Objective 13: Firefighter Accountability Systems: Types, Procedures, and Safety Benefits | Quizlet

Personnel accountability system

A system designed to track personnel entering and leaving an IDLH environment.

Purpose of personnel accountability

Allows Command to know which firefighters and companies are operating and where they are located.

Personnel accountability training

All personnel should be trained in the department's accountability system.

Accountability during training

Accountability procedures should be part of all training exercises.

When can accountability help save a firefighter's life?

If SCBA malfunctions, a firefighter becomes lost or trapped, or there is an unexpected change in fire behavior.

Why must the IC know firefighter locations?

If the IC does not know where personnel are, it is impossible to know whether someone is trapped inside.

Consequence of poor accountability

Firefighters have died because they were not known to be missing until too late.

Three types of accountability systems

Passport systems, SCBA tag systems, and computer-based electronic systems.

Effective accountability system

A system properly implemented by the IC and properly used by personnel.

Passport system

Sometimes called a tag system; company officers have a passport listing every crew member.

Passport procedure

Firefighters give passports/tags to a supervisor or designated Accountability Officer according to department policy.

Passport control board

Passports may be attached to a control board or personnel identification chart.

Passport after leaving IDLH

Firefighters collect their passports after leaving the IDLH.

Passport purpose

Allows Command to know which companies and personnel are operating and where.

SCBA tag system

A system using a tag attached to the firefighter's SCBA.

SCBA tag benefit

Provides greater accountability and safety.

SCBA tag procedure

Firefighters give tags to the Accountability Officer, who records required information.

SCBA tag entry information

The firefighter's time of entry.

Expected exit time

Based on the air pressure in the lowest-reading SCBA in the team.

SCBA tag after leaving IDLH

Firefighters take their tags back when leaving so the Accountability Officer knows who remains inside.

Extended operations

Relief crews should be sent in before interior crews run low on air.

Computer-based electronic accountability system

A system using radio-based tracking or radar-based transmitters attached to PPE.

Electronic accountability benefits

May provide greater safety and can sound an alarm if a firefighter becomes immobile or calls for assistance.

Electronic MAYDAY capability

Some systems can sound a MAYDAY or evacuation alarm and verify it was received.

Digital SCBA accountability

Some SCBA systems can automatically register personnel position and air supply with Command software.

Electronic accountability limitation

Electronic systems should never fully replace manual systems; they should be used as a supplemental safety measure.