SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Rescue Operations
Purpose
To provide a policy regarding search and rescue operations at structural assignments.
Objective
To provide a guideline for rescue personnel to follow in conducting search and rescue operations at
structural assignments.
Scope
All Cleveland Fire Department personnel shall adhere to these guidelines.
Responsibility
The Incident Commander and the Company Officers are responsible for enforcing this policy.
Policy
A. The rescue of incident victims and their safety is the number one (1) tactical priority in all
situations.
B. The Incident Commander and Company Officers shall conduct rescue operations using their
training and good judgment as not to place victims or rescue personnel in unnecessary danger. All
available safety equipment and procedures must be used at all times.
C. At the beginning of each Shift, personnel shall check all equipment for proper operation.
Equipment missing or not capable of proper operation shall be reported to the Battalion
Commander of Shift OIC.
D. If sufficient personnel are not available to conduct rescue operations, the Incident Commander
shall turn in a “SPECIAL ALARM” and request additional Engine or Ladder/Truck Companies,
Bradley County Fire/Rescue and/or Tri-State Mutual Aid.
E. If victims are apparent, the Incident Commander shall immediately direct available Fire
Department members to begin initial medical treatment and request Bradley County EMS to
respond.
Procedure
A. Rescue must always be the first tactical priority.
B. Rescue operations shall not be allowed if it will create the likelihood of firefighter injuries or
fatalities, and if there are no viable occupants to be saved..
C. If possible, Fire Department pre-fire plans shall be reviewed for building layout, hazards, potential
occupant locations, etc. (This may be more effective for a secondary search).
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 238
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley