VICTIM EXPOSURE:         In the case where a victim has been exposed to the substance, EMS personnel shall contact the resource hospital for
further instructions and follow normal EMS procedures.  If it is determined that the victim(s)require decontamination, the NDPO Guide and normal
hazardous materials procedures shall be  followed. If a large number of victims are contaminated and the medical control recommends complete
decontamination, the attached guidelines can be used for mass decontamination.  

MATERIAL DISPOSITION:At no time shall Fire Department personnel remove the package from the scene or transport the package to another
location.  The final disposition of the package shall be handled by the Police Department.  

DOCUMENTATION:The officer completing the fire report shall list the personnel that overpacked the package in the comment section of the fire
report.        

GUIDELINES
MASS DECON PROCEDURES:
A.Secure a site not located in the hot zone with a sewer for run-off of water.  (Do not try to contain water, utilize sewer for that purpose.)  
B.Place two (2) engines with passenger-side discharges facing each other, approximately 13-feet apart.  (Space must accommodate a 14-foot roof
ladder.)    C.Secure water sources for both engines.    
D.Place 14-foot roof ladders or 24-foot extension ladders on diamond plate ledge above cabinets.  (Lay ladders flat.)    
E.Use cross lays from both engines and secure to ladders with nozzles pointed downward.  Set nozzles for a fog spray pattern.  (Use duct tape or
rope hose tools to secure nozzles in place.)    
F.Remove Stortz connector from passenger-side discharge of engines and replace with fog nozzles, connected directly to discharge ports.    
G.This system will flow approximately 1000 GPM.    
H.Have victims remove all clothing before entering deluge system.  Give victims a bar of soap and have them enter decon corridor and begin rinse.
 (Be prepared to assist some victims.)  Fire personnel shall be in appropriate PPE with SCBA.    
I.Give all victims white Tyvek coveralls after exiting decon wash.    
J.Refer to Mass Decon Diagram if unsure.

MASS DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM
WATER DELUGE     ENTRANCE TO  DECON CORRIDOR ENGINE 2ê ê  Text Box: Engineer Panel  14-foot Roof Ladder  Cross Lays w/Nozzles                                               SEWER Discharge w/Nozzle     Discharge w/Nozzle             14-foot Roof Ladder           Text Box: Engineer Panel           Cross Lays w/Nozzles                        ENGINE 1 COLLECTION AREA          

GUIDELINES (continued)
HAZ-MAT DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES
A.Secure a site not located in the hot zone.
B.Place blue tarp on ground and place dike tubing approximately 1 to 2-feet from edge.  Leave dike tubing rolled up until filling with water.  
 C.Fill dike tube with water from 1-3/4” hose line.  Area should be approximately 15-feet by 20-feet. (Hose line shall be dedicated to decon
operations.)    
D.Wrap edge of tarp around dike tubing.  Dike tubing shall hold tarp in place and contain water run-off.    
E.Place two (2) decon pools in center of containment area.    
F.Place buckets and brushes next to pools.    
G.Connect cap with garden hose “Y” onto 1-3/4” supply line.    
H.Place one (1) hose next to each pool with nozzles attached.  
 I.Select appropriate decon solution for product involved.  (Choices:  Bleach, Tide Detergent, Liquid Soap.)  
 J.Refer to Decon Diagram if unsure. 



PFD-021 - Firefighter Assist and Search Team  
​PURPOSE:      Firefighters and other emergency responders are exposed to the highest occupational risk of injury while operating at the scene of
emergency incidents.  This policy establishes the procedures for a Firefighter Assist and Search Team(F.A.S.T.) within the framework of the
​Incident Management System. 

​DEFINITION:  A Firefighter Assist and Search Team is composed of at least six firefighters (it should be noted that the Career Member will also
function as a member of the FAS Team if he has met Department standards) who may be called upon to quickly rescue or otherwise intervene and
return to safety trapped or injured firefighters operating at the scene of an emergency. 

​The F.A.S.T. establishes a means of quickly and effectively assisting members suddenly threatened by a dangerous situation at an incident.  
The F.A.S.T. provides a means for the Incident Commander to initiate an immediate rescue effort. 

​PROCEDURE: Incident Command should establish a F.A.S.T. whenever Fire Department personnel are required to operate under hazardous
conditions or in an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere. 

​The composition and structure of the F.A.S.T. should be flexible based on the size of the incident and the complexity of operations.  The Incident
Commander shall evaluate the situation and the risks to operating teams, and shall provide one or more intervention teams commensurate with the
needs of the situation. 

​In the early stages of an incident, the F.A.S.T. shall be either: 
∙  On scene personnel assigned to Rescue 1 and dedicated as R.I.T. 
​∙  On scene personnel performing other functions but ready to redeploy to perform R.I.T. functions. 

​As the incident expands in size or complexity, the R.I.T.(s) shall be on scene personnel dedicated solely to that function.  The Rescue Company
will normally be assigned to the R.I.T. function, but another company may be substituted.  Additional Intervention teams (Rescue Companies) will
be called as prescribed by the T.E.A.M.S program

​ Companies designated as R.I.T. must park their apparatus so as not to interfere with fire ground operations.  The R.I.T. will bypass staging 

​If used for other tactical assignments, the R.I.T. must be replaced with another crew.  i.e.  Should the Rescue Engine arrive and Initiate fire fighting
operations then the second in engine company shall perform the functions of the Rapid intervention team. 

​ If the need for rescue is diminished, the R.I.T. may be assigned to other tasks. 

​Guide:              In-order for a successful RIT team operation the following guideFollowing check sheet shall be completed.  This check sheet will
be laminated and placed next to the officers seat in all Engines.        

​ Arrival  
q Face to Face with IC
​q Passports to IC
 Size-Up
q    360° of the building
q    Occupancy
q    Entry and egress locations
q    Potential danger of high security doors, barred windows, building modifications 
​Tactics
q    Offensive, Marginal, Defensive
q    Location of interior crews
q    Fire ground time v. progress
q    Check tactical worksheet
q    Check accountability system 
​Other Operations
q    Check with Safety/compare information
q    Potential collapse and collapse area
q    Consider need for additional Rapid Intervention Teams
q    Note location of EMS units
q    Review egress routes and appropriate laddering to upper floors
q    Confirm laddering to fire floor and floor above fire
 Equipment
​q    Tarp for Tool Staging Other Considerations
q    Portable Radio(s) q    Hose line(s) available
q    Rescue Rope (100’)   q    Air Bags        
q    Utility Rope (100’) q    Cribbing 
q    Flashlights q    Shoring  
 q    Thermal Imaging Camera q    Hydraulic Tools
q    (1) RIT SCBA      
q    Halligan/Flat head
q    Bolt Cutters     
q    Pike Polesq    Pick Head Axe
q    Saws (K12 Saw & Chain Saw)


PFD-022 - Media Relations / Public Information Officer 
​PURPOSE:               To establish procedures for providing the news media with information that may be requested from the Department as a result
of a fire, E.M.S. or other incident.  To set guidelines for providing information to the media for feature stories on Department operations or
programs.  To control movement of media personnel to ensure their safety at incident scenes.  To establish an operating framework for the release
of public information that will effectively integrate into the overall Incident Command system. 

​PROCEDURE:        Command will be responsible for the management and release of information to the media at emergency scene operations.  
As soon as it is practical and safe to do so, Command will establish a Public Information Sector.  This sector will be staffed by the Department's
​designated Public Information Officer (P.I.O.) or other designated officer.  The effective establishment of this sector will relieve Command of the
need to deal directly with the media during critical command stages and will provide the standard information the media will require to accurately
report the situation. 

​The Department's Fire Chief will normally function as the P.I.O.  If the fire chief is unable to serve in this sector because of other command
obligations, another qualified officer will be assigned to this sector.  capacity. The City of Peekskill’s public information officer can be assigned to
assist in this area. 

​The Department's Public Information Officer will report to Command, upon his arrival on the emergency scene to determine the status of the
Public Information Sector.  The Department's Public Information Officer will immediately establish a Public Information Sector and station
himself in a readily visible and accessible location adjacent to the Command Post to meet and provide information for media personnel. 

​Radio designation will be "Information Sector." The Public Information Sector may be maintained at an incident as long as deemed necessary by
Command.  If necessary, this sector could be located at a remote location to ensure safety for media personnel, such as in the "Cold Zone." 

The Public Information Officer may also disseminate routine information to the media such as Public Education events, Fire Prevention work,
training activities and human interest stories. 

​GUIDELINES:          The P.I.O. should be guided by the following:
 ·     Try to avoid making statements until specific information can be obtained.  However, preliminary or tentative statements can be made while
still in the process of gathering information if needed. 
·     Media could be encouraged to obtain photographs and film footage while preliminary information is being gathered.  The media should be
monitored to ensure their safety and to avoid interference with emergency operations. 
·     When making statements to the media, the P.I.O. should use a Media Information Worksheet (see Exhibit A) which will ensure that the release
of information will follow a clear and consistent format.  The worksheet will include: 
-      Time of alarm and time of arrival on scene
-      Number of emergency personnel on scene
- Type and number of apparatus on scene
-      Situation found upon arrival and actions taken or currently being taken by emergency personnel
-      Special or unusual actions taken by personnel (hazardous situations, rescues, outstanding performances)
-      Specifics about injuries and deaths (age, sex, extent of injuries and hospitals to which transported only)
-      Suspected cause if known (C&O team should always be consulted)
-      Type of damage and estimated dollar loss
-      Fire Prevention lessons learned, with particular emphasis on the value of smoke detection and automatic sprinkler systems 

​·     P.I.O. must be dressed appropriately for emergency scene or situation.  Turnout gear and helmet is preferred at incident scenes. 

·     Allow for personal interviews with key response personnel if appropriate. 

 ·     Do not release names of persons injured or deceased.  This information can be obtained from the Police Department, the hospital or the County
Coroner.
​ 
​·     When approved by Command, the P.I.O. may wish to escort the media on a briefing tour of the emergency scene.  In this situation, the P.I.O.
must ensure that media personnel are wearing appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
 ·     It may be helpful for the P.I.O. to have a pre-arranged briefing with media personnel prior to any public education, community service or
special training event. 

TERMINOLOGY:    
​The following terminology should be used to ensure consistency when providing information to the media:
​ ·     Fire Cause - will be listed according to one of the following:
-      Natural
-      Accidental
-      Electrical/Chemical/Mechanical
-      Suspicious/Incendiary - In the event arson is suspected or involved, the investigator shall make this determination.  Until the C&O team makes
a final determination, the cause will be listed as "Under Investigation."
​ ·     Fire Damage and Estimated Dollar Loss - the following will be used to define the "range" of fire loss by percentage:
-      Light - a fire loss of 1-10% of the value of the vehicle or structure
-      Moderate - a fire loss of 11-25% of the value of the vehicle or structure
​-      Heavy - a fire loss of more than 25% of the value of the vehicle/structure Damage estimates for large businesses, industrial/ commercial
structures and major complexes will not be released until the insurance companies release that information.  Damage estimates should differentiate
between damage sustained by the structure, the contents and any exposures. 



PFD-023 - RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM  
 Purpose:
This guideline ensures proper steps have been taken to protect firefighter’s respiratory systems from potentially toxic atmospheres, such as an
interior or exterior fire attack, below grade rescue or hazardous materials emergency. The purpose of this program is to protect the respiratory
system from a known, suspected, or potentially hazardous atmosphere. The purpose is further explained below:  The Peekskill Fire Department
(PFD) is committed to providing as safe and as healthful an environment, as is possible under unpredictable working conditions that are inherent,
due to the nature of the job.  The PFD will administer this program towards accomplishing this goal.  The PFD has identified incident types that
require respiratory protection that will result in injury or death without proper protection. See table 1.  Based upon the nature of the job and
potential exposures, appropriate respirators have been selected for use in Fire Department operations.  Firefighters required to work in these
atmospheres, as stated above, will be trained in the proper use, maintenance, storage and inspection of respirators.  An SCBA maintenance program
has been developed and includes procedures for the proper inspection, cleaning and storage of respirators.  Due to the fact that SCBA use itself can
cause illness and injury to employees, on an annual basis firefighters shall be medically evaluated in accordance with the Department’s
Occupational Medical Evaluation Guideline, and cleared for SCBA use by the physician who is the medical director for the program.  Face piece fit
testing will be conducted annually on each fire suppression personnel, as well as, when conditions such as changes in equipment, facial scarring,
dental changes, cosmetic changes, or change in body weight occur. The firefighter, employer, program administrator or medical director may
require a fit test when visual observations of the employee warrant.   

​Objective: To decrease the risk of injury or death to firefighters by making sure they are properly fitted, trained, and evaluated annually by
performance testing on the use of selected respirators; and, to provide a means to ensure respirator maintenance supporting Fire Department quality
assurance.     

​Scope:This guideline applies to all firefighters who operate on an incident scene were an IDLH or potential IDLH atmosphere may be.
​ MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT: Proper respiratory protection that is required to protect the firefighter from injury and harm during some types
of training and many types of emergency incidents.
SAFETY: Failure to follow this procedure can result in injury or death to the employee by acute or chronic exposure.  
​WEIGHT: SCBA - 35 pounds, Personal Protective Equipment includes bunker pants, bunker coat, helmet, gloves, hood, pass unit and boots -
30 pounds (approximate weight).  
 DEFINITIONS:    
Firefighter = All fire suppression personnel           
SCBA = Self Contained Breathing Apparatus           
SAR = Supplied Air Respirators            IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health           
IC = Incident Commander           
PFD = Peekskill Fire Department   

Responsibility:
​PFD Health & Safety Committee

The PFD Health & Safety Committee shall be responsible for the recommendation and continuous monitoring of all PFD policies and guidelines
relating to health and safety of all sworn Department personnel.  The Career Health & Safety Officer (Shift Supervisor) and the Volunteer Health &
Safety Officer (Fire Chief) shall be members of the PFD Health & Safety Committee. 

​Responsibility: (continued)
​Program Administrators
​The above designated Health & Safety Officers, or their designees, shall be the Program Administrators of this respiratory protection program..
Responsibilities shall include:
​1. Training and assisting in all aspects of the respiratory protection program.
2. Selection of SCBA.Follow-up on program implementation.
​3. Evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
4.Fit testing, Performance testing & Record keeping

.Fire Chiefs and Supervisors will assist the Program Administrators or their designees in the program by:
1.             Ensuring at incident scenes that SCBAs are properly used.
2.             Follow-up to ensure firefighters are inspecting their assigned SCBA. See table 2.
3.             Spot checking SCBAs stored on their apparatus to ensure proper cleaning, sanitizing and storage has occurred and take any corrective
action needed to restore the SCBA to readiness. See table 3
4.             Ensure that firefighters under their supervision are proficient in the donning, doffing and use of the SCBA per PFD standards. See table 4
5.             Ensure that firefighters follow SCBA maintenance guidelines.    See table 5.                                                                                      
6.             Ensure that all inspections, cleaning and sanitizing are recorded as outlined. See table 6
7.             Attend and conduct training as outlined by the program administrators.
​8.             Ensure that IDLH atmospheres have been reduced to a safe level before allowing personnel to gear down by using air-monitoring
equipment. 

It is each Firefighter’s responsibility to:
​1. Use the SCBA as instructed.
2. Guard against damaging the SCBA.
3. Report any malfunction of the SCBA to his/her supervisor immediately and remove it from service and tag for repair.
4. Keep the SCBA clean and properly stored
​5. All SCBA users are required to perform a negative face seal check before entering any IDLH or potential IDLH atmosphere per manufacture’s
instruction.
​6. Attend training as outlined by the Program Administrators.      

​Guideline

TYPE AND SELECTION OF RESPIRATORS:
​Firefighters have the potential to work in a wide range of environments with a variety of airborne contaminates or oxygen deficient atmospheres.
These atmospheres may exist or may occur without notice or warning. They may be required to perform at a moderate to heavy work effort for up
to 1 hour at a time with out rest in extreme hot, cold, and/or humid conditions. Respirators for job use are selected based on the following:
1. Providing maximum protection for potential hazard exposure.
2. Compliance with current PESH, OSHA, & NFPA standards.
​3. Use of only current NIOSH approved respirators
​*.*    Validation data from the manufacturer that the respirator meets specifications as required.  Data will be kept on file with the Program
Administrators.  

RESPIRATOR SELECTION:
Two respirators have been selected for use in the PFD.They are listed as follows:
​1. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus – Scott Air-Pak model 50 with @ 30 minute rating. This respirator was selected for use where atmospheres
are or may become immediately dangerous to life or health.  This unit has a 30-minute rated air supply.  When in use, the cylinder must be changed
when the low air alarm sounds. Due to demands of the job, a 30-minute unit may not last its rated time. 

​2. Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) system located on the aerial platform of TL-45. This system is limited to only those firefighters operating the
aerial platform. When using this system a Scott Air-Pak 4.5 shall be donned and worn by the user.  This is to provide an air supply in the event of
a possible Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) failure or if the user needs to move from the aerial platform to another area.  

​TRAINING:
The PFD has an ongoing training program in the proper use of SCBA and SAR. The Program Administrators or their designees have the
responsibility of developing and implementing this training program. Training will be given to all firefighters who meet the mandatory medical
requirements. All new firefighters will receive training in the use, care and storage of SCBA with their entry-level training. All firefighters will
receive ongoing annual training that includes:
​1. Instruction on respiratory hazards.
2. Explanation of the SCBA’s capabilities and limitations.Instruction and training on the actual use of the SCBA.
3. Instruction and training on proper cleaning and storage.
4. Instruction on changes to equipment, policies and etc.  

​FITTING:
Quantitative fit testing will be performed annually. All firefighters will be properly fitted with an SCBA face piece to ensure a good seal between
the mask and the employee’s face. The Program Administrators have the responsibility to oversee fit testing for all sworn Department members.In
​accordance with 1910.134(g)(1), Face piece Seal Protection,  The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting face pieces to be worn by
employees who have:Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the face piece and the face; or, that interferes with valve function; or,
any condition that interferes with the face-to-face piece seal or valve function. 

Eyeglass frames that protrude through the seal are not allowed with use of the respirator due to possible improper sealing.  

TESTING FOR PROPER FACEPIECE SEAL
​The Program Administrators or their designees are responsible for testing proper face piece seal for all fire suppression personnel in the approved
manner adopted by the PFD. 

 RESPIRATOR USE:   
Proper use of SCBA's is required in all IDLH or possible IDLH atmospheres.Anytime the IC cannot identify or reasonably estimate the firefighter’s
exposure, these atmospheres will be considered to be IDLH.All oxygen deficient atmospheres below 19.5% shall be considered IDLH.Anytime
there is a potential hostile environment it will be considered an IDLH atmosphere.  

PROCEDURES FOR IDLH ATMOSPHERES: (2 in / 2out) 
​Anytime firefighters enter into an IDLH or potential IDLH atmosphere they must use appropriate respiratory protection, work in teams of two or
more, and remain in voice, visual or signal line contact with each other at all times. Radios are not allowed as sole a means of maintaining contact
between entry team members due to possible failure. The entry teams shall maintain contact with those outside via voice, visual, signal line or
radio. Anytime firefighters are operating in an IDLH environment, a team of at least two firefighters fully equipped shall be immediately available
outside the IDLH atmosphere to perform firefighter rescue functions.  One of the firefighters must monitor the entry teams activities and be able to
​initiate a rescue should the need arise. This firefighter will not be assigned any other responsibilities. The other firefighter may perform other duties
as long as they stay in close proximity and direct visual contact with the firefighter monitoring the entry team or teams and remain readily available
to him or her should a firefighter rescue be needed. The functions of the second firefighter cannot be functions, which would cause a risk to others
at the scene if they had to be abandoned. 

​PROCEDURES FOR IDLH ATMOSPHERES: (2 in / 2out) continued: 
If a firefighter rescue is initiated, the team shall communicate their actions to the IC or Dispatch, if the IC is part of the two-out.  Information to be
transmitted shall include but not limited to: point of entry, location with in the structure you will be operating, number of personnel entering the
structure and any additional resources needed.   Exception:The IC may initiate a rescue without a team in place provided there is confirmation that
​ a victim may be present and that this action may result in someone’s life being saved.If this action is taken, an investigation by the Incident
Commander shall take place after the incident and a completed incident analysis report shall be submitted to the Fire Chief explaining the
circumstances for the exception. 

BREATHING AIR QUALITY: 
​The PFD uses Trace Analytics, Inc. to provide testing on a semi-annual basis. These results are posted for employee inspections. The PFD exceeds
OSHA by producing, Grade E air and meeting NFPA 1500 criteria. 

​To prevent possible contamination of breathing air, personnel shall not smoke, run apparatus, or use flammable or combustible liquids in the
vicinity of the air station while the compressor is being operated. 

PROGRAM EVALUATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED:
​1.
Through a post incident analysis conducted by the Supervisors after each interior fire attack and other major incidents when SCBA are used
​2. .Post-incident analyses are to be recorded in Fire House Training Records with a narrative in the note section outlining the session.                                                     3. Evaluation will be conducted when a firefighter has to be treated for inhalation exposure by means of an investigation by the program
administrators.
​4. Evaluation will be conducted by spot-checking use, cleaning, storage and maintenance of all respiratory equipment.
5. Evaluation will be conducted through annual performance testing of firefighters.
​5. Annual evaluation of this Respiratory Protection Guideline shall be conducted by the program administrators to ensure its compliance and
efficiency.        

​Table 1:       Respiratory hazards 
Firefighters may be exposed to but not limited to the following atmospheres at emergency incidents:
1.      Carbon Dioxide
2.      Carbon Monoxide
3.      Hydrogen Chloride
4.      Hydrogen Cyanide
5.      Nitrogen Dioxide
6.      Phosgene.  

TABLE 2:      REGULAR OPERATIONAL INSPECTION  
1.      Check cylinder gauge (cylinder must be full).
2.      Check cylinder for physical damage.
3.      Check backpack and harness assembly for wear or damage.
4.      Check face piece for wear or damage.
​5.      Properly don S.C.B.A
.6.      Properly don face piece and check seal and exhalation valve.    *Attention:  Cylinder valve must be off and system must be free of air to
properly perform test.
7.      Fully open cylinder valve and check for leaks
.8.      Check regulator for wear or damage and ensure proper operation by connecting to face piece and operating normally.
9.      Ensure proper operation of VIBRALERT and bell alarm by turning the cylinder valve off and bleeding air from the system with the purge
valve.  Both alarms should operate when the gauge drops into the red zone.10.  Ensure proper operation of PAK-ALERT.   

​TABLE 3:        CLEANING / SANITIZING AND STORAGE GUIDELINES  
​BLEACH SHALL NOT BE USED TO CLEAN OR SANITIZE ANY PART OF THE PEEKSKILL FIRE DEPARMENT’S BREATHING
EQUIPMENT
.
​Cleaning the Backpack and Harness Assembly: 
1. Leave cylinder properly connected to unit.
2. Ensure that regulator is properly stored in the storage holder
​3. .Scrub harness assembly, backpack, and cylinder with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.   
Warning:          
1 Do not allow water to enter regulator.                             
2. Do not submerge regulator into water.                              
3. Do not allow water or contaminants to enter high-pressure hose.   ·        
​4. Inspect the inside of the regulator assembly through the regulator opening. If dirt or soil is present, remove the entire unit from service for
thorough cleaning by authorized personnel.   
TABLE 3:        CLEANING / SANITIZING AND STORAGE GUIDELINES (continued)  
​Cleaning the Face piece:
​If the face piece is heavily soiled, wash it with a warm (110 degree F) soapy solution and rinse thoroughly. 
​ Sanitizing the Face piece:
 ·         Spray 3 full pumps of Scott approved cleaner on the inside and outside of mask, wetting entire mask including all rubber and plastic areas. 
·         Allow a ten-minute contact time to disinfect
.·         Rinse thoroughly
.·         Dry thoroughly and place face piece in storage bag.  

Cleaning the PAK-ALERT: 
Wipe with a damp sponge and thoroughly dry.  
Proper Storage  
1.             All SCBA are to be stored in a ready condition on the apparatus in their proper location.     
​2.             The storage bracket strap shall secure all SCBA stored in the driving or crew compartments of all apparatus. The storage bracket strap
shall remain securely fastened at all times. 
Exception:  The following procedure shall be used when responding to a potential respiratory hazard: 
 ·          If the SCBA is located directly behind a firefighter, the storage bracket strap shall be disengaged when the firefighter boards the apparatus.
·          If the SCBA is not located directly behind a firefighter the storage bracket strap shall remain securely fastened until arrival at the scene. 
3.      No SCBA are to be carried in the driving or crew compartments of any apparatus unless they are properly stored in a storage bracket with the
storage bracket strap securely fastened.      
4.      Face pieces shall be allowed to dry completely and placed in a storage bag. 
5.      Regulators must only be stored in the holder attached to the harness assembly.    

TABLE 4:      
PROPER DONNING 
 
1.              TURNOUT GEAR MUST BE ON PROPERLY WITH ALL SNAPS AND BUCKLES FASTENED.  
2.              DONNING OF BREATHING APPARATUS:
 a.       PROPERLY DON S.C.B.A.
b.      PROPERLY DON FACE PIECE (SEAL AND EXHALE VALVE MUST BE CHECKED WITH CYLINDER OFF AND SYSTEM
FREE OF AIR).
c.       DON HOOD.
d.      DON HELMET (SECURE WITH STRAP)
e.       DON FIREFIGHTING GLOVES
 3.                CONNECT REGULATOR (ENSURE THAT THE REGULATOR IS LOCKED INTO THE FACE PIECE BY ATTEMPTING TO
REMOVE THE REGULATOR WITHOUT DEPRESSING CATCH)   

TABLE 5:      
​MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES I
n order to provide for the maintenance, use, care, and safety of all breathing equipment, the following guidelines shall be followed: 
·         Repairs, adjustments, and/or alterations are not to be performed to any piece of breathing equipment, except by personnel properly trained,
certified, and approved by the PFD.
 ·         All components of SCBA units will be at minimum, maintained, repaired, and inspected in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements. 
·         Weekly inspections shall be performed and discrepancies corrected according to the Regular Operational Inspection schedule found in table 2,
​ and the Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Storage schedule found in table 3.   

TABLE 6:       BREATHING EQUIPMENT RECORDS INFORMATION: ·        
​Each SCBA unit and each cylinder shall have an individual record of maintenance, inspection, and repair maintained by the Fire Chief or designee.  


PFD-0023- EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE PROCEDURE (EVD)


PURPOSE: To establish procedures for response to and mitigation of suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) assignments, while minimizing provider exposure.


SCOPE: This Policy applies to all Peekskill Fire Department Personnel.


PROCEDURE

  •   Dispatch - All EMS Calls are to be considered EVD until after the patient has been screened.


RESPONSE:

  • Responders shall consider Ebola Virus Disease until patient screening.


ARRIVAL ON SCENE:

  • ​If possible responding personnel will contact any units (BLS or ALS) already on scene from apparatus, to determine if basic If unableBody Substance Isolation (BSI) precautions will surface, or higher level of PPE is required. If unable to contact other on scene personnel, or PFD BLS unit is first on scene, PFD member will continue in to scene with Basic PPE ( Gloves/N95).
  • Members shall maintain body substance isolation and don their appropriate PPE (Gloves?N95) prior to making contact and avoiding unnecessary contact with items in house.(i.e.: doors,beds,furniture etc.)
  • Patient assessment and treatment shall be initiated according to Agency policies, procedures and protocols. All Providers shall remain vigilant of potential for exposure to bodily fluids, and protect themselves accordingly.
  • All patients will be screened maintaining a distance of 4-6 feet in distance.
  • PFD BLS members will follow direction of Highest Medical Authority (HMA) on scene. If no ALS provider on scene, BLS member (PFD BLS or PCVAC BLS) with first patient contact will make determination, if Patient meets Ebola Criteria. If PFD BLS personnel are making determination, they shall follow procedure outline below. If no other units are available or on scene with PFD BLS unit, PFD Member will request (1) additional PFD Unit for assistance after determination that patient meets Ebola Criteria.
  • If it has been determined by obscene Provider that the patient meets Ebola criteria, the following shall be done:

           

  1. The Provider shall back out.
  2. Remove all gear and equipment:
  3. Once outside, the provider will notify the Paramedic Director/ On Call Supervisor, as well as Duty Lieutenant or Acting Shift Supervisor, and Fire Chief. Notification to Fire Chief can be made through 60-Control. All notifications to be made by PHONE.
  4. Once outside the provider shall Don the appropriate level suite utilizing additional trained personnel to assist with proper donning procedures

                           a: Tychem PPE (Yellow suit) for all patients not experiencing active vomiting and diarrhea.

                            b: DQE PPE (Grey suit) for all patients experiencing active vomiting and diarrhea.

     5.    The Provider shall limit exposure to essential personnel only.  


EQUIPMENT:

         Trained PFD BLS personnel will utilize PPE provided to them by PFD that is stored on apparatus​. Equipment will be stored in Rubbermade or plastic bin on apparatus. Bin will contain complete sets of PPE as well as Tyvek suit or clothing provided to be worn under PPE. Members personal items and duty uniforms will be placed in bin and secured on apparatus, orif needed by PPD personl.


PATIENT TREATMENT:

  1. Stable Patient: The patient will be assisted to the ambulance (walked).
  2. Unstable Patient: All BLS equipment will remain in PFD Apparatus. Ebola treatment kit will be utilized for patient care. At no time should any high risk procedures be performed unless directed by medical control.


TRANSPORTING:

  • If potential exposure/contamination, PFD member is to go with Patient and Crew to HVHC for decontamination / evaluation procedures. Prior to leaving the scene, request that Incident Commander or other Personnel make notification to 60-Control that PFD personnel is enroute to HVHC. Also request if no other PFD Personnel on scene, that PFD notified for apparatus securement.
  • NOTE: Patients shall be transported to the closest, appropriate 911 Ambulance destination in accordance wit NYS DOH and regular policies and procedures to the extent possible. ONLY the patient is to be transported in the ambulance.


DECONTAMINATION:

  • Transporting units will be met by the Paramedic Director or on call Supervisor for assistance in doffing their PPE and with vehicle and equipment decontamination.


            All disposable materials should be red bagged and left at the destination hospital. No red bag material will be transported off premises.


           NOTE: Following the use of PPE, members shall exercise caution when removing protective garments to prevent contamination with body                fluids. PPE do nit need to be decontaminated unless there is known contact with or visible evidence of body fluids.


          During cleaning of non-disposable equipment, members should wear gloves, surgical mask or N95 respirator, eye protection, shoe covers             and gown.


          Aggressive hand washing with soap and water immediately following patient contact is essential in limiting disease transmission.


FOLLOW-UP AND TREATMENT:

  • Members will follow guidelines/recommendations provided by Hospital Staff after evaluation.
  • Based on Medical Evaluations, Department of Health (DOH), and Center for Disease Conrtol )CDC) personnel will be covered/protected by Line of Duty Injury Procedures.


SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:


  • Duty Lieutenant or Acting Shift Supervisor will recall appropriate staffing to maintain adequate on-duty staffing in the event that the patient meets Ebola Criteria.
  • Fire Chief will be notified of recall by Duty Lieutenant or Acting Shift Supervisor via Hip-Link messaging.


**Policy to be updated as required or directed by NYS BEMS**