HomeMy WebLinkAboutCA-RTF 5 Standard Operating Procedures
CARTF-5 Policy 3-5-15 Page 1 of 11
SUBJECT: Cal OES REGIONAL URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE TASK
FORCE RESPONSE PLAN.
PURPOSE: To standardize the US&R Response of California Regional Task
Force 5 and to improve the safety and operational effectiveness
when they are assembled.
SCOPE: Participating Agencies will follow this policy and procedure when a
US&R activation is requested.
Introduction
The Regional US&R Task Force is comprised of 29 people specially trained and
equipped for large or complex urban search and rescue operations. This multi-
disciplined organization provides five functional elements that include
supervision, search, rescue, medical and tool/equipment support. The Regional
US&R Task Force is totally self-sufficient for the first 24 hours.
References: NFPA 1006, NFPA 1670, Cal-OSHA, California State Fire Marshall
(State Fire Training), Firescope California; Field Operations Guide
ICS 420-1, ICS-US&R-120-1 and revisions.
Responsibility
These procedures direct an organized, rapid and well-prepared response to
US&R requests and cover the operations and procedures of that request.
All Region 5 US&R team members must be trained and equipped to the levels
specified by the Urban Search and Rescue Operational System Description, ICS -
US&R-120-1 and Revisions.
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CA-RTF 5 DISPACH PROCEDURES
These procedures have been established as a method of mobilization of CA-RTF
5 personnel and equipment for large or complex search and rescue operations.
Upon request by the California Emergency Management Agency thru the
appropriate channels, CA-RTF 5 should be assembled within 1 hour of
notification.
The activation may be initiated by the on scene IC thru the Cal OES Region 5
Area Coordinator. The Fresno County Emergency Communications Center shall
be the contact point for the notification of a request for activation of CA-RTF 5 by
Cal OES through the Master Mutual Aid system. The Fresno Fire Department will
be the sponsoring agency notified to begin the mobilization of CA-RTF5.
Emergency Communications Center
Notification may be in the form of an “Activation alert”, which would initiate
these dispatch procedures, or a request for “Availability status”, which would
require confirmation of CA-RTF 5 availability without a dispatch.
When notified of a CA-RTF 5 “Activation alert”, the Region 5 Operational Area
Coordinator will notify Fresno Co.ECC and give them the dispatch information.
The ECC will do the following after receiving the activation alert.
Receives request from Region 5 Area Coordinator
Obtains dispatch information: Location, Incident Request and Order
numbers and assign incident #
Contact participating agencies dispatch centers and have them advise
each Duty Chief of the activation alert. Each agency shall have the Duty
Chief contact the ECC for the conference call information
Identify and contact Task Force Leader from the rotation and assign them
to the incident and notify them with the conference call information
Initiate conference call and obtain rendezvous point
Notify PIO
Receives and enters all agencies responding personnel information from
TFL from the incident into ROSS
In the event that the incident is within the Region 5 response area and the
designated RTF 5 units and personnel are already deployed when the activation
occurs, the TFL shall coordinate with the IC to ensure an efficient deployment of
additional resources to complete the RTF. The responding RTF 5 personnel and
equipment shall report to a designated Point of Assembly (POA) prior to
deploying to the incident.
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Regional Task Force Procedures
Each participating agency shall provide a roster of personnel that meet the
qualifications and are available for deployment as a member of CA-RTF5.
Station #4 shall maintain the CA-RTF 5 Roster listing the position assignments
for personnel that are designated for response. On duty USAR personnel shall
be utilized as part of the CA-RTF 5 staffing. The roster for the team shall be
updated and posted on the FFD Training Website. Hard copies should be posted
at Station #4, FFD BC’s office, Fresno Co. ECC and the designated CA-RTF 5
Team Manager.
All responding Task Force Members will have their apparatus, equipment, and
personal gear ready to respond. CA-RTF 5 members shall confirm their ability to
respond upon notification and immediately proceed with their necessary
equipment and apparatus to the Point of Assembly (POA). Personnel who
determine that they would not be able to respond if alerted shall designate a
replacement and notify FFD Station #4. Once assembled and briefed the RTF
shall depart to the incident, preferably within 1 hour of the time of request.
Regional US&R Task Force Leader Procedures
The designated TFL shall be in possession of the required forms for proper
documentation of activities during the deployment. The TFL shall maintain
communications with the Fresno Co. ECC, FFD Station #4 and the Operational
Area Coordinator, ensure readiness, determine rendezvous location, and review
procedures.
Upon alert the TFL should do the following.
Receives dispatch information: time of request, destination, location and
contact numbers for the incident base and/or staging area, Thomas
Brothers map section, radio frequencies, GPS coordinates, and request &
order numbers.
Confirms response to Fresno County ECC and Region 5 Area Coordinator
Contact FFD Station #4 and Identify/confirm rendezvous location
Identify rendezvous point over the conference call with all agencies
Manages RTF5 mobilization by coordinating with USAR Station #4,
Fresno Co. ECC, and Region 5 Area Coordinator
Contacts ECC with all of the agencies responding personnel information
Manages RTF-5 during response and ensures completion of all necessary
documentation
Continue status notifications to the ECC during deployment
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Listed below are the predetermined points of assembly (POA) locations for the
RTF. If one of these locations is not appropriate, the TFL may choose another
location. Once the RTF is dispatched to an incident, the TFL should be available
by cell phone.
Predetermined Point of Assemble (POA)
1. FFD HQ @ 911 Hst Fresno Ca
2. Fresno Fire Station #4 or
3. Location Identified by the TFL.
CA-RTF5 Urban Search & Rescue Task Force Staffing
The RTF will consist of 29 members from throughout Region 5, as identified in
the ICS-US&R-120-1. See Appendix.
The RTF5 roster staffing shall be maintained by RTF 5 team managers. On duty
USAR personnel shall be utilized for RTF staffing on a daily basis. Additional
personnel from FFD and participating agencies shall be utilized to ensure a full
response.
In the event that the FFD USAR has already been dispatched to an incident
within the Region and the RTF5 is subsequently mobilized for the same incident,
the RTFL and the FFD BC shall work together to ensure the rapid response of
the remaining RTF personnel and equipment.
Some positions (Canine Teams and Structural Engineers) are limited in the State
therefore their availability, on any given day, will not limit the Task Force’s ability
to respond. If at the time of dispatch th ese positions cannot be filled from our
Task Force roster, a call will be placed to the State Office of Eme rgency Service,
through Region 5 to fill these positions.
Roster
The following is only an example of the number of personnel and equipment
available from each agency for a deployment. The total number of personnel
requested can and will be based upon availability. It is the responsibility of each
agency to fulfill the minimum number of required personnel.
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QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AVAILABLE FOR DEPLOYMENT
AGENCY AVAILIBLE REQUESTED
Fresno Fire 40 20
Cal-Fire 13 5
Clovis Fire* 00 0
Visalia Fire* 00 0
Sanger Fire* 00 0
Selma Fire* 00 0
Tulare Fire* 00 0
Hanford Fire* 00 0
Dinuba Fire* 00 0
Coalinga Fire* 00 0
City of Fresno* 00 0
* Not committed yet
CA-RTF STAFFING # OF PERSONNEL
COMMAND TEAM
Task Force Leader (Battalion Chief) 1
Search Team Manager (Capt) 1
Rescue Team Manager (Capt) 1
Assistant Safety Officer (Capt) 1
SEARCH TEAM
Canine Search Team Type 1* 2
Technical Search Team 2
Haz-Mat Specialist 2
Structure Specialist* 2
RESCUE TEAM
US&R Company Type 1 6
US&R Crew Type 1 6
US&R Medical Specialists 2
Tool and Equipment Specialist 2
Heavy Equipment Rigging Specialist 1
Total Personnel 2
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APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT: RTF 5 APPARATUS
BC Vehicle: Task Force Leader Battalion Chief
Type 1 USAR: Fresno Fire Department Rescue 4
Type 1 Engine
Fresno Fire Emergency Support 2 (13 passenger bus with driver)
Emergency Support 1: FFD Command and Rehab Unit
ALS Ambulance (from participating agency or area having jurisdiction)
1- 12 Passenger Van- Task Force members and equipment
1 Utility/transport vehicle from each participating agency
Regional US&R Task Force Leader Operational Responsibilities
The RTFL should make every effort to keep the RTF intact and maintain its
integrity at all times. Due to emergency conditions this may not always be
possible. If the RTF becomes separated during operations, the RTFL must
maintain good communications with the Task Force members and reform the
RTF as the soon as possible, situation permitting. This policy should stay in
effect until the RTF has been released from the incident, is back within
Region 5, and authorized to “Disband”.
The RTFL will contact Region 5 and FFD at least each 24 hours (every 12
hours is optimal) with an update. Morning and evening are the best times for
these reports, but opportunity may dictate otherwise.
Cal OES Region 5 (559) 292-5271
Fresno Fire Dispatch (559) 621-4357
The RTFL is responsible for maintaining Form ICS-214 (Unit Log) for all RTF
activity. Form F-42 (Cal EMA Emergency Activity Record) must also be filled
out by the RTFL.
All CA-RTF5 Apparatus shall carry fuel cards provided by their respective
agencies.
Regional US&R Task Force Leader Documentation Responsibilities
The RTFL shall ensure that all required documentation is completed accurately
and submitted properly. The following documents must be filled out on all RTF
responses.
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ICS 214 (Unit Log): This form must be filled out by each crew or unit within
the RTF including the RTFL and should contain all pertinent activity
(departures, arrivals, briefings, assignments, equipment damage, etc.).
OES F-42: The F42 form is the primary document for reimbursement. This
form must be filled out by the ranking member from each agency. If there are
individuals assigned to a unit for the deployment that are not from that agency
they shall complete an F42 individually or together with other personnel from
the same agency. The RTFL shall also complete an individual F42.
Depending on the incident the F-42 forms may be turned into the Cal EMA
Representative during demobilization. A copy is to be sent to each
participating department or agency. The RTFL should retain copies of the
completed forms.
Region 5 US&R RTF Personnel Information Sheet. Each member of the RTF
will complete one of these forms either prior to the rendezvous or while
enroute to the incident. They will be held by the TFL to use should an
emergency arise.
Individual performance rating forms (ICS #225) shall be completed on each
RTF Team Manager or Specialist. Team Managers will complete an ICS
#225 on Teams & Specialist they supervise.
Each Company’s single resource RTF task book shall be signed off when the
appropriate tasks are performed.
CA-RTF 5 Vehicle Identification – Windshield chalk or paint shall be used as
the primary ID for all vehicles. If chalk or paint isn’t accessible or weather
permitting, ID cards will be placed in the windshield of each unit at the
rendezvous point.
Safety Issues
The RTF Safety Officer shall be supervised by the incident’s Safety Officer, will
be assigned to the RTF area of operation, and will work directly with the TFL.
The RTF Safety Officer shall ensure that all RTF Members will follow all
incident safety procedures.
All members shall be dressed according to ICS US&R-120-1 prior to entering
an operational area.
All RTF Representatives shall have in their possession a Personnel
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Emergency Information Sheet for each member responding to the incident .
Fresno Fire Department Operational Responsibilities
FFD staff will notify each department of the RTF status each 24 hours via
phone or e-mail to each department headquarters or fire station.
FFD shall be notified of any major changes in status or location. Reports of
injuries, accidents or problems should be passed along to FFD in a similar
fashion. Participating agency information related to the RTF will be passed
along to the appropriate agency as soon as possible.
FFD Dispatchers will log into the CAD system all communication between
themselves and the RTF. They should also log any other information that
may relate to RTF operations.
Regional US&R Task Force Leader Rotation
Regional US& R Task Force Leaders will be rotated monthly
Should any participating department be unable to send reso urces for a Task
Force assignment (staffing or equipment), Station #4 and the TFL will be
notified as soon as possible. The TFL will try to fill the need from the TFL
roster and if that is not possible will contact the Region 5 Operational Area
Coordinator to request resources to fill the need or deny the request.
Relief Crews
RTF personnel shall plan to be relieved every 7 days, unless unforeseen
circumstances dictate otherwise. Since each incident will be different, the
Region 5 Operational Area Coordinator and Cal OES Representative will direct
the time and coordination for relieving RTF personnel. All RTF relief crews will
travel to and from the incident in a caravan fashion under the direction of the
RTFL if possible. No individual relief shall occur unless a personal emergency
occurs. In the event this becomes necessary, the FFD shall be notified as soon
as possible, as well as the TFL. (OES standard relief time is 2 weeks)
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Radio Protocols
To Be Determined
Equipment Complement
US&R Companies
ICS-US&R-120-1 Equipment Cache for current Level
A complete set of Thomas Guides for Northern & Southern California.
Handheld GPS and (2) Bendix King Programmable Radio’s
Sleeping gear: bags, blankets, tents and mats (department’s choice).
Hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
Ice chest and/or cooler filled with water
Fuel credit cards
AM/FM radio
Binoculars
Note: Each US&R Company should carry enough food and water to be
self-sufficient for the first 24 hours.
Personal Bags
Extended RTF assignments often occur and require some preparation for the
period of time one will be gone. Each agency will be responsible to provide
sleeping gear (sleeping bag & pillow) to each member of their agency during a
deployment. Below are some suggested items to have readily available.
Because of space limitations, personnel should limit their personal supplie s to
one gym-type bag.
Toilet kit (recommendations)
Medication (if needed)
Aspirin
Sunscreen and lotion
Towel
Personal hygiene supplies (soap, shampoo, razor, deodorant & toothbrush)
Undergarments
Socks (several pairs)
Shorts (to allow cool daytime sleeping)
Jacket
Set of duty uniforms
Short sleeve & Long Sleeve 100% cotton T -shirts (department approved)
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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR REGIONAL US&R TASK FORCE MEMBERS
1. No alcohol, illegal drugs or medication which may impair ones ability to
perform their duties effectively will be transported or consumed.
2. Normal radio protocols shall be utilized. Radio traffic between units shall be
kept to a minimum.
3. Adhere to the chain of command.
4. Crews shall maintain a state of readiness even when not assigned. Stay
together and don’t wander away without notifying the RTFL.
5. Uniform shirt / department approved T-shirt / wild land jacket and long pants
are required when in Base, vicinity of CP or other public areas.
6. All equipment requisitions will be approved by the RTFL.
7. Do not engage in activities that can be considered offensive or distasteful to
others.
8. Always treat local residents with courtesy and respect. Unless engaged in
emergency activities, NEVER enter privately owned structures without the
permission of the owner.
9. Promptly advise the RTFL of any and all problems including injuries,
equipment deficiencies, mechanical problems, property damage, inability to
attain objectives, indicators of stress, etc.
Remember, your actions are a reflection of your organization!
Regional US&R Task Force Operations: Operations shall follow procedures
and protocols set by the Urban Search & Rescue Operational System
Description, ICS-US&R-120-1, January 2004 and subsequent revisions.
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