“The goal is to make decisions intuitively not impulsively.”

Being ready for anything at anytime is not easy.

Having responsibility for other people's lives creates all kinds of fears and anxieties. Without some kind of practice or preparedness an individual will quickly be overwhelmed by the intensity of a scene.

At the root of the issue is the decision making process. Choices have to be made rapidly and they need to be based on accurate observations.

The Point of the Arrow provides a proactive approach to accountability.

A Proactive Approch to Accountability

When a critical event is reported to an emergency operator all the apprehension and worry at the scene is carried forward.

The familiar voice of the dispatcher is now tight and higher in pitch. The alarm bells are ringing but it's the tension over the radio that alerts us to the dangers ahead.

Once the wheels start rolling acceleration is quick and purposeful. The ‘field of vision’ is wide but it's rapidly narrowing leaving less time to assess and prepare.

Resolution starts by gathering information so a picture can be painted prior to arrival. This 'readies the attack' and provides the best chance at making decisions intuitively.

First aid training stresses prioritizing initial actions such as DABC: Delicate Spine, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

For a first in officer a progression or 'Cadence' would be:

TMOPO

• Tap Out
• Map
• On Route
• Prior to Arrival
• On Scene

Tap Out

The address provides a geographical point, which in Delta, for example, could mean it's Residential, Industrial, Wildland, Rural or Shoreline.

The Geographical point and time of day provides an idea of what the occupancy of the scene may be.

Map

Once at the map, the location is pinpointed and the nearest water supply identified. Depending on the type of event, alternate routes during a multiple vehicle response is consididered as well as any 'local problems' are identified.

On Route

Every fire hall has a flag pole. As the truck pulls out, the current wind speed and wind direction can be observed. It may be different at the scene but the prevailing winds will be obvious.

Ask relevant questions whose answers can provide an update. For example, when responding to a Hazmat Incident on route ask;

“Can someone on scene safely identify the product and is the event inside or outside?”

Prior to Arrival

Before committing to the hot zone: is it safe to do so? A moth to the flame gets burned.

Do you secure a water supply now and possibly block access to the call by others?

Do first efforts go towards evacuation and preventing anyone else from entering the hotzone?

On Scene

Using the time ahead of arrival to gather information and create a potential game plan allows the first in officer to react to what they see. Decisions are more likely to be made intuitively, providing better protection for everyone involved.

Hazmat Incident

For a Hazmat Incident, consider the cadence PAWSE:

Product Identification

On route ask these questions:

Can the product be safely identified?
Is the spill/leak inside or outside?

Amount of Product

What is the size of the spill/leak?
Is anyone injured? How Many?

Wind

Check flagpole for speed & direction.
Use laptop map to get a 'first glance' at the plume profile.
Do you need to alert the neighboring towns? Do you need their help?

Shelter In Place

Coordinate with police & dispatch to sound public alarm.

Prevent anyone else from entering, provide road closures.

Evacuation

Coordinate with police & dispatch to sound public alarm.

Provide escape routes.

A professional entity is defined as a person who delivers.

Job performance is determined by the following:

Previous Experience — you've either gone to the calls or not.
Personality — how well do you handle pressure?
Preperation — practice, practice, practice.

Previous experience and personality are laregly out of our control, but preparation is our responsibility.

In the absence of unforeseen forces an individual making decisions intuitively will have a better chance of achieving a resolution quickly and safely.