Intro
This principle ensures that every fire department employee answers to only one designated supervisor
Unity of Command.
Firefighters must maintain this "number" of contact points at all times when mounting or dismounting an apparatus
Three points of contact
To ensure clarity across different agencies, NIMS requires this type of communication instead of "10-codes."
clear text (or plain English)
Also known as Fire Resistive construction, this type provides the highest level of protection against structural collapse
Type I
This essential component of the structural fire fighting ensemble provides the primary protection for a firefighter's respiratory system
SCBA self contained breathing apparatus
It is the formal line of authority, responsibility, and communication that moves from the Fire Chief down to the Firefighter
What is Chain of Command
This restricted area is only for personnel directly involved in resolving the emergency and requires full PPE and SCBA.
Hot zone
This federal agency is the governing body that regulates all radio communications in the United States
FCC
This construction type, common in older "Main Street" buildings, features noncombustible exterior walls and a wooden interior
Type III
This fabric component, often made of Nomex or PBI, is designed to protect the ears, neck, and face not covered by the SCBA mask
Protective hood
This term describes the maximum number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage, usually cited as three to seven.
Span of control
This command level is responsible for setting the overall incident objectives and the Incident Action Plan
Strategic level
These devices can be installed in large or shielded buildings to amplify signals and eliminate "dead zones."
bi-directional amplifiers (or repeaters)
Modern wood-frame homes, which often use engineered lumber like plywood I-beams, fall under this construction category
Type V
To ensure maximum protection, NFPA 1971 requires that structural fire fighting coats be made of these three layers
outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier
This organizational structure is used by most fire departments to provide a continuous, undivided line of authority from top to bottom.
Scalar structure
This specific location in the cold zone serves as the central point from which all incident operations are directed
Incident Command Post (ICP)
This specific radio component allows a firefighter to transmit a distress signal by pressing a single, often orange, button.
programmable emergency button
These specific walls are designed to act as a barrier to limit the spread of fire between different sections of a building
Fire walls
This specific piece of hardware on a turnout coat is designed to allow a downed firefighter to be dragged to safety
DRD (Drag Rescue Device)
This type of department is staffed by a mixture of both full-time paid personnel and volunteer members
Combination department
This safety device is required on all electrical outlets to prevent shock by shutting off power if a ground fault is detected
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter)
This phenomenon occurs when a firefighter speaks before the radio transmitter is fully engaged, cutting off the start of the message.
clipping
These engineered structural components are notorious for failing rapidly when exposed to fire, often without warning
Lightweight trusses
This mandatory safety device emits a loud distress signal if a firefighter remains motionless for a set period of time
PASS device (Personal Alert Safety System)