Friday, September 25, 2009 LCES for Structural Firefighting

LCES is an integral mechanism for error management. LCES can be used to manage errors on any type of emergency and non-emergency incident or event. For LCES to be truly effective they must be trained on at every opportunity. The following section describes how LCES can be used on the structure fireground.

This information is taken from a workshop designed to manage risk created by Quinn MacLeod titled “Managing Fireground Risk”. Any comments would be appreciated. Reference: Integrated Fire-Solutions.com: Home of "Managing Fireground Risk"


• Lookouts are situated to notice the minor, major and cumulative changes of a specific area.
- Ideally this person is not tactically involved.
- The lookout must know the plan, fire location and behavior, building
construction, and location of exits and have good communication skills.
- The lookout must have a portable radio. A thermal imaging camera would be
helpful.
- Caution must be used if this person is engaged in collateral duties; i.e., Safety
Officer.

• Effective communication is critical to ensure a safe and successful operation.
- All personnel on scene have an obligation to voice their concerns. This
foundation was built back at the station; therefore a level of trust already
exists. This promotes concerns being raised when an error is developing or
present.
- 2-way communication is used. Active listening techniques as well as strong
speaking skills are employed.
- Overall incident and crew briefings are conducted.
- Situational Awareness is elevated through strong communications.

• An escape route is a preplanned and understood route to reach a safe area.
- The primary means of ingress will be controlled. Supportive firefighters (hose
draggers) are employed to maintain and improve this avenue (move furniture,
block open doors, illuminate with glow sticks, acquire SA of potential secondary
means of egress, etc.
- The Company Officer or designee shall be responsible for finding a secondary
means of egress. This can be coordinated with the lookout, other crews and the
Safety Officer.

• A safety zone is a location where the threatened firefighter can find adequate refuge from the fire and building conditions.
- Escape route must lead to an area out of the IDLH atmosphere and
collapse zone.
- Must be known to all personnel.