Radio Policy Manual

Radio Techniques and Procedures – General

3.0 Introduction

This policy manual has been revised to reflect the digital radio system installed and placed in full operation February 2005.

The procedures written reflect the consensus of the cross functional multi-discipline work group that began meeting in July 2005 and worked continuously until completion of the update in June 2007.

Similar to all policies it is not possible to include every potential situation nor is it possible to anticipate all possible communication protocols. Thus flexibility must be allowed for all users to adapt to unanticipated situations.

It is expected that all users will allow for this flexibility and will accept the intent of the user group even if there is an occasional divergence from the adopted policy.

This policy will be updated to reflect operational and equipment changes.

Central Communications

Contact                                                           Phone Number                      Hot Line

Shift Supervisor                                             609-265-7113                          7113

Incident Times                                                609-265-7777                          7777

All Other Communications                            609-265-7157                          7157

MOBILE OPERATORS GUIDELINES

3.1 Fire and EMS Radio Procedures

Communications Operators and Mobile Operators shall adhere to Radio Procedures as given in this guideline.

1. This station shall be referred to as BURLINGTON COUNTY CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS, abbreviated as "CENTRAL" for radio transmissions.
2. All Fire and EMS stations will be dispatched by station number, address, and type of incident.

Paging Dispatch Sequence

1. Tones
2. Voice Announcements as noted in section 3.4 on page 13.
3. Responding units will sign on responding on the appropriate response channel as described below. Until a dispatched unit signs on radio, Central will re-tone as prescribed in this policy to achieve the proper response.(0 minutes initial dispatch, 5 Minutes, 8 minutes and every 4 thereafter re-dispatch until a response has occurred.)

Individual stations may contact their zone dispatcher for special circumstances, to clarify or to provide relevant information.

1. EMS DISPATCH POLICY
2. Grid Development

            1.1       Each Agency will be responsible to provide Burlington County Central Communications with their selection of grid responses to include a minimum of twenty-five (25) ambulances to fill five (5) full medical alarms. This hierarchy will be utilized for backup dispatches and / or multiple rig assignments. The grids will be developed as prescribed by the Burlington County EMS Coordinators, Multiple Victim Incidents (MVI) and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Standard Operating Guidelines.

            1.2       Grid Development will be primarily designed using two principal time periods.  The first is 0600 – 1800 and the second is 1800 – 0600.

            1.3       EMS Chief Operating Officers will be responsible to develop and provide Central Communications with any desired grid update information for their jurisdictions on or before March 31^st of each year.

            1.4       Failure of a jurisdiction to submit their response grids in accordance with the parameters of this guideline will result in the Chief County EMS Coordinator or his / her designee developing those grids for the local jurisdiction.

            1.5       Interim changes of the grids will also be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction.  However, mid-year grid changes will be limited to those that are absolutely necessary.  Substantial changes of the response grids will only be allowed as described in section 1.3 of this guideline.

            1.6       Highway Incident Response grid assignments will be developed to promote safe responses on all sections of I-295 in Burlington County. This will be accomplished through a collaborative process which will include representatives of local response agencies, the Burlington County incident Management Task Force, Burlington County EMS Coordinators and the NJSP Incident Management Unit.   

            1.7       Highway Incident Response grid assignments will be developed to promote safe responses on all sections of the New Jersey Turnpike in Burlington County. This will be accomplished through a collaborative process which will include representatives of local response agencies, the Burlington County incident Management Task Force, Burlington County EMS Coordinators and the NJSP Incident Management Unit.  

2. Dispatch Procedure

            2.1       EMS crews dispatched to an emergency call in their local jurisdiction shall have a total of 7 minutes and 59 seconds to respond.  Dispatch may be made for Duty Crew or All Call at the discretion of the local jurisdiction.

            2.2       If after 4 minutes and 59 seconds the local agency has not responded from the initial dispatch, there will be a second toning. This second toned dispatch may be made for Duty Crew or All Call at the discretion of the local jurisdiction.

            2.3       If after 7 minutes and 59 seconds the local agency has not responded, the next toned dispatch will be an All Call for the local agency and the first available backup agency from the hierarchy.

            2.4       If after 11 minutes and 59 seconds there is still no response, the local agency and the backup agency will be dispatched.  If Central communications deems appropriate, such as an ALS or RIC assignment the most appropriate available unit may be simultaneously dispatched.

            2.5       If no agency has responded after 15 minutes and 59 seconds the most appropriate available agency will be dispatched.

3. Backup Agency Dispatch Procedures

            3.1       Backup agencies will be dispatched per hierarchy whenever the local agency fails to respond to an assignment as described in section 2 of this Guideline.

            3.2       Backup agencies, at the request of the local EMS Chief Operating Officer may be asked to be added to initial dispatch whenever the local agency has inadequate staffing and / or requires additional coverage.

            3.3       Backup agencies may also be dispatched to all mutual aid responses.

4. Available Agency Dispatch

            4.1       If there is no pre-planned backup agency responding after the appropriate dispatch procedure as per section 2, Central will dispatch the closest available unit.

            4.2       If Central communications deems appropriate, such as an ALS, RIC or similar life threat assignment, then the dispatcher can add the most appropriate additional unit to the assignment.

5. Mutual Aid Dispatch

            5.1       Mutual Aid Dispatches may include all or part of the Burlington County Medical Alarm Plan, once the local agencies have been exhausted in a grid.  The County EMS Coordinators will be responsible to request and assign regional EMS Cover assignments as needed during major incidents.

5.2              The Burlington County EMS Coordinator will be responsible to add

Additional agencies to any hierarchy for the purpose of mutual aid.

5.3              Agencies that are dispatched to a mutual aid call that are unable to respond

due to local protocols, despite having an available crew for their local jurisdiction must contact Central immediately to advise them that they are unable to respond to that mutual aid assignment.  This will expedite the mutual aid process for Central to dispatch the next mutual aid squad in the hierarchy.

            5.4       In county mutual aid for major incidents will be supplied through the Burlington County Medical Alarm Plan,

5.5       Out of county mutual aid requests for major incidents will be fulfilled by

the Burlington County EMS Coordinators utilizing Burlington County Strike Team and Task Force 32 operational plans..

5.6       Out of county mutual aid requests for EMS Strike Teams and NJEMS Task Force assets will be fulfilled by the Burlington County EMS Coordinators

5.7       Burlington County EMS agencies participating in the National EMS Ambulance Contract coordinated by American Medical Response(AMR) and FEMA shall notify the Burlington County EMS coordinators prior to deployment out of state.

 BLS Dispatch Timelines

Basic EMS Dispatch Procedure

ALERT SEQUENCE	DESCRIPTION	ELAPSED TIME
1	LOCAL AGENCY, Initial dispatch – duty or all call	0 – MINUTES
2	LOCAL AGENCY,  Second dispatch – duty or all call	5 – MINUTES
3	LOCAL AGENCY,  Third dispatch as an all call plus first back-up agency per grid assignment	8 – MINUTES
4	LOCAL AGENCY, Fourth dispatch as an all call plus second dispatch for first back-up agency.	12 - MINUTES
At any Time in the  Dispatch Sequence	*** If Central deems appropriate, such as an ALS, RIC or similar life threat assignment, then the dispatcher can add the most appropriate additional unit to the assignment******

1. Fire Dispatch Policy
2. Grid Development

1.1       Each Fire Department will be responsible to provide the Burlington County Central Communications center with their selection of grid responses after approval of the chief fire coordinator and in compliance with the minimum response guideline as adopted by the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association (BCFCA).

 

1.2       Grid Development will be primarily designed into two principal time periods.  The first 0600 – 1800 and the second 1800 – 0600.

 

1.3              Fire Chiefs will be responsible to develop and provide the Communications Center with the desired grid information for their jurisdictions on or before March 31^st of each year.

 

1.4              All fire dispatches will be categorized into one of four families and will be applied across all jurisdictions. A fifth special hazard section exists for Forest Fires and other unique hazards but must have approval of the Chief County Fire Coordinator.

• Structure – Fire
• Structure – Non-Fire
• Non-structure -Fire
• Non-structure –Non-Fire.
• Special dispatch agency dependent(i.e. WUI Assignments, High Rise, etc)

1.5. Structure - Fire – Means a report of visible fire or visible smoke in or from the structure

1.6. Structure – Non Fire – Includes all alarm systems, sparking electrical, appliances, noises, odors with nothing visible or any other descriptor that would lead the call taker/dispatcher to believe there was no active fire at the address. Note a dispatcher can dispatch as a structure if he/she believes there may be an active fire.

1.7. Non-Structure Fire – Means all incidents of fire outside of a dwelling (SFD/MFD) or a commercial building. This includes trash, brush, cars, sheds and any other outside fire incident. Unique hazards may have an additional category and will be location specific

1.8. Non-structure Non-Fire – All incidents that fit this category including wires, outside odors, lock outs and any other miscellaneous incidents.

1.9       Highway Incident Response grid assignments will be developed to promote safe responses on all sections of I-295 in Burlington County. This will be accomplished through a collaborative process which will include representatives of local response agencies, the Burlington County incident Management Task Force, Burlington County Fire Coordinators and the NJSP Incident Management Unit.  

1.10     Highway Incident Response grid assignments will be developed to promote safe responses on all sections of the New Jersey Turnpike in Burlington County. This will be accomplished through a collaborative process which will include representatives of local response agencies, the Burlington County incident Management Task Force, Burlington County Fire Coordinators and the NJSP Incident Management Unit.  

2. Dispatch Procedure

            2.1       Fire dispatches will follow the same time sequence as EMS. Initial dispatch at 0 minutes, second tone dispatch after 4 minutes and 59 seconds without response, a third tone dispatch after 7 minutes 59 seconds and so on.

2.2 Structure - Fire:

“Task force 3621, Camden County Engine 135, 12 Apple Lane, a dwelling,” (Task force includes 361, 362, 363 and 368)

“Task Force 131, Ladder 501, Engine 341” 535 Main Street. an apartment. ‘(Task force includes full station compliment -2 Engines, Tender, Utility and BLS 139)

“Task force 90, Ladder 303, Engine 302, Bucks County RIC 53 255 East Pearl Street, a building” (Task force includes all BC Stations as assigned by chief)

All dispatches will use a plain English description of the incident and the expected resource by mutual aid station. Task force will be used for all structure fires for all departments in lieu of individual station announcements. All mutual aid will be announced by resource type (i.e. Engine, Ladder, Rescue etc.) including out of county resources on the assignment. Each department/chief will determine the resources to be alerted on the dispatch and whether to use two, three or four digit descriptors for the grids.

            2.3 Structure – Non-Fire

 

“Station 363, Station 362, 729 Liberty Road, an automatic fire alarm.“(The use of Light force may be substituted in place of individual stations. Thus Light Force 363 includes a unit from station 362 and one from station 363.)

 “Station 131, E 501, 535 Main Street, a sparking electrical outlet.“

 “Station 905 255 East Pearl Street, a CO alarm”

Each department/chief will determine resources to be alerted on the dispatch and whether to announce stations or utilize Light Force when two stations are alerted

            2.4. Non – Structure – Fire

“Station 363, 729 Liberty Road, report of mulch on fire.”

“Station 131, 535 Main Street, report of a car on fire.”

“Station 905, 255 East Pearl Street, a trash can.”

Each department/chief will determine resources to be alerted on the dispatch.

            2.5 Non-Structure – Non-Fire

“Station 363, 729 Liberty Road, a vehicle lock out”

“Taskforce 362, MEDIC 35, NJ TK MP 36.5 NB, a motor vehicle accident rescue assignment.” (Taskforce 362 includes Engines 3621, 3631, rescues 3639, 3699 and BLS 368)

“Station 278, rescue 272, RT 541 and Woodlane Road a motor vehicle accident rescue assignment.”

“Station 131, 535 Main Street, an animal rescue.”

Each department/chief will determine resources to be alerted on the dispatch and whether to do rescues by station or task force. It is strongly recommended that three or more stations be dispatched as a task force.

2.6 Resources.

The dispatch procedure outlined in 2.1 to 2.4 above alerts all responders to the address, the location (grid) the type of incident and the resources required. In terms of the resources required the Burlington County Fire Chief and Burlington County First Aid Council guidelines should serve as the model for minimum response.

On certain types of incidents or dispatches, Central will substitute the word "station" with engine, ladder, rescue, cascade, brush truck, etc. This will be done when the officer(s) have the information in their grids, or when special equipment is needed or requested to respond to an incident.

At any time during the dispatch process and consistent with the adopted RIC guideline, Central has the discretion to add a RIC company to any assignment where a life threat may exist in order to enhance safety.

2.7. Covers

Covers will be planned through the fourth alarm in accordance with BCFC guidelines.

1. Unit Response Language

1.1 Unit Radio Response

Each Fire and EMS unit is required to initiate a radio call to Central on their primary response channel or alternative assigned channel by unit type and number when responding. Only the first responding apparatus is required to also announce the dispatched location. Other units may announce the location.

Example of Acceptable transmissions:

“Central Engine 1611 is responding 7 Enfield Lane with 4.”

“Central Ambulance 1393 is responding to Independent Living.”

“Central Engine 9051 Responding with 4.”

“Central Engine 3631 with 4.”

No unit will respond using any other acronym such as “on the way, on the job, en-route etc.”

            1.2 Officers (Chiefs, Deputies, Battalions, assistants, supervisors)

Chief Officers responding directly to an incident will initiate a radio call to Central on their primary response channel or alternative assigned channel by unit type and number when responding.

Example

“Central Battalion 3603 is responding to 7 Hampshire Lane”

“Central EMS 36 is responding to the New Jersey Turnpike mile post 38 southbound”

“Central Chief 9000 is responding to Rt. 130”

“Central Supervisor 3608 is responding to 400 Fernbrook Lane.”

            1.3 Company Officers

Company officers responding on units will use only the unit identifier and not their radio number unless they are the ranking officer for the department on that particular incident.

            1.4 NIMS Compliance

All radio communications will comply with NIMS requirements as adopted by Burlington County (BC) and as may be required by law.

1. Unit Arrival Language

            1.1 Initial Arriving Unit

The initial arriving Fire and EMS unit is required to initiate a radio call to Central on their primary response channel or alternative assigned channel when arriving.

Example “Engine 9061 is arriving at a two story SFD with nothing showing, 9061 is command”

“Ambulance 9093 is arriving”

“Ambulance 1393 on location”

“Chief 1300 is arriving at a two story MFD with light smoke showing from unit ___. “ The first arriving chief is assumed to be command in the absence of any other transmission.

There will be no other acronyms to signify arrival on location.   

            1.2 Additional Arriving Units

All additional arriving units will initiate a radio call on their primary response channel or alternative assigned channel stating they are arriving. Units who do not already have an assigned function will announce arriving level 1 or level 2 staging in conformance with the BC NIMS guidelines. Units will not ask for orders as they arrive. Central will acknowledge all arriving units.

H Scene Communications

All on scene radio communications will be clear text in compliance with NIMS requirements, specific guidelines as detailed in section 3.4 below and as adopted by Burlington County and as may be required by law.

1. Command Post

On major incidents as soon as is practicable the Incident Commander will establish a command post using the CP identifier as outlined in the BC ICS guidelines.

1. EMS First Arriving

EMS units will not be required to give a first in report on EMS only assignments. They may issue a report when arriving first at joint fire/EMS incidents.

1. Initial Reports Fire and EMS
2. Central will provide an initial report of information available for fire incidents after the first chief signs on responding or after one minute from the initial first due unit response transmission. Central will prompt for a progress report after 20 minutes has elapsed from first arriving unit and in 20 minute increments thereafter for both Fire and EMS incidents until the incident is placed under control.
3. The first arriving unit will make a report of conditions upon arrival. When the first arriving unit reports nothing evident upon arrival, the incident commander at the scene shall as soon as possible initiate a call to Central advising of the conditions present and whether or not additional assistance and/or equipment will be needed as well as disposition of resources on scene and in route.
4. EMS units will receive a report from Central once they sign on responding. TheEMSReports will provide the following general information – Sex/Age, Level of Consciousness, Chief Complaint using descriptions as listed in section 3.17, and any hazards to responders.
5. All units whether Fire or EMS shall maintain contact with Central via mobile or portable at all times while engaged in an active incident.
6. Reduced Speed

A reduced speed order will be broadcast on the response channel and when possible simultaneously on F1 when so ordered by the incident commander. Units will not acknowledge.

Reduced Speed means non-emergency with no visible or audible emergency devices.

Example: Attention all companies responding to 7 Enfield Lane. Proceed in at reduced speed.

1. General Recall Orders

Recall will be broadcast on the response channel and when possible simultaneously on F1 when so ordered by the incident commander. Units will not acknowledge

Example: “Attention all companies that responded to7 Enfield Lane. Recall”

N Specific Recall Orders

Individual unit recall orders will be broadcast on the appropriate response channel. These units will acknowledge the recall by stating RECEIVED or OK.

Example: Central initiates - “Engine 3631 recall.” Engine 3631 acknowledges, “Engine 3631 Received” or “Engine 3631 OK”

1. Hospital Response and Arrival

All EMS units will initiate a call to Central when they are responding to a hospital. Hospital names and abbreviations are listed below. Upon arrival at a hospital or other medical facility the unit will transmit “OUT at _____”.

Hospital status requests may be made prior to departing the scene with the patient. EMS units will not ask for hospital status until they are packaging the patient and/or are ready to transport the patient. At all times Central may announce a hospital status issue to a squad en route to its dispatched location if such information is readily available.

Hospital Abbreviations:

MHBC            Virtua Memorial Hospital Mt Holly

LMC                Lourdes Medical Center Willingboro

WJM               Virtua Marlton

WJV                Virtua Voorhees

WJB                Virtua Berlin

WJC               Virtua Camden

CMC               Cooper Medical Center Camden

CTC                Cooper Trauma Center Camden

OLOL              Our Lady of Lourdes Camden

SOCH            Southern Ocean County Hospital

JFKCH           JFK Cherry Hill

JFKS              JFK Strafford

CHH               Capital Health Hopewell

RWJH            Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton 

HFMD            Regional Medical Center at Fulde (Capital)  

CHOP            Children’s Hospital Phila.

LBH                Lower Bucks Hospital Phila

LMCD             Lourdes Medical Center Deborah

SFMC             St Francis Medical Center

1. Hospital Departure

All EMS units will notify Central upon leaving the hospital. If a unit is not available for contamination or other reason they will advise that they are out of service until they notify central otherwise.

1. Unit Availability

When a unit becomes available from an assignment and is not otherwise recalled, the unit shall say simply “Unit _____ Available."

3.2 Equipment Usage

The Central Communications System shall be used only for the transaction of official business by authorized persons in accordance with the procedures described in this manual. Nothing in these procedures will prohibit the use of telephone communications if such use may be more practical and effective.

All operators shall comply with the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

3.3 Sequence Priority

Central Communications Operators are responsible for clearing traffic as quickly as possible, for maintaining Federal Communications Commission operating procedures on the air, and for determining the order of priority of simultaneous transmissions. These procedures shall be followed by all members of the Central Communications Network.

3.4 Channel Use

1. Dispatch Details

The F1 channel, 154.220, will be used for dispatching all Fire/EMS incidents. Neither mobile nor portable communications will take place on F1 unless an emergent need requires such action and in that case such communications will be brief.

Central will announce the Stations/Units/Etc. the Township (when needed), the Sub-Division, The Address, (Business Name and Suite), the cross streets, Type of Call. Station or unit information and cross streets, the station and units, the physical street and number address will be repeated twice during the dispatch

Example: “Sta. 278 Medic 31, Westampton Township, Tarnsfield, 1 Greenwich Drive,  Cross Streets Quail Hollow Dr and Beacon St, A Cardiac Emergency, Sta. 278 Medic 31 1 Greenwich Drive, a cardiac emergency.”

Example: “Task Force 272, Ladder 361, Rescue 391, Engine 501, in Westampton Township, 1 Academy Drive, The Burlington County Public Safety Center, Cross Street Pioneer Blvd, A Building, Task Force 272, Ladder 361, Rescue 391, Engine 501 1 Academy Drive, a building Operate on North Central Response 1.”

Note: Central will announce which response channel to operate on when mutual aid from a different response zone is dispatched on the 1st Alarm and/or when a station is to operate on a zone other than their assigned default response zone.

A Second Alert will be sounded for the station if no response has been initiated within 4 minutes 59 seconds after the first alert.

1. Mobile Communications

Fire and EMS companies shall use trunked mobile radio for communications with Central utilizing the R-1 position of their assigned home zone unless directed by Central to an alternative zone or channel. Medic units will sign-on on the County Wide Medic channel and will be directed to the proper response channel.

The assigned R-1 response zones are listed below:

Response Zone                          Assigned Districts

Northwest:                 10, 11, 12, 14, 20, 23, 24, 31, 36, 70, 80

North Central            13, 16, 27, 34, 39, 50

North                          21, 26, 30, 32, 33, 40, 44, 60, 90

North East                 18, 19, 29, 38, 41, 46, 67

West                            17, 22, 25, 28, 37, 43

South                          42, 45

All of the primary response channels (R-1) and County wide command are monitored and recorded. All other response channels (R2, R3, and R4) are recorded but not monitored as a routine. In certain cases such as a working fire or similar high traffic assignments Central will transfer routine communications for the rest of that zone to another response channel and that new channel will be monitored.

1. Backup System

All agencies are to maintain analog channels F1, F2, F3, F4, and F6 capability to be used in case of trunk system failure or other over flow need.

1. Portable Communications

All on scene portable communications shall be over the Ops 1 position with special emphasis for all personnel working in an IDLH (Immediately dangerous to life and health) atmosphere such as internal operations at structure fires, hazmat incidents etc.

The on-scene Incident Commander may assign other needed communications groups to either an alternative Ops channel or other available trunked communication channels as directed by Central. These trunked/WAR channels are recorded by Central

3.5 Base Station Operations

1. Paging
2. Paging over base stations will be limited to emergency situations and routine and necessary testing only and must be approved by Central.

No paging will be done when central is extremely busy due to incident work load or during declared storm emergencies.

2. Base station operators shall contact Central by phone prior to any dispatch operations.
3. Emergency operations include but are not limited to Central out of Service and unable to dispatch.
4. Operations
5. Base station to mobile communications will conform to all procedures and guidelines contained within this manual.
6. Base station unit identifiers will be the emergency station number of the facility in which the operation is enclosed.  Example: Station 369 will be known as “Base Station 369”

3.6 Major Incidents

1. Fire
2. Initial Assignment – Primary Response Group

When Central is advised by the first on scene officer or apparatus of a working fire, upon request Central will dispatch the first alarm companies and make the following announcement over F-1 and the response channel in use:

(Dispatch tones, alert tone), "In Burlington City (Actual jurisdiction) 437 HIGH ST (Actual ADDRESS) ALL COMPANIES IN SERVICE."

Central will automatically dispatch any other resources as part of the all hands in service including a designated RIC if no RIC has already been dispatched. Central will follow the GRID protocol and the sequence shall be first the working fire dispatch, second the RIC and other preplanned resources and third covers as detailed in the grid. As soon as practical Central will notify utilities and initiate any additional emergency contacts as appropriate. All will operate on the dispatched response channel.

NOTE: The above announcement is primarily intended for structure fires but may be used for Hazardous Material Incidents or other “Serious” incidents.

NOTE: Central will follow the County Chiefs RIC and MAYDAY policies and other such policies as may be enacted. These policies authorize immediate actions on the part of Central.

1. EMS Incidents
2. Initial Assignment – Primary Response Group

When Central is advised by the first on scene officer or apparatus of a Multiple Victim or Mass Casualty Incident, Central will dispatch the first alarm companies and make the following announcement over F-1 and the response channel in use:

(Dispatch tones, alert tone), "In Burlington City (Actual jurisdiction) 437 HIGH ST (Actual ADDRESS) ALL EMS COMPANIES IN SERVICE."

Central will automatically dispatch any other resources as per the EMS MVI / MCI SOG.  Central will follow the GRID protocol and the sequence shall be first the MVI / MCI dispatch, second any other preplanned resources and third covers as detailed in the grid. As soon as practical Central will initiate any additional emergency contacts as appropriate. All will operate on the dispatched response channel.

NOTE: Central will follow the EMS Coordinators MVI / MCI Policies and other such policies as may be enacted. These policies authorize immediate actions on the part of Central.

1. FIRE and /or EMS Incidents
2. 1.Additional assignments –Same Response Group

All other existing and new fire and EMS incidents will automatically be assigned to the next available Response channel. Units already on radio, upon hearing the All Hands transmission, shall switch to the next sequential Response channel and after approximately one minute will call Central to acknowledge the change in channel.

Example: All hands operations in Burlington City as previously described above. Station 408 is on another assignment. Upon hearing the All Hands Dispatch, 4082 will switch from North 1, their initial channel to North 2 and after one minute will call Central to advise they are now on response 2 as follows:  4082: “ Central Ambulance 4082 on North Response 2”, Central: “OK 4082”

1. Command Functions

The Incident Commander will set up a command post as described above and advise Central of its physical location.

The command post will communicate with Central on the initial response channel or, at the discretion of the incident commander or a request from Central, a command channel may be established.

All units assigned to the same incident will operate under a single command and all resource requests for Central will come through the CP utilizing ICS in compliance with BC ICS standards.

1. Evacuation

Any necessary fire ground evacuation will follow the Burlington County Evacuation Procedure as adopted and implemented by the BCFC.

3.7 Special Circumstances and Guidelines

1. Bomb Threat

In the case of bomb threats, Central will dispatch the proper stations and announce "Report to your station(s) for an emergency standby assignment." It will be the decision of the officer in charge of the station(s) dispatched to respond to the scene. Stations who do not wish to be dispatched will advise Central in writing.

1. Special Assignments

Such assignments should be infrequent and will be monitored by Central.

1. Officer Contact

The Paging of local officers will be done for urgent department business only using only the regular alerting tones assigned. Central will announce for the officer as follows: “_____ Call Fire Communications" and the message will be given to the officer over the telephone. When a phone call is not possible the message may be given over the radio.

1. Announcements

There will be no tone alert or announcement of regular scheduled local meetings, drills, bingo, or work detail, etc.

Only the following are approved.

1. Unscheduled meetings and drills
2. Deaths of department members or other Public Safety agency members
3. County training, seminars, and meetings
4. Storm warningsand any related cancellations of regularly scheduled classes or meetings.
5. Unscheduled work details for returning equipment to available status with Chief Officer Authorization
6. Retirements after 20 or more years of service
7. Training

Training sessions will be announced as a TRAINING EXERCISE.

1. Local drills requiring notification must be requested at least one hour in advance of the drill start time.
2. Large scale multi-jurisdictional drills must be planned at least 24 hours in advance of the start time.
3. Emergency Radio Activation

Upon the activation of a Radio Emergency Alert Central will do the following:

When the transmission is activated as part of an on going incident:

1. Monitor to assure that the emergency transmission was received by the incident commander. If necessary confirm same.
2. Assure that Response group traffic is cleared and assist the IC as necessary

When the activation of the radio emergency button is not connected with an active incident:

1. Call the radio number and confirm that it is a true emergency or accidental activation
2. If no response, then page that person/unit and have them call Central.
3. If there is no response to the page Central will contact the agency Chief officer of the unit/station for further direction

3.8 Local Announcements

Local Announcements will be made at time requested between 0700 and 2300 hours. Officer making the request must state his name and ID number. The Central Radio Duty Supervisor must authorize transmission of the announcement and assure this procedure is not abused.

3.9 County wide Announcements

1. Central will make general application announcements dependent on the type and nature. For exampleCLASS DAY will be announced as seasonal conditions warrant.
2. General information county wide announcements will be made at 1800 hours if possible and be authorized by a CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR.
3. The County Wide alert tone will be used for county wide announcements:
4. Storm Dispatch Policy
5. Significant events warranting county wide communication

3.10 Transmission Examples and Explanations

The following are examples of Unit to Central and Central to Unit communications with an explanation for each portion of the message. The procedures outlined here will be required of all personnel. When a station or unit receives a tone alert for a dispatch, they will contact Central by radio and advise they are responding to the incident assignment and in the case of a multi-functional unit, identify the function they will provide (i.e. Engine, Ladder, Rescue etc.). Central will provide information or a report of the incident after the first Chief Officer signs on responding or at one minute after the first due unit response. Once the initial report has been given to the first unit and first chief, the report will not be given to additional units.

EXAMPLE TRANSMISSION EXPLANATION

1. CENTRAL: "Station 149, Route 130 and Cooper Street, a motor vehicle accident”.
2. UNIT: "CENTRAL, Ambulance 1491 responding Rt. 130 and Cooper Street"

This informs Central that ambulance 1491 is responding to that call. If 1491 has an incorrect address, Central will provide a correction.

1. CENTRAL: "OKAY 1491" Central acknowledged. Okay is used so as not to confuse affirmative with a "yes."
2. UNIT: "CENTRAL, Ambulance 1491 on location." Any visual information should be given at this time.
3. CENTRAL: "OKAY 1491" Central Acknowledged.
4. UNIT: "CENTRAL, Ambulance 1491 in route to MHBC” This informs Central that 1491 is proceeding to Memorial Hospital and will be on the assigned response channel. Note: Mileage and time stamp will apply as determined by the ambulance crew.
5. CENTRAL: "OKAY 1491" Central Acknowledged.
6. UNIT: "CENTRAL, Ambulance 1491 out at MHBC” This informs Central they are at the hospital.
7. CENTRAL: "OKAY 1491" Central acknowledged.
8. UNIT: "CENTRAL ambulance 1491 available from MHBC" This makes Central aware that 1491 is returning to station 149 and is available to handle calls. If not available, they should state they are out of service until they are available for response. If not returning to station they should specify where they are going.
9. NOTE: Units that do not need times, reports, or any other information from Central need not use the hotline when they have returned to the station. When the unit is back at the station or in their response area, they need only to say the word "Available" and that call shall be terminated.
10. Units that use the hotline for times, reports, or any other information shall say nothing when they arrive at their station and call Central.
11. At certain times when Central is extremely busy, especially during severe weather and major incidents, station(s) will be asked to call back later for their times and other information. This is necessary to ensure the emergencies are properly handled.
12. For additional examples, see Basic Instructions for EMS radios. Be brief but specific. Always notify Central upon arrival at destination. Remember, all transmissions are recorded on tape and are kept on file for Communications Center records.

NOTE: In instances requiring explanation or specific information to be relayed, it is recommended that units call Central and wait for an acknowledgement before proceeding with their message. This will eliminate requests to repeat and also confirms the Central Operator has heard the unit and is prepared to copy any message given.

3.11 Summary

This summary of rules is for your general information concerning operating procedures. Subsequent changes in rules or interpretations may occur. The Radio Liaison Committee will attempt to keep all services informed as changes are made.

3.12 Individual Incident or User Problems

Any misuse of radios or related equipment and/or Federal Communications violations shall be dealt with by the Department Chief or Captain or the Chief of Public Safety Telecommunications. That officer shall be responsible to see that all users in that supervisors department comply with all techniques, procedures, and FCC regulations. All violations shall be brought to the attention of the user’s supervisor at the time the incident occurs so that the supervisor can take necessary corrective action to prevent additional violations. Violations shall be dealt with as listed below for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd offenses and all shall be documented in writing.

(1) A phone call to officer in charge of the user causing the issue. Failure to rectify any violation or complaint will result in step wise progression to the next level of supervision until such time as an agreement has been secured.

(2) Memorandum to radio representative or officer in charge of station with a mandatory reply of the type of action to be taken. A copy of same will be issued to the Radio Committee.

(3) Memorandum and Federal Communications Commission notification if violation persists.

Central and Field Services shall follow this complaint procedure. All complaints must be written in order to obtain a written answer and must be made by the highest rank either Chief or Captain.

3.13 The Radio Committee Communication Process

The Burlington County Radio Committee is comprised of representatives from using organizations including the Fire Chiefs' Association, Firemen's Association, Emergency Management, Fire Police Association, and First Aid Council.

The purpose of the Committee is to review and recommend policy and procedure to the Communications Center. Further, the Committee acts as liaison between the Communications Center and using organizations.

It reviews and recommends, through the Director of Public Safety, the need for additional personnel and equipment to properly equip and staff the Communications Center. It acts as a mediator between the Center and using organizations to resolve problems between Departments, Companies, and Agencies. All complaints about Central procedures, acts or issues that cannot be reconciled by the Supervising Communications Operator shall be forwarded in writing to the Chief Public Safety Telecommunicator:

Burlington County Radio Committee

C/o Central Communications

49 Rancocas Road

Mount Holly, NJ 08060

3.14 24 HOUR TIME CLOCK

Central uses a 24 hour time recording system, thus not using A.M. and P.M.; you must add 1200 to any time past 1259 P.M.

EXAMPLES:

12:01 A.M.:                 0001    Zero, Zero, Zero, One

1:00 A.M.:                   0100    Zero, One Hundred

6:00 A.M.:                   0600    Zero, Six Hundred

12:00 NOON:             1200    Twelve Hundred

1:00 P.M.:                   1300    Thirteen Hundred

6:00 P.M.:                   1800    Eighteen Hundred

9:30 P.M.:                   2130    Twenty One Thirty

11:59 P.M.:                 2359    Twenty Three Fifty Nine

MIDNIGHT:              2400    Twenty Four Hundred

All reports will show this time.

3.15 Phonetic Alphabet

The International Phonetic Alphabet shall be used.

1. ALPHA                      N.        NOVEMBER
2.       BRAVO                      O.        OSCAR
3.        CHARLIE                  P.        PAPA
4. DELTA                      Q.        QUEBEC
5.        ECHO                                     R.        ROMEO
6.         FOXTROT                 S.         SIERRA
7.        GOLF                                     T.         TANGO
8. HOTEL                      U.       UNIFORM
9. INDIA                       V.       VICTOR
10.          JULIETT                     W.      WHISKEY
11. KILO                         X.        X-RAY
12. LIMA                        Y.        YANKEE
13. MIKE                         Z.         ZULU

Example:  AXW is Alpha X-ray Whiskey – not A as in Alpha, X as in X-ray etc.

3.16 Standard Procedures and Terminology

AMBULANCE:         BLS Unit for patient transport

ACKNOWLEDGE:   Did you understand my last message?

AFFIRMATIVE:        Yes.

A.L.S.:                                    Medic or Advanced Life Support

AVAILABLE:           Company or unit is ready and can be assigned to another incident,    and previous call is terminated.

BASE STATION:      Radio transmitter licensed to operate at a fixed location.

B.L.S.:                         Basic Life Support

BRUSH:                     Off road unit

CASCADE                 Unit with on board breathing air capacity for refill

COMMAND UNIT:   Number followed by command shall mean the person in charge of       that unit only.

COVER:                     Standing by for another station at their station or your station.

DISPATCH TO:         Alert a station or unit to respond to an incident.

DISPATCHED:          A unit status meaning assigned to an incident, not available for another incident.

EMERGENCY MESSAGE:  Must be of an urgent nature.

EMERGENCY SPEED:        Responding with visible and audible emergency devices activated.

E.M.S.:                                   Emergency Medical Service.

ENGINE:                                Standard NFPA equipped structural fire pumper.

FALSE INCIDENT:              Incident recorded as a False Alarm

FIRE POLICE:                       Unit or function for traffic control

FI:                                           Fire Inspector

FM:                                         Fire Marshal

FO:                                          Fire Official

FOAM:                                   Designated Unit with on board foam supply.

GRID:                                     A geographical area designation for Fire and EMS coverage.

HAZMAT TEAM:                  Burlington County hazardous materials unit

HEALTH DEPARTMENT:   County department

HIERARCHY:                       List of stations in order of expected response in grid.

INCIDENT:                            Fire and EMS report of dispatch information.

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Officer or person in charge of the incident.

LADDER:                              Apparatus with an aerial device of 75’ or more

LIGHT FORCE:                     Used as an alternative to announcing multiple stations not associated with a task force assignment

MARINE:                               Boat for lake and/or river operations

MASS CASUALTY:             Designated trailers for County response

MCI:                                       Mass Casualty Incident

MVI:                                       Multi Victim incident requiring up to 5 ambulances

MAYDAY:                             Transmission of life threatening situation

MEDIC:                                  Advanced Life Support Unit

MONITOR:                            Listen on the assigned response channel.

MOBILE RADIO:                 Radio transmitter licensed to operate under a base station           license, fixed in a mobile unit.

NATURE AND EXTENT:    Request for type of emergency and conditions of same.

NEGATIVE:                          No

OUT OF SERVICE:              Unit not available for service (Unavailable)

ON LOCATION:                   Unit is on location of incident to which it was dispatched.

O.K.:                                       Received message.

ON RADIO:                           Unit is monitoring the radio, not given with "Responding," only when vehicle is on radio and not assigned to an incident.

OFF RADIO:                         Unit cannot be contacted by radio not to be used when signing off at your station

OUT                                        EMS unit out of the ambulance at a hospital.

PORTABLE:                          Hand held radio transmitter.

PRIORITY:                            Transmission which requests clear channel for communications of an important nature

PROGRESS REPORT:          A brief summary of what and how much has been accomplished at the scene.

RECALL:                               Unit or station indicated should return to station. This order should come from the officer or unit in charge of the incident.

RECEIVED:                           To hear and understand radio message. Same as O.K.

REDUCED SPEED               An order for units to proceed to assignment at routine driving speed observing all traffic regulations and with out emergency lights and audible warning devices in use..

RESCUE:                               An apparatus with a minimum compliment of hydraulic consisting of at least one spreader and one cutter, stabilization and mechanical extrication tools.

RESPONDING:                     Unit is in route to its assignment.

SQUIRT:                                Engine with Elevated waterway

STAGING AREA, LEVEL 1:Area for equipment to stand by approximately one block  from the incident

STAGING AREA, LEVEL 2:A specific location as assigned by command for all apparatus and units to assemble and stage while awaiting definitive orders.

STAND BY:                           Wait, monitor this frequency for reply or clearance.

STATION:                              Fire and EMS Vehicle Housing Location.

SUPERVISOR:                      Officer responsible for personnel within span of control

TASK FORCE:                      NIMS term to represent a group of different functional fire apparatus assigned to a single incident working under the direction of a single leader.

TENDER:                               Apparatus with 2500 Gallons or higher water tank

TRANSMIT:                           To send a message on the air.

TOWER                                  Aerial device with platform

UNAVAILABLE:                 Out of service.

URGENT:                               Means you have an emergency message.

UNDER CONTROL:             Incident or emergency has been contained to the extent that additional personnel and equipment are not expected to be required.

UNIT:                                     Identified resource.

USE CAUTION WHILE RESPONDIING  Drivers are to use caution while responding

due to hazardous road or weather conditions. This is not Reduced Speed.

VISUAL:                                Description of scene at incident, location as it appears by operator or officer of first arriving unit, i.e., car in water, two victims trapped. (Nature & extent)

3.17 EMS EMERGENCY CLASSES & DISPATCH METHODS

1. EMS EMERGENCY CLASSES

Abdominal pains                                                                    101

Allergic reaction                                                                      102

Animal bites                                                                           103

Assault Victim                                                                        104

Back Pain                                                                                105

Respiratory Emergency                                                           106

Burns                                                                                      107

Carbon Monoxide                                                                  108

Cardiac/Respiratory Arrest                                                    109

Cardiac Emergency                                                                 110

Choking Victim                                                                      111

Seizures                                                                                  112

Diabetic Emergency                                                               113

Drowning                                                                                114

Electrocution                                                                          115

Eye problems                                                                         116

Falls/Fractures                                                                        117

Headache                                                                                118

Heart Problems                                                                       119

Heat/Cold Exposure                                                              120

Bleeding                                                                                 121

Industrial Accident                                                                 122

Overdose                                                                                123

Maternity                                                                               124

Psychiatric Emergency                                                           125

Sick Person                                                                            126

Stabbing/Gunshot wounds                                                     127

Stroke Victim                                                                         128

Motor Vehicle Accident                                                        129

Lacerations                                                                              130

Unconscious Person                                                               131

Medical Emergency                                                               132

Motor Vehicle Accident Rescue Assignment                         133

Special Assignment                                                                134

Fire Stand By                                                                         135

Non Emergency transportation                                              136

Cover Assignment                                                                  137

Training/Drills                                                                        138

1. Potential Unsafe Scenes

All dispatches where there is a possibility of danger to the responders will contain the following at the end of the dispatch: “Unsafe Scene, Level 1 Stage”

1. Non-Responsive Patient

If the Communications Operator is led to believe from anyone other than a physician that a patient has expired, the operator will dispatch the call as an Unconscious Person.

1. Medic Disposition

The responsible agency should advise Central as soon as possible if the MEDIC unit is not needed.  In case of obvious death, medics will be requested to proceed in at reduced speed for a pronouncement if no other life threat exists requiring the services of that MEDIC unit.

3.18 FIRE EMERGENCY CLASSES & DISPATCH METHOD

1. Structure Fire

A dwelling, an apartment or a building with visible smoke and or fire showing.

1. Structure Non Fire (State exactly what it is)
2. An Appliance (Refrigerator, Oven, Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave, Toaster, etc)
3. A Heater (electric, gas, oil etc includes Hot Water Heaters)
4. An Electrical Hazard (arcing electrical outlets or equipment)
5. Odor of Smoke (Odor or smell with nothing visible)
6. Fumes (Gas Fumes, odor of fumes, inside a structure)
7. Automatic Alarm System (Any NFPA 72 commercial system)
8. Residential Alarm (Local smoke detector)
9. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (CO alarm activated)
10. Hazardous Materials Incident
11. An Investigation (Dispatch does not fit in the above categories, with clear text explanation)
12. Non Structure Fire (State exactly what it is)

All Incidents of fire outside a structure.

1. Vehicles (Announce type, Automobile, Truck, Tractor Trailer, Bus, Boat, Motor home, Motorcycle, Bulldozer, Fork lift etc.)
2. Brush (includes woods, trees, bushes etc.)
3. Rubbish (Includes trash in and out of cans, Dumpsters will be announced as such)
4. Shed (Small sheds detached and remote from large structures)
5. Other (State what it is, mulch, a mail box, a lawnmower, playground equipment, Propane grill, a tar pot etc.)
6. Non Structure Non Fire (State exactly what it is)

These are incidents where there is no fire but a hazard is present or fire department response is requested. Categories’ include:

1. Wires (on poles, in trees or on the ground)
2. Transformer (Pole or ground)
3. Fumes (odor outside of a structure)
4. Road Way Hazard: Fluids/debris on a roadway (formerly wash down)
5. Motor Vehicle Accident (Fire department response needed)
6. Motor Vehicle Accident Rescue Assignment (Entrapments)
7. Special assignments (Lockout, Pump Out, Animal Rescue, Assist Police, Assist EMS, Search). Example: “Special Assignment –Vehicle Lock out”
8. Alarm Systems

Fire detection and Alarm systems can only be placed out of service by FD Personnel or State Inspectors. All notifications of alarm will be dispatched other than as noted above.

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents Standard Operating Guidelines

The following accidents will require a combined automatic EMS and FIRE response.

1. Vehicle hitting a substantial fixed object: Electric/Telephone Poles, Large trees Traffic light standards, Bridges abutments and Walls. Structures-any type of Dwelling/Building/Etc. (No fire dispatch should be made for Street/Stop signs, Mail Box posts, vehicles backing into/or tapping fixed objects, unless there are reported injuries and significant damage) 
2. Reported Entrapment:  Requires a Rescue response and Medic
3. Overturned Vehicles: Requires a Medic response. Final vehicle position is immaterial.
4. Vehicles with Fuel leaks.
5. Vehicles with Smoke coming from them:
6. Vehicles in Water: Any type Rivers, Creeks, Lakes, Ponds, Etc.
7. Tractor Trailers involvement
8. Trains/Light Rail involvement
9. Hazardous Materials Involvement also requires County Health        
10.  Accidents requiring ALS Response 
11. Air Bag Deployment
12. Head on Accidents
13. Bus involvements
14. Multi-Victim/Multi Vehicle (Mass Causalities) also requires an EMS coordinator
15. Accidents with limited access: Woods/Sand Dunes/Etc.
16. Motor cycle accidents believed to be serious in nature.

   3.19 Appendix

 

 Typing Identifiers:

 

 

1. Personnel

Chief Officers Fire:

Chief:                                    Chief XXXX

Deputy:                                 Deputy Chief XXXX

Assistant:                             Assistant Chief XXXX

Battalion:                              Battalion Chief XXXX

 

Junior Officers:                   Supervisor XXXX                          

EMS Officers:

Chief or Captain:                EMS XXXX

Asst. Chief/Captain:           T.B.D. by EMS Coordinators

Junior Officers:                   Supervisor XXXX  

Other Agencies:

Medic:                                    Medic XX

Emergency Mgmt:              EM XXX

Hazmat                                  Hazmat XXXX

Health Department             HD XXX

Fire Official:                          FM XX

Fire Inspector:                     FI XX

Coordinator:                        15XX

 

II.Fire Apparatus

Category: Engine Company

 

This is an apparatus which meets the criteria for NIMS Type 1 engine for equipment and staffing and other county guidelines as may be specified by the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association.  Specialized added capabilities are in addition to the minimum requirements and are listed in the sub categories as defined.

 

Basic Capability:

 

“Engine” is a fire apparatus with a permanently mounted fire pump of at least 1000 gpm in capacity, 300 gallon water tank, and hose body whose primary purpose is to combat structural and associated fires. The apparatus shall meet the equipment requirements set forth in NFPA 1901, Chapter 5. Minimum staffing should be four (4) certified firefighters. Three should be interior qualified and in conformance with PEOSHA standards for SCBA. One of these three must be IMS level 1 certified. The driver must be NJ Firefighter 1 certified. Radio Designator is – “ENGINE”    EXAMPLE: “Engine 1611”

 

Specialized Capability:

 

“Squirt” is a fire apparatus that has meet all requirements of basic engine and is equipped with an elevated master-stream device. The device may be articulating or non-articulating. Radio Designator is – “SQUIRT”    EXAMPLE: “Squirt 3133”

 

“Quint” is a fire apparatus that has meet all requirements of basic engine and is equipped with an aerial ladder with a permanently mounted waterway, and an engine complement of ground ladders. The apparatus shall meet the equipment requirements set forth in NFPA 1901, 3.3.   Radio Designator is – “QUINT” EXAMPLE: “Quint 3614”

 

“Tender engine” is an apparatus which meets the criteria for NIMS Type 1 engine and other county guidelines as specified by the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association. It also meets the criteria for Tender as defined in this document.

 

Minimum staffing will conform to a basic engine. Radio Designator is – “TENDER ENGINE” EXAMPLE: “Tender Engine 1314”

 

 “Mini-Pumper” is a fire apparatus with a permanently mounted fire pump of at least 250 gpm in capacity and 200 gallon water tank whose primary purpose is to function as an initial attack fire apparatus. The apparatus shall meet the equipment requirements set forth in NFPA 1901, Chapter 6. This apparatus does not conform to the basic engine requirements. Minimum staffing is two one of which must be IMS Level 1 certified. Radio Designator is – “Mini-Pumper”” EXAMPLE: “Mini-pumper 4317”

 

“Brush” is a four wheel drive fire apparatus with a fire pump of at least 100 gpm in capacity, 200 gallon water tank and meets a NIMS Type VI engine and NFPA 1906. The primary function is to combat field and brush fires. It does not meet basic engine requirements. Minimum staffing is two one of which must be IMS Level 1 certified. Radio Designator is – “BRUSH” EXAMPLE: “Brush 2237”

 

Category: Ladder Company

 

This is an apparatus which meets the NIMS type 1 criterion for an aerial device and other county guidelines as specified by the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association.

 

Basic Capability:

 

“Ladder” is a fire apparatus with a turntable-mounted, power-operated ladder of two or more sections permanently attached to the vehicle. This apparatus is designed and equipped to provide a continuous egress route from an elevated position to the ground, equipped to support fire fighting and rescue operations and capable of discharging water at or from an elevated position. It may be straight body or tractor drawn articulating. The minimum compliment of ground ladders is 115 feet of total length. Minimum staffing should be four (4) certified firefighters. Three should be interior certified and in conformance with PEOSHA standards for SCBA. One must be IMS level 1 certified. Radio Designator is – “LADDER” EXAMPLE: “Ladder 5015”

 

Specialized Capability:

 

 A “Tower” meets all of the requirements for a basic ladder. In addition it has a basket/bucket capable of holding two or more fully equipped fire fighters suspended from the end of the fly section of the ladder.  The apparatus shall meet the equipment requirements set forth in NFPA 1901, Chapter 8. Radio Designator is – “TOWER” EXAMPLE: “Tower 3635”

 

Category: Rescue Company

 

“Rescue” is a fire apparatus that will be determined by the agencies requirements and policies and defined but not titled as in NFPA 1901, 3.3.153, “Special Services Fire Apparatus, a multipurpose vehicle that primarily provides support services at emergency scenes”.

The Apparatus will have a compliment of equipment which will include a hydraulic spreader, a hydraulic cutter, metal displacement equipment and a compliment of air bags (or other devices) combined with sufficient cribbing  to perform lifting of heavy equipment, machinery and vehicles Minimum staffing will be the same as the Basic Engine.  Radio Designator is – “RESCUE” EXAMPLE: “Rescue 2329”

 

“Rescue Engine” is an apparatus which meets the criteria for NIMS Type 1 engine and other county guidelines as specified by the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association.  It also meets the requirements of a Rescue defined above. Minimum staffing will conform to a basic engine.  Radio Designator is – “RESCUE ENGINE” EXAMPLE: “Rescue Engine 1712”

 

Category: Special Operations and Companies

 

“Tender”  is a mobile water supply apparatus equipped with a water tank that meets the requirements of NFPA 1901, Chapter 19 and has a minimum certified capacity of 2000 gal, whose primary purpose is to function as a mobile water supply apparatus. This apparatus must be equipped with at least one rear dump and two direct tank refills that are 2 ½” or greater.

 

Minimum staffing should be two one of which must be IMS Level 1 certified. Radio Designator is – “TENDER” EXAMPLE: “Tender 2516”

 

“Cascade” is a fire apparatus whose primary function is to refill low and high pressure SCBA bottles.

 

“Light Truck” is a fire apparatus whose primary function is to provide incident scene lighting and power

 

“Utility” is a fire apparatus whose primary function is to provide basic and specialized tools and equipment to an incident.

 

“Fire Police” is a fire department/company sanctioned vehicle that is equipped with traffic control equipment and whose primary function will be to direct traffic.

 

All special service units will use a radio designator for the service assignment requested and to which the unit is responding.

 

 III.EMS Apparatus

 

Category: Ground Ambulance

 

This is a Basic Life Support Ground Ambulance which meets the criteria for NIMS Type IV.  Specialized added capabilities are in addition to the minimum requirements and are listed in the sub categories as defined.

 

Basic Capability:

• NIMS Type IV Basic Life Support Ambulance equipped and supplied to meet minimum scope of practice for basic life support providers in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40 and/or NJSFAC Basic Ambulance Equipment List.
• Vehicle Capable of Transporting a minimum of  two (2) Litter Patients
• Staffed by a minimum of two personnel ( one (1) EMT and (1) Driver/First Responder) unless licensed by the NJDHSS-OEMS than must be staffed by a minimum of two EMTs in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40
• Non-Hazmat Response

 

 

“Ambulance” is Radio Designator -EXAMPLE: “Ambulance 3691”

 

 

Specialized Capability:

 

“NIMS Type III Ambulance” is a basic life support ground ambulance that meets all the NIMS Type IV requirements plus the following:

• Meets or exceeds standards addressed by EPA, OSHA, and NFPA 471,472, 473, and 29 CFR 1910, 120 ETA s-11 to work in Hazmat Level B and specific threat conditions.
• All immunized in accordance with CDC core adult immunizations and specific threat as appropriate.

 

“Hazmat Ambulance” is Radio Designator -EXAMPLE: “Hazmat Ambulance 2291”

 

  “NIMS Type II Ambulance”

This is an Advanced Life Support Ground Ambulance which meets the criteria for NIMS Type II. 

 

Basic Capability:

• NIMS Type II Basic Life Support Ambulance equipped and supplied to meet minimum scope of practice for advanced life support (ALS) providers in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40.
• Vehicle Capable of Transporting a minimum of  two (2) Litter Patients
• Staffed by a minimum of two NJ Certified MICU-Paramedics accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40
• Licensed by the NJDH&SS in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40
• Non-Hazmat Response

 

“Medic Ambulance” is Radio Designator -EXAMPLE: “Medic Ambulance 1592”

 

“NIMS Type I Ambulance”

This is an Advanced Life Support Ground Ambulance which meets the criteria for NIMS Type I Ground Ambulance in the Category of Health & Medical (ESF # 8). 

Basic Capability:

• NIMS Type I Advanced Life Support Ambulance equipped and supplied to meet minimum scope of practice for advanced life support (ALS) providers in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40.
• Vehicle Capable of Transporting a minimum of  two (2) Litter Patients
• Staffed by a minimum of two NJ Certified MICU-Paramedics accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40
• Licensed by the NJDH&SS in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40
• Meets or exceeds standards addressed by EPA, OSHA, and NFPA 471,472, 473, and 29 CFR 1910, 120 ETA s-11 to work in Hazmat Level B and specific threat conditions.
• All immunized in accordance with CDC core adult immunizations and specific threat as appropriate.

 

“Medic Hazmat Ambulance” is Radio Designator -EXAMPLE: “Medic HazMat Ambulance 1591”

 

Category: “Medic”

 

This is a Non-Transporting Advanced Life Support (ALS)/ Mobile Intensive Care Unit(MICU)/ Paramedic Unit which meets the NIMS Type “Other” criteria in the Category of Health & Medical (ESF #8).

 

Basic Capability:

• ALS means an advanced level of pre-hospital, inter-facility or emergency medical care that includes basic life support functions, cardiac monitoring, cardiac defibrillation, tele-metered EKGs, administration of anti-arrhythmic agents, intravenous (IV) therapy, administration of specific medications, drugs, and solutions, utilization of adjunctive ventilation devices, trauma care and other techniques and procedures authorized in writing by the NJ Commissioner of Health.
• Staffed by a minimum of two NJ Certified Mobile Intensive Care Unit Paramedics in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:41A
• Specialized emergency medical services vehicle that is validly licensed by the Dept. of Health and operated in accordance with the standards set forth at N.J.A.C. 8:41

 

   “MEDIC 31 thru 39” = Virtua Paramedic Units Assigned to Burlington County

          Radio Designator is – “MEDIC”    EXAMPLE: “Medic 33”

 

   “MEDIC 41 thru 49” = Virtua Paramedic Units Assigned to Camden County

          Radio Designator is – “MEDIC”    EXAMPLE: “Medic 43”

 

ALS OFFICERS:  ALS Non-Transport Emergency Medical Response Vehicle, NIMS Type “Other” Category Health & Medical (ESF #8), staffed by a minimum of one NJ Certified MICU Paramedic. These units may not be equipped or staffed to deliver ALS Services in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:41

 

“ Medic 100”- Virtua Health Systems Paramedic Duty Chief

“ Medic 200”- Virtua Health Systems Paramedic Special Operations Chief

“ Medic 300”- Virtua Health Systems Burlington County Paramedic Duty Assistant Chief

“ Medic 400”- Virtua Health Systems Camden County Paramedic Duty Assistant Chief

Category: Air Ambulance

 

Rotary-Wing- is a helicopter with an EMS Team with equipment and supplies for patient transport and emergency medical care outside of a hospital, providing service from an incident scene (LZ) to a hospital or inter-facility hospital to hospital.

•             Aircraft communication equipment must be capable of communicating with the ground ambulance service or LZ Manager.
• Landing zones (space, clearance and weight restrictions) must be considered. Typical Rotary-Wing air ambulance requires an LZ of 150’ x 150’.
• Ground safety assurance and traffic control are important support requirements for injury and crash prevention.
• Rotary –Wing Air Ambulances are Licensed by the NJDHSS in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:40
• NIMS Typing

o    Type IV

• Advanced Life Support
• Crew= Two (2) , 1-Pilot & 1- Paramedic
• 1 Litter Patient
• Night Operations and VFR
• ALS Ambulance Equipment

o    Type III

• Advanced Life Support
• Crew= Three (3), 1-Pilot. 2-Paramedics or 1 paramedic and 1 nurse or physician
• 1 Litter Patients
• Night Operations and VFR
• Ability to deploy a medical team
• MICU equipment (i.e.: ventilators and infusion pumps, medications, blood)

o    Type II

• Advanced Life Support
• Staffing Same as Type III
• 2 or more litter patients
• Night Operations Capable & IFR
• Ability to deploy a medical team
• MICU equipment (i.e.: ventilators and infusion pumps, medications, blood)

o    Type I

• Advanced Life Support
• Staffing Same as Type II
• 2 or more litter patients
• Night Operations Capable & IFR
• Full SAR including hoist capabilities
• ALS Ambulance Equipment

 Radio Designator for radio use will be Rotary-Wing Air Ambulances Name and Number

 EXAMPLE: “Southstar”

 

 

Fixed Wing – is a fixed wing aircraft with an EMS Team with equipment, and supplies for patient transport and emergency medical care outside of a hospital, providing service from airport to airport.

• Fixed Wing service is primarily for moving injured or sick people located in disaster areas to medical facilities located outside the disaster area.
• Fixed-wing services require the use of an airport of sufficient length and access to a sufficient quantity of proper fuel type for the type of aircraft requested.
• Aircraft communication equipment must be capable of communicating with command center to coordinate with ground ambulance service.
• NIMS Typing

o    Type IV

• Basic Life Support
• Crew= Two (2) , 1-Pilot & 1- Paramedic
• 1 Litter Patient
• Night Operations Capable
• ALS Ambulance Equipment

o    Type III

• Advanced Life Support
• Crew= Three (3), 1-Pilot. 2-Paramedics or 1 paramedic and 1 nurse or physician
• 2 or more Litter Patients
• Night Operations Capable
• ALS Ambulance Equipment

 

o    Type II

• Critical Care and Advanced Life Support
• Staffing Same as Type III
• I litter patient
• Night Operations Capable & IFR
• Ability to deploy a medical team
• MICU equipment (i.e.: ventilators and infusion pumps, medications, blood)

o    Type I

• Critical Care and Advanced Life Support
• Staffing Same as Type II
• 2 or more litter patients
• Night Operations Capable & IFR
• Ability to deploy a medical team
• MICU equipment (i.e.: ventilators and infusion pumps, medications, blood)

 

Radio Designator for radio use will be the Fixed-Wing Air Ambulances Name & Number

EXAMPLE: “Lifeflight 3”

 

Category: EMS Rescue

 

“EMS Rescue” is a EMS apparatus that will be determined by the agencies requirements and policies and defined but not titled as in NFPA 1901, 3.3.153, “Special Services Fire Apparatus, a multipurpose vehicle that primarily provides support services at emergency scenes”.

The Apparatus will have a compliment of equipment which will include a hydraulic spreader, a hydraulic cutter, metal displacement equipment and a compliment of air bags (or other devices) combined with sufficient cribbing  to perform lifting of heavy equipment, machinery and vehicles Minimum staffing will be a minimum of two Vehicle Rescue Technicians Trained to the NFPA 1670 Standard.

 

 “EMS Rescue” is Radio Designator is – EXAMPLE: “ EMS Rescue 3699”

 

Category: Ambulance Strike Team

 

This is a group of five (5) BLS ground ambulances which all meet the criteria for NIMS Type IV with a common communications and a leader. It provides grouping of ambulances complete with supervisory element for organization command and control.  

 

Basic Capability:

• Common Communications
• Strike Team Leader
• NIMS Type IV Basic Life Support Ambulances
• 2 personnel (1 EMT and 1 Driver) per Ambulance
• An Ambulance Strike Team must have the capability of transporting a minimum of 10 litter patients

“EMS Strike Team” - EXAMPLE: “EMS Strike Team A”

Category: Special Operations

“ASAP ” is an off road vehicle which features a fully enclosed patient compartment which is capable of transporting a full size cot with seating for two attendants and a driver.

Radio Designator will be “ASAP” followed by the district #. Example: ASAP 10

“Bariatric Unit” is an ambulance equipped with a bariatric capable cot, ramps, winch and or other automatic cot loading system capable to safely transport patients weighing between 400 and 1000 lbs.

Radio Designator will be ”Bariatric” followed by the district #. Example Bariatric 36

“Mass Casualty Unit” is a vehicle or trailer equipped with bulk EMS Medical supplies including mutilated oxygen. These units should be equipped to supply treatment to 50-100 patients.

Radio Designator will be “Mass Casualty” followed by the district # Example: Mass Casualty 36

 

“Rehab” is a vehicle or trailer specially equipped with supplies and equipment to operate a Incident Rehabilitation efforts including relief from climatic conditions, rest& Recovery, Cooling or warming, Re-Hydration, Calorie & Electrolyte replacement, medical monitoring, member accountability and documentation in accordance with the NFPA 1584 Standard.   

Radio Designator will be “Rehab” followed by the district #, Example: Rehab 16

 

“Gator”  is an l all terrain vehicle equipped with a medical bed designed to transport a supine patient over off road terrain. This unit is staffed with a minimum of two (2) EMT personnel and equipped with BLS Supplies and Equipment with radio communications. 

Radio Designator will be “Gator” followed by district #, Example: Gator 23

 

“Quad” is a four wheel all terrain vehicle staffed by one EMT and equipped with BLS Supplies with a portable radio to access patients in off road environments. Quads have no patient transport capability.

Radio Designator will be “Quad” followed by district #, Example: Quad 16

 

“Bike Team” are two EMT personnel each on a bicycle equipped with BLS Supplies and Equipment with portable radios to quickly access patients in crowds and off road environments promptly to deliver BLS pre-hospital care.

  Radio Designator is “Bike Team” followed by district #, Example: Bike Team 36 , If more than one Bike Team in service from the same district the Radio Designator will add the appropriate sequential # to the district number. Example: Bike Team 361, Bike Team 362, etc.

 

“Medic Bike Team” are two Paramedics each on a bicycle equipped with ALS Supplies and Equipment with portable radios to quickly access patients in crowds and off road environments promptly to deliver ALS pre-hospital care.

  Radio Designator is “Medic Bike Team” followed by district #, Example: Medic Bike Team 15 , If more than one Bike Team in service from the same district the Radio Designator will add the appropriate sequential # to the district number. Example: Bike Team 151, Bike Team 152, etc.

         

“Marine” are boats that are assigned and equipped to perform water rescue operations. Marine Units will have a minimum of two personnel with one appropriately trained to operate a water craft in accordance with the law.  These Marine units will be equipped with the appropriate communications and safety equipment.

 Radio Designator is “Marine” followed by the district # and/or Station #.  EXAMPLE: Marine 363

 

“Utility” is a EMS Vehicle whose primary function is to provide basic and specialized tools and equipment to an incident.

 Radio Designator is “Utility” followed by the Station #, Example: Utility 179

 

“Support” .is an EMS Vehicle use to support EMS Operations at a incident, such as a van that is utilized to transport EMS Personnel and/or equipment and supplies to and from a incident scene.

Radio Designator is “Support” followed by the Station #, Example: Support 239

Radio Policy Manual

Addendum 2008 – 001

 

EMS Guideline Update – 3/3/08

 

Dispatch Category                                                                Dispatch Number

 

Fall Victims/Fracture                                                                          117

Based on correspondence from the Burlington County First Aid Council and discussion held the above noted date at the Radio Liaison meeting the following clarification is issued. All EMS requested dispatches regardless of nature and extent of injury will be dispatched as a Fall Victim when a fall has occurred or is believed to have occurred. Patient condition and nature will be provided on the appropriate response channel once the dispatched unit has initiated a response to the assignment

Special Assignment                                                                             134

Based on discussion held the above noted date at the Radio Liaison meeting the following clarification is issued. All EMS requested dispatches where NO fall has occurred and there is no complaint or injury and the only assistance request is for lifting or movement by the caller will be dispatched as follows:

Example: “Sta. 278 in Tarnsfield, 1 Greenwich Drive,  Cross Streets Quail Hollow Dr and Beacon St, A special assignment –patient assist, repeating Sta. 278  1 Greenwich Drive, a special assignment –patient assist.”

Radio Policy Manual

Addendum 2008 – 002

EMS Guideline Update – 7/31/08

Response Language  - “Hospital Mileage Transmissions”                                                           

Based on policy group discussions, an approved motion by the Burlington County First Aid Council and subsequent approval and confirmation by the Radio Liaison group ambulances will discontinue the practice of transmitting starting and ending mileage when commencing the trip to the hospital. Central communications will only respond to any such transmission with “OK Ambulance XXXX”. There will be no time announcements.

I. Purpose

To establish a common set of procedures and equipment needed to implement Large Diameter Hose strike teams using fire apparatus from different agencies.

The goal is to have a system in place for utilization of a Large Diameter Hose strike team when requested by any fire agency in the county.   This is to provide the maximum flow of water to a fire scene up to a mile away from the source.

Establish a common set of terms to be used by each member of the strike teams in order to eliminate a possibility for confusion.

Establish a recommended specification for agencies considering the purchase of an engine equipped to pump large diameter hose.

 

II. Scope

This guideline applies to all emergency agencies operating within Burlington County that have a need to request a large diameter hose strike team.

It is the intent of this guideline to ensure compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).  Standard terminology, strike team components, and other resources are identified using NIMS guidelines.

 

III. Definitions

Friction Loss: the pressure drop that occurs to water after it is pumped through appliances or sections of hose, usually referred to in 100 foot lengths of hoseline.

Fully Dressed Hydrant:  to utilize all the connections from the hydrant into the supply engine.

Gallons Per Minute (G.P.M.): The term that is used in discussing flow rate.

Large Diameter Discharge:  A gated discharge from the fire pump of which the inside diameter of all the plumbing is at least 3.5 inches.  A 4 inch or larger discharged would be desired.

Low Level Strainer:  A strainer that sits flat on the bottom of the portable pond, which allows the pond to be pulled down to 2 inches of water depth.  The strainer must have a minimum rating of 1,000 GPM.

Parallel Pumping: A two stage centrifugal pump using both impellers at equal pressure and flow rate, "volume" mode.

Pipeline:  5 inch Large Diameter Hose Strike Team consisting of at least 6 Type I engines carrying a minimum of 1,000’ of 5 inch hose.

Pipeline Fire Pump: Any pump mounted permanently on a piece of fire apparatus, with a rated discharge capacity of 1,500 G.P.M. or greater.

Portable Pond: A collapsible pond constructed with a tubular frame, carried on the apparatus capable of holding a minimum of 3,000 gallons of water.

Positive Displacement Pump Also Known as Priming Pump: A pump widely used in the fire service for priming operations.  This pump is able to pump air out of the main pump creating a vacuum, so that water can enter the main fire pump.

Positive Pressure Water Source: Any source of water supplied to the pumper that is under pressure, (hydrant, another pump, etc.).

Residual Pressure: A pressure reading from the intake side of the pump taken as water is being pumped from that source.

Revolutions Per Minute (R.P.M.) : The term used for measuring engine or pump speed.

Series Pumping: A two stage centrifugal pump, having water pumped from one impeller to the other impeller in order to increase the discharge pressure of the pump, ("pressure" mode).

Static Pressure: A pressure reading from the intake side of the pump taken prior to water being pumped from that source.

Static Water Source:  Any body of water, other than a positive pressure water source  that can be used by the driver to supply water  to the fire scene by the use of drafting.

Throttle Up: Raising the pump to the proper pressure for the LDH operation.  180-PSI maximum discharge pressure or 20 PSI on the compound gauge, whichever occurs first.

Wetting the Hose:  The process of filling the LDH with water, not exceeding 50 PSI.  To expend air from the hose line leading to the receiving engine.

 

IV. Apparatus and Equipment

The apparatus used in the 5-inch pipeline should meet the following specifications:

1,500 GPM fire pump

Minimum of 1,000 feet of 5-inch hose with stortz couplings

Minimum of one large diameter intake with bleeder, with safety pressure relief valve.

Minimum of one large diameter discharge

Each pipeline must be equipped with at least 60’ of hard suction tubes with a barrel strainer or floating dock.

A minimum crew of one qualified apparatus operator, and 3 firefighters.

 

V. Strike Teams

Large Diameter Hose pipelines will be established to respond upon a request from an incident commander or coordinator.

Agency participation in the pipeline will be voluntary.

Participants of each pipeline shall follow the same procedures.

The pipeline shall consist of at least six (6) engines, which meet the specifications listed in Section III.

A pipeline leader shall be selected for each pipeline to coordinate training.

The pipeline leaders should meet regularly to discuss modifications or update procedures.

Pipeline leaders shall organize at minimum one (1) exercise per year that includes laying 5,000 feet of 5” hose.

The pipeline leaders shall report their activities to the Fire Coordinator or designee responsible for the Large Diameter Hose project.

 

VI. Calls for Service

Any fire fighting agency in Burlington County may request a pipeline to respond into their area.  The incident commander is encouraged to determine the need for the pipeline at the earliest possible point in the incident.

A request for a pipeline will activate the County Coordinator and/or designee to respond with the pipeline.

The selection of the pipeline to respond must be based upon apparatus already committed to the assignment.  (A pipeline from another region may be needed since apparatus of the local pipeline would probably be committed to the assignment already!)

On large-scale incidents, consideration should be given to moving another pipeline from a farther region into a staging area.

Staging of the pipeline shall be away from the Level II staging.

To streamline the dispatch, the tones shall be sounded for all the pipeline companies, and then the following shall be announced:

Pipeline C “Charlie”, in Mount Laurel, Hartford Road and Marne Hwy., the Second alarm. and repeat.

Individual engines dispatched will not be announced.

If an engine needs to be added to fill out a pipeline, the announcement shall be as follows:

Pipeline C “Charlie”, Engine 3911, in Mount Laurel, Hartford Road and Marne Hwy., the Second alarm. and repeat.

Central Communications shall announce the radio channel assignment for the response.  Upon arrival on location, the pipeline leader shall direct the pipeline apparatus to the assigned channel for the operation.  (The R-4 channel in the region where the incident is locate will likely be the assigned channel unless unavailable due to previous assignments.)

 

VII. Procedure

The following procedure shall be followed when initiating a large diameter hose relay:

A team leader or coordinator will assume control of the pipeline and place the engines as they arrive.

The team leader shall determine from the incident commander where the supply of water is located.  The water supply selected must be capable of maintaining the desired flow.

The first in pipeline engine (with largest pump) will assume the position at the water source and set up to take in water.

for hydrant operations - fully dress the hydrant, use the most efficient means of flowing water from the hydrant into the pump. The front suction connection should not be used.

for drafting operations - attempt to locate a suction point with the least amount of lift.

The first engine will take in water to the pump as soon as it’s ready.  The operator shall record the static pressure.  If drafting is used, return the water into the source via nozzle or hose until the order for “throttle up” is given.  This will maintain the suction until the flow has been established.

The next engine will place the end of its 5-inch supply line under the tire of the supply engine’s furthest axle from the fire.  (This will allow for extra hose to be used for making connections.)  The engine will then begin to lay the line.

After the engine lays about two lengths of hose, the driver of the supply engine will then make the connection to its large diameter discharge.  The operator will then standby and wait for orders to charge the line.

After the engine lays 10 lengths of hose (1,000 feet), it will stop and take the supply line and connect it to the large diameter intake.  When the connection is made he will notify the supply engine to send the water (“wet the hose”).  The supply engine will send the water to wet the hose to 50 P.S.I.

The next engine will come to the end of the relay and follow the same procedure as listed in # 5 to # 7.  This procedure shall be followed until the relay reaches the fireground.  The Pipeline Leader shall direct engines not used in the relay to staging for possible redeployment.

When the entire relay is complete, upon the order to “throttle up”, the supply engine will raise the pressure until it reaches a maximum 180 PSI discharge pressure or minimum 20 PSI residual pressure whichever occurs first.  Radio traffic should be kept to a minimum.

Each engine thereafter will do the same.  It will take a few minutes for the pressures to level out.

There should be a location for each engine in the relay to dump off water if necessary to relieve pressure or keep their pumps from overheating. 

When it is determined that the LDH supply is to be shut down, an announcement via radio will be announced, and the supply engine will start winding down the throttle slowly.

Each operator of the relay engines will then wind their throttles down slowly.

 

VIII.  Conclusion

At the conclusion of the incident, the pipeline leader will meet with the incident commander to determine if changes could have been made to improve the delivery of water to the scene.

A critique of the water supply operation should be scheduled as soon as practical following the incident.

A report should be made to the Fire Coordinator listing details of the operation, estimated flow rate and recommend any changes in policy or procedures.

Any recommended changes will be evaluated by the LDH work group and if approved, shall be implemented as the procedure for all pipelines.

 

IX. Closing

All fire departments in Burlington County shall receive a copy of this plan.  All Chief Officers shall become familiar with this plan.

Any plan previously published that is in conflict with this plan is hereby rescinded.