Emergency Staffing Plan and Call-Back Procedures (General Order 06-13)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, roles, phases, and procedures within Prince George’s County Fire/EMS General Order 06-13 on Emergency Staffing and Call-Backs.

General Order 06-13

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS directive establishing the Emergency Staffing Plan and call-back procedures, effective June 29, 2020.

Emergency Staffing Plan

A set of procedures activated by the Fire Chief during declared emergencies to adjust staffing, schedules, and resources.

Call-Back Procedure

Process of recalling off-duty personnel—career and volunteer—to duty when the Emergency Staffing Plan is implemented.

Workforce (Emergency Operations)

All personnel assigned to operational positions in Emergency Services Command, excluding staff positions such as EMS Office or Watch Office.

Department Operations Center (DOC)

A coordination hub the Fire Chief may establish to manage staffing and resources during an emergency.

Personal and Family Preparedness

Expectation that personnel be ready to work extended hours and have family plans in place for prolonged absences.

Essential Personal Supplies

Items such as spare uniforms, toiletries, and prescription medications that members must bring for long-term mobilization.

Duty Chief

Officer responsible for implementing call-backs and coordinating staffing during an emergency.

Volunteer Duty Chief

Volunteer officer who requests additional volunteer staffing through all volunteer chiefs/stations during call-back.

Staffing Officer

Career officer (or designee) who manages career personnel call-backs and ensures adequate staffing.

Shift Workers

Personnel assigned to 0700-1900, 1900-0700, or 0700-0700 rotations; first call-back targets the shift not scheduled the next day.

Day Workers

Personnel normally working weekday schedules; limited to two weekday and one weekend call-backs unless needs dictate more.

Modified Work Schedule

Altered duty hours (e.g., changing number of shifts) instituted to maintain service during workforce shortages.

Resource Adjustments

Actions such as closing stations or combining units to match available staffing during severe shortages.

Phase 1 (≤10% unavailable)

Vacancies filled per normal staffing order; leave requests suspended.

Phase 2 (≤20% unavailable)

All scheduled leave cancelled; day workers redeployed; prep for possible 3-shift schedule.

Phase 3 (≤30% unavailable)

Leave cancelled; day workers redeployed; transition to 3-shift schedule; potential station closures/combining resources.

Phase 4 (≤40% unavailable)

Leave cancelled; day workers redeployed; stations closed/combined; consider 2-shift schedule.

Phase 5 (>40% unavailable)

Leave cancelled; day workers redeployed; transition to 2-shift schedule; continued station closures and resource consolidations.

Telestaff Outbound Messaging

Automated system used to notify personnel that the Emergency Staffing Plan is active.

IAFF Local 1619

International Association of Firefighters local chapter consulted by the Fire Chief when modifying schedules and resources.

Leave Suspension

Temporary halt to approval of new leave requests when ≤10% of workforce is unavailable.

3-Shift Work Schedule

Emergency rotation adopted when up to 30% of the workforce is unavailable, replacing the standard four-shift model.

2-Shift Work Schedule

More condensed rotation used when 40% or more of the workforce is unavailable.