By Ken Robinson
FireRescue1 Staff
LOWER CHICHESTER, Pa. — NIOSH investigators say a lack of firefighter team continuity, an absence of relevant SOGs, and suboptimal incident command and risk management were contributing factors in the death of a Pennsylvania firefighter in a basement fire.
Volunteer Lt. Nicholas Picozzi, of the Lower Chichester Fire Company, was fighting a fire in the basement of a structure when he failed to evacuate with fellow firefighters as the fire intensified in March 2008, according to a fatality report released Monday.
The report recommends fire departments review, revise and enforce SOGs to include specific procedures for basement fires and two-in/two-out procedures.
“When at least two firefighters enter a hazardous atmosphere they should remain in visual or voice contact with one another at all times,” the report says. “At least two firefighters should be located outside the hazardous atmosphere to be [in] communication with each other through visual, audible, or electronic means to coordinate all activities, and determine if emergency rescue is needed.”
Investigators also recommend ensuring team continuity with two or more firefighters per team.
“Team continuity relies on some very important key factors: knowing who is on your team and the team leader; staying within visual contact at all times (if visibility is obscured then teams should remain within touch or voice contact of each other); communicating your needs and observations to the team leader; rotating to rehab and staging as a team; and watching your team members (practice a strong “buddy-care” approach),” the report says.
In conclusion, NIOSH investigators also had the following recommendations for fire departments to minimize the risk of similar occurrences:
• Ensure that the Incident Commander continuously evaluates the risks versus gain when determining whether the fire suppression operation will be offensive or defensive
• Enforce standard operating guidelines (SOGs) regarding thermal imaging camera (TIC) use during interior operations
• Ensure that a separate Incident Safety Officer, independent from the Incident Commander, is appointed and utilized when incidents escalate in size and complexity
• Ensure that a backup hose line is pulled and in place prior to entry into fire-involved structures
• Ensure that all firefighters have portable radios and they are operable in the fireground environment
• Ensure that fire fighters are trained on initiating Mayday radio transmissions immediately when they are in distress, and/or become lost or trapped
• Ensure periodic mutual aid training is conducted