The one question that needs to be asked about of any accountability system that may be in place is, does it dictate or control fireground operations?
What does this mean?
Some fire departments have pre-arrival assignments that are dictated by arriving apparatuses in a numerical order and/or by seat assignments within the apparatus.
These assignments are designed to get the operation started as quickly as possible with minimal interference in order to address the three main fire ground priorities: life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation.
Assignments can be arranged by the number of personnel responding on a regular basis and also by the type of apparatus. For example, an engine company arriving first on scene may have the designated task to pull the first hand line and get it into position.
The second arriving engine company will have the designated task of establishing the water supply while the rest of the company pulls and establishes the secondary or back up hand line. While this is being done, the first arriving truck company will have the designated task of beginning a primary search as well as forcible entry.
IC’s role
The incident commander and accountability officer can track personnel on that scene based upon the pre-arrival assignments of each arriving apparatus. From that point on, all of the other arriving companies can report in to command to receive their assignment based upon the need.
This type of system decreases the amount of time needed to get the operation going on arrival.
Some fire departments do not have pre-arrival assignments and rely upon the incident commander to assign tasks to crews once on scene. This sometimes requires all personnel to report to the incident commander to officially “tag” in for accountability purposes and then receive their assignment.
Control freelancing
This process adds time to the overall operation and can hinder effective and fast tactics from being employed. One reason for this type of system is to ensure that all personnel are accounted for from the time they arrive on scene.
This may be the case for smaller volunteer departments where members may respond directly to the scene as opposed to the station first, then to the scene. It is one way to reduce freelancing from occurring.
In order for our question to be answered, department personnel need to examine their response protocols and determine if they are meeting the needs of the department’s objectives. Upon close examination of these protocols if deemed not be as effective as they could be, then adjustments can be made in order to become more effective on the fire ground.
If the response protocols do meet the needs of the department, then ensuring that the system for accountability is used on a consistent basis will be the focus.
In the end, a solid system for accountability improves safety and effectiveness. It is not something we can afford to overlook.
