HomeMy WebLinkAbout204.009 - Forced Entry at Unconfirmed Medical Responses
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
204.009 FORCED ENTRY AT UNCONFIRMED MEDICAL
RESPONSE
EFFECTIVE: NOVEMBER 2013
Current Revision Date: 5/01/19 Next Revision Date: 5/01/24
Author’s Name/Rank: Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Christina L. Johnson,
Senior Administrative Clerk
Section 204.009
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or
Department) members with general safety guidelines and considerations when
responding to unconfirmed medical-aid calls where forced entry is required and no
communication has been established with anyone in the structure.
APPLICATION
This policy is to be followed when personnel respond to an unconfirmed medical aid
incident and forcible entry is required.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
When responding to incidents initiated by medical alarm systems (i.e., LifeAlert® or
similar systems), third-party calls for medical assistance where the caller is not with
the ill or injured party, communication with the injured party is interrupted and an
actual emergency cannot be verified directly by the ill or injured party, the
responding unit will request law enforcement to respond for forced entry.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
When requesting the appropriate law enforcement agency to respond for forced
entry at an incident, specifically state the request is to “force entry to prevent loss of
life.” This will result in law enforcement responding at a higher-priority level.
Requesting a law enforcement agency to “secure” a residence or building will result
in a lower-priority response or no response; therefore, this term should not be used.
Once entry has been made and the scene is determined to be safe, law enforcement
should be cancelled or released as soon as possible. Law enforcement does not
have responsibility for boarding-up or securing the structure.
Section 204.009
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PROCESS
Consider the following:
Ensure Communications makes repeated attempts to contact the ill or
injured party directly to verify a legitimate request for assistance.
In the event Communications cannot make contact with the ill or
injured party, request Communications to verify the request through a
family member.
Upon arrival at the incident location, keep all Code 3 lights activated
(day and night) to alert the occupant to crew’s arrival and identity.
Request the appropriate law enforcement agency to respond
specifically to “force entry into a residence.”
A secondary means of confirmation (i.e., talking to a neighbor or family
member, etc.).
Waiting for law enforcement to arrive before forcing entry into the
residence.
Remaining outside the perimeter of the property (i.e., fenced yards,
side lots, etc.) before arrival of law enforcement personnel.
During attempted initial contact at the front door, standing to one side
of the door while knocking.
Using the apparatus P/A system to announce crew’s presence.
Note: Nothing in this policy limits the company officer from making an
informed decision regarding the forced entry into a residence
where there is strong potential for a positive outcome.
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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Section 204.009
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CROSS-REFERENCES
No cross-references recognized.