Assignment Question
To complete this assignment, read this National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report on death in the line of duty: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2017, July 10). Two fire fighters die and two fire fighters are injured at multi-occupancy fire with structural collapse – Missouri (NIOSH Report No. F2015-15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/pdfs/face201515.pdf For this case study, respond to the following questions from a fireground strategy and tactics perspective: What are the main issues identified in this report? How did lack of effective command and control, as noted in the NIOSH report recommendations, contribute to this incident? How could the three concepts of decision-making—recognition-primed, naturalistic, and classical—assist an incident commander manage an emergency incident like this? How might the eight functions of command, if applied correctly, have impacted this incident differently? What role do operations level personnel have in ensuring the overall safety of all members on the fireground during a large-scale event like this? Why is preincident planning important for different occupancies in your community? Of the recommendations made in the report, which one would you make as your priority to implement immediately if you were the chief of this department? Your paper must be at least five pages in length, not counting the title and reference pages. You can include the eTextbook as a resource, as well as other resources, for at least two references.
Answer
Introduction
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) plays a pivotal role in conducting investigations and research concerning occupational safety, particularly in the realm of emergency services. This essay delves into a NIOSH report published in 2017, which focuses on an incident that occurred in Missouri, involving two firefighters who lost their lives and two others who were injured during a multi-occupancy fire with a structural collapse (NIOSH Report No. F2015-15) [NIOSH, 2017]. From a fireground strategy and tactics perspective, this essay will address several critical questions pertaining to the incident. The primary areas of focus include the main issues identified in the report, the impact of ineffective command and control, the role of different decision-making concepts, the functions of command, the responsibilities of operations level personnel, the importance of pre-incident planning, and the recommendations for immediate implementation by the department’s chief.
Main Issues Identified in the Report
The NIOSH report on the Missouri incident identified several main issues that played a significant role in the tragedy. First and foremost, it noted that “the absence of a rapid intervention team (RIT)” was a major concern [NIOSH, 2017]. A RIT is a dedicated crew of firefighters prepared to respond instantly if a fellow firefighter becomes trapped, lost, or endangered during an emergency operation. In this case, the absence of a RIT put the lives of firefighters at risk when the structural collapse occurred. Furthermore, the report highlighted issues related to communication, inadequate situational awareness, and the lack of an incident safety officer (ISO) on the scene. The absence of a RIT was a fundamental issue in the Missouri incident. Rapid intervention teams are a vital component of firefighter safety and have become a standard practice in modern fire service operations. When a firefighter becomes disoriented, trapped, or injured, a RIT is the last line of defense, ready to respond swiftly and effectively. The lack of a RIT in this incident left firefighters without immediate assistance when the structural collapse occurred, contributing to the tragic outcomes. The report underscores the importance of having a designated and well-trained RIT on scene to mitigate such incidents.
Ineffective Command and Control
The NIOSH report recommended the establishment of an effective command and control system [NIOSH, 2017]. This was imperative in the Missouri incident, as a lack of it significantly contributed to the tragedy. Command and control refer to the organization and coordination of resources and personnel at an emergency scene. In the absence of effective command and control, the incident becomes chaotic and unmanageable. The incident commander is responsible for ensuring that resources are deployed efficiently, safety protocols are adhered to, and communication is clear. Ineffective command and control can lead to confusion and delays in decision-making and resource allocation, as observed in the Missouri incident. The absence of an established command structure, including the lack of a designated incident safety officer (ISO), hindered the efficient management of the emergency scene. The ISO’s role is to monitor safety conditions and advise the incident commander, helping to prevent unsafe situations. The report highlights that clear roles and responsibilities should have been established to prevent confusion and maintain effective command and control.
Additionally, communication breakdowns were evident in the NIOSH report. Effective communication is crucial on the fireground, as it ensures that all personnel are aware of the situation and can respond accordingly. In this case, the report noted that “communications were difficult to understand” [NIOSH, 2017], which added to the overall chaos and contributed to the delayed response during the structural collapse. A lack of a standardized communication system and protocols can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstanding of critical information.
Decision-Making Concepts
In managing an emergency incident like the one in Missouri, incident commanders can employ various decision-making concepts. These include recognition-primed decision-making, naturalistic decision-making, and classical decision-making. Each concept has its unique characteristics and applications in the fast-paced and high-stress environment of firefighting. Recognition-primed decision-making is a concept that involves recognizing patterns and drawing from past experiences to make rapid decisions. In the Missouri incident, a commander employing recognition-primed decision-making might have quickly assessed the situation, recognized the need for a RIT, and made decisions based on previous training and experience. This could have led to a more efficient response and potentially prevented the delay that led to casualties.
Naturalistic decision-making relies on intuition and instinct. Firefighters often rely on their instincts and previous training to make decisions in rapidly changing situations. In the case of the Missouri incident, naturalistic decision-making could have guided firefighters to instinctively prioritize their safety and communication, even in the face of challenging conditions.
Classical decision-making involves a systematic, rational approach to decision-making. This approach is generally employed in more stable and predictable situations. In the context of the Missouri incident, classical decision-making would have ensured that a structured incident command system was in place from the start, with clear roles and responsibilities for all personnel. The effective use of these decision-making concepts depends on the specific circumstances of an incident. Recognizing which approach to take, based on the situation at hand, can significantly impact the outcome.
Functions of Command
The eight functions of command, as outlined in the Incident Command System (ICS), are essential in incident management [NIOSH, 2017]. These functions include size-up, strategy and tactics, staging, resource management, and accountability, among others. When applied correctly, they can significantly impact the outcome of an incident. Size-up is the initial assessment of the situation, which informs the incident commander about the incident’s scope and nature. In the Missouri incident, a more comprehensive size-up might have revealed the potential for structural instability, prompting the incident commander to take additional precautions.
Strategy and tactics involve the development and implementation of a plan to control and mitigate the incident. In the NIOSH report, the lack of a well-established strategy and tactics plan contributed to the chaos and delays. An effective strategy might have included the immediate formation of a RIT. Staging is the process of positioning resources strategically to ensure their availability when needed. In the Missouri incident, effective staging could have ensured that the RIT and other resources were readily available to respond promptly to the structural collapse.
Resource management involves the efficient allocation and utilization of personnel and equipment. In the absence of a RIT, the report highlighted a failure in resource management. Proper resource management would have led to the establishment of a RIT as a critical resource from the outset. Accountability is crucial in maintaining control over personnel and their tasks. The NIOSH report noted that accountability issues contributed to the chaotic scene. A more structured system of accountability would have ensured that all firefighters were tracked and their locations known.
Roles and Responsibilities
Operations level personnel play a critical role in ensuring the overall safety of all members on the fireground during a large-scale event [NIOSH, 2017]. Operations level personnel are responsible for executing the tactics determined by the incident commander and following established safety protocols. Their responsibilities include adhering to established procedures, maintaining communication, and actively participating in firefighting operations.
In the Missouri incident, operations level personnel should have been vigilant in their roles. Clear and effective communication is a primary responsibility for operations personnel, as it ensures that incident commanders are aware of conditions on the ground. Operations personnel must also be prepared to respond promptly when faced with evolving emergency situations. A well-trained and proactive operations level workforce is essential for the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations. Their ability to follow procedures and communicate effectively can help prevent accidents and injuries, especially during large-scale events with multiple occupancies.
Preincident Planning
Preincident planning is essential for different occupancies in the community to ensure the safety of both firefighters and the public [NIOSH, 2017]. Preincident planning involves collecting and maintaining essential information about structures, hazards, available water sources, and other critical details to assist incident commanders in making informed decisions during emergencies. Preincident planning plays a crucial role in firefighting operations, particularly in multi-occupancy structures. The importance of preincident planning can be underscored by its role in preventing or minimizing incidents like the one in Missouri. Key benefits of preincident planning include:
Improved Situational Awareness: Preincident planning provides incident commanders with vital information about the layout and hazards within a structure. This knowledge enhances situational awareness, enabling commanders to make more informed decisions during an incident.
Safer Firefighting Operations: Understanding the building’s layout and potential hazards allows firefighters to work more safely and efficiently. Preplanning helps identify escape routes, hazardous materials storage, and other critical information.
Enhanced Resource Allocation: Preincident planning aids in resource allocation. Knowing the building’s size, layout, and potential hazards helps commanders determine the required resources, such as the need for specialized equipment or additional personnel.
Faster Response: Preincident planning facilitates a faster and more coordinated response to incidents. Commanders can make immediate decisions based on the information available, reducing delays in initiating critical actions.
Risk Reduction: By identifying potential hazards and risks in advance, preincident planning helps firefighters mitigate these risks and take necessary precautions. This proactive approach can prevent accidents and injuries.
In the context of the Missouri incident, preincident planning might have highlighted the structural vulnerabilities of the multi-occupancy building, which could have prompted incident commanders to take precautions and develop a more robust strategy for firefighting operations.
Immediate Recommendations for Implementation
If I were the chief of the department, my priority would be to immediately implement the recommendation concerning the establishment of a RIT [NIOSH, 2017]. The absence of a RIT in the Missouri incident was a critical issue, and having a dedicated team prepared for rapid intervention can significantly enhance the safety of firefighters.
Implementing a RIT involves
RIT Training: Providing specialized training for RIT members to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for rapid intervention scenarios, such as rescuing trapped or disoriented firefighters.
RIT Equipment: Ensuring that RIT members have the appropriate equipment, including specialized tools and self-contained breathing apparatus, readily available for immediate deployment.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developing and implementing SOPs for RIT operations, which outline responsibilities, communication protocols, and response procedures.
Regular Drills: Conducting regular RIT drills and exercises to ensure that RIT members are prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Incident Commander Awareness: Ensuring that incident commanders are aware of the presence and readiness of the RIT, and that they understand the circumstances that warrant RIT activation. By establishing a RIT and implementing these measures, the department can enhance its preparedness and response capabilities, reducing the risk of firefighter injuries and fatalities during complex and high-risk incidents.
Conclusion
The NIOSH report on the Missouri incident underscores the importance of effective command and control, decision-making concepts, the functions of command, the roles of operations level personnel, and preincident planning in ensuring the safety of firefighters during large-scale events. The tragedy in Missouri serves as a sobering reminder of the vital role that proactive safety measures and strategic planning play in preventing casualties and injuries in the line of duty. By addressing the issues identified in the report and implementing the recommended changes, fire departments can better protect their personnel and the communities they serve.
Firefighting operations are complex and demanding, and the safety of firefighters and the public is paramount. The lessons learned from this tragic incident should serve as a catalyst for improvements in training, equipment, and incident management protocols to ensure that such incidents are minimized and their consequences mitigated.
References
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2017, July 10). Two fire fighters die and two fire fighters are injured at multi-occupancy fire with structural collapse – Missouri (NIOSH Report No. F2015-15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/pdfs/face201515.pdf
IAFC (International Association of Fire Chiefs). (2019). Incident Command System. Retrieved from https://www.iafc.org/docs/default-source/1assoc/operations/fdsd/officermanagementandleadership/ifsta-edition/3e-ics-student-web.pdf?sfvrsn=25be9e3a_2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) in firefighting?
A RIT is a specialized crew of firefighters trained and equipped to respond immediately to rescue and assist fellow firefighters who become trapped, lost, or endangered during emergency operations. Their primary purpose is to enhance firefighter safety.
What is the Incident Command System (ICS) in firefighting?
ICS is a standardized management system used to coordinate and manage emergency response to various incidents, including fires. It provides a hierarchical structure for efficient organization and communication during emergencies.
What is the role of an Incident Safety Officer (ISO) in firefighting?
An ISO is responsible for monitoring safety conditions at an incident and advising the incident commander on potential hazards and risks. Their role is to help maintain a safe working environment for firefighters.
How do recognition-primed, naturalistic, and classical decision-making concepts differ in firefighting?
Recognition-primed decision-making relies on pattern recognition and past experiences. Naturalistic decision-making relies on intuition and instinct. Classical decision-making follows a systematic, rational approach. Firefighters may employ these different concepts based on the situation at hand.
