SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
K. Universal precautions will be used if Fire Department personnel are involved in handling patients.
The following guidelines shall be used.
1. Gloves and eye protection shall be worn with all patients.
2. When patient contact is made the proper report shall be made as soon as reasonably
possible.
3. All infectious materials on any scene will be handled and properly disposed of by
BCEMS.
4. Fire Department uniforms or protective clothing which cannot be decontaminated shall
be reported to the Battalion Commander.
L. The Cleveland Fire Department will secure Landing Zones for Medical Aircraft when requested to
do so. After completing a patient assessment it shall be the responsibility of the Medic in Charge
of patient care to determine the need for air medical transport. Under no circumstances should an
air medical unit be automatically launched to the scene of an accident.
M. Insuring scene safety at MVA’s is a primary objective of the Fire Department. This may include
but is not limited to:
1. Checking for and controlling gasoline, diesel fuel, and fluid leaks.
2. Checking for and/or controlling hazardous materials leaks and spills.
3. Protection of all emergency personnel operating on the scene.
4. Protection of those involved and/or bystanders.
5. Request assistance as needed.
N. The Fire Department should operate in a “Unified Command” mode with the BCEMS.
O. Extrication and specialized rescues will be conducted by Fire Department personnel trained to do
so. Additional resources from other agencies may be required to assist in the rescue/extrication.
Specialized procedures should only be performed by personnel with the skills and trained in the
necessary techniques.
P. All personnel shall wear full protective clothing at the scene of an MVA.
Q. The Fire Department Safety Officer may be summoned to MVA’s if Command deems it
necessary.
R. The Incident Commander on the scene shall gather the information necessary to complete the
required report(s). Names, addresses, vehicle descriptions, and a license number are just a few of
the items that may be necessary.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 141
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley