Today’s emergency responders find themselves reporting to a variety of incidents, with technical rescue incidents becoming a common response for the fire service. These types of incidents are considered special operations incidents, for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, it is this author’s position that “rescue” is one of the most over-used, undefined terms that the fire service uses today. A view of the apparatus on the road, in trade journals, and on breaking news reports can be seen adorned with the term “rescue,” but is it a true depiction of the services provided by the department?
It is not my intention to cast doubt into the waters; conversely, it is to point out the importance of being prepared for the special operations incident when it happens. The incident itself is one of high risk: it is usually a long-term incident, requiring the rescue and recovery of victims through the assistance of technical specialists trained in the specific needs of the incident. Additionally, it is evolving in a very complex operational environment, there are specialized tools, equipment and training needs for the incident, there is a very high potential for catastrophic injury and death, and it involves high-level improvisation for problem solving (see Photo 1). The units that perform the work are “special,” for they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to do the work with the expensive, limited number of specialized tools for the incident.
Incident Action Plan
While they vary in type and degree, they all do have one element in common: these incidents require a thorough Incident Action Plan (IAP). The IAP will provide direction throughout the incident for all personnel operating on scene. There will be multiple department and agencies responding to this event, and there will be logistical needs for each operational period as the event unfolds. Additionally, there will be security issues, staging and storage considerations, and resource allocation and procurement needs. It is best to take the needs of the incident into the IAP by using a 15-point size up plan for these types of incidents:
Construction issues: Are there significant issues regarding the material and makeup of the incident in regards to victim access? Are there objects that have to be moved? What do they weigh? Will the materials be breached to gain access to victims? Are there equipment needs to make that possible? Where are they coming from? (See Photo 2)
Occupancy concerns: What was the scene operating as prior to the incident? Some seemingly harmless occupancies can hold surprises for the rescuers. This author’s first-due response area includes a cosmetic facility with an explosion room within the facility.
Apparatus, personnel and equipment: It has been a common statement in many of my teachings; the bigger the incident, the bigger the A-P-E you need to solve it.
Life hazard: What are the demographics of the victims involved in the incident? Can they provide self-rescue, or are they completely dependent on the rescuers? Young children and the elderly require significantly more assistance from responders than most healthy adults.
Terrain: What encumbrances exist to access the site? Will the rescue equipment have to be carried in by rescuers or can the apparatus get close enough to deploy the resources directly on scene? Consider the distance, terrain and the topography of the “hot zone” of the operation to determine how to access the scene, provide security and safety for personnel, and control the number of people accessing the site (see Photo 3).
Water: This can be a valuable resource on the special operations scene. Water is utilized to limit dust while cutting certain materials used for drilling and coring to search for victims, and used to power hydraulic equipment on the pile. It can be taken for granted that a reliable source is available for use on scene, which is why more and more rescue teams are adding it to their response cache.
Accountability: There will a large number of agencies working on scene, and technical experts and specialists will be needed as well to mitigate the incident. Add in support personnel to provide for the responders and the accountability system can easily be overwhelmed. There has to be a system put in place that can track all resources and personnel on scene and requested to respond.
Special needs and circumstances: Special operations require specialized equipment, and such equipment is not always immediately accessible (see Photo 4). It is important that resource lists are in place prior to the incident, along with ordering instructions and on scene needs of the equipment.
Weather: Weather is always a consideration during any incident, especially these types of incidents. Consider the effect of the weather on the response; did a significant weather event cause the incident? Will there be another significant weather event during the operation? How will the weather affect the responders during the operation; will enhanced rehabilitation resources be needed? How will the victims be protected during the incident as well?
Emergency medical response: The number of victims, along with the severity of the injuries, will dictate a large response to this mass casualty incident. Responding resources can include BLS, ALS, trauma surgeons with mobile trauma settings, medical equipment, supplies and separated treatment and triage areas for the incident. Additionally, there needs to be a designated medical area for the treatment of the responders as well, should an injury occur during the rescue operation.
Accessibility: How will rescuers access the “hot zone”? There should be only one way into and out of the incident; this will provide control of personnel entering and exiting the area, and allow for better accountability and tracking of resources and equipment.
Logistical long-term needs: Incidents of this nature run over multiple operational periods. It is the responsibility of the Planning Section Chief to set an IAP for the upcoming operational period, and the Logistics Section Chief should identify apparatus-personnel-equipment needs to achieve the defined objectives (see Photo 5).
Time of day/year: Operational periods run 24 hours a day. Nighttime operations will require lighting and fuel to keep the operations running smoothly. Rescuers get hurt, thirsty, hungry and tired at any time of the incident, and their needs must be addressed as well.
Hazardous materials: Incidents of this nature almost always include the presence of these materials. The materials can be on scene as a result of the incident, as the cause of the incident, or a product of a reaction at the incident (conflagration). Technical experts must be on hand to set operational parameters in place for the safety of the victims and the responders.
Support operations: The long-term needs of the responders take precedence for successful operations. Food, shelter, showers, medical attention and personal necessities will be needed during each operational period. The lack of basic support needs on scene can lead to inefficiency and injury on the rescue scene.
Write it down
There are plenty of Incident Management Forms that can be utilized for the IAP and are easily obtainable for download and use. At a minimum, the following forms can serve as a suitable written IAP that can be expanded if the incident complexity determines so:
- Form 201 – Incident Briefing (DOC)
- Form 202 – Incident Objectives (DOC)
- Form 203 – Organization Assignment List (DOC)
- Form 204 – Assignment List (DOC)
- Form 205 (A) – Communications Plan (DOC)
- Form 206 – Medical Plan (DOC)
- Form 207 - Organization Chart (DOC)
- Form 208 – Safety Message (DOC)
- Form 211 – Check-In List (DOC)
- Form 214 – Activity Log (DOC)
- Form 221 – Demobilization Check-Out (DOC)
Other forms are available for use during the incident and can be added as the incident expands and progresses. You can find them on FEMA's website to start.
Conclusion
Special operations incidents can tax departments and responders based upon the incident’s size, complexity and requirements. Successful outcomes are the result of pre-planning potential risks and response of needed personnel and equipment. A plan should be in place that identifies resource capabilities, location and response criteria, logistical needs and support resources. Trying to identify these needs during the incident places the command staff well behind the proactive point of the incident.
Until next time, stay focused and stay safe.
MICHAEL DALEY, a Firehouse.com Contributing Editor, serves with Monroe Township, NJ, Fire District No. 3 as a lieutenant and serves on New Jersey Task Force 1. He earned the Master Fire Instructor certification from the ISFSI and is an instructor at the Middlesex County Fire Academy where he developed rescue training curriculum. He is a managing member of Fire Service Performance Concepts.
