Truck Company Ops – SFD’s, What Are The Priorities?

We have discussed many different aspects of truck work. Now I would like to focus on some of the “getting the job done” aspects.

As previously discussed, each riding positions has a set of roles and responsibilities. For a review, let’s get the rig there in one piece, position it well, exit the rig ready to go to work and then go to work, it really is just that simple. The hard part should have been done before you got on the rig, which is called training!

The Single Family Dwelling

So now let’s focus on the single family dwelling (SFD) and what our tactical and task priorities should be. As you approach the incident, you conduct your “size-up”. Based on that information and the position you are riding, you develop a plan on what, when and where you are going to conduct business.

What has already been accomplished by others determines what you need to do.

Is the front door forced? If not, that becomes the priority issue for the forcible entry guy.

The beat goes on from there.

The Rehfeld Matrix

I will give you a matrix that will give you a clear idea of task, assigned riding position, and priority. Anything marked with a 1 needs to occur first and so on.

Task                                                                       Position                                               Priority

As I am sure there will be some debate about who and when these task get assigned and accomplished. The point I am making is these task must occur in a tactical order so they get accomplished and by pre-determined person.

During the last couple of years on the truck my Lt. decided that the jump seat FF could grab a ladder on his way to the front door and throw it to Side A. The Officer would then handle the forcible entry task.

I liked the idea.

It did 2 things, it moved up the roof laddering higher on the priority scale, and allowed the FF to know what window is laddered on side A if he/she got jacked up.

Point here is, you can make adjustments to fit your style and your operation. As the title states this is a matrix for a SFD. Each type of occupancy has a different set of tasks and priorities.

One additional thought. If you will note in Rehfeld’s Matrix, check the basement for fire conditions is the number 2 priority of the Tillerman; or Side C Ladder/Vent person.

I cannot stress enough the importance of this check. It must be a priority and must be assigned to a person. This is done because we kill and maim a tremendous number of firefighters. We place them above a fire that they do not know exists under them. This simple check can be made in seconds while the person is on their way to the rear. Our tactical operation must adjust for basement fires!

That is a whole other series of articles.

Until the next time, be safe, stay low and keep learning!!