SOP 203.02 STAGING LEVEL I

LEVEL I - STAGING

This procedure will automatically apply to all regular alarm responses and will involve:

The first engine company will respond directly to the scene and will operate to best advantage.

The first ladder company (Aerial Tower) will respond directly to the scene and will place themselves to best advantage, generally at the front of the building.

The first rescue unit will go directly to the scene and place their apparatus in a location that will provide maximum access for medical/rescue support and not impede the movement of other units.

All other units (regardless of alarm) will stage in their direction of travel, uncommitted, approximately one block from the scene until assigned by Command. A position providing a maximum of possible tactical options with regard to access, direction of travel, water supply, etc. should be selected.

All engine companies will pull map books and reference immediate fire area.

Staged companies or units will, in normal response situations, report company designation, standing by and their direction ("Engine One standing by South"); it may be necessary to be more specific when reporting standby positions in extraordinary response situations. An acknowledgement is not necessary from either Dispatch or Command. Staged companies will stay off the air until orders are received from Command, unless they become forgotten by Command; in such cases, after a reasonable amount to time, they will contact Command and re-advise him of their standby status.

These Staging procedures attempt to reduce routine traffic, but in no way should reduce effective communications or the initiative of officers to communicate. If staged companies observe critical tactical needs they will advise Command of such critical -conditions and their actions.

Companies should continue response to the scene until a company reports on the scene. When a first arriving company reports on the scene, Level I Staging will begin within these guidelines.

If a company which would normally be first due to the incident is out of normal response area and arrival order is uncertain, the officer of that company will communicate his location to Alarm. Alarm will retransmit this information over the designated response channel. Company officers will utilize radio communications to coordinate possible simultaneous first arrival of two companies. It will be the on-going responsibility of Alarm to confirm the arrival of the first on-scene unit.

Pre-fire planning will identify exceptions to Level I Staging with regard to the special functions that must be performed in that particular occupancy. In the absence of such tasks, regular Level I Staging procedures will automatically apply.