SOP 205.12  PROTECTING OUR PERSONNEL

The riots through-out the country have demonstrated to firefighters, everywhere, that we are no longer immune from violent attacks by the people in our community we are trying to help. Violence is widespread and can occur on virtually every call we respond to. Anytime alcohol is involved we will find people out of control. Gang violence is seemingly uncontrollable. Drugs and crime add to violent acts in our community. In all of these cases, firefighters will be called upon to treat and help victims. There are many ways citizens can be included, but generally firefighters are called--mount a fire truck--and ride into the scene.

The question now is what can we do to stop violence involving firefighters.

The first priority in arriving at the scene is to provide a protected environment for firefighters to work in. If the call is described as one in which violence has occurred and you are not yet staged, stage according to violent incident procedures as indicated. Every day firefighters are surprised by the scene that becomes violent when they initially were safe. At any time, what looks like a routine call can turn into a deadly encounter. A patient or bystander pulls a gun, a knife, or a crowd surges towards firefighters.

We can describe many incidents that have become difficult to control. The following guidelines will describe how to secure the scene before action is taken.

THE SCENE

*   String fire line tape to provide an established barrier between firefighter and the crowd. Fire line tape is a good divider. It provides a control line for PD to enforce. The tape is generally received well by citizens as needed by emergency personnel to provide control of an incident. Fire line tape should also be considered to divide large crowds and allow police to maintain.

*   Call Police to secure traffic and crowds. This is the primary responsibility of police at the scene of a fire department emergency. When police arrive, a fire department member should establish liaison with the on-scene ranking police officer. Explain to them what is needed to control the scene; more officers should be called if necessary.

*   Provide for lighting when indicated. A utility truck and spotlight take away the cover of night. More serious violence occurs after daylight hours. All emergency responders will be able to see more of the scene when good lighting is provided.

SIZE-UP

*   While responding to the scene all members of the crew should be considering the violence potential of the type call their responding to. In all cases violence involving firefighters is possible. Given the type of the call, Dispatch will automatically contact PD for support. Depending on the type of call, PD may already be responding and actually be first on the scene.

A shooting, stabbing, fighting (domestic or public) should be a red flag for more violence. A man down, suicide, and overdose must be closely evaluated for potential violence. Gang violence will receive automatic PD dispatch. Do not hesitate to call for PD if something you believe about the call is potentially violent.

Size-up--starts as soon as you receive the call. Initial and follow-up information available from alarm can be important. (In most cases, PD will be on the scene prior to our arrival and have us stage when the scene is still dangerous or unstable.)

What to look for:

*   PD on the scene.

*   nature of the call.

*   type of injuries.

*   drugs/alcohol/altered level of conscientiousness.

*   is the fight still in progress.

*   how many units responding (needs to stage).

*   is the person still on the scene that caused the injuries.

*   how many people are involved.

NOTE: Alcohol releases the lower brain center from "inhibitory and integrating control of the cortex." It initially stimulates behavior, however, in very high doses, depresses central nervous system function.

Parties should be a red flag for dispatching PD--again, make contact with the ranking police officer and describe what security is needed.

Taking experiences from field people we can draw up some guidelines toward minimizing hazards.

SAFETY AWARENESS

Public Perception

Public Perception is not always positive. Some people may fear detection of criminal activity and do not respect our profession or us. They may have caused the injury such as a domestic or gang confrontation. They may not want the patient to receive emergency care.

Some dangers signs:

  1. Antagonism towards us.
  2. Verbal abuse.
  3. Lack of cooperation.
  4. Even as passive and cooperative they may still be a threat.

In other words, anybody may be a potential threat or danger.

When dealing with customers with an altered level of conscientiousness as a result from alcohol/drugs or mental illness, we need to introduce ourselves as Ennis firefighters, and that we are here for them and ask what we can do to help.

Uniforms sometimes can be threatening to certain people. They may confuse us with the police department or may not like any authoritative type figure. To prevent confusion about who we are, introduce yourself as a Ennis firefighter as soon as possible.

Always be aware that a weapon may be on a person or near and out of sight. Train yourself to look for them; between car seats, waistbands, jackets, and loose clothing.

WEAPON--TWO TYPES

*   Common -- guns, knives (weapons designed to kill).

*   Makeshift -- anything that wasn't designed to be a weapon, but can be used as one.

SPOTTING THE APPARATUS (RESIDENCE)

*   Turn off siren several blocks away if possible.

*   Drive by slowly and pass the house.

*   Spot the vehicle approximately 100 feet past the residence or 100 feet before. This will allow us to approach the scene from a safe position (direction).

APPROACHING THE BUILDING

*   Do not slam door of apparatus or vehicle.

*   Keep volume low on radio.

*   Gain information before entering house.

*   Look and listen before entering house.

*   Listen for arguments or fights/number of voices you hear.

APARTMENT BUILDINGS

*   Keep the elevator door on manual so it will remain open.

*   Check stairwell doors to make sure they are unlocked to provide an escape route.

CONTACT AND CONTROL

*   The contact stands on the doorknob side of the door. This will require the person opening the door to open it wide to see you.

*   If there is a screen or security door, position yourself on the doorknob side of the inner door. Be subtle and nonaggressive in positioning yourself. Greet the homeowner with a friendly demeanor.

*   NEVER STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DOOR.

ENTERING THE STRUCTURE

*   Introduce yourself.

*   Dog -- (hold down doorknob) ask for dog to be secured.

*   If they ask you to come in, ask them to open the door.

*   If they insist, ask them why they can't come to the door.

*   Consider the risks involved when looking into a window.

*   Scan room for weapons, alcohol, drugs, and signs of violence.

*   Look for makeshift weapons.

*   Look for signs of weapons (bulges in their clothing, watch their hands).

*   Keep crew in sight at all times. Never leave a crew member alone.

*   Have at least two crewmembers together at all times.

*   Have the person who answered door to lead you to patient.

SEPARATING DISPUTANTS

*   Injuries from domestic disputes are reported as accidents (falls, etc.)

*   Don't stand between disputants

*   Separate disputants by taking them to an area where they can't see or hear one another (at least two crew members should be together); separating them will help calm the situation.

SPOTTING THE APPARATUS AND APPROACHING A VEHICLE

*   Park unit to the rear of the vehicle (a full length from vehicle).

*   Slight angle to driver side--protection barrier from traffic.

*   Use safety cones where necessary.

*   Use safety vests.

INTERVIEW STANCE

*   If you suspect violence, stand at a partial right angle out of arms reach (they must turn to attack you).

*   Don't stand against a wall.

*   Don't fold arms (judgment).

*   Don't put hands in pockets (appear unconcerned).

*   Use physical barriers (coffee table, chair, etc.) between yourself and a potential violent person.

*   Move people away from makeshift weapons.

*   If you see a weapon call PD.

DO'S

  1. Pay attention to any information provided by PD.
  2. Have one of the portable radios tuned to PD.
  3. Once on the scene, be aware of your surroundings and impending danger.
  4. When approaching the scene and while on-scene, display a confident/in control attitude (Command presence).
  5. Always look for the informal or designated leader of a potentially violent group and attempt to visually monitor and, if possible, make a personal contact to ease tensions.
  6. Clear the scene of potentially violent materials.
  7. Set up fire line tape to help secure perimeter.

DON'TS

  1. Get lulled into a false sense of complacency (we've been here 10 times before attitude).
  2. Ignore the potential for violence on any call we go to--including travel to and from the call and trips back and forth to the apparatus while on-scene.
  3. Ignore your gut feeling--when it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
  4. Be confrontational--be confident, but not abusive to anyone or any group.
  5. Be an easy target--call for the calvary early and be prepared to bail when the need arises (don't be a dead hero).

These are some guidelines that will hopefully aid you and your crew members from potentially violent situations. Your best tools will be your good common sense and awareness.