It is the policy of the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department to provide and operate with the highest levels of safety and health for all members and that of the general public.  The prevention and reduction of accidents, injuries and occupational illness is one of the goals of the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department. This concern for safety and health applies to all department members and to any other persons who may be involved in any Fire Department activity.

                    SECTION                                                                        PAGE
                A: Duties of Firefighters                                                             2
                B: Duties of Officers                                                                  6
                C: Duties of Drivers                                                                   7
                D: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus                                     10
                E: Protective Clothing                                                               14
                F: Safety Officer                                                                       15
                G: Blood borne Pathogens                                                        16
                H: Cold Water Rescue                                                              22
                I: Fire Fighter Classification 26

 While these guidelines help define the requirements and procedures of the Department, it is acknowledged that the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department operates under its' adopted By-Laws.  These Standard Operating Procedures serve to clarify required actions and goals of all departmental members.  When an apparent conflict occurs between these procedures and the By-laws of this Department the more stringent standard, or combination of standards, shall be adopted until the matter can be resolved.
 
 
 
 

REVISED JANUARY 17^TH, 1993

 A: Duties of Firefighters

 1)  Firefighters are to respond to all alarms for which they are available.
 2)  All Firefighters are to respond to a station upon transmission of an alarm to obtain an apparatus.  Between the hours of 18:00 to 06:00 all line officers are to respond directly  to the scene, unless passing a fire station.  Between the hours of 06:00 and 18:00, all officers,  are to respond directly to a fire station to obtain an apparatus.
 3)  Firefighters will operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner, as dictated by New York State Law while responding to an alarm.  NO TRAFFIC LAW OF THIS STATE SHALL EVER BE DISREGARDED AT ANY TIME!  Any blinking or flashing light on a firefighters' vehicle is a courtesy light only, and its' use is a privilege not a right.  Blue lights demand no special rights and no operator of a motor vehicle must yield the right of way to one.
 4)  The first firefighter to arrive on the scene shall take command of the incident.  Such command may involve, and is not limited to:
                  a)  Initial size-up
                  b)  Communication with "Fire Control" regarding  information pertaining to the incident, such as nature of the alarm
                         and requests for Mutual Aid or other forms of assistance.
                  c)  Command of initial attack (if indicated), obtaining and maintaining a discharge (if indicated) and protection
                        of life and property.

 The interim commander shall adhere to all fire service principles and shall not deviate from departmental polices.  Said commander will AT NO TIME place a member of the Department in personal danger above and beyond normal fire fighting hazards while attempting to protect the life and/or property of the general public.  If in doubt, or if the incident is beyond the training of the interim commander, assistance will be sought from outside sources before any action is taken. The interim commander will pass command to line officer when any such arrive upon the scene.
 5)  Upon arrival upon the scene, each Firefighter shall place his/her number tag upon the turn signal stalk of the attack apparatus.  Such tag to be collected by the Safety Officer or their assigns.  Tags shall not be returned to the firefighter until:
       a)  The conclusion of the incident, during the departmental critique.

 6)  All Firefighters are to remain at the scene until relieved by the Chief.
 7)  All Firefighters are to wear the following protective clothing during all incidents:
   a) Grass and brush fires:
     Helmet, gloves and boots (or work boots)
   b)  All other Alarms:
     Helmet, Turn out coat, bunker pants and boots
     (optional: long boots which are extended) gloves and hood

 8)  Air packs will be worn for all interior fire-fighting, and any other condition where smoke, toxins or other hazards may be present and/or as directed by the commanding officer.  No air pack shall used without an active P.A.S.S. unit affixed to the harness of the air pack.  A Firefighter may prepare him/herself for entrance to a hazardous environment and not affix a P.A.S.S. unit if the Firefighter is "staged" for entrance.  The "staged" firefighter will obtain a P.A.S.S. unit from an exiting Firefighter before making entrance into the hazardous environment. (amended April, 1993)
 9)  Personal vehicles will be parked as far removed from the incident as is practical to allow emergency vehicles access to the scene.  All personal vehicles will be parked on the side of the road opposite from the incident, unless directed otherwise by the Fire Police.
 10)  Any orders given by a Line Officer will be carried out as directed and in a timely manner.  If for some reason a firefighter can not carry out that order, then the firefighter should request that another individual be given the assignment.  The issue should be discussed and resolved as soon as practical.
 11)  All firefighters shall report to the established staging area, located next to the initial attack truck, and will remain there until given direction by a line officer.  Upon completion of their assignment, each firefighter will return to the staging area.
 12)  The Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department acknowledges the need for team work in our department.  No firefighter shall attempt a task relating to fire suppression without an assistant.
The need to be aware of your partner, and his/her location and condition can not be transferred to another member.
 13)  All injuries will be reported to the incident commander as soon as possible, no matter how small.
 14)  No Firefighter will ever respond to an alarm while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drug that may affect his/her mental or physical abilities (as noted by a physician, pharmacist, or on the label of the prescription), or "recreational" drug.
 15)  Each new Firefighter must complete "Essentials of Firemanship" as offered by Washington County.  Such course is offered by the County on a repeating basis and the new member must attend and pass the first locally available course.  Every active firefighter must attend and pass the Company held refresher program in order to maintain status as an active firefighter.
 16)  In the event that it becomes necessary to evacuate a structure, the Incident Commander will order an apparatus to sound its' air horn.  Any Firefighters engaged in interior activities will leave the structure immediately.
 

B:  Duties of Officers

 1)  All officers shall follow the operating and safety procedures of the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department.  Officers will insure their directives are understood when issued.  All officers shall use standard fire fighting practices and skills.    2)  No officer shall issue a command that can not be carried out by a firefighter, or is beyond the training of that firefighter.
 2)  The first arriving officer shall establish command when he/she arrives on the scene.
 3)  Officers arriving after command is established will consult with the incident commander to obtain instructions.  If command is transferred, such transfer will be announced.
 4)  Officers will ensure that all firefighters are using all proper protective equipment.
 5)  If any officer feels that his/her orders were willfully disobeyed, then such issue must be resolved at the conclusion of the incident.
 

C: Duties of Drivers

 1)  All Firefighters are to respond to a station upon transmission of an alarm to obtain an apparatus.  Between the hours of 18:00 to 06:00 all line officers are to respond directly  to the scene, unless passing a fire station.  Between the hours of 06:00 and 18:00, all officers, are to respond directly to a fire station to obtain an apparatus.
 2)  Drivers are to respond with apparatus needed for the type of alarm.
  a)  Structure Fires: All units
  b)  Grass and Brush: ETA-232 & E-231
  c)  MVA, with or without PI: ETA-232, 233
      If in dual coverage with Argyle, ETA-233 only
  d)  Pleasant Valley Infirmary: ETA-232, 233 & E-231
  e)  Mutual Aid: ETA-233 or as requested
  f)  Stand-by: ETA-233, or as requested.
  g)  Fire Police calls: E-231
  h)  Any alarm in dual coverage area with Argyle,
   ETA-232.  If a grass & brush, then E-231
  i)  All others:  All units.
    Amended 2/11/95
 When the Firefighter is in doubt, they are to bring the apparatus.
 3)  Drivers will operate their units in a safe and responsible manner, as dictated by New York State Law.  NO TRAFFIC LAW OF THIS STATE SHALL EVER BE DISREGARDED AT ANY TIME!
 4)  No Firefighter will ever operate an apparatus while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drug that may affect his/her driving abilities (as noted by a physician, pharmacist, or on the label of the prescription), or "recreational" drug.
 5)  Operation of a unit in "emergency mode" is at the discretion of the driver, as road or other conditions may preclude such operation.  "Emergency mode" includes operation of warning lights and siren.  When in transit on the highways and roads of our district (or surrounding districts) with warning lights on, the siren of that truck shall also be in operation, without regard to time of day.
 6)  When responding with an apparatus, inform Fire Control that the unit is responding unless directed to do otherwise by a line officer or dispatcher.
 7)  All riders must be seated while the apparatus is in motion.  No firefighter will ever ride upon the rear of an  apparatus.
8)  Drivers should approach the scene following established practices for the type of alarm.  S/he shall protect the apparatus from exposure at all costs and remember that once the truck is committed to a location, it is impossible to relocate.  If a line officer is present upon arrival, the driver is to contact the officer for instructions regarding placement and attack.
 9)  When apparatus is parked at an incident, or in stationary mode for any reason, the following safety precautions will be taken:
  a)  Parking brake applied.
  b)  Wheel chock in position.
  c)  Driving lights off.
The only exception to a & b above is when the units are in station.
 10)  Under normal conditions, the driver is responsible for obtaining a discharge from his truck and operation of the pump and related equipment.  Exceptions to this rule are under the order of a line officer or the driver of a tanker.  Tanker operators should remain in the cab of the unit and allow an assistant to obtain discharge from the tank.
 11)  No driver shall leave a unit unattended unless under orders of a line officer.
 12)  When operating a unit in reverse, the driver shall seek assistance to guide him/her in order to protect surrounding property and the apparatus itself.
 13)  No Warning lights, sirens or other devices shall be operated when returning to station, during drills (except when parked as a hazard warning), responding to a stand by or any other non emergency activity.
 14)  Drivers are responsible for the safety of the truck, equipment, and personnel on the apparatus.
 15)  No member under the age of 18 shall drive a truck.
 16)  Members under the age of 21 shall not drive a truck for the purpose of driver training without a qualified driver over the age of 21 present in the cab of the vehicle.  Members will not drive a truck to or from a scene of alarm unless the following conditions exist:
  a)  In case of alarm or other emergency.

D: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

1)  SELECTION OF SCBA:
      All SCBA units selected or considered for purchase must comply with the current NFPA, NIOSH, MSA and/or OSHA standards. No unit will be purchased which does not meet these standards.  Whenever possible, SCBA units will be made to conform to current standards when they are brought to a factory service repair center for repairs.
2) TRAINING OF USERS:
      C.V.F.D. Will provide, free of charge, training of all active Firefighters in proper SCBA use.
 A) Training will include, but is not limited to:
         i)   Proper use
         ii)  Proper care
         iii) Proper storage
   B) Such training is to take place on a quarterly basis.
       i)   Each training period is to consist of three hours.
       ii)  Training materials provided through:
           a)  Washington County Bureau of Fire Prevention
           b)  N.Y.S. Dept. of State
   C) "Hands on" training shall be an integral part of the training program.
   D) The main objective of this training will be to instruct firefighters in the proper use of SCBA and in its' limitations.
   E) Training shall be provided by a person, or persons who has had "Breathing Apparatus Maintenance" as provided by the New York State Fire Academy.
    F)  Each firefighter who partakes of the SCBA training shall have a physical exam performed by a Medical Practitioner that documents the firefighter is physically fit to partake of the duties required by him/her.  In addition the firefighter shall be "fit-tested" to demonstrate that the firefighter can obtain a face seal with the SCBA used in this department.  Such tests shall be performed in accordance with any and all O.S.H.A. requirements.  Every Firefighter who meets these requirements shall have a white "flame" decal placed upon the right rear of his/her helmet.
3)  CARE OF SCBA UNIT
         In all cases, C.V.F.D. will conform with the instructions provided to it by the manufacturer of the SCBA unit.  These instructions include, but are not limited to:
            A) Cleanliness       B)  Storage
            C) Inspection        D)  Routine Maintenance
            E) Testing of air cylinders
            F)  Factory Repair
 C.V.F.D. will provide for training of at least one person who shall take part in "Breathing Apparatus Maintenance" which is provided by the New York State Fire Academy.  This person or persons shall:
   A) Perform monthly inspections on all SCBA units
     B) Assure that all SCBA units are properly
         i)  Maintained
          ii)  Cleaned
          iii)  Stored
  C) Maintain all records of inspection and repairs on all SCBA units.
  D) Assure that all units are used in accordance with manufactures instructions.
  E) Provide all SCBA training for all active firefighters.
    No repairs to any SCBA of any nature shall be performed by any person other than those people who have completed an approved maintenance program.  No repair or adjustment to any SCBA unit shall be made when instructions for said repair are not provided for in the O & S manual.

4)   USE OF SCBA UNITS:
  A) In all cases, all users shall comply with the O&S manual provided with the unit in question.  Failure to comply with the O&S manual shall be failure to comply with the S.O.P. of the C.V.F.D.
   B) C.V.F.D. accepts American National Standard Z88.5-1973 (7.4), "Face plate fit, tests and procedures".  Devices shall not be worn when physical conditions prevent a good face seal.  Such conditions include, but are not limited to:
          i) Beard  ii)  Sideburns  iii)  Goatee
         iv)  Temple pieces on eyeglasses v)  Clothing
Chin straps shall not be fastened in such a way that loss of helmet would pull the face piece away from the face.  Fit of the face piece shall be checked BY THE USER EACH TIME S/HE PUTS ON THE DEVICE.
  C) C.V.F.D. uses the "buddy system".  No firefighter will enter a structure which is involved in fire, or any other hazardous conditions or atmosphere, without SCBA protection and a second firefighter with similar  protection.
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!
If the firefighter is in doubt, s/he is to refer to the incident commander.  Where possible, the incident commander shall provide for a "back up" team, equipped to enter a hazardous condition in the event such assistance is needed by the primary team.
 D)  Prior to entering any hazardous condition or atmosphere the user must assure that the SCBA unit is operating properly.  Such procedures are defined by the O&S manual.  The users' SCBA should be inspected by a second party prior to entering a hazardous atmosphere.
  E) If, during operation, any defect is noted in the operation of the SCBA unit, or the potential for a defect (such as a low air warning), the user is to exit the area with his/her partner WITHOUT DELAY. There is no exception to this rule.
 F) After each use, the SCBA unit shall be inspected by the user. ANY AND ALL defects shall be reported to approved maintenance personnel.  If needed, the unit will be repaired, adjusted or removed from service.  If the unit is removed from service, the ranking officer will be informed.
 G) After each use, the user will clean the SCBA unit according to the O&S manual.
 H) Only trained firefighters shall use SCBA devices.  Any firefighter who uses SCBA who is not qualified to do so is in violation of C.V.F.D. policy.  Qualification includes requirements in this S.O.P. and any other requirement that might be found in the by-laws of this department or any other S.O.P.  While only SCBA qualified firefighters may enter a hazardous environment, no firefighter shall enter a hazardous environment unless directed to do so by a line officer.

E: Protective Clothing

 1)  Full protective clothing shall be worn at all times when operating on the fire ground or other incidents, when ever an actual or potential hazard exists and as ordered by a line officer.
 2)  Full protective clothing shall include:
  a)  Helmet with face shield lowered so as to protect      the eyes.
  b)  Fire restive hood.
  c)  Bunker pants with boots, or full length boots which     are fully extended.
  d)  Fire restive turnout coat.
  e)  Gloves.
 3)  Firefighters who respond to an incident without the proper protective clothing will not be allowed to enter the fire perimeter or incident area until the proper protective clothing is procured.
 4)  Line officers may use their discretion to regulate the amount and type of protective clothing required when faced with an unusual circumstance.  Such circumstances may include assisting an EMS member with lifting a patient.  In any case protection of the firefighters is paramount and protection of health and safety must be considered.  It is the intent of this section that all members be fully prepared to engage in fire fighting operations in a safe manner.

F: Safety Officer

  Through this section, a Safety Officer will overlook the operations at all incidents and make sure all operations are conducted in the safest manner possible.  It is the intent of the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department to provide the highest level of safety to its' members and the  general public at all incidents.
 1)  The Fire Chief or Line officers shall be directly responsible for the safety of all personnel of an operation.  In order to assist them carry out this responsibility the Chief shall appoint a Safety Officer.
 2)  The Safety Officer shall be  responsible for maintaining safe working conditions at all incident locations.  The Safety Officer will be responsible for all people at the incident scene.
 3)  All personnel shall be trained in firefighter safety so that in the absence of the Safety Officer the Incident Commander can appoint a firefighter to the position for the duration of the incident or until the arrival of the Safety Officer.
 4)  The Safety Officer may also be used for fire suppression at the start of an incident.  This will be at the discretion of the Incident Commander.
 5)  The Safety Officer will observe the operations at an incident with his/her main objective being to evaluate the risks to firefighters.  Such observations may include, but are not limited to:
 a)  Fire conditions.  b)  Building stability
 c)  Firefighter condition d)  Vehicle traffic
 e)  Tactical operations  f)  Special Hazards
 6)  Should a hazard or unacceptable risk be found, the Safety Officer should immediately notify the Incident Commander.
 7)  Where firefighter safety is in immediate jeopardy by a hazard, the Safety Officer has the authority to stop and correct the problem immediately.  The Safety Officer will report this to the Incident Commander with out delay.
 

G: Blood Borne Pathogens
I   Scope
 The infection control plan is a core element used to reduce worker risk of infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV or AIDS).  This policy establishes guidelines to be followed in accordance with the OSHA Standard for Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens (Dec. 6, 1991). Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR Part 1910.1030).
II Exposure Determination
 1)  Firefighters with potential for exposure include those firefighters involved with such activities, but not limited to:
  a) treatment of injured people involved in motor vehicle accidents
  b) life rescue operations
  c) assisting EMS personnel
  d) CPR
 2)  Exposure (or potential exposure) means actual (or potential) contact with skin, mucous membranes or potentially with any of the following:
  a) blood
  b) body fluids
  c) body tissue which is infected with HBV or HIV
 It should be assumed that all contact with these fluids is infectious.
III Task Evaluation
 1)  Worker tasks are classified into one of the following categories for potential exposure:
  a)  Category I:  Routine tasks involve exposure to blood and body fluids or tissue.  Tasks include: Venipuncture, finger sticks, sigmoidoscopy, immunizations, first aid, pap smears, cleaning contaminated instruments.
  b)  Category II:  Routine tasks involve no exposure to blood and body fluids, but in emergency first aid/CPR, tasks in category I may be performed.  Tasks may include First aid or CPR.
  c)  Category III:  Tasks involve no exposure to blood or body fluids.  Tasks: activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood.
IV Engineering Controls
 1)  Disposable, puncture resistant sharps containers (for used syringes and needles, scalpels etc.)
 2)  Biohazard bags/boxes for disposing of infectious waste.    These are marked with Biohazard label or sign.
  A)  Currently, disposal is done by Glens Falls Hospital and Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge through the Emergency Service Providers, such as Argyle and Easton-Greenwich EMS.
V Universal Precautions
 1)  Hands should be washed with soap and water after glove removal and any potential exposure.
 2)  Contaminated needles or any sharps shall not be bent, recapped or removed.  Place immediately in appropriate container.
 3)  Protective barrier clothing (gowns, masks or goggles) will be available and worn when there is potential for splashing of body fluids.
 4)  Surgical gloves must be available to wear for Venipuncture, finger sticks and any other procedure involving body fluids.  They should always be worn when the worker has any abrasions or breaks in the skin of his/her hands.
 5)  Any spills or any contaminated work surface should be cleaned promptly with 1:100 solution of 5.25% hypochlorite
(ie: Clorox) and water.
 6)  All face masks and resuscitation equipment should be disposed of after use if possible or cleaned and soaked with 1:100 Clorox solution.  Pocket masks with one-way valves should be available for use for CPR.  (All resuscitation equipment we have on site is disposable).
 7)  CPR training-follow manufacturers recommendation for sanitary practices.  (referring to mannequins)
 8)  Food and drinks will not be kept in refrigerators that store or have stored any type of body fluids and/or tissues. Category I-all universal precautions should be implemented and accessible
 Category II-the above precautions #1,3,5,6,7 should be implemented and accessible
 Category III-the above precautions #1,5 should be accessible as well as using utility cleaning gloves.
VI Training
 1)  Initial and annual training programs should be established for Category I & II.  The program should include:
  a) Make accessible a copy of the regulatory text of thestandard and explanation of its contents.
  b) An explanation/discussion on blood borne diseases including mode of transmission.
  c) Recognize and differentiate Category I & II tasks.
  d) Know the types of protective clothing and equipment appropriate for category I & II tasks and understand the basis for selection of clothing and equipment.
    e) Be familiar with appropriate actions to take and persons to contact if unplanned Category I tasks are encountered.
  F) Be familiar with and understand all the requirements for work practices and protective equipment specified in SOPs' covering the tasks they perform.
  g) Know where protective clothing and equipment is kept, how to use it properly and dispose of contaminated clothing or equipment.
  h) Know and understand the limitations of protectiveclothing and equipment.  For example, ordinary gloves offer no protection against needle stick injuries or sharp objects.  Firefighters should be on guard against a sense of security not warranted by the protective equipment being used.
  i) Know the corrective actions to take in the event of spills or personal exposure to fluids or tissues, the appropriate reporting procedures, the medica  monitoring recommended in cases of suspected parenterial exposure.
  j) Know what constitutes an exposure.
VII HBV Vaccination
 1)  HBV vaccination must be made available to all employees in Category I & II.
 2)  The vaccine must be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed physician.
 3)  The standard requires employers (Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department) to offer the vaccine at company expense and on a voluntary basis.
 4)  The firefighter that declines the vaccine must sign a declination, but may change their mind at a later date.
 5)  Prior to administering the vaccine, a firefighter may  request (at no cost to him/her) HBV antibody testing.
 6)  Recommended HBV vaccine schedule:
  a) 1st dose-1 cc Recombivax B (or similar HBV vaccine)
  b) 2nd dose-1 cc Recombivax B (1) one month after 1st dose.
  c) 3rd dose-1 cc Recombivax B (6) months after 1st dose.
  It is recommended that an immunity titer be drawn 1-6 months after last dose.  A titer should be done again in three years if necessary arises.  CDC (Center of Disease Control)  recommendations for booster doses should be followed closely and comply with any changes in policy
VIII Medical Management
 Any occupational related incident/accident with possible exposure to HBV should be handled as follows:
 1)  Report incident to Officer in Charge.
 2)  Wash exposed site with soap and water.
 3)  If eye or mucous membrane exposure, flush with copious amount of water.
 4)  Tetanus booster if more than 10 years since last one.
 5)  If possible to identify source, send needle or contaminant to lab for HBV and HIV testing.
 6)  If the source individual consents, draw a blood sampleand send for HBV and HIV testing.  New York State law   mandates informed consent.
 7)  Obtain consent from exposed firefighter and do blood test for HBV and HIV.  Repeat in six weeks, three months and one year for seroconversion.
 8)  Administer to exposed employee the Hepatitis B vaccine (if not already received) if source person is positive for HBV, also HBIG within seven days of exposure if   necessary.  If exposed employee has received Hepatitis B vaccine, test for antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen.  If level is inadequate, administer one dose of vaccine and one dose of HBIG.
 9)  Offer counseling to individual if needed.
 10) Within 15 days of exposure, the attending physician shall have a confidential written evaluation in firefighters health record.  (Include cause of incident, duties, protective equipment used, results of lab tests, treatment, notification of employee)
IX   Record Keeping
 Records shall be maintained on each employee with potential exposure.  Include:
 1)  Firefighter name and social security number.
 2)  A copy of firefighters Hepatitis B vaccination dates and status and date of follow up immunity testing.
 3)  Confidential medical records as required for exposure incident or medical surveillance.
 4)  Records must be kept for duration of service time plus 30 years.
 5)  Training records shall include date of training, content of session, all attendees names and firefighter rank.
 6)  Records will be transferred as required by Federal Law 29 CFR 1910.2
 
 

SAMPLE OF VACCINATION RECORD.
 

COSSAYUNA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
COSSAYUNA, N.Y.

NAME (please print):
SIGNATURE:
  DATE   SITE   INITIALS  LOT#
1st Dose
2nd Dose
3rd Dose
 

TO BE RETURNED BY FIREFIGHTER TO FIRE CHIEF AFTER EACH VACCINE
HAS BEEN RECEIVED

H. Cold Water Rescue

 I. Purpose:
 The function of the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department Cold Water Rescue Team is to provide rescue and support capabilities to those persons who are confined in a cold water environment and are unable to remove themselves from the environment.  While much of the equipment provided by the Department is similar to equipment used in rapid water rescue, the techniques required for rapid water rescue differs greatly from still water rescue.  For this reason, the Department is not to engage in rapid water rescue in situations where Firefighter personnel must enter the water to affect a rescue.  Such conditions include, but are not limited to:  Flood water, Rapids and low or high head Dam entrapment.
 II.  Firefighter Safety:
 Acknowledging the inherent dangers of any rescue operation, the Incident Commander is charged with the safety of all personnel on the scene.  The Incident Commander may, at his or her discretion, designate a temporary Safety Officer or use the services of the appointed Safety Officer.  The duties and responsibilities of the Safety Officer being defined in section "F" of this document.  Regardless of the aforementioned, all Rescue and Firefighter personnel are reminded of the primary concern during any and all operations: Firefighter safety first!
 A)  Cold water rescue attempts shall proceed in a reach, throw, go progression.  Sending a team to the victim shall be the course of last resort but depending on conditions may be the only alternative to the Incident Commander.
 B)  Protective Equipment:
  1) Protective equipment for all personnel located over a body of water shall include a P.F.D.(Personal Flotation Device), unless the individual is wearing an approved cold water rescue suit.  Turnout gear shall not be worn while in operation over a body of water.  Any individual attempting a "go" type rescue shall wear an approved cold water rescue suit.
  2)  Any individual attempting a "go" rescue shall be securely tethered with an approved belay line to a secure location, such location may or may not be located on land depending on terrain or location.
  3)  Equipment designated for rescue use shall be used for rescue attempts only and shall not be used for any other purpose.
 C)  No member of the Department is to attempt a cold water rescue without proper support teams in place.  The only methods of rescue to be attempted alone are to be either "reach" or "throw".  No member shall attempt a "go" rescue unless they are properly trained and approved by the Chief.
 III Mutual Aid Support:
 In the event of a reported victim in the water, the following will automatically be dispatched by the Washington County Communications Center, in the following order:
 A)  Cossayuna Fire, First Responders & Cold Water Rescue Team
 B)  Nearest A.L.S. Rescue Squad
 c)  Salem Fire Department Ice Rescue Team.
 D)  Washington County Sheriff Dive Team
 E)  D.E.C. with Airboat
 F)  Police Department: To provide crowd control & scene security.
 G)  Any other organization, group or resource that may assist in prompt recovery, treatment or transportation of the victim.  These resources may include, but are not limited to: other Fire Departments, Rescue Squads or advanced transportation methods such as air transport. If the possibility exists that a resource may be needed, the first responding officer or Incident Commander should alert the proper authorities to the need and insure a prompt response of the resource.

 IV "GO" Rescue Attempts:

 In the event that neither "Reach" nor "Throw" attempts of rescue are successful, or if in the opinion of the Incident Commander are not appropriate, a "go" method of rescue will be attempted.  Realizing that each incident has its' own set of circumstances, it is not appropriate to define a range of rules or options, however the following guidelines may assist the Incident Commander.
 A)  It is not required to have two firefighters retrieve a victim.  In many cases, the added weight of a two person rescue team may cause a failure of the ice surrounding the victim.  In cases of multiple victims, it may be appropriate to remove one victim to shore and have a second firefighter retrieve the needed equipment from the first victim and then proceed onto the ice to secure the second victim.
 B)  Proper care of the victim is the responsibility of the Incident Commander.  Unnecessary movement of the victim during all stages of transport (including over ice) will not be beneficial to the victim and may cause increased medical problems.  Depending on exposure duration, it may be necessary to transport the victim to an advanced trauma unit and advanced modes of transportation may be required.  The Incident Commander must communicate with the A.L.S. Team to determine their needs and prepare for "worst case scenarios".
 C)  The Incident Commander is responsible for the safety of all personnel on the scene.  At no time shall the Incident Commander allow firefighters on areas of ice that may not support the combined weight of the team.  The Incident Commander may define an area that is suitable for a base of operations on the ice in order to belay another firefighter, but personnel on the ice must be kept to a minimum.  It is acceptable to anchor a belay line on land, have a firefighter on belay in a less than optimum location regarding ice thickness (providing cold water suits are in use) and then have a second firefighter retrieve the victim while on belay using the first firefighter as an anchor.  Using this method, the team is anchored to a secure location and can be removed from any hazard by the shore team.
  The primary concern in all cases is the safety of the rescue team.  A proper anchor must be provided for at all times.  While it is preferred to anchor from a location on land, it is acceptable to provide an anchor from the ice surface providing that the ice is capable of supporting the combined weight of the full rescue team.

 V  Qualifications and classifications of Team Members:

 In order to be qualified as a Cold Water Rescue Team member, said member will attend both classroom and practical drills and must display their knowledge and ability to safely and efficiently extricate a victim from the adverse environment.
  Classification of Cold Water team members are as follows:
  a) Belay Team
  b)  Cold Water Rescuer
Team members may be trained in either one or both of the above classifications.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I: Classification of Fire Fighters:

 In order for the incident commander to properly assign tasks to individual Fire Fighters that do not exceed their training, the following classification system will be used.
 Class A Firefighter:
 A Class A Firefighter shall, as a minimum:
  1)  Have completed Essentials of Fire Fighting
  2)  Have demonstrated their ability to secure an acceptable seal with the face piece of a SCBA using a model of SCBA currently in use by the Department
  3)  Have submitted to, and passed, a physical examination by the company physician.  Such exam to ensure that the fire fighter does not place him/her self in un-due medical risk while performing the strenuous activities of fire fighting.
  4)  Have maintained their status as an active fire fighter.  Such standards include, but are not limited to:
   a)  Completed annual 8 hour safety refresher program.
   b)  Maintained SCBA certification through department training program.
   c)  Maintained active fire fighter status as defined in this document, and the Departmental By-Laws.
  5)  Have demonstrated to the Chief their ability to safely and efficiently perform the functions of an interior fire fighter while exhibiting all due regard for the safety of their team  members and the civilian population.

 Class A Fire Fighters shall be allowed to engage in any and all levels of structural or other forms of fire fighting, including interior attack.  Depending upon their level of training as provided by either the Department, Washington County Bureau of Fire or New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, additional duties may be allowed but in no case shall they proceed to a level higher than their current training standard.
 Class B Fire Fighter:
 A Class B Firefighter shall, as a minimum:
  1)  Have completed Essentials of Fire Fighting
  2)  Have submitted to, and passed, a physical examination by the company physician.  Such exam to ensure that the fire fighter does not place him/her self in un-due medical risk while performing the strenuous activities of fire fighting.
  4)  Have maintained their status as an active fire fighter.  Such standards include, but are not limited to:
    a)  Completed annual 8 hour safety refresher program.
    b)  Maintained active fire fighter status as defined in this document, and the Departmental By-Laws.
  5)  Have demonstrated to the Chief their ability to    safely and efficiently perform the functions of a fire fighter while exhibiting all due regard for the safety of their team members and the civilian population.

 Class B Fire Fighters shall be allowed to engage structural or other forms of fire fighting, up to but excluding interior attack.  Class B Fire Fighters shall not perform any function that would require the use of SCBA, and so will not be allowed to expose themselves to a hazardous atmosphere.  Depending upon their level of training as provided by either the Department, Washington County Bureau of Fire or New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, additional duties may be allowed but in no case shall they proceed to a level higher than their current training standard.
 Class C Fire Fighters:
 A Class C Firefighter shall, as a minimum:
  1)  Have maintained their status as an active fire fighter.  Such standards include, but are not limited to:
    a)  Maintained active fire fighter status as defined in this document, and the Departmental By-Laws.
  2)  Have demonstrated to the Chief their ability to safely and efficiently perform their assigned tasks while exhibiting all due regard for the safety of their team members and the civilian population.

 Class C Fire Fighters shall not be allowed to engage in structural or other forms of fire fighting.  Class C Fire Fighters shall not perform any function that would require the use of SCBA, and so will not be allowed to expose themselves to a hazardous atmosphere.  Depending upon their level of training as provided by either the Department, Washington County Bureau of Fire or New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, additional duties may be allowed but in no case shall they proceed to a level higher than their current training standard.
 

Adopted July, 1996