The number one reason on the NIOSH list is improper risk assessment or poor size up report. Why is this? What does the size up have to do with our survivability? Well id argue a number of reasons but one of the main reasons i see would be getting tunnel vision and missing pertinent hazards and things we may know if looking at a picture but in the rush of the fight we miss.
A proper size up performed by the first arriving officer or command will let any incoming units get a mental picture of what to expect and mentally prepare themselves in advance for any pertinent information.
Taking the time to read the fire and take in a full picture of what were dealing with will give us a good timeframe of what has happened, whats happening, and whats going to happen.
The other half of this say improper risk assessment. What this means is not weighing risk vs gain on every tactical move we make. And this doesnt occur just once. This has to be an ongoing process from beginning to end. With a major contributor to interior deaths is being caught in a flashover or backdraft, An exterior officer making continual risk assessments regarding the conditions will greatly benefit the interior team.
A proper on scene size up report will provide dispatch and any incoming units with pertinent information regarding the scene. A thorough size up will allow incoming units to continue mentally preparing for the task at hand. The average size up report does not convey a great deal of information: what is most commonly said is: __________ on scene of _________, nothing showing, will advise, __________ has command. Or _________ on scene of __________, confirmed working fire, __________ has command.
These minimal size ups do little for the advantage of incoming units. A properly done size up can set the tone for the rest of the incident.
Common components of an initial scene size up should include:
- Correct address
- Number of floors
- Type of construction
- Type of occupancy
- Conditions found
- Additional resources needed
- Actions to be taken
- Assume command
1. Correct address: On occasion dispatch may either have the wrong address, relay an incorrect address, or simply have a vicinity. A correct address will assist dispatch and all units still enroute. This is especially helpful when dispatched to a smoke investigation only to find a working fire. A good example of an incident I was on, The callers were calling from across the street and advised they could see flames behind a hospital above the tree line. Initially it was unknown as to if this was a large commercial fire or a residential fire. Upon arrival a residential structure was found to be fully involved adjacent to the hospital and a more accurate address was given. This made a difference here due to the fact that a response for the abandoned hospital burning would be quite different from a single story residential building, and this allowed incoming crews to adjust their thinking to what there is as opposed to what there could be.
2. Number of floors: Communicating the number of floors will allow units to anticipate access issues, tools needed, assignments, and will be able to provide information regarding the need for a ladder truck.
3. Type of construction: The type of construction will directly influence the way the incident will be mitigated. Once again, this will allow incoming crews to anticipate particular tools they may need.
4. Type of occupancy: The type of occupancy along with other variables will determine the possible need for rescue, contents of a structure, layout, and any known hazards specific to that type.
5. Conditions found: Painting a picture involving the previous four points along with the conditions found will give crews a relatively good idea of what they are going to be facing.
6. Additional resources needed: The need for additional resources should not be delayed. Upon arrival a risk vs gain assessment should quickly be performed and if any resources may be needed that are currently not enroute, then the call should be made immediately. This is a common area for pride to step in and the decision to call for help may be blinded by ones pride in his department or crew. It is always safer to have help enroute and cancel them, than to need them and not have them.
7. Actions to be taken: Relay to the crews what the initial crew will be doing. Communicate whether an offensive or defensive attack will be initiated, what line is being pulled, where the team will make entry, etc. Also relay what the second, third, and so on arriving units assignments will be, such as securing a water supply, rescue needs, exposure concerns, truck functions, etc.
8. Call command: The first officer on scene (or most senior) needs to establish command. As its known, command needs to refrain from suppression activities. However the need for a proactive IC may be necessary depending on the situation. If the IC must be involved, then command should be passed off as soon as possible to a person who can be a dedicated IC separated from the scene ongoings who can remain outside for the duration of the incident.
The key here is to practice on size ups. Wether youre a rookie or a seasoned veteran, a proper size up will benefit everyone on scene. If you practice your size ups and become confident youll find yourself making more accurate decisions for yourself and your team.
Take a moment and read my good friend Dave Werners recent write up regarding size ups here:
Remember to keep your head on a swivel and continually re-evaluate your conditions.
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