Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company

Article 1. New Members

Section 1 Instructions to New Firefighters

This article applies to persons immediately after successful completion the application process for active membership as defined in Article II (Membership) of the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company By-Laws.
New firefighters must:

1.1 Report to the fire chief to be issued a full set of turnout gear and a pager.
1.2 Report to the training officer for in house training on apparatus and equipment.

Section 2 Obligations of New Members

It is a firefighter's obligation to:

2.1 Read, learn, and practice the standard operating guidelines.
2.2 Become familiar with company by-laws.
2.3 Know all officers by sight and name.
2.4 Recognize and understand the chain of command.
2.5 Perform only operations that they have been trained to do, and can perform competently.
2.6 Recognize the importance of being a volunteer firefighter, and the associated risks or hazards involved with the occupation.
2.7 Members will not wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during emergency situations until they have completed the interior firefighting portion of the state essentials course, and are 18 years of age or older.
2.8 All new members are required to attend a qualified state essentials course within 2 years as required by the company by-laws.
2.9 Members may not use hydraulic rescue tools in an emergency situation until they have been properly trained, and are 18 years of age or older. Members holding PA Department of Health Vehicle Rescue Technician certification will be primary rescue tool operators.

Section 3 Junior Members

3.1 Junior members must serve under the direct supervision of a line officer at all times while at the scene of an incident.
3.2 Any apparatus responding to an incident shall be manned according to rank and training of members. Junior members may fill any available seats, but may not respond in the apparatus if higher ranking members are available.
3.3 Junior members may not possess blue lights and may not respond direct to incidents via personally owned vehicles unless a senior member is also present in the vehicle.
3.4 Junior members are required to understand and obey all standard operating guidelines in every capacity. Failure to comply with standard operating guidelines may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in Article 2, Section 4 (Administration of Penalties for Infractions).
3.5 Junior firefighters are subject to Pennsylvania state laws ("Child Labor Law" Act of 1915, P.L. 286, No. 177) pertaining to employment of minors. All junior members must also present the company a valid and current work permit. Junior members seeking to review these guidelines should contact the fire chief or training officer.
3.6 Junior firefighters are not permitted under state (and company) laws to perform the following tasks at any incident scene:
(a) Don or use SCBA
(b) Climb or descend any type of ladder
(c) Operate a hose line
(d) Enter a building where hazards are present
      (i.e. structure fire, CO alarm, collapse, etc.)
(e) Operate any vehicle or apparatus
(f) Respond to calls on the PA Turnpike

Section 4 Social and Non-active Members

Article IX in the company by-laws defines membership requirements for both firefighting and social members. As defined by the aforementioned article, active members must attend at least one-third of all company events. Therefore, any member not meeting this requirement shall hereby be referred to as a non-active member.

4.1 Social members may not respond on emergency calls under any circumstances. They may however, participate in selected training sessions (i.e. CPR/AED, etc) and may receive other benefits of membership as defined in the company by-laws. Qualified social members may use tools or equipment for purposes such as maintenance or fundraising, but only in a non-emergency capacity.
4.2 Non-active members may attend emergency calls; however, the incident commander has the right to limit the duties and participation of a non-active member (i.e. donning SCBA, using hydraulic rescue tools, etc.). If non-active members display competency in all firefighting related procedures and would not jeopardize or pose a potential risk to other fellow firefighters, then they may fully participate at the discretion of the incident commander or highest ranking company officer on scene.

Article 2. Line Officers

Section 1 Appointment of Officers

1.1 The fire chief will meet the requirements and be elected according to the guidelines described in Article III (Officers) of the company by-laws.
1.2 The fire chief has the right to appoint line officers and create new positions as he/she deem necessary. Appointed officers must meet age and experience requirements as defined by the company by-laws (Article III, Section 02).

Section 2 On Scene Duties of Officers

2.1The chain of command at an emergency situation is as follows:
(a) Fire Chief or Incident Commander
(b) Safety Officer*
(c) Deputy Chief
(d) Assistant Chief
(e) Captain
(f) Lieutenant
(g) Training Officer
(h) Chief Engineer
(i) Foreman

*Safety Officer shares power with the Incident Commander, but should not assume both roles simultaneously.

2.2 The incident commander (IC) will be the first officer to arrive on the scene of an incident.
2.3 The role of incident command may be transferred to a higher ranking officer upon arrival on scene. This transfer should be face to face, and the incident commander should attempt to announce via radio to Somerset County 911 of the change in command. Personnel working at the incident should also be made aware of the transfer by any means possible.
2.4 The incident commander may appoint other line officers or qualified firefighters to handle other branches of the incident command structure. This may include appointing personnel to sectors such as operations, planning, logistics, finance, etc. at the scene of an incident.
2.5 The officer in charge will be responsible for documenting any personal injuries or damage to equipment or apparatus while at the scene of an incident.
2.6 The safety officer should monitor conditions and tactical procedures occurring while at the scene of an incident. The safety officer is responsible for the safety of the operating firefighting or rescue crew. The safety officer has the right to override any decision made by the incident commander if the action is deemed unsafe or might place persons, property, or equipment at risk.

Section 3 In Station Responsibilities of Ranks

3.1 The chain of command while at the station and during non-emergency fire related situations is as follows:
(a) Fire Chief
(b) Deputy Chief
(c) Assistant Chief
(d) Captain
(e) Lieutenant
(f) Safety Officer
(g) Training Officer
(h) Chief Engineer
(i) Foreman

3.2 The officer in charge will be responsible for documenting any personal injuries or damage to equipment or apparatus while at the station or during a non-emergency situation.

Section 4 Administration of Penalties for Infractions

4.1 Any incidents requiring corrective actions should be documented by the officer in charge at the time of the incident. The officer in charge is also responsible for reporting the incident to the fire chief.
4.2 The fire chief may bring the incident to the board of directors for further review and actions.

Article 3. Conduct and Appearance of Members

Section 1 Member Conduct in Station

1.1 Horseplay or unruly conduct will at no time be permitted at the station. Members engaging in this type of behavior will receive a verbal warning for the first offense. Multiple offenses will result in penalties as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
1.2 Members will not come to the station inebriated. Members appearing in this condition will be prohibited from attending the emergency, or from participating in the fire company function. Penalties may be issued to members violating this guideline.

Section 2 Member Conduct on Scene

2.1 Members should present themselves at all incidents in full turnout gear appropriate for the given incident. Full turnout gear includes: helmet and eye protection, bunker coat, bunker pants, structural firefighting or extrication gloves, latex gloves (if patient contact will be made), steel toe footwear. Approved wildland firefighting gear may be worn at brush fire incidents and other incidents where this type of gear will provide adequate protection (i.e. tree down).
2.2 Members who arrive at the scene of an incident without appropriate turnout gear will be prohibited from participating in the incident until appropriate gear is donned.
2.3 When responding to brush fire incidents, firefighting members are urged to wear wildland firefighting gear. This includes wildland coat, pants, helmet with eye protection, leather gloves, and steel-toe boots. Members who have not been issued brush gear may wear regular turnout gear.
2.4 Members responding on and EMS call, such as an AED response or lift assist, are not required to wear full turnout gear. Members should have a basic understanding of bloodborne pathogens, and follow all appropriate body substance isolation procedures when working around sick or injured persons. Members should always wear latex gloves when working around patients. Barrier devices such as a pocket mask should be used if rescue breathing is to be performed. Any biohazard waste may be given to ambulance crew for proper disposal at the hospital. This article does not apply when assisting EMS crews with a landing zone, as all members should be wearing full turnout gear when responding to these calls.
2.5 Members should present themselves professionally. Members should not cause more damage to property than is necessary to complete the task at hand (i.e. excessive breaking of windows at a structure fire or vehicle accident, etc.). No horseplay will be allowed on scene, all rules that apply to in station conduct will also be applied on scene.
2.6 Members will take orders from the incident commander and other superior officers while on scene, unless the order will place life, property, or equipment at unnecessary risk.
2.7 When working at any incident with mutual aid entities, any disagreements should be brought before the officer in charge of the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company. Arguments between members on the scene of an incident will not be tolerated and may be cause for penalty at the Board of Directors' discretion.
2.8 At the scene of a large scale incident or incident where news media may be involved, the incident commander or officer in charge will be responsible for handling any interviews or inquiries. At the discretion of the incident commander or officer in charge, a public information officer (PIO) may be appointed to fulfill this task.
2.9 Guidelines for on scene conduct and appearance will also be applied to any training scenario in which turnout gear is required in order to participate.

Section 3 Member Conduct at Public Events

3.1 Members should present themselves professionally. Uniforms or company shirts are appropriate attire for most public events.
3.2 Members should act as ambassadors of our station when in public, and serve to promote the high quality image and standards that the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company represents.
3.3 No horseplay will be allowed while in public; all rules that apply to in station conduct will also be in effect while at public events.

Article 4. Station Responsibilities

Section 1 Apparatus, Equipment, and Turnout Gear

1.1 The foreman will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the apparatus. The foreman has the power to make decisions regarding maintenance and repairs of the apparatus and appointing members of the company to assist in any of these duties.
1.2 If a member determines that any piece of apparatus is in need of repairs or is a danger to operate, he/she shall make a written note on the white board and notify the chief and foreman as soon as possible.
1.3 Any line officer may place a piece of apparatus out of service by notifying Somerset County 911. In addition to notifying the county, a note should be place on the white board stating the status of the unit. If possible, the apparatus should be parked in a position that will not block the other units in the station and will signify that the unit is out of service.
1.4 The same guidelines shall apply to equipment (i.e. generators, power tools, SCBA's, hand tools, etc.) that apply to apparatus when placing out of service. The chief and foreman should be notified; however, there is no need to call Somerset County 911 to report the equipment's status.
1.5 Turnout gear will be issued to active firefighters on an individual basis. Distribution is the responsibility of the fire chief.
1.6 Firefighters are responsible for their personal turnout gear. Gear must be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. Any damaged gear shall be brought before the fire chief for replacement or repair.
1.7 Turnout gear will be kept on designated racks in the truck bay of the fire hall. Gear should be kept in an orderly fashion and available for use at all times. Members may have the option to keep gear with them (in POV or at home), but are responsible for the up keep of the gear. If members choose to keep their gear with them, then the member's name and a corresponding list of fire company owned gear should be documented.
1.8 When cleaning turnout gear, follow all guidelines that are provided on the tags by the manufacturer. Improper cleaning of turnout gear may damage the gear or destroy the thermal barrier.
1.9 Any member wishing to purchase their own gear or accessories may do so at their own expense. Any turnout gear that is purchased should be in coordination with the color and design of the gear currently owned and used by the company. Members will only be permitted to wear gear that is NFPA approved. Any personally owned gear or accessories that become damaged or lost will be the responsibility of the owner.
1.10 All apparatus, equipment, and gear should be well maintained and available for use at all times.
1.11 A work night may be scheduled by any line officer for the purpose of preventative maintenance, repair, or cleaning of the apparatus, equipment, or gear.
1.12 All members should make preventative maintenance a priority, and assist in related tasks. Much of the equipment used should be checked on at least a monthly basis (i.e. calibration of 4-gas meter, operation of small gas engine powered tools or generators, etc.). Other equipment requires testing and certification in order to remain in service (i.e. hydrostatic testing of SCBA cylinders) and should be kept up to date at all times. Please refer to NFPA guidelines pertaining to preventative maintenance and equipment for more information.
1.13 All personnel wishing to enter any piece(s) of apparatus in a parade should first clear the event with a chief officer. Members should clean the apparatus to create a professional image prior to the parade. Members who assist with the cleaning of the apparatus will have preference in seating during the parade or event. Any non-members wishing to attend the parade must have previous consent from a chief officer. Non-members, under the age of 18, must also have the consent of a parent or guardian in order to participate in the event.

Section 2 Station Maintenance

2.1 The trustees shall be in charge of seeing that the grounds and buildings are maintained with the help of the general membership.
2.2 No smoking will be permitted inside the building.
2.3 Members should attempt to keep the rooms neat and orderly by replacing furniture and sweeping floors after meetings, dinners, training, and other gatherings.
2.4 Any damage or maintenance issues that should arise shall be brought to the attention to the officer(s) in charge. This could include the presidents of the fire company and ladies auxiliary, the trustees, or the fire chief. Discretion should be used in contacting the most appropriate person for any given issue.

Section 3 Visitors

Any non-members at the station will be defined as visitors.

3.1 Visitors are welcome to tour the station and apparatus when members of the company are available. Members who are at the station when visitors arrive must be hospitable and act professionally as outlined in Article 2, Section 1 of the standard operating guidelines. Members must directly supervise any visitors wishing to tour the apparatus and should provide reasonable answers to any questions that should arise.
3.2 Children under the age of 14 must be under the supervision of a senior company member or adult at all times. Children of members are welcome to attend meetings, fundraising, and other non-emergency events as long as they do not create a disturbance or distraction at the function.
3.3 Qualified firefighters or other emergency personnel from stations other than the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company, present at the station at the time of an emergency may respond to the call on Sipesville apparatus only if the following conditions are met:
(a) The officer in charge is aware of the visitor and gives consent for them    to respond.
(b) The visitor has full turnout gear appropriate for the type of emergency.
(c) All senior members of the company will be seated in the apparatus before visitors.
(d) Visitors are qualified personnel and are not in violation of by-laws or codes of other fire or EMS agencies to which they may belong.

Article 5. Training

Section 1 Department Training Sessions

1.1 The training officer will be responsible for all training activities within the department. The training officer has the power to appoint other members to assist in any of these duties.
1.2 It will be the responsibility of the training officer to notify all members of training opportunities. This may be done through posters, phone, internet, or word of mouth.
1.3 The training officer will be responsible for coordinating monthly training sessions hosted by the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company, and shall notify surrounding departments for inclusion in the training program.
1.4 The training officer will be responsible for scheduling any state certified courses that will be hosted by the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company. If Con-Ed is applicable for the course, the training officer shall apply for credits through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and make applications available to all DOH (FR,EMT-B,EMT-P) certified members in attendance.
1.5 The training officer is responsible for the conduct of all members in attendance and has the power to reprimand any members who may cause a disturbance during a training session. All guidelines pertaining to conduct and appearance as outlined in Article 3 (Conduct and Appearance of Members) will be strictly adhered to.
1.6 During any in house training session the training officer will be in charge, and will be responsible for filing an incident report if an accident should occur.
1.7 The Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company will provide training at no cost to its members for all company sponsored events. The company has the right to charge any non-members who attend any company sponsored training event at the discretion of the company in the form of a motion at a regular business meeting. Tuition costs may only be used to cover the supplies and instructor fees that may be required during a training session.

Section 2 Countywide Training

Members are encouraged to attend as many training courses as possible. In many cases this would involve attending the course at the county fire school site, or at another station within the county.

2.1 The training officer shall attempt to notify all members through posters, phone, internet, or word of mouth of available training courses within a reasonable distance within the county and surrounding areas.
2.2 Any member who is seeking a certain course, or wishing to obtain a given certification may contact the training officer in an attempt to locate the nearest or most convenient class.
2.3 It is preferable that two or more persons attend classes in order to work together during the training drills, and to ensure that the maximum number of persons may benefit from the training and be available to apply the training while at any incident.
2.4 The training officer may coordinate a car pool, or decide to send a piece of apparatus to a training session if a sufficient number of participants from the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company are attending the class. If any units are to be used, the Chief (or highest ranking officer available) should be notified and give consent. If any apparatus or equipment is removed from the station appropriate notification should be left at the station (Review Article 4, Section 1, Lines 1.3,4 regarding placing a unit out of service).
2.5 When present, the training officer is responsible for the conduct of all members in attendance and has the power to reprimand any members who may cause a disturbance during a training session. All guidelines pertaining to conduct and appearance as outlined in Article 3 (Conduct and Appearance of Members) will be strictly adhered to.
2.6 During any training session not hosted by the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company, the training officer will be in charge of all company members. The course instructor will be responsible for all students registered for the course. In the event of an accident, the training officer shall notify the course instructor, and will be responsible for filing an incident report on behalf of the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company.
2.7 Any training fees or registration costs incurred by any member may be reimbursed by the Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company upon review at a regular business meeting.

Section 3 Remote Training

3.1 Any member wishing to attend a training course outside of a fifty mile radius of Lincoln Township, may be reimbursed for transportation, lodging, meals, training expenses, and other related fees upon the approval of the company at a regular business meeting.
3.2 All guidelines pertaining to conduct and appearance as outlined in Article 3 (Conduct and Appearance of Members) shall be strictly adhered to.

Article 6. Communications

Section 1 Non-Emergency Communications

Communication by any form while which does not pertain to the response or on scene happenings at an incident shall hereby be deemed non-emergency communication.

1.1 Non-emergency content should be shared via telephone or face to face contact when possible.
1.2 If non-emergency content is to be shared via mobile or portable radio, members shall utilize channel 6. Members who are unfamiliar with this frequency may contact a line officer for more information.
1.3 Qualified members may use the radio paging alert system to notify company members of training sessions, meetings, fundraisers, or any other department functions. When using the pagers for non-emergency communications activate the pager tones only once. The non-emergency statement should be formulated before activating the pagers so that the message will be short and concise over the radio. Members should not use the paging system for non-emergency messages if the countywide dispatch frequency is busy, or there is excessive radio traffic.
1.4 For training purposes in which multiple agencies are involved, a common emergency frequency may be designated by Somerset County 911 for use during the event. Somerset County 911 should be contacted by phone prior to the event and notified of the situation and participating agencies. When at the event, it is desirable to use portable radios, instead of mobile radios, to prevent the broadcasting of the event further than necessary.

Section 2 Emergency Communications

Communications dealing with the reporting of, response to, or on scene tactics of an incident shall hereby be referred to as emergency communications.

2.1 All members will be notified of emergency calls via company supplied Motorola Minitor. It is the responsibility of each individual member to keep their Minitor in working condition and batteries charged at all times.
2.2 All department radios (portable and mobile) shall have the following channels designated for emergency communications:
(1) Dispatch
(2) County Operations
(3) North Operations
(4) Central Operations
(5) South Operations
Other frequencies may be programmed into compatible radios, contact a line officer for more information regarding a specific radio.
2.3 In the event that any Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company member should arrive upon the scene of an unreported incident requiring emergency services, contact should be made to Somerset County 911 immediately. The report should be given by phone if possible, by dialing 911. An alternative method of reporting is by utilizing a mobile radio on the Somerset County Dispatch frequency. Members should advise of the nature of the incident, location, number of patients or victims, and a brief description of the severity of the incident to assist in the dispatch of the appropriate units to the scene.
2.4 In the event that any staffed apparatus belonging to the company arrives upon and unreported incident requiring emergency services, contact should be made via radio with Somerset County 911 and a scene size-up should be given (see Article 6, Section 2, Line 2.2). If the incident is in Lincoln Township, then the apparatus and crew should handle the incident according to company guidelines. If the incident is out of the company's jurisdiction, the apparatus and crew should remain on scene and render any services necessary until responding units arrive on scene and release the unit from the scene.
2.5 When acknowledging an emergency call, members should use only the base radio located in the truck bay of the station. Any line officers or members responding to but not yet at the station should not acknowledge the call on behalf of the station.
2.6 Any line officer or member with an emergency transmission shall identify themselves according to rank or position when speaking on the radio. Line officers should use their respective title; firefighters should identify themselves according to pager number (i.e. Firefighter 607-67).
2.7 When using a mobile radio inside an apparatus, the apparatus type and number should be used as an identifier (i.e. Tanker 607-2, Engine 607-4, Squad 607-5, etc.)
2.8 When responding to the scene of an incident, all apparatus involved should call responding as soon as they are fully staffed and departing the station. At this time Somerset County 911 may request the responding apparatus to switch to an operations frequency. The responding apparatus should move to the designated frequency and state that they are on the given frequency.
2.9 Any line officer or member, who responds directly to the scene of an incident and arrives before responding units, shall provide a brief scene size-up to the incoming apparatus. If a line officer is first on scene, he/she shall identify themselves as the incident commander.
2.10 In the event that the scene size-up reveals no immediate dangers to life, health, or property, then the incident commander or first member arriving on scene may advise incoming units to respond non-emergency. This will be signified by contacting Somerset county 911 and requesting that all (or select) units proceed non-emergency into the scene. The Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company will recognize a "proceed reduced" or "proceed non-emergency" command by turning off all warning lights and sirens and respond to the scene in a non-urgent manner. Other commands, such as "proceed with caution," will not warrant a deviation from apparatus response, as engineers should always use caution during both emergency and non-emergency responses.
2.11 All apparatus approaching the scene shall contact the incident commander via radio for instructions. The officer of the responding apparatus may also include the number of firefighters or SCBA qualified personnel on board depending on the incident type.
2.12 Upon arrival at the scene, each apparatus shall notify the Somerset County 911 center via radio and announce that it is on scene.
2.13 When at an incident, emergency messages should be kept short and concise. Members using a radio should call, requesting first the desired party and then stating their identifier (i.e. 607 IC from Engine 607-4).
2.14 A mayday signal from any firefighter at the scene of an incident will summon the following actions:
(a) All radio traffic will be cleared immediately.
(b) The incident commander will attempt to contact the firefighter who called the mayday.
(c) The incident commander may request warble tones from Somerset County 911 over the appropriate frequency to clear the airways, advise of a secondary operations channel, and to alert the firefighter in danger if necessary.
(d) Radio transmissions should only involve the IC, the firefighter in mayday, Somerset County 911, and a RIT team if applicable.
2.15 At the scene of any incident, the incident commander has the right to request a time check from Somerset County 911. The incident commander may specify intervals; however, if none are specified, 15 minute intervals will be announced.
2.16 At the scene of an incident where a seriously injured patient requiring extrication may be involved, the incident commander should notify Somerset County 911 and advise the status of the extrication process, and patient extrication. This is for documentation purposes only and should be noted on the CAD sheet (by 911 dispatchers) and in the company incident report.
2.17 When units are released from an incident, all apparatus shall call returning in service to Somerset county 911 on the operational frequency. Additionally, units may state that they are on the dispatch frequency after they have cleared the incident.
2.18 When dispatched for an incident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, responding units shall notify both Somerset County 911 and the Turnpike Control Center of their status.
2.19 VHF Band radios are located in Tanker 2 and Engine 4 and are preprogrammed with the Turnpike frequencies as follows:
(1) Turnpike District 1 (0-100)
(2) Turnpike District 2 (100-199)
(3) Turnpike District 3 (200-301)
(4) Turnpike District 4 (301-360, A20-A31)
(5) Turnpike District 5 (A32-A131)
(6) Turnpike PSP Mobile to Mobile
(7) NOAA Weather Repeater
2.20 When identifying apparatus over the Turnpike radio the following identifiers should be used:
Engine 607-1 = Highspire 7665*
Tanker 607-2 = Highspire 7667
Tanker 607-3 = Highspire 7668*
Engine 607-4 = Highspire 7666
Squad 607-5 = Highspire 7669*
*These units should relay Turnpike messages through Tanker 2, Engine 4, or Somerset County 911.
2.21 When establishing a landing zone, the designated landing zone officer shall be the only person communicating with the incoming helicopter. The landing zone officer should notify Somerset county 911 with GPS coordinates of the landing zone as early in the incident as possible. The landing zone officer should also relay information about the landing zone site and any possible hazards to the flight crew.

Article 7. Responding to and from Emergencies

Section 1 Responding to Station

1.1 All senior members are permitted to use blue lights when responding to calls. Chief officers may use red lights and sirens. Vehicle lighting must be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code (Title 67, Chapter 173, Flashing or Revolving Lights on Emergency and Authorized Vehicles, Sections 173.2-6) regarding the use of warning lights. All personal vehicles equipped with warning lights shall be registered through the Pennsylvania State Police. Vehicle license number and owner information should be given to the fire chief for this purpose at the beginning of each calendar year.
1.2 Any members responding in personal vehicles, with or without warning lights, will be required to abide by all state traffic laws. Members should also wear seatbelts while responding in personal vehicles.
1.3 Members should use discretion when responding to calls. Some calls may not constitute the risk involved with using warning lights while responding. Personal safety should always be the number one priority of all members.
1.4 The first member to arrive at the station should acknowledge the call according to the procedure outlined in Article 6, Section 2, Line 2.5. The member should then write the location and incident type on the dry erase board for other responding members to see.
1.5 In attempt to assist the officer in charge during the responding phase of the operation, any members who own mobile or portable radios shall announce their intentions over the fire dispatch frequency. The officer in charge should use this information to obtain an estimate on the number of responding persons, and to determine the best possible seating assignments for the appropriate apparatus. When announcing intent, members should identify themselves using the titles given in Article 6, Section 2, Line 2.6 and state if they are responding to the station or direct to the scene. These transmissions should be very quick and precise so that other urgent transmissions on the same frequency will not be covered.

Section 2 Guidelines for Alarm Response

The purpose of this section is to create standard response guidelines based on the incident type. Each and every incident is different; however, members should attempt to classify the incident into one of the following categories based on dispatch information. The units for each incident type are listed in the order in which they should be staffed and respond.
2.1 Vehicle Fires (Commercial):
Engine 4
Tanker 2
Tanker 3 or Squad 5 (depending on manpower)
2.2 Vehicle Fires (Passenger):
Engine 4
Squad 5
Tanker 3
2.3 Vehicle Accidents:
Engine 4
Squad 5
2.4 Brush and Forest Fires:
Engine 1
Tanker 3
Squad 5
2.5 Physical Rescue:
Engine 4
Squad 5
2.6 Structure Fire:
Engine 4
Tanker 2
Tanker 3
Squad 5
2.7 CO Alarm:
Engine 4
Squad 5
2.8 HAZMAT:
Engine 4
Squad 5 / Trailer
2.9 Tree/Wires Down:
Engine 4
Squad 5
2.10 Flooding:
Engine 1
Engine 4
2.11 Odor Investigation:
Engine 4
Squad 5
2.12 Search Detail:
Squad 5
Engine 1
2.13 Nuisance Fires:
Engine 4
Tanker 3
Squad 5
2.14 AED Assist:
Squad 5
Personal Vehicle (equipped with 4WD and mobile radio, only during inclement weather or unavailability of squad.)
2.15 Mutual Aid Calls (Station Alarm):
Tanker 2
Tanker 3
Engine 4
Squad 5
2.16 Mutual Aid Calls (Specific Piece):
Requested Unit(s) only
2.17 In the event that an insufficient quantity of personnel respond to the station for an incident, Somerset County 911 shall be contacted via the base station radio and a request should be made to reactivate the pagers and/or siren as deemed appropriate by the highest ranking officer or member present at the station. Pagers should not be activated from the station, but through the 911 center for increased coverage and signal strength.

Section 3 Responding to Incident

3.1 Any line officer responding directly to the scene of an incident should announce his/her status over the dispatch frequency on a mobile radio as outlined in Article 6, Section 2, Line 2.9.
3.2 One line officer should respond direct to each incident within Lincoln Township for the purpose of performing an initial scene size-up as quickly as possible. The findings of the size-up may constitute the addition of other mutual aid companies, the cancellation of responding units, or instructions for responding crews. In general, the line officer who is located the closest to an incident's reported location at the time of dispatch should be the one to respond direct to the scene. It is crucial that responding line officers communicate their intentions and positions so that other line officers and members may act accordingly.
3.3 Members are strongly encouraged to respond to the station to staff the required apparatus. If an incident is along the route traveled to reach the fire station a member may stop at the scene. Personal vehicles used for this should have a mobile radio to communicate with incoming units and for the sake of providing a scene size-up report if necessary. Personal vehicles responding to the scene of an incident should be parked in a manner as to accommodate the placement of incoming units, not blocking pathways of entrance or egress for emergency vehicles.
3.4 Members responding direct to a scene will uphold the guidelines presented in Article 3, Section 2 (Member Conduct on Scene). Members will in no capacity be allowed to assist on scene without appropriate turnout gear. Responding direct to a scene without turnout gear is highly discouraged.
3.5 Members should not respond direct to any incident outside of Lincoln Township without the consent, or request of the mutual aid chief or incident commander at the scene.
3.6 Each apparatus should be staffed in the following order:
(a) Engineer
(b) Officer
(c) Senior Members (Training, certification, and active response will take priority)
(d) Junior Members
(e) Qualified Visiting Personnel (Refer to Article 4, Section 3, Line 3.3)
3.7 The engineer will be responsible for piloting the apparatus safely to and from the scene. The engineer will also be responsible for operating the pump (if applicable for the apparatus) while on scene. The engineer shall remain with the apparatus at all times, and should have radio contact with the incident commander and firefighters working with hose line(s). All engineers are encouraged to have EVOC training and are encouraged to obtain CDL certification.
3.8 The highest ranking officer on each apparatus should be seated in the front passenger's side seat of the unit. The officer will be in charge of emergency communications, operation of warning lights and sirens while responding, and assisting the driver with directions to the scene.
3.9 The firefighters staffing the apparatus for each incident should have basic firefighter training. Members holding certifications such as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Fire Officer I will be given preference on calls involving fire related incidents. Members holding one or more of the following certifications such as Basic Vehicle Rescue Technician, Special Vehicle Rescue Technician, First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic will be given preference on vehicle accidents or rescue related calls.
3.10 Junior members will only be allowed on a responding apparatus when all present qualified members have been seated. See Article 1, Section 3, for additional guidelines pertaining to response and duties of junior members.
3.11 Apparatus vary in seating capacity, but all should be staffed in the same order. The following list highlights the minimum/maximum number of persons allowed on a responding apparatus:
(a) Engine 607-1: 2 personnel at all times
(b) Tanker 607-2: 2 personnel at all times
(c) Tanker 607-3: 2 personnel at all times
(d) Engine 607-4: 3-7 personnel (including officer)
(e) Squad 607-5: 2-7 personnel
3.12 The highest ranking officer in station at the time of an emergency call may make the final determination on staffing of the apparatus. This includes how many personnel will be on each unit, and who will be permitted to respond.
3.13 The officer in charge of the company will advise if an emergency or non-emergency response will be used by each of the apparatus responding to an incident.
3.14 While riding any apparatus, members will be required to wear seat belts at all times.
3.15 Engineers will not be required to wear full turnout gear while en route to, or from, an incident scene. Engineers should feel comfortable and in control while piloting the apparatus; unencumbered by bulky or awkward gear that may interfere with driving. Turnout gear should be placed in the apparatus before departing the station, and once on scene, engineers will be required to don their respective gear.
3.16 When responding to AED related medical emergencies, at least one CPR/AED trained person must be present before responding. Squad 5 will serve as the primary response vehicle and will ideally have 2-3 CPR/AED certified members on board. In the event of inclement weather or if the squad would be unavailable to respond, a personal vehicle equipped with a mobile radio and preferably four-wheel drive may be used. Once on scene, the member with the highest level of medical training should assume the role of crew chief until EMS arrives. Members trained at the EMT or Paramedic levels would be preferred for the role of crew chief.

Section 4 Arrival at Incident

4.1 Upon arrival at the incident the officer of each apparatus should notify Somerset County 911 and the incident commander of the unit's status (see Article 6, Section 2 pertaining to Emergency Communications).
4.2 Guidelines for Member Conduct on Scene will be strictly adhered to as outlined in Article 3, Section 2.
4.3 Roles of officers on scene and the incident command structure as outlined in Article 2, Section 2 will be placed into effect as early on in an incident as possible.
4.4 The officer in charge of the company at the scene of an incident will direct all on scene activities of lower-ranking officers and firefighters.
4.5 If the incident commander deems that there is insufficient apparatus, equipment, or personnel at the scene of an incident to carry out necessary operations, than a request may be made via radio or cell phone to Somerset County 911 for mutual aid. Mutual aid may be in the form of activating the company's second or third alarm, or by requesting specific apparatus, equipment, or manpower from a given station(s).

Section 5 Returning in Service

5.1 Upon clearing the scene of an incident, the officer of each apparatus should notify Somerset County 911 of the unit's status (see Article 6, Section 2 pertaining to Emergency Communications).
5.2 Any equipment or apparatus used at the scene of an incident should be placed in service upon return of the crew to the station. This may include refueling, washing, inspection, and maintenance of any given equipment or apparatus.
5.3 All apparatus should be fueled before the gas gauge reaches the � mark. Diesel fuel for Tankers 2 and 3, and Engine 4 may be acquired at the Lincoln Township Municipal Shed. Gasoline for Engine 1 and Squad 5 may be acquired at the Somerset Fuel BP station.
5.4 Any damaged equipment or apparatus should be placed out of service according to guidelines outlined in Article 4, Section 1, Lines 1.1-4. If necessary, an incident report should be written by the officer in charge describing any damaged equipment or apparatus and the incident causing the damage.
5.5 The incident commander is responsible for filling out the call log book located in the truck bay.
5.6 All members who attended a call shall be marked on the roster located at the bottom of the call log book. The following denotations should be used to indicate the presence of each responding member when completing the roster after each call. The purpose of these denotations are meant to provide accountability should any issues arise after the incident, and should be used by all members when filling out the log book.
(a) 1 - Responded to scene in Engine 1
(b) 2 - Responded to scene in Tanker 2
(c) 3 - Responded to scene in Tanker 3
(d) 4 - Responded to scene in Engine 4
(e) 5 - Responded to scene in Squad 5
(f) P - Responded to scene in personal vehicle
(g) X - In-station standby (not to scene)
5.7 The officer in each apparatus is responsible for filling out the respective log book, including mileage, fuel, and trip information.
5.8 All members should have an understanding of the PENNFIRS incident reporting system. Incident reports should be completed by members who responded to and were on scene of the given incident. The call log book will be used as a reference for call times, county incident number, property information, and other key information required to complete the PENNFIRS report. These reports shall be compiled and e-mailed to Somerset County 911 on at least a bi-monthly period.
5.9 Any member who sustains an injury while at the scene of an incident or training session should notify the incident commander first, then write a brief description of the incident and submit the report to a chief officer (after seeking medical treatment if necessary). The officer in charge will also be responsible for writing an incident report citing the nature of the call or training and the events leading to the injury. These statements will be reviewed by the board of directors to see if corrective action should be taken, or if changes need to be made to procedures or guidelines. Individual reports may also be submitted to the insurance company for review upon their request.
5.10 Members should make it a priority to assist with cleanup and the return of all apparatus and equipment in service after each and every call.