HomeMy WebLinkAboutFresno Fire Department Glossary (Revised 112222) Fresno City Fire Department
GLOSSARY
1
A
Accredited College or University – In order to
be accredited, the accreditation must be
received from the recognized list of
accreditation associations of higher learning
maintained by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Aerial Fire Apparatus Access – Fire
apparatus access located directly adjacent to
the corners of multi-story buildings, positioned in
such a way as to allow fire department aerial
ladders to be raised to the lowest point of the
roof eave (as defined in California Building Code
(CBC), Section 702A Definitions).
Aerial Ladder – According to NFPA the rated
vertical height must be at least 50 feet in order
to qualify as an aerial ladder, with a permanently
equipped waterway.
Accredited Local Academy (ALA) – An ALA,
serving a specific authority having jurisdiction is
defined as: A single fire agency, which provides
training for in-house personnel only, and which
actively provides state, municipal, county, or fire
district fire protection services.
Active Cooling Measures – Steps taken to
rapidly decrease a person’s core temperature
e.g., fans with misting water, cold towels around
the neck, cooled IV fluids, cooled- air tubes, and
cooled-air hood.
Adjusted Heat Index reading – The
combination of outside air temperature plus
humidity plus addition of PPE. Actual
temperatures in direct sunlight can be up to 15
degrees higher in personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Aerial Fire Apparatus Access – Fire
apparatus access located directly adjacent to
multi-story buildings, positioned in such a way
as to allow fire department aerial ladders to be
raised to the lowest point of the roof eave (as
defined in California Building Code ( CBC) 702A
– the word sloping is deleted) that meets the
requirements in the California Fire Code (CFC),
Section 605.11.1.1 for roof access points.
Aerial Tower – An aerial apparatus equipped
with an elevating platform bucket, which is
designed to support firefighting and rescue
operations by positioning personnel, providing
continuous egress or discharging water at
positions usually elevated from the ground.
Affirmative – “Yes” or “That is correct”
response to a question.
After Action Review (AAR) – A review of an
Informational Summary from which applied
lessons learned and recommendations on best
practices will be shared with the department.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) – A service provided
by ground-based air traffic controllers who direct
aircraft on the ground and through controlled
airspace and can provide advisory services to
aircraft in non-controlled airspace.
All Weather Access – Required fire apparatus
access lanes will be provided year round and
maintained during all phases of construction
with an approved, all-weather surface, capable
of supporting 80,000-pound vehicles. An all-
weather surface is composed of minimum four
(4”) inch compacted base rock or gravel over
compacted or undisturbed native soil or per
approved engineering plans with a minimum of
24 feet of clear width or 20 feet minimum clear
width if an approved method to prevent shoulder
degradation is utilized.
Anemometer – An instrument for measuring
the speed of the wind.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
2
Appointed Team Member – A team member
who is in the process of completing all of the
specialty team requirements.
Appropriately Equipped – In addition to the
required personal protective clothing,
appropriately equipped includes positive
pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
and appropriate rescue equipment for removing
the employee(s) who enter the hazardous
atmospheres, or equivalent means of rescue
where retrieval equipment is not required.
Arrived – Indicates a unit has arrived at incident
location.
ART/SART – A team convened to investigate
and document an incident where a serious injury
or accident occurred.
Assigned Team Member – A team member
assigned to a specialty team location.
Assist – Term used to which agency a unit(s) is
assisting.
At Hydrant – Unit standing by at hydrant
preparing to extend water supply line.
Automatic Aid – Automatic aid is defined as
the immediate dispatch of a fire unit from a
different jurisdiction than that of the requesting
party under pre-determined terms and
conditions, using NFPA 1221 as a guideline.
Available – Indicates a unit is available, out of
quarters.
Available in Quarters – Indicates a unit is
available and located in their assigned quarters.
B
Battery- Operated- Electric Fans – Fans used
to provide air movement over Rehab area to
increase cooling of members.
Behavioral Emergency – Term used to
describe a patient that is mentally unstable, law
enforcement needed.
Biennial Transfer – A live transfer draw that
typically occurs every two years and takes effect
in July.
Big Box Store – Typically a large, free standing,
cuboid, generally single-story structure built on
a concrete slab foundation. The flat roofs are
typically bar joist truss roof systems with a
corrugated metal roof deck with walls that are
concrete block or concrete tilt-up construction.
Floor space in big box stores range between
50,000 to 200,000 square feet.
Bleeder Ball-Valve – Small ball valve on
pressure side of pump to bleed air out of pump
and use to regulate test pressure if needed.
Blitz Attack – The process of using a deck gun
to quickly knock down the bulk of a fire and
reduce exposure potential. This evolution is
typically accomplished prior to the
establishment of a water supply and the
apparatus operator typically shuts down the
evolution prior to using all the available tank
water.
Blizzard Warning – Snowfall and blowing
conditions are impending in the area, which will
create blinding conditions, drifting snow and
severe wind chill hazards.
Bridle – The bridle assembly will be two (2) 10
foot pieces of rope with a figure eight on a bite
tied into each end and carabiners attached to
the figure eights. On one end, the bridle will be
attached to the rated attachment points on the
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
3
underside of the aerial. On the other end, it will
be attached to the anchor plate of the stokes
Pre-Rig.
Business Day – Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
C
Cab Tilt Pendant – The electric cab tilt
controller located on the captain’s side of the
apparatus behind the pump panel access
compartment.
CAD – Computer Aided Dispatch system which
tracks resource status and recommends
response deployment to dispatch personnel.
CAD to CAD Interface – The function of
sharing call information with other agencies via
Computer Aided Design software.
California Firefighters Joint Apprenticeship
Committee (CFFJAC) – CFFJAC was
established through a partnership between the
California Professional Firefighters Association,
the California State Fire Marshal, local
government, the Department of Labor, and the
Department of Education. In 1990, the
Department and the Fresno Firefighters Local
753 established a subscription agreement to
participate in the CFFJAC program.
CAN – Conditions, actions, and needs
assessment.
Carbon Monoxide Oximetry – Similar to pulse
oximetry, this is a means to measure the total
amount of carbon monoxide within the blood,
rated on a scale of 1-15%, treatment is required
at 10% or greater.
Center Hallway Construction – A building with
multiple occupancies, either residential or
business, in which their main entrance is
accessed from a common hallway.
Certificate of Authorization (COA) – The
waiver of specific rules established for sUAS
operations by the FAA granted to the
Department.
Code 2 – Term used to respond without lights
and sirens.
Code 3 – Term used to respond with lights and
siren.
Cold Smoke – Smoke that has lost its velocity
and is smooth flowing.
Cold Weather Conditions – The exposure of
members to cold environments, wind chill,
precipitation, perspiration, and wet PPE.
Command – Term used to identify an individual
has taken charge of an incident.
Command Post (ICP) – Locations at which the
Incident Commander and Command Staff
direct, order, and control resources at an
incident; may be co-located with the incident
base.
Command Staff – The Command Staff consists
of the Information Officer, Safety Officer, and
Liaison Officer who report directly to the Incident
Commander.
Common Restroom/Shower – A facility that
was designed/intended to be used by more than
one person at a time.
Common Vehicle Access – Common vehicle
access describes private streets, driveways,
and alleys which connect with a public street
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
4
and are required for emergency access as well
as for access by the public.
Community Emergency Response Team –
The Department’s response preparedness
group who, as one of its responsibilities,
responds to requests for incident support
providing rehab for incident personnel.
Company Performance Evolutions (CPE) –
Evolutions performed by one or more
companies based on nationally recognized
standards as referenced in NFPA 1410,
Standard on Training for Initial Emergency
Scene Operations. CPEs promote training,
determine effectiveness of that training, and
document the Department’s capability to
perform tasks at an acceptable level.
Compartment – A space within a building
enclosed on all sides with walls and/or doors.
Complement of Hose – Two hundred feet of 2-
1/2-inch or larger; 400 feet of 1-1/2-inch or 1-
3/4-inch (for an initial attack vehicle).
Complement of Ladders – A complement of
ladders for a truck or quint include a minimum
complement of 115 feet of ground ladders: one
10-foot attic, one 14-foot straight, two 16-foot
straight, one 24-foot extension, and one 35-foot
extension.
Construction Access – Required fire
apparatus access lanes shall be provided year
round and maintained with an approved, all-
weather surface, capable of supporting 80,000-
pound vehicles (minimum of 4-inch base rock
over compacted or undisturbed native soil or per
approved engineering plans with a minimum of
24 feet of clear width or other approved method,
which would prevent shoulder degradation).
Copy – Term used to acknowledge a radio
transmission or instruction.
Cricket – For purposes of this Prevention
Manual, Section 405.007, a cricket is defined as
“a roof drainage element partitioned off from the
attic or adjacent mansard space, containing no
electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment
(i.e., empty space).
CTO – Abbreviation used in CrewSense for
compensatory time off.
CTR – Abbreviation used in CrewSense for
compensatory time relief.
Cursory Inspection – Apparatus staffed with
Department members that is detailed to
periodically visit the incident site to ensure the
Incident Action Plan is being properly executed
and remains attainable. The frequencies of
cursory inspections will be determined by the
on-duty battalion chief.
Cutwater – Wedge shaped edge (on what) that
divides the water between the volute and the
pump discharge.
D
DACR – Digital Alarm Communicator Receiver
DACT – Digital Alarm Communicator
Transmitter
Defensive Mode – Indirect or exterior attack
outside of the structural collapse zone, there is
no life or property to be saved.
Delayed Response – Term used by a company
to place themselves on a planned delay.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
5
Disregard – Term used to ignore previous
information.
Distinct Hazard – For the purpose of policy
406.001 is defined as: “Any clear and evident
condition that exist (or remains) that is or
becomes an immediate danger to the safety of
the occupants, firefighters, structure, or public
right of way.”
Duty Chief – On call executive chief officer who
may be called upon to provide managerial
direction on behalf of the fire chief.
E
Emergency Command Center (ECC) – The
command and control point for all local Cal Fire
and the Fresno County Fire Protection District
incidents requiring a fire/rescue response. The
center also provides service to an additional
thirteen emergency agencies and is the Region
V Coordination Center for the California
Emergency Management Agency.
Emergency Operations Center – A physical or
virtual location from which coordination and
support of incident management activities is
directed.
Emergency Traffic – The term used to clear
designated channels used at an incident to
make way for important radio traffic for a
firefighter emergency situation or an immediate
change in tactical operations (offensive to
defensive).
Emergency Vehicle Access – Where
adequate common vehicle access to buildings is
not provided by public streets or private
driveways, emergency access shall be provided
for the exclusive use of fire department vehicles.
EMS Levels – Levels monitored by the
Communications center and defined by
available ALS ambulances. Level 2 would be
the equivalent of two available ambulances.
Environmental Protection – Maintaining the
environment, including water ways, air quality,
crops, etc., and providing for recovery.
Establish Command – On arrival, an officer
determines that the best course of action for
mitigating an emergency is to assume the
dedicated role of IC.
Exposure – Structures, vehicles, or other
objects in close proximity to, and jeopardized by,
fire or other emergency situation.
Exposure Incident – Specific eye, mouth,
mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or
parenteral contact with blood, bodily fluids, or
other potentially infectious materials, which
results from the performance of a member’s
duties.
Extended Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation
procedures for incidents lasting several hours or
spanning multiple operational periods.
Extractor Washer – An industrial washer for
cleaning and/or sanitizing PPE.
F
FACTS – Acronym for Fall, Air, Collapse,
Trapped, or Separated
Fire Department Communications Liaison /
Originating Agency Liaison – A member
serving as a link between the Department and
the Fresno County EMS Communications
Center. This is an administrative assignment
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
6
determined by the Fire Chief per Administrative
Manual, Section 101.001, Administrative
Assignments.
Fire GIS – The GIS Specialist assigned to the
Department.
Fire Hose Pull and Equipment Access – Fire
hose pull, and equipment access is an
unobstructed walkway which provides
continuous access connecting vehicular access
to all building openings and exterior storage
areas. The walkway requires unobstructed 36
inch horizontal clearance around openings and
continuous seven foot vertical clearance.
Fire Incident Report – This report contains
basic information regarding the date, time, and
location of a fire with a short narrative regarding
the incident.
Fire Incident Summary Report – This report is
a one (1) page summary with the basic
information regarding the date, time, and
location of a fire. This report is available at the
time of request.
Fire Investigative Report – This is a full
investigation report which identifies the cause
and origin of a fire, including photographs. The
report is provided in hard copy form with
photographs via CD/DVD.
Fire flow – Available fire protection water supply
in GPM at a residual pressure of 20 psi.
FIRESCOPE – An acronym defined as
Firefighting Resources of California Organized
for Potential Emergencies was organized by
legislative mandate in 1986. The FIRESCOPE
program is intended to complete the legislative
attempt to unify various fire agencies together
into one voice and direction.
First-alarm assignment – An initial multiple
resource assignment of fire/rescue apparatus
and a chief officer(s).
Formal Rehabilitation – Multi-company Rehab
involving the establishment of a Rehabilitation
group and the completion of an on-scene
medical evaluation with documentation.
Forward Lay – A hose evolution used to obtain
a water supply where the fire apparatus lays
hose from the fire hydrant to the fire scene.
Fuel Geyser – The rapid, high energy,
expulsion of fuel. It occurs when fuel in a closed
system becomes superheated and pressurizes.
G
Geographic Information System (GIS) –
System designed to capture, store, manipulate,
analyze, manage, and present spatial or
geographic data.
Grievance – As defined in Administration
Manual, Section 106.012, Grievance Form (FC-
03).
H
Hallway Stretch – A hose deployment utilizing
high-rise hose packs connected to a standpipe
on the floor below the fire. A hallway stretch is
deployed uncharged down the hallway to the fire
room door. This stretch can only be used if the
location of the fire is known, the hallway is not
compromised with smoke or fire, and the fire
room door is secured.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
7
Hazardous Material Incident – An incident
involving hazardous materials which pose an
immediate threat to life, property, and/or the
environment.
Heat Illness – Signs and symptoms related to
heat exhaustion or heat stroke, including but not
limited to cramping, nausea, vomiting, lethargy,
absence of sweating, and decreased mental
status.
Heat Index – A measure of heat and humidity
the body feels.
Helmet identifiers – Velcro backed panels that
attach to the sides of member’s structural
firefighting helmets used to identify the unit a
member is assigned to. They are reflective and
utilize two colors with letters and numbers to
identify units.
• Engine Company – Black panel with
yellow numbers
• Truck Company – Red panel with
white numbers
• Chief Officers – White panel with black
letters and numbers
• Training Officers – Orange panel with
black numbers
• Drill School Engine Company – Black
panel with orange numbers
• Drill School Truck Company – Red
with orange numbers
• Investigators – Blue panel with white
numbers
• Make-up Companies – Blank yellow
panels (letters/numbers handwritten)
Helmet shield – A permanently affixed shield
on the front of a helmet, identifying rank and
Department affiliation.
High-Piled Combustible Storage – High-piled
combustible storage is storage of combustible
materials in closely packed piles or combustible
materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves
where the top of storage is greater than twelve
feet in height. High-piled combustible storage
also includes certain high-hazard commodities,
such as: rubber tires, Group A plastics,
flammable liquids, idle pallets, and similar
commodities, where the top of storage is greater
than six feet in height. (CFC, Chapter 2).
Hoistway – Enclosed vertical shafts in which
elevator cars travel.
Homeland Security Grant Program – Federal
program that includes federal funds that are
disseminated through the state of California,
county of Fresno and City of Fresno to be used
to purchase items from the approved equipment
list (AEL).
Honor Guard – A group assigned to a
ceremonial event.
Hood or Tube Cooling Device – A
supplemental device, which produces cooled air
pumped thru hoods or tubes worn by members
to increase cooling.
Hose Monster Big Boy – A proprietary flow test
diffuser with built in Factory Mutual approved
calibrated pitot less nozzle.
I
IDLH Atmosphere – Immediately Dangerous
to Life and Health. An atmosphere that poses
an immediate threat to life, would cause
irreversible adverse health effects, or would
impair an individual’s ability to escape from a
dangerous atmosphere. Any structure fire
beyond the incipient stage is considered to have
an IDLH atmosphere. Examples of identified
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
8
Emergency Incidents, that could require a
RIC, but are not limited to, would include:
• Structure fires
• Hazardous Materials Incidents (IDLH,
potential IDLH, or unknown
atmosphere)
• Complex Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue (IDLH,
potential IDLH, or unknown
atmosphere)
In-line – Position of body when cutting. Stand to
the left of the cut, outside of the cutting plane.
Inch and a half (1-1/2″) – Term used to identify
1-1/2″ pre-connected line.
Inch and three quarters (1-3/4″) – Term used
to identify 1-3/4″ pre-connect line.
Incident Action Plan (IAP) – Written or
unwritten plan for the disposition of an incident;
contains the strategic goals, tactical objectives,
and support requirements for a given
operational period during an incident. All
incidents require an action plan. On relatively
small incidents, the IAP is usually not in writing;
on larger, more complex incidents, a written IAP
is created for each operational period and
disseminated to all assigned units. Written IAPs
may have a number of forms as attachments.
Incident Command System (ICS) – An
Incident Management System with a common
organizational structure with responsibility for
the management of assigned resources to
effectively accomplish stated objectives
pertaining to an incident.
Incident Commander (IC) – The individual
responsible for the management of all incident
operations.
Incident Management Team – a pre-
established team of emergency managers that
provides on-scene incident management
support during incidents or events that exceed a
jurisdictions or agency’s capacity or capability.
Incident Stabilization Priority – Seeks to keep
the incident from escalating, minimize its
effects, and bring it under control.
Incident Priorities – Remain fundamentally
constant, regardless of the incident’s size or
complexity: life safety, incident stabilization, and
property/environmental conservation.
Incipient Stage Fire – A fire which is in the
initial or beginning stage and which can be
controlled or extinguished by portable fire
extinguishers, Class II standpipe, or reel line,
without the need for breathing apparatus.
Inlet Ball-Valve – 1 ½” ball-valve located on the
inlet side of hydrostatic pump to fill and bleed
manifold and hoses with prior to starting the
pump. This valve must be closed prior to starting
the pump.
Interim Transfer – A transfer that occurs
between biennial transfers in order to fill vacant
positions or reassign members.
Interior Structure Fire Fighting – The physical
activity of fire suppression, rescue, or both,
inside buildings or enclosed structures that are
involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient
stage.
Investigative Mode – Initial resources are
determining the extent of an incident and need
for further resources.
ISO Storage Containers – Department of
Transportation (DOT) approved pre-
manufactured, metal shipping containers.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
9
J
K
Kickback – The reaction of the cutting force of
the chain causes a rotational force on the pole
pruner in the direction opposite to the chain
movement. This may cause the bar to move
upward.
Knox Box – This is a propriety keyway and box
system manufactured by the Knox Box
Company. To order a Knox Box system, obtain
a signed order form from the Fresno Fire
Department at 911 H Street, Fresno, CA, (559)
621-4181.
L
Layers – Represent geographic data in
ArcMap, such as a particular theme of data.
Examples of map layers include streams and
lakes, terrain, roads, political boundaries,
parcels, building footprints, utility lines, and
orthophoto imagery. Each map layer is used to
display and work with a specific GIS dataset.
LCES – Acronym for Lookout(s),
Communication(s), Escape route(s) and Safety
zone(s).
LDH/Feeder – Large Diameter Hose, 5″, Supply
Line. The IC indicates if line should be charged
or not.
LDH Supply Hose – This abbreviation means
large diameter industrial hose.
Liaison Officer – The point of contact for
assisting or coordinating agencies. Member of
the Command staff.
Life Hazard – The existence of a situation or
condition which would likely cause serious injury
or death to exposed persons (i.e., downed
power lines, structure collapse, holes, pits or
trenches, and confined space.)
Life Hazard Lookout – A person assigned to
safely observe a Life Hazard Zone. The Life
Hazard Lookout will isolate, monitor, and deny
entry to any responders or resources until the
life hazard is mitigated and the incident
commander approves the release of the life
hazard.
Life Hazard Zone – An area within the incident
perimeter which has been identified as life
threatening and hazardous to emergency
responders. This area should be isolated
through the use of barriers which clearly
identifies the area has hazards and prevents
access by incident personnel.
Life Safety Priority – Encompasses
responders and the public. It includes rescuing
endangered civilians; treating the injured; and
providing for the safety, accountability, and
welfare of response personnel. Life safety is an
ongoing priority throughout the incident.
Liquid on Skin –
1. Mild/Moderate: Muscle twitching at the
site of exposure, sweating at the site of
exposure, nausea, vomiting, feeling of
weakness. Time of onset: 10 minutes
to 18 hours after exposure.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
10
2. Severe: All the above, plus severe
breathing difficulty or cessation of
breathing, generalized muscular
twitching, weakness or paralysis,
convulsions, loss of consciousness,
loss of bladder and bowel control. Time
of onset: minutes to an hour after
exposure.
Live Transfer Draw – A process of transfer
request where members select assignments
while viewing available transfer assignments.
Load – Stokes, victim, and rigging.
Lock out – Tag out – A safety procedure used
in industry and research settings to ensure
dangerous machines are properly shut off and
not able to be started up again prior to the
completion of maintenance or repair work.
M
Make-up kit – A kit containing the necessary
materials to construct passports and helmet
identifiers for fire personnel who report directly
to an incident to form new companies or to
replace lost or damaged components for in-
service units. This kit contains enough supplies
to outfit four companies and is located in
battalion chiefs’ vehicles. The kit contains:
• Eight blank passports
• 32 blank name tags
• 32 blank yellow helmet identifiers with
Velcro
• Black Sharpies, thin and thick tips
• Extra Velcro and trauma sheers
• Carrying Case
Manifold Ball-Valve – Any one of four 1 ½” ball-
valves that control the flow of water and
pressure to each hose line to be tested.
Mayday – The term used to clear designated
channels used at an incident to make way for
important radio traffic for a firefighter in distress,
in need of immediate assistance/rescue.
Meal Periods – A one (1) hour period within the
hours of 6:00am – 8:00am (breakfast), 11:30pm
– 1:30pm (lunch), and 5:00pm – 7:00pm
(dinner).
Med Channel – UHF Operations radio channel
assigned to the responding ambulance by the
Fresno County EMS Communications Center.
This channel is used for communications
between ambulance personnel and the Fresno
County EMS Communications Center.
Media – Shared public or private information
and resources which can include text, audio,
video, images, podcast, live stream, etc.
Multi Casualty Incident (MCI) – Refers to
medical emergencies or motor vehicle crashes
involving five or more patients.
Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) – A computer
device in vehicles that is connected via radio
modem to the CAD.
Move up – Unit relocation performed in order to
maintain adequate resource distribution.
Mutual Aid – Mutual aid is defined as a request
of resources from a different jurisdiction than
that of the requesting party based on the needs
determined by the managers of the incident and
subject to authorization by the responding party
for each request.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
11
N
Name Tag – A 3/8″ x 2″ Velcro backed plastic
tag inscribed with member’s rank and last name.
Members are issued, and should maintain, a
minimum of six name tags.
• One for each of the primary and
secondary passports of the member’s
assigned unit.
• Two attached to the underside of the
member’s helmet
• Two kept on the station staffing board.
Negative – “No” response to a question.
NFIRS – The National Fire Incident Reporting
System is a reporting standard that fire
departments use to uniformly report on the full
range of their activities, from fire to Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) to equipment involved
in the response.
Non-Significant Incident – An incident where
a unique circumstance, close call, or other event
of note occurred that did not lead to a significant
injury or death.
NULCAN – Acronym for Name, Unit, Location,
Condition, Action, and Need
O
1-2 Family Residential Structure – A free
standing residential building designed to house
one or two families. (i.e., duplex, manufactured
home, house).
Offensive Mode – Direct, Interior or aggressive
exterior attack within the collapse zone,
observed risks will be mitigated to provide for
responder safety. Risks are in line with benefits
of saved property.
On Deck – A “forward” personnel staging area
close to the operational area. Crews report to
the designated location with full protective
clothing and any needed tools and equipment,
ready for assignment.
Out of District – Term used when a unit is no
longer in its main response area.
Out of Service – Term used to identify a unit
unable to respond to calls for a specific reason.
Out of Town Course Calculator – The series
of line items in this SOP under Process, or
preprogrammed spreadsheets utilizing the
established formulas for determining the
compensation for employees attending training
or department business outside of Fresno
(typically greater than 50 miles) requiring travel.
P
Packing House Loop – A hose evolution where
a large loop (typically 50’ or more) is formed
near the nozzle to allow for better stationary
control of larger gpm flows. The formation of the
loop allows a long straight section of hose to be
formed behind the nozzle, reducing nozzle
reaction. Packing house loops are usually used
for 2 ½” or portable master stream operations.
Parenteral – Piercing mucous membranes or
the skin barrier through such events as needle
sticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions.
Pass Command – Command can be passed
from a first arriving company officer to the next
arriving company officer who is ON THE
SCENE. This is indicated when the initial
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
12
commitment of the first arriving company
requires a full crew (i.e., high-rise or an
immediate rescue situation) or the incident
complexity prohibits the first arriving company
officer from fulfilling the responsibilities of the
Incident Commander (IC).
Passive Cooling Measures – Steps taken to
lower core temperature by removing PPE,
moving out of direct sun light and heated
environment, and provide cool drinks.
Passport – 2″ x 4″ boards made of Velcro and
plastic used to hold name tags. Passports are
inscribed with Unit and OES identifiers (e.g.,
ENGINE 3 XFR-FRN). Name tags are placed on
the passports in the following order: captain,
engineer, firefighter #1, and firefighter #2.
• There are three types of passports:
Primary, Secondary, and Blank.
o Primary: Red
o Kept on the status board on the
inside of CO door.
o Secondary: Black
o Kept on the underside of the
Officer’s helmet.
o Blank: Green
o Kept in make-up kits carried by
Battalion Chiefs. For use when
reporting to an emergency incident
as a make-up or mutual aid
company during a recall or major
event.
Pay Period – Two weeks beginning on Monday
and ending on Sunday. The first day of a period
is the Monday immediately preceding a pay-day
Friday.
Permanent Employee – Member who was
appointed from an eligible list and has
satisfactorily completed the probationary period.
Time counted in a permanently appointed
position begins upon completion of the
probationary period.
Permanent Status – Time begins upon
completion of the probationary period.
Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) –
Personnel Accountability Report is a survey of
fire ground resources to account for all
personnel by assignment or unit.
Personnel Accountability System – A system
that readily identifies both the location and
function of all members operating at an incident
scene through the use of standard operating
procedures, training, and accountability aides.
Personal Assessment – A brief self-check
performed by personnel, which includes
assessment of dehydration based on the urine
chart, fatigue, and vital signs in accordance with
the Rehab Flow Chart.
Pilot in Command (PIC) – The designated
operator of the sUAS. The PIC has the
responsibility of assuring the sUAS is flight
worthy, is operated within the COA, and has all
the required training and authorization from the
Department.
Portal to Portal – Time of initial dispatch from
home base to the time of return to home base.
Position Task Book (PTB) – Document carried
by the trainee listing all essential tasks, which a
candidate must satisfactorily complete for
qualification purposes. PTB is initiated
(activated) by the verifying official and signed by
one (1) or more evaluators during the course of
the training process. Once completed, the PTB
is to be submitted to the appropriate CICCS
committee for review.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
13
Power Take Off (PTO) – A device that transfers
an engines mechanical power to another piece
of equipment that does not have its own engine
or motor (e.g., a PTO runs the Darley JMP-500
pump using the main engine power).
Private Space – Restroom/shower that is
intended for a single occupant with enclosure,
which provides privacy.
Prolonged Incidents – Firefighters have been
on scene at an incident lasting greater than four
(4) hours, where the incident commander
projects the incident will last at least an
additional hour, and where firefighters cannot be
relieved to return to the fire station.
Property Preservation – Maintaining the
property, the infrastructure, the evidence and
the economy and providing for recovery
Property/Environmental Conservation
Priority – Maintaining the property, the
infrastructure, the evidence, the economy, and
the environment and providing for recovery.
Psycrometer – A hygrometer consisting of a
wet-bulb and a dry-bulb thermometer, the
difference in the two thermometer readings
being used to determine atmospheric humidity.
Public Information Officer – Responsible for
interface with the media or other appropriate
agencies requiring information direct from the
incident scene. Member of the Command Staff.
Pull-in – Occurs when the chain on the bottom
of the bar is suddenly stopped when it is
pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object
in the wood. The reaction of the chain pulls the
pole pruner forward.
Pull Notice Program – As defined in
Administration Manual, Section 105.001, Driver
License Requirements, and City of Fresno
Administrative Order 2-32, Driver Standards
Policy.
Pushback – Pushback occurs when the chain
on the top of the bar is suddenly stopped when
it is pinched, caught or encounters a foreign
object in the wood. The reaction of the chain
may drive the pole pruner rapidly straight back
toward the operator. Pushback frequently
occurs when the top of the bar is used for
cutting.
Q
Qualified Team Member – A team member
who has completed all of the specialty team
requirements.
Quint – Quint means five. In the fire service this
means a triple combination pumper equipped
with the NFPA recommended complement of
ground ladders and an aerial ladder.
R
Radio Check – Term used to verify if the radio
system or a particular radio is working properly.
Rapid Intervention – Rapid Intervention is a
group formed by combining Two-Out personnel
with the company assigned to Rapid
Intervention.
Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) – A fire
company specifically assigned to stand-by for
the purpose of initiating rescue operations for
downed or trapped firefighter.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
14
Rapid Intervention Group – Consists of a
minimum of four (4) firefighters. This group will
include the Two-Out and one (1) Rapid
Intervention Group Supervisor, plus any
addition personnel assigned to this group.
Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor – The
officer designated by the Incident Commander
as the Group Leader of Rapid Intervention.
Unless otherwise directed, this is the officer of
the company assigned to Rapid Intervention. A
Chief Officer may also be assigned this position
as the incident dictates.
Red Card – Incident qualification card issued by
the Training Division which lists fully qualified
and trainee status. This card can be found in
LMS within each member’s credentials.
Reel line – Term used to describe a pre-
connected, reel mounted 3/4″ or 1″ line. Also
referred to as a Redline.
Regulator – An adjustable device to control the
maximum amount of pressure in the hydrostatic
test pump system. The regulator should be set
at 300 psi., however, it can be adjusted up to
500 psi.
Regular Meal Period – A 1-hour period within
the hours of 6:00am – 8:00am (breakfast),
11:30pm – 1:30pm (lunch) and 5:00pm –
7:00pm (dinner).
Rehab Chairs – Portable chairs with a mesh
back and bottom to allow maximum air flow.
Rehab Personnel – Department members or
EMS personnel assigned to Rehab group with a
minimum of one assigned ALS unit.
Repeat – Term used to ask for a retransmission
of a message.
Rescue Mode – There is an immediate life
safety hazard where some risk mitigation efforts
may be bypassed for the potential benefit of a
savable life, e.g., the action of firefighters
entering into an IDLH without the establishment
of Two-Out to save life.
Residential Group R3.1 – Occupancies may
include facilities licensed by a governmental
agency. Such occupancies provide
accommodations for six (6) or fewer clients of
any age. These clients may be classified as
ambulatory, non-ambulatory or bedridden.
Residual Water Pressure – Water system
pressure present with a fire hydrant and/or fire
protection water demand plus domestic water
use.
Resource Ordering and Status System
(ROSS) – National database used by fire
service organizations to order, roster, and status
personnel and equipment.
Responding Agency’s Liaison – Fresno
County EMS Communications Center personnel
assigned to communicate and coordinate
activities between the two entities.
Responding/En Route – Term used to advise
unit is en route to an alarm (“on the way”).
Return- to- Work Limits – Limits based on vital
signs and symptoms found on the Rehab Flow
Chart, which allow a member to continue
working post rehab.
Reverse Lay – A hose evolution used to obtain
a water supply where the fire apparatus lays
hose from the fire scene to the fire hydrant.
Reverse Lay Equipment Drop – When
performing a reverse lay, the company may
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
15
perform an equipment drop. The suggested
equipment includes:
• Two 1-3/4-inch bundles
• Two hand spanners for standpipe caps
and plugs
• SCBAs; extra air tanks
• Long and short pike poles
• Hose clamps
• Pike head axe
• Irons (flat head axe and halligan)
• 14- and 24-foot ladders
S
Safety Officer – Responsible for monitoring
and assessing safety hazards, unsafe
situations, and developing measures for
ensuring personnel safety. Member of the
Command Staff.
Safety Officer Survey – Survey Monkey survey
completed by the Safety Officer after every
working fire.
SCBA Unit Identifiers – 3¾” x 8″ black panels
with 2″ orange reflective letters/number
combinations that indicate the user’s company.
The identifiers use Velcro to attach to the
tensioning strap of the SCBA.
Scene Not Secured – Term used by dispatch
to indicate the incident has NOT been secured
by police.
Scene Secure – Term used by dispatch to
indicate the incident has been secured by police
and is safe to enter.
Scene Manager – Representative of the
property owner or responsible party with
responsibility and authority to take necessary
action to maintain compliance with the Post
Incident Notice requirements and Incident
Action Plan objectives. (Scene manager may be
the property owner or responsible party.)
Security Watch – Non-department personnel
who are assigned by the scene manager to
monitor the site and maintain security. The
individuals assigned to a security watch are to
be given clear instructions by the property owner
and/or responsible party as provided in the
Incident Action Plan and the Post Incident
Notice of their duties and responsibilities and
have the ability and means to immediately
contact the Department should the incident
necessitate a Fire Department response.
Individuals will continuously remain at the
location until the hazards are mitigated.
Self-Rehabilitation – One-company or
member completion of a personal assessment
utilizing the Rehab Flow Chart for vital signs.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Severe
thunderstorms have developed in the area.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Conditions are
favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop
in the area.
Sharps Shuttle – A small container used to
contain and secure used needles.
Shop Steward – Training Officer responsible
for the daily administration of CFP.
ShotSpotter – ShotSpotter is a secured and
confidential service provided by PD.
Skilled Worker – FFD personnel with formal
training or professional experience in respective
discipline.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
16
Slop Over – Fire extends over the control line
into the unburned fuel.
Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) – An
unmanned aircraft (commonly referred to as a
drone), weighing .55lbs or less that is capable of
sustaining directed flight, whether
preprogrammed or remotely controlled, and all
of the supporting or attached systems designed
for gathering information through imaging,
recording, or any other means.
Special Assignment – Work detail which is not
typical of regular duty assignment or station,
which may result in a staffing vacancy.
Special Call – Unit requested to respond to an
incident for a special function.
SR – Abbreviation used in CrewSense for shift
replacement.
SRT 1 – Swiftwater Rescue Technician 1
certification. CSFM or Rescue 3.
SRT A – Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Advanced certification. CSFM or Rescue 3.
Staged – Unit(s) positioned near (but not on)
scene awaiting further instructions.
Staging – Process by which noncommitted
units responding to a fire or other emergency
incident are stopped at a location away from the
fire scene to await their assignment.
Stairwell stretch – A hose deployment utilizing
high-rise hose packs connected to a standpipe
on the floor below the fire. A stairwell stretch is
deployed uncharged up a stairwell. This stretch
is used when there is an IDLH environment
encountered at the stairwell door to the fire floor.
Standby – Term used to indicate “wait” or “hold
position” until further information and/or
instructions are given.
Standpipe System – An arrangement of piping,
valves, and hose connections installed in
multistory buildings and located so that fire hose
connection by firefighters can be made for the
purposes of extinguishing a fire.
STAT Patient – Patient to be transported
without delay (not necessarily Code 3). STAT
patients and patients that require Code 3
transport are different. There are STAT patients
that should be transported immediately but
without lights and sirens. A patient unconscious
from a head injury, for example, should leave
the scene STAT, but may be transported Code
2, unless the patient is deteriorating.
Static Lift – The vertical height of the center of
the pump above the source of supply when
pumping from draft.
Static Water Pressure – Water system
pressure present during periods of domestic
water consumption without any fire hydrant
and/or fire protection systems water demand.
Station Staffing Board – A board with Velcro
strips mounted in the Station/Apparatus Bay for
the storage of the off-duty members’ name tags
and passports.
Status Board – A hard plastic board with one-
inch Velcro strips attached to the inside of the
COs door on all front line and reserve engine
and truck companies. Used by the IC or other
supervisors to attach the passports of
companies or teams within their direct span of
control and record other information as needed.
Strategic Goals – The overall plan that will be
used to control the incident. Strategic goals are
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
17
broad in nature and are achieved by the
completion of tactical objectives.
Strategic Objectives – The overall plan that
will be used to control the incident. Strategic
objectives are broad in nature and are achieved
by the completion of tactical priorities.
T
Tactical Channel – Radio channel for use
between incident management personnel and
resources operating on the scene of incidents.
Tactical Objectives – The specific operations
that must be accomplished to achieve strategic
goals. Tactical objectives must be both specific
and measurable. Tactical level operations are
typically handled at the Division/Group level or
below.
Tactical Priorities/Assignments – The
specific operations that must be accomplished
to achieve strategic objectives. Tactical
priorities/assignments must be both specific and
measurable. Tactical level operations are
typically handled at the division/group level or
below.
Temperature – A temperature related to the
mass of actual heat contained within a body.
Tornado Warning – A funnel cloud has been
sighted and is threatening the area.
Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for
a Tornado to develop.
Test Tones – Radio alerting tone transmitted to
a station for either test or demonstration
purposes.
Tracking Log (FD-64) – Utilized to track
personnel and equipment between
assignments.
Traffic – Term used to describe incident related
communications. Transmissions travel back and
forth between units and dispatch in an ordered
fashion, similar to traffic.
Transfer of Command – A formal Transfer of
Command from one individual to another.
Typically done face to face and only to a person
of equal of higher rank who is on scene.
Transfer of Command Worksheet (FD-55) –
Utilized to assist incident commanders in
organizing incident priorities and tracking
resources.
Triple Combination Pumper – The three parts
of a triple combination pumper include a pump,
water tank, and a complement of hose.
Two-Out – Two appropriately equipped
firefighters established outside the IDLH prior to
firefighters working in an IDLH atmosphere, with
the exception of rescue mode.
Tympanic Temperature – A temperature
reading taken within the ear using a non-
invasive thermometer.
Type III Construction – A building with exterior
masonry load-bearing walls and wood joist
floors and roofs, interior bearing walls may be of
wood frame, or, when required, an interior
bearing wall that is a firewall is constructed of
masonry.
Type V Construction – The walls and roofs of
these buildings are made of combustible
materials, most commonly wood. If the walls are
wood-framed, the roof usually is as well.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
18
U
UH – Abbreviation used in CrewSense for
unscheduled holiday.
UHR – Abbreviation used in CrewSense for
unscheduled holiday relief.
Unassigned Team Member – A team member
assigned to a non-specialty team location.
US&R – Urban Search and Rescue Team.
UVR – Abbreviation used in CrewSense for
unscheduled vacation relief.
V
Vapor Exposures –
1. Mild: Miosis, dim vision, headache,
rhinorrhea, salivation, dyspnea. Time of
onset: seconds to minutes after
exposure.
2. Severe: All the above, plus severe
breathing difficulty or cessation of
respirations, generalized muscular
twitching, weakness or paralysis,
convulsions, loss of consciousness,
loss of bladder, and bowel control.
Time of onset is seconds to minutes
after exposure.
Velocity Pressure – A reading on a pitot gauge
tool that is converted to gallons per minute
based on a mathematical formula using the
factors of pitot gauge pressure, diameter of the
flow outlet, and coefficient of flow orifice
discharge.
Vertical Environment – An emergency scene
where a victim must be moved from above or
below grade to a safe location.
Victim Lashing – The victim lashing consists of
equipment used to secure a victim in a Stokes
litter.
Visual Observer – A designated member
responsible for maintaining line of sight, and
able to alert the operator to any potential
hazards as required by FAA standards.
Vital Signs – As applied within this policy
consist of, pulse, respiratory rate, blood
pressure, and tympanic temperature and pulse
oximetry. Carbon monoxide oximetry may be
added.
Volute – A curved funnel that increases in area
as it approaches the discharge port. The volute
of a centrifugal pump is the casing that receives
water being pumped by the impeller.
Vote Scan – A feature which provides a form of
roaming for conventional channels. If a
conventional channel is programmed as a vote
scan channel, the subscriber radio automatically
scans all of the channels in the programmed
vote scan list for the best signal. This allows the
subscriber radio to select an acceptable
repeater for communication
W
White Out – A condition in which high winds
and blowing snow create a blind environment in
which nothing can be seen except blowing
snow.
Fresno City Fire Department
Glossary
19
Winter Storm Warning – A winter storm is
approaching the area and significant snowfall
accumulations can occur.
Winter Storm Watch – Conditions are
favorable for a winter storm to develop, and
significant snowfall accumulations may occur.
Work-Rest Ratio – The work/rest time
represented in 20 minute increments by a ratio,
(2:1), (1:1), (1:2). This ratio is determined by the
current Heat Index reading. (See attached
Rehab Flow Chart)
Working Command – This option for command
is applied when quick, immediate action can
prevent life loss or injury. These situations
require direct involvement on the part of the
company officer to rescue patients and/or
stabilize the incident. In this mode, the company
officer accompanies the crew to provide the
appropriate level of supervision. Command may
be passed to the next arriving officer, upon their
arrival. Command shall not be passed to an
officer who is not on scene (Firescope
California, Structure Fire Operations, ICS-500,
Page 7, Command Guidelines, Risk
Management).
WRT – Water Rescue Team.
X
Y
Z
Zetron Console – Console used by the radio
operator at the Communications Center to
dispatch fire resources.