The Safety Officer works within the scope of the Incident Command System, and reports to the IC.
- Work with appropriate sector officer or IC to remedy potentially dangerous situations.
- Intervene directly when danger is imminent and normal command channels will not
respond quickly enough.
- Report all actions needed or taken to the IC in a timely manner.

Qualifications: The safety officer must be aware of the range of potential problems at a given incident, as well as accepted safety practices for fire department operations. This knowledge should be considered by the IC when appointing an incident safety officer
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP15 April 28, 1997
Respiratory Protection

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to define by whom and under what circumstances SCBA will be worn.

Definitions:
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): The MSA Ultra-Lite and similar units currently in use by the Department.
Hazardous Atmosphere: Any atmosphere deficient in oxygen, or containing contaminants, or otherwise not conducive to life.

Personnel authorized to use SCBA: Only those firefighters who are properly trained and have been medically cleared for SCBA use IAW OSHA guidelines may use SCBA. Beards and contact lenses are not permissible. Glasses are permissible only if the appropriate adapter has been acquired and affixed to the facepiece.

Conditions dictating use of SCBA: SCBA must be used by all firefighters actively fighting a fire or entering a hazardous atmosphere. This includes, but is not limited to, interior firefighting, downwind or in immediate proximity to a fire, and CO alarms. All types of fires are included.

Procedure for donning SCBA:
1. Verify that the bottle is full by checking the guage.
. Check the condition of all straps, hoses, facepiece, and hardware. If any deficiencies are found, set the SCBA aside for later evaluation by authorized personnel. Do not use the SCBA until the deficiency is cleared.
3. Don the SCBA IAW established procedures. Be sure to check facepiece for proper seal. Do not enter a hazardous atmosphere until the seal is verified.

After use (response, training, or any other use):
1. Check all straps, hoses, facepiece and hardware.
2. Clean the facepiece and hose with a solution of 2 tablespoons household bleach in 1 gallon of water for not more than two minutes. Rinse thoroughly and hang up until dry.

Inspection:
SCBA will be inspected after each use, or at least monthly. See "After Use" for appropriate checks.

Routine Maintenance will be performed only by those personnel trained to do so, and is limited to those items such personnel are authorized to perform. All actions will be recorded on appropriate forms.

Maintenance above and beyond local resources will be performed only by factory authorized MSA vendors. Hydrostatic tests may be performed by any vendor authorized to perform such tests. All such maintenance will be recorded.

Breathing Air may be acquired from any source known to have air of an acceptable quality. Our primary source of air is the Town of Clayton Fire District facilities at the Clayton Fire Department.
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Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP16 January 25, 1998
Significant Event Operations

Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for operations during significant events, such as severe weather, large gatherings, or hazardous materials incidents.

Definitions:
Emergency Operations Center: A designated area containing radio and other communications equipment, logs, and work areas necessary to control and document the incident.
Qualified Dispatcher: A person who is familiar with radio procedure, fire department operations, and administrative requirements of the incident.

Recognition of events requiring extended operations: Most events requiring extended operations will be weather related. Ice Storms, Blizzards, and Severe Thunderstorms are most common. Other events may include large gatherings of people and hazardous materials incidents.

Emergency Operations Center: A Department EOC will be established whenever it is apparent that an incident may last for an extended period of time. Where possible, such as for forecast weather events, the EOC will be established before the incident is to begin. The EOC will be staffed by at least one qualified dispatcher.

Incident Command System: An incident command system will be established for the incident. The following functions will be staffed, with possible areas of responsibility:
Logistics
Fuel
Generators
Pumps
Food
Shelter
Medical
Transportation
Plans
Finance
Expense Logging
Donation Receipt
Operations
Staging
Fire/Rescue
EMS
Cellar Pumping
Road Clearing
Evacuation
Traffic/Crowd Control
Liaison
Town Officials
County Officials
Mutual Aid Fire Departments


Incident Logs: Immediately upon establishment of the EOC the following logs will be started:
Master Log - Recording all activities during the incident
Personnel Log - Record time on and off duty for all personnel, including mutual aid.
Equipment Log - Record all equipment placed into or out of service, maintenance, and current disposition.
Fuel Log - Fuel secured from any source for use during the incident.

In addition, logs should be started for the following areas, if necessary:
Shelter Log - Anyone using the shelter for respite from the incident. Include time in and out of the shelter. This is particularly important for overnight residents.
Meal Log - Anyone (including Fire Department personnel) eating meals at the Shelter.
Water Log - If water is dispensed from any source under Department control. Include amount dispensed if possible.
Fuel Dispensed Log - If fuel is dispensed to the public from any source under Department control.

Sufficient bound notebooks should be kept on hand to maintain the logs.

Rest and Rehabilitation: Once it is apparent that the incident will be of extended duration, every effort must be made to begin rotation of personnel. Depending on the situation, personnel should return home, or may rest at a Department facility. Amount of time allotted for duty and rest is dependent on the nature of the emergency. Consideration should be given to rotating personnel through the Department EOC as a method of respite from the situation.

Assessments: As early as possible in the incident, the IC should "take stock" of the situation and determine the need to establish a shelter, a feeding operation, a water supply operation, to request outside assistance, or to meet any other needs of the department or the public. Such a proactive assessment will enable the Department to deal with potential problems in a timely manner.

Communications:
Radio: Incident communications will be conducted on a channel based on the overall situation. The low band radio should be left on the operations channel whenever possible. The high band radio should be set for the appropriate channel, based on the incident. The scanner will be used to monitor other frequencies as needed. It is not recommended that the communications radios be used as scanners, as incidental traffic on the operations channels may disrupt receipt of information on other channels. Normal radio designation of the Department EOC will be DEPAUVILLE BASE.
Telephone: If landline telephone service is intact, use it. If not, a cellular phone will be installed at the EOC as quickly as possible. If a member's cell phone is used, the time the phone is placed in and out of service at the EOC should be carefully noted for reimbursement purposes.

Depauville Volunteer Fire Department

BEST PRACTICES


DVFDBP17 February 15, 2010
Firefighter Safety Rope and Bail-Out Bags Purpose: The purpose of this Best Practice is to provide guidance for firefighter safety during incidents in which the possibility exists of firefighters being trapped above the ground level of a building.

Definitions:
Incident Commander (IC): Ideally the senior officer or member present at the scene. Delegates specific tasks to "Sector" or "Division" officers. Designation is "Depauville Command", "Depauville IC", or on scene, just "IC" or “Command” . Only one IC can exist for a given incident. Home department chief generally holds the post.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): Any atmosphere or situation which poses an immediate danger to firefighters and others.
Bail-Out Bag: A kit consisting of a length of approved firefighter safety rope, a carabiner, possibly a hook, and possibly a decent control device. The exact contents of the bail-out bag (including rope length) are determined by the risk assessment performed by the authority having jurisdiction.
Interior Firefighter: A firefighter who has received the appropriate training and medical approvals for the use of SCBA and bail-out bags. All firefighters entering a burning building or other IDLH situation must be interior qualified.
Firefighter Safety Rope: Any rope meeting the NFPA 1983-2006 standard.
360: A size-up survey, performed by the first arriving incident commander, consisting of a walk completely around the incident building.



Scene Assessment
Immediately upon arrival on scene of a working structure fire, or a potential working structure fire, the incident commander must perform a “360” of the building in order to properly assess current fire or other threat conditions. This survey must also include a review of potential entrance and egress for firefighters, both under normal operating conditions and “bail out” situations.

Due to local terrain, it is imperative that the IC note situations where the slope allows the basement to open directly outside. This will make the first floor effectively the second floor on that side of the structure, or may otherwise significantly increase the height of potential egress points.

Safety Egress Preparations
If the 360 notes any habitable areas of the building higher than one story, the incident commander must ensure that all firefighters are aware of this fact, and that one of the following conditions are met before firefighters enter the building:

1. All sides of the building are laddered at each habitable level of the structure.
2. All firefighters entering the building during firefighting, overhaul, or other IDLH operations are equipped with a “bail-out bag” as defined above.

Even if all firefighters within the fire building above the ground floor are equipped with bail-out bags, every effort should be made to place ground ladders at any and all available escape points on all sides of the building. Use of the firefighter safety rope is not without danger. This danger will be significantly reduced if ladders are available for escape.

The staging/rehab officer and the entrance control officer must ensure that all firefighters who may enter the fire building are suitable equipped with a bail-out back when so indicated.

Ongoing Situation Assessment
Throughout the course of an incident, the Incident Commander, or his/her designee (usually the safety officer) must continually assess the progress of the fire and probable structural integrity of the fire building. If at any time it appears that there is a danger of fire progress or structural failure trapping firefighters at any level, immediate action must be taken to evacuate the affected area. All available resources must be put into play to effect said evacuation as quickly as possible.

After-Incident Actions
In addition to the usual equipment checks following a working fire incident during which bail-out bags entered the fire building, all bailaout bag kits must be thoroughly inspected IAW current guidelines, even if they were not deployed.

Any firefighter safety rope which is deployed during an incident must be destroyed or otherwise removed from service as a safety rope.