Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center

Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: TABLE OF CONTENTS Effective Date: Last Revision Date: Signature of Approval:

INTRODUCTION COMM 1 Pages 2-3

LETTER OF ENDORSMENT COMM 2 Page 4

COMM 3 Page 5

FIRE AND EMS APPARATUS COMM 4 Pages 6-8

DISASTER TRAILER COMM 5 Page 9

DEFINITIONS COMM 6 Pages 10-17

PHONETIC ALPHABET COMM 7 Page 18

GENERAL PROCEDURES COMM 8 Pages 19-21

ALERT TONES COMM 9 Pages 22-23

FAILURE TO RESPOND COMM 10 Page 24

TEST TONES COMM 11 Page 25

TELEPHONE TECHNIQUES COMM 12 Pages 26-34

RADIO PROCEDURES COMM 13 Pages 35-36

ACTIVATION OF PAGERS COMM 14 Pages 37-39

FIRST RESPONDER PAGING PROCEDURES COMM 15 Page 40

EMS RESPONSE PROCEDURES COMM 16.a Pages 41-42

FIRE PAGING PROCEDURES COMM 16.b Page 43

TREE DOWN COMM 17 Page 44

HEART / STROKE ALERTS COMM 18 Page 45

STRUCTURE FIRE PAGING PROCEDURES COMM 19.a Page 46

WORKING INCIDENT COMM 19.b Pages 47-48

CHIMNEY FIRE COMM 19.c Page 49

VEHICLE INTO STRUCTURE COMM 19.d Page 50

TANKER TASK FORCE COMM 20 Page 51

FIRE EMS SERVICE CALLS & STANDBYS COMM 21 Page 52

STATION TRANSFER COMM 22 Page 53

N/A COMM 23

LADDER/TRUCK COMPANY PAGING

PROCEDURES

COMM 24 Page 54

OPERATIONAL TALKGROUPS COMM 25 Page 55

LANDING ZONES COMM 26 Page 56

COMM 27 Page 57

MAYDAY FIREFIGHTER DOWN COMM 28 Page 58

N/A COMM 29

SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAM COMM 30 Page 59

DUTY OFFICER COMM 31 Pages 60-61

COMM 32 Page 62

CALL TYPES COMM 33 Pages 63-67

MODIFIED RESPONSE COMM 34 Page 68

INTERSTATE 81 COMM 35.a Pages 69-70

INTERSTATE 64 COMM 35.b Pages 71-72

EMS STAFFING LEVEL COMM 36.a Page 73

MEDIC/ALS ASSISTS COMM 36.b Page 74

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY COMM 37 Pages 75-76

FIRE EMS LAST CALL COMM 38 Page 77

DISABLED EMERGENCY VEHICLES COMM 39 Page 78

FIRE/RESCUE ANNOUNCE COMM 40 Page 79

MCI PLAN SUPPLEMENTAL 5 pages

Page 1

FIRE AND EMS DEPARTMENTS

EVACUATION SIGNAL

TORNADO WARNING

7-15-21


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: INTRODUCTION

Number: COMM 1

Effective Date:

Last Revision Date: 4-20-21

Signature of Approval:

PURPOSE

To provide the best level of service possible Rockbridge Regional Public Safety

Communications Center will operate using a set of standard operating procedures.

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE

Each employee cannot be expected to determine the best method of handling different

types of calls. Current laws, court decisions and the standard of care in the community

have been considered in establishing these procedures.

CONSISTENCY

Callers to 9-1-1 and emergency response agencies should receive the same level of

service delivered in a consistent manner. Service delivery must not vary substantially

between employees and/or shift.

KNOWLEDGE OF PROCEDURES

Each employee should study these SOPs to ensure their ability to properly apply them. If

an employee does not comprehend a procedure, they should ask their supervisor for

clarification and explanation.

IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDED PROCEDURES OR CHANGES

Employees should notify the Supervisor when they perceive that a new procedure is

needed or that existing procedures need modification. The Supervisor should be notified

when:

• Verbal orders are necessary on a regular basis.

• A situation that is not outlined by SOP.

• Adherence to SOP is creating difficulties in operations.

The request for the policy modification should then be submitted, in writing, to the

Director so it may be discussed at the next Fire/Rescue subcommittee meeting.

Page 2

CHANGING OR ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES

The creation, amendment or deletion of Fire/EMS policies/procedures will be discussed

in the 911 board appointed subcommittee. Once the subcommittee reviews the proposed

policy it is then brought to the 911 board for approval. Once the 911 board approves the

policy as written, the Director shall:

• Email all employees of the policy change.

• Upload the policy to the ECC file repository.

• Instruct supervisors to update or replace the existing hard copy of the policy in the

station SOP manual.

MAINTENANCE OF SOP MANUALS

• Each employee is responsible for maintaining their personal copy of the SOP

manual by inserting/adding the revisions as they are issued.

• A current copy of the SOP manual will be kept at each dispatcher station for

reference. That copy will be maintained by the Supervisor.

NOTE

ECC PERSONNEL HAVE THE RIGHT TO OVERRIDE STANDARD

OPERATING PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF THREATS TO

LIFE SAFETY OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES. THE

SUPERVISOR WILL BE NOTIFIED IF THIS OCCURS.

Page 3


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT

Number: COMM 2

Effective Date:



LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT

The enclosed radio procedures are established to ensure safe, efficient, and effective radio communications.

Responder safety is a high priority in all Fire & EMS radio communications. Without proper discipline and

control, radio communications can quickly deteriorate to a level of confusion and frustration.

All Rockbridge County Fire EMS Chiefs, Captains, and the Rockbridge Emergency Communications Center

endorse the enclosed radio procedures. All radio operators (dispatchers, responders, and agents) are required to

study, practice the rules and protocols contained herein.

The Fire & EMS Radio Procedures Manual was approved by the 911 Operations Board and is endorsed by the

Chiefs and Officers of the following agencies (signatures on file): .

Chief/Captain Fire/EMS Department Signature

Mac Clemmer Effinger Fire EMS

John Hill Glasgow Fire

Mike Jolly Goshen Fire

Stacey Ruley Kerrs Creek Fire EMS

Nathan Ramsey Rockbridge County Fire EMS

Melvin Bauernfeind Rockbridge Baths Fire EMS

Ben Wilmer South River Fire EMS

Ty Dickerson Lexington Fire EMS

John Rowsey Buena Vista Fire EMS

Everett Smith Natural Bridge Fire EMS

Brian Brooks Raphine Fire EMS

Colby Irvine Walkers Creek Fire EMS

Kathlyn Beverly Buena Vista EMS

Sherri Wilcox Glasgow EMS

Linda Arnold Goshen EMS

Donnie McBrayer VMI EMS

Steve Reese Fairfield EMS

Page 4


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: FIRE & EMS DEPARTMENTS

Number: COMM 3

Effective Date:



ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY FIRE EMS DEPARTMENTS

Fire Departments

* Denotes First Responder Capability

EMS Agencies

* Denotes First Responder Capability

Company 1 Effinger Volunteer Fire Dept

Company 2 Glasgow Volunteer Fire Dept

Company 3 Goshen Volunteer Fire Dept

Company 4 Kerrs Creek Fire EMS Dept

Company 5 Rockbridge County Fire Rescue

Company 6 Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Dept*

Company 7 South River District Volunteer Fire Dept*

Company 9 Lexington Fire Dept

Company 10 Buena Vista Fire Dept*

Company 11 Natural Bridge Volunteer Fire Dept*

Company 12 Raphine Volunteer Fire Company*

Company 80 Walkers Creek Volunteer Fire Dept*

Company 1 EMS Effinger Volunteer Fire Dept

Rescue 1 Lexington Fire Dept

Rescue 2 Buena Vista Rescue Squad

Rescue 3 Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew

Rescue 4 Kerrs Creek Fire EMS Dept

Rescue 13 Goshen First Aid Crew

Response 14 Virginia Military Institute EMS*

Rescue 17 Fairfield Rescue Squad

Page 5


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS

Number: COMM 4

Effective Date:



Fire Department Specialty Vehicles

The following are Fire Departments who have Specialty Vehicles in Rockbridge County.

Tankers

Capacity

Effinger Fire Co. 1 Tanker 1 3,000 gal

Glasgow Fire Co. 2 Tanker 2 3,000 gal

Kerrs Creek Co. 4 Tanker 4 3,000 gal

Rockbridge Baths Fire Co. 6 Tanker 6 1,250 gal

South River Fire Co. 7 Tanker 72 2,500 gal

Buena Vista Fire Co. 10 Tanker 106 2,000 gal

Natural Bridge Fire Co.11 Tanker 11 2,000 gal

Raphine Fire Co.12 Tanker 126 3,000 gal

Walkers Creek Fire Co.80 Tanker 80 1,500 gal

Aerials

Capacity

Glasgow Fire Co.2 Ladder 2 300 gal

Lexington Fire Co. 9 Truck 9 300 gal

Buena Vista Fire Co.10 Ladder 10 500 gal

Augusta County Truck 106 300 gal

Augusta County Truck 11 300 gal

City of Staunton Ladder 1 70 gal CAFS

Page 6

Specialty

TAC-2 22’ crane

Welder generator

Air compressor

Ocean Aid Rescue Boat

Tech Rescue Equipment

Utility 2 Snow Plow

100 gallon diesel tank with pump

Snow Plow

Suppression 80 4 wheel drive

Seats 3 personnel

500 gallon water tank

Company 9 Cascade Trailer

Riverheads Attack 251 Wildland Fire Apparatus with Cascade

System

Staunton Fire Squad 8 Cascade system

Hazmat materials/Tech Rescue

Rope Rescue/Water Rescue Equipment

Structural Collapse equipment

Rough Terrain Vehicles

Glasgow Fire Co.2 RAV 2*

Tracks

Seats 5 personnel


Rockbridge Baths Fire Co.6 RTV 6*

Seats 2 personnel


2 gallon foam tank

100’ forestry hose

Drafting hose

Chain saw

Leaf blower

2 fire rakes

2 fire brooms

Page 7

South River Fire Co.7 RTV 7*

Seats 3


6.5HP high pressure pump

100’ ¾” booster hose reel

200’ 1” forestry hose/nozzle

100’ 1 ¾” fire hose/nozzle

Chain Saw

Rakes

Pulaski Tool

4000lb winch

Bolt Cutters

Gated Wye

Buena Vista Fire Co.10 ATV 10*

Seats 3 personnel


Walker’s Creek Fire Co.80 ATV 80 Seats 2 personnel


200 psi high pressure pump

100’ of ½” booster hose and reel

2 forestry rakes

2 emergency shelters

1 pulaski tool

Winch

Staunton Fire ATV 1* Seats 3 personnel


Fire pump

200’ 1” forestry hose

* Patient moving capable

Swift Water

Company 2 Boat 2A

Boat 2B

Otter 2

Misc swift water equipment

Company 6 Otter 6

Company 10 Zodiac Boat x2

Otter 10

Staunton Fire Boat 1 (Otter)

Page 8


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Subject: DISASTER TRAILER

Number: COMM 5

Effective Date:



DISASTER TRAILER

PURPOSE - To provide additional medical resources in the event of a

Mass Causality event.

The disaster trailer is to be AUTOMATICALLY dispatched on the following incidents:

• Passenger Train Derailment

• Aircraft Accidents

• MCI

Otherwise the Disaster Trailer is available upon request.

Resources of the Disaster Trailer include, but are not limited to:

• Oxygen Cylinders & Equipment

• 2 – oxygen equipment bags

• 8 First Aid Kits (4 backpack & 4 shoulder)

• Multiple sizes of sterile dressings & roller gauze

• Triage Equipment

• Flashlights

• 20 Backboards & equipment

• Patient Stabilizing Equipment

• Blankets, Pillows, Towels, & Sheets

• Includes a mounted gas-powered generator mounted on the front of the trailer

The Disaster Trailer shall be housed at Fairfield Rescue, and unit number will be MCU17.

CURRENTLY RESCUE 17 SHALL BE TONED FOR THE RESPONSE OF THE DISASTER

TRAILER.

The Disaster Trailer is to be response checked at 6 minutes and the next closest Fire or EMS

Department shall be toned at 8 minutes unless someone advises that they are en route to get the

trailer.

Page 9



Subject: DEFINITIONS

Number: COMM 6

Effective Date:



DEFINITIONS

Abandon To immediately exit the building or area due to

safety concerns for emergency personnel, without

regard to equipment or hose lines left in place.

Accountability Tags Tags identifying a person used for tracking

purposes.

Advise To give or provide information.

Affirmative Yes or ok.

Air Medical Services Air transportation to move patients to and from

healthcare facilities to improve their level of care.

Alarm/Box Alarm The predetermined initial response assignment for

a given type of incident.

First Alarm – 3 Fire Depts & 1 EMS

Second Alarm – 6 Fire Depts & 2 EMS

Third Alarm – 9 Fire Depts & 3 EMS

Fourth Alarm – 12 Fire Depts. & 4 EMS

Aerial A fire apparatus equipped with an aerial ladder,

elevating platform, or water way that is designed

and equipped to support firefighting and rescue

operations by position personnel, handling

materials, providing continuous egress, or

discharging water at positions elevated from the

ground.

ALS Advanced Life Support.

Page 10

Area Command An organization established to oversee the

management of multiple incidents that are each

being handled by a separate Incident Command

System organization or to oversee the

management of a very large or evolving incident

that has multiple incident management teams

engaged. An agency administrator/executive or

other public official with jurisdictional

responsibility for the incident usually makes the

decision to establish an Area Command. An Area

Command is activated only if necessary,

depending on the complexity of the incident and

incident management span-of-control

considerations.

Arriving Alternative term for on scene/on location

Assigned Performing an active assignment.

Available Ready for an assignment.

BLS Basic Life Support.

BP Blood Pressure.

Branch The organizational level having functional or

geographical responsibility for major aspects of

incident operations. A Branch is organizationally

situated between the Section Chief and the

Division or Group in the Operations Section, and

between the Section and Units in the Logistics

Section. Branches are usually identified by a

functional area.

Break End of transmission, beginning of another.

Cancel Canceling the response of units dispatched to an

alarm and returning them to available status.

Chain of Command A series of command, control, executive, or

management positions in order of authority.

Clear Remove unit from an incident in the CAD

CHF Congestive Heart Failure.

(name) Command Call sign for incident commander where (name)

is usually related to the location of an incident.

Command Post Where the incident commander is located during

a incident.

Common Terminology No 10-codes or signals. Normally used words and

phrases-avoids the use of different words/phrases

for same concepts, consistency.

Confined Space Space with limited means of egress which is

subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable

contaminated or oxygen deficient atmosphere.

Confirm Check to make sure and advise.

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CVA Cardiovascular Accident – Stroke.

Division To divide the incident into geographical areas of

operation. Divisions established for structural

assignments are usually referred to as 1, 2, 3, and

so on. For example the ground floor of a building

is referred to as division 1, the second floor is

referred to as division 2. Below ground levels are

referred to as subdivision’s For example the

basement is referred to as subdivision 1. If there

are more basement levels, they would be referred

to as subdivision 2, subdivision 3 and so on.

Divisions established for wildland incidents are

usually referred to as north, south, east, and west.

DOA Dead on arrival.

Disregard Last transmission does not apply to you.

EMD Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Emergency Operations Center The physical location at which the coordination

of information and resources to support incident

management (on-scene operations) activities

normally takes place. An EOC may be a

temporary facility or may be located in a more

central or permanently established facility.

Emergency Traffic Use to inform units there is an ongoing

emergency and not to interrupt unless there is

another emergency.

Engine A fire apparatus with a pump capable of flowing

at least 750 gallons per minute, as well as all

other required equipment per NFPA 1901

Engine Company A fire apparatus with a pump capable of flowing

at least 750 gallons per minute, as well as all

other required equipment per NFPA 1901, and

minimum of three (3) Entry level firefighters.

En Route Used to indicate that a unit(s) is responding to an

incident in non-emergency mode.

ETA Estimated time of arrival.

ETOH Intoxicated subject, has been drinking admittedly

or has alcohol on breath.

Evacuate To exit the building or area, due to change in

strategy (i.e offensive to defensive; interior to

exterior).

Page 12

Group Established to divide the incident management

structure into functional areas of operation.

Groups are composed of resources assembled to

perform a special function not necessarily within

a single geographic division. Groups, when

activated, are located between Branches and

resources in the Operations Section.

IDLH Immediate Danger to Life or Health

Incident Action Plan An oral or written plan containing incident

objectives reflecting the overall strategy for

managing an incident.

Incident Command The individual responsible for all incident

activities, including the development of strategies

and tactics and the ordering and the release of

resources. The IC has overall authority and

responsibility for conducting incident operations

and is responsible for the management of all

incident operations at the incident site.

Incident Command Post The field location where the primary functions or

command are performed. The ICP may be co-

located with the incident base or other incident

facilities.

In Quarters To be used by units when they are back at their

station.

In Service Units are available to respond to an incident.

In Service, Returning To be used when returning from an incident, and

are available for the next incident

Lay-In (Forward Lay) When a fire apparatus is to lay supply line from a

water source to the incident

Lay-Out (Reverse Lay) When a fire apparatus is to lay supply line from

the incident to a water source

Level 1 staging Refers to apparatus and personnel staging at the

incident scene

Level 2 staging Refers to apparatus and personnel staging at a

central location, not at the incident scene.

Liaison The contact person for assisting or coordinating

with other agencies. A member of the command

staff.

Lock-Out Using a lock to secure in the off position any

switches, valves, dampers, & power sources, etc.

Logistics Responsible for providing facilities, services and

materials for the incident.

Page 13

Mayday Firefighter lost or trapped or missing inside of a

structure. The person making the initial call may

or may not be an officer or IC, as personnel inside

may be the ones to make the initial call.

Medic Response Emergency medical response requiring a Medic

response (Intermediate or Paramedic).

Medic Unit ALS ground ambulance staffed by at least one

EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic and EMT-B.

Negative No.

National Incident Management System

(NIMS)

Nationally recognized method of management

system of an incident.

Officer In Charge (OIC) A supervisory position in the fire service. Usually

responsible for a specific apparatus.

On Scene Arrived at the scene.

On The Air Units/apparatus is on the air and available to

respond to an incident.

Operations Section Chief Responsible for all tactical operations.

Out of service, Returning To be used when returning from an incident, but

are unavailable for another incident.

Overdose Poisoning.

Passing Command A situation where the first arriving unit provides a

scene size-up, does not establish command

allowing the next arriving fire officer to establish

command, once on scene.

Planning Section Chief Responsible for the collection, evaluation,

dissemination, and use of information about the

development of the incident and status of

resources.

Portable Radio Hand Held Radio.

Proceed Refers to traveling non emergent to service calls.

Primary Search Conducted quickly and during the initial

operational stages to include all involved and

exposed occupancies.

Progress Report Report made by incident command to ECC to

record/report on progress of an incident.

Primary All Clear – primary search complete

Secondary All Clear – secondary search

complete. Conducting after initial fire control

activities have been completed

Under Control – Situation under control, assigned

resources can handle

P.A.R – Personnel Accountability Report, all

personnel on scene are accounted for

Page 14

Public Information Officer (PIO) A member of the Command Staff responsible for

interfacing with the public and media and/or with

other agencies with incident-related information.

Radio ID Radio name or number, identifying a

person/agency.

Rescue Unit BLS ground ambulance staffed by at least one

EMT-Basic and driver.

Received Informational message understood.

Rehab Rehab sector is implemented when the incident

commander judges the environment, work load,

and/or atmospheric temperatures indicates the

probability of injury or temperature related illness

to personnel (i.e working fire, hazmat incident,

etc.).

Rekindle Refers to a fire that was not completely

extinguished the first time.

Relay Repeat a radio message from one unit to another.

Report Verbal indication of the status of an incident or

unit.

Response Apparatus or personnel respond to an incident.

Response Check Conducted 6 minutes after the initial dispatch if

the department or agency has not responded.

Responding Used to indicate that a unit(s) is responding to an

incident in emergency mode.

RIC/RIT Rapid Intervention Crew/Team is initiated when

an incident commander determines it is necessary

to engage personnel in hazardous circumstances.

A crew of at least two firefighters that is

dedicated solely to the search and rescue of other

firefighters in distress. initiated when an incident

commander determines it is necessary to engage

personnel in hazardous circumstances.

Safety Officer Responsible for monitoring and assessing safety

hazards, unsafe situations, and developing

measures for insuring personnel safety.

SCBA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

Secured Scene. When law enforcement perceives the scene is

relatively safe for emergency personnel

Seizure The physical findings or changes in behavior that

occur after an episode of abnormal electrical

activity in the brain.

Size Up The evaluation of an incident. ECC shall repeat

back the size up

SOB Shortness Of Breath.

Page 15

Staging The area or location where personnel and/or

equipment are assigned away from the scene, but

are available during an incident.

Stand By Wait; hold your present position, assignment or

radio traffic.

Status The condition, assignment, or availability of

personnel or equipment.

STEMI ST-elevated myocardial infarction – heart attack

Strike Team A set number of resources of the same kind and

type that have an established minimum number of

personnel, common communications, and a

leader.

Syncope Temporary loss of consciousness usually caused

by a fall in blood pressure.

Talk Group Formerly known a radio frequency and/or channel

Tanker A mobile fire apparatus equipped with a 1000

gallon or greater water tank, and a pump capable

of flowing 750 gallons per minute, as well as the

other required NFPA 1901 equipment.

Task Force Any combination of resources assembled to

support a specific mission or operational need.

All resource elements within a Task Force must

have common communications and a designated

leader.

Team 2 or more firefighters/task oriented.

TIC Thermal Imaging Camera

Transferring/Fill Quarters Units/apparatus is moving to another station for a

fill quarters assignment.

Transmission The sending of the radio message on the text of

the message itself.

Transporting To be used by EMS when transporting a patient

to the hospital. Always advise which facility you

are transporting to.

Trauma Unit Ground ambulance staffed by at least one EMT-

Advanced Provider and EMT-B.

Triage Process of sorting multiple patient’s needs, kind

of illness or injury, severity of the problem, and

facilities available to handle them.

Unit Any piece or group of apparatus.

Page 16

Unified Command An Incident Command System used when more

than one agency has incident jurisdiction or when

incidents cross political jurisdictions. Agencies

work together through the designated members of

the UC, often the senior person from agencies

and/or disciplines participating in the UC, to

establish a common set of objectives and

strategies and a single Incident Action Plan.

Unsecured Scene A location in which a violent or potential violent

incident has occurred and the situation has not

been brought safely under control by law

enforcement.

Working Incident Active incident in progress requiring the

assignment of resources for an extended period. –

Reference Comms 29

Page 17



Subject: PHONETIC ALPHABET

Number: COMM 7

Effective Date:



PHONETIC ALPHABET

A ADAM ALPHA

B BOY BRAVO

C CHARLIE CHARLIE

D DAVID DELTA

E EDWARD ECHO

F FRANK FOXTROT

G GEORGE GOLF

H HENRY HOTEL

I IDA INDIA

J JOHN JULIET

K KING KILO

L LINCOLN LIMA

M MARY MIKE

N NORA NOVEMBER

O OCEAN OSCAR

P PAUL PAPA

Q QUEEN QUEBEC

R ROBERT ROMEO

S SAM SIERRA

T TOM TANGO

U UNION UNIFORM

V VICTOR VICTOR

W WILLIAM WHISKEY

X XRAY XRAY

Y YOUNG YANKEE

Z ZEBRA ZULU

Page 18



Subject: GENERAL PROCEDURES

Number: COMM 8

Effective Date:



It is the policy of Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center to provide

the most effective link possible between the caller, the dispatcher, and the emergency

responders.

The following procedures will be used for communications on the Rockbridge County

Fire/Rescue frequencies. Fire and EMS Departments use these County wide frequencies for

paging and general communications.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

All communications will be in plain English without use of l0-Codes

Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center will be referred to as "ECC".

During 2-way communications, the unit being called should be addressed first and the

person calling should identify themselves last. (EXAMPLE- Dispatch Calls Engine 71:

"Engine 71, ECC". This should help quickly get the attention of the unit that is being

called.

It is not necessary for units to call ECC and wait for an acknowledgment before giving

their message. The message may be given on field unit’s initial call to ECC. If the

dispatcher does not respond to the field unit after 30 seconds, units should call, wait for

acknowledgement, and repeat their message.

Dispatch will repeat primary radio traffic from a field unit when possible.

Dispatch will provide support to members such as requests for utility companies or

mutual aid.

Communications among department personnel must be conducted on non-operational

talkgroups (i.e. dept private), whenever possible.

Dispatch will announce the time after each call and test transmission.

Page 19

ECC will provide incident details and cross streets to the first responding apparatus from

each Department that has been placed on an assignment. Additional responding

apparatus from the same Departments will be acknowledged with the time. ECC will

provide incident details if requested by the additional responding apparatus. Responding

units should indicate which incident is being responded to if more than one is current.

Individual members other than Chief Officers responding should not indicate their

response to ECC.

When multiple units are returning at the same time the OIC of each Department shall

mark all Company (number) units returning. OIC’s of each Department should do the

same upon returning to quarters. When multiple units are responding on the same

assignment and the situation is marked under control, units on scene can handle and there

are still units responding ECC shall activate the TEST ALERT for 3 seconds, repeat what

command has advised and advise units to stand by for acknowledgement on the

operational frequency, then call each unit number and give a time once all units have

been acknowledged.

EXAMPLE: Companies 10, 2, 9 & Rescue 2 are responding to a Structure Fire at 306 Park Ave. Engine 107, Tanker 106, Ladder 10, Engine 92, & Medic 22 are on scene, Truck 2 & Tanker 2 are still responding. Command advises ECC that the situation is under control, units on scene can handle, holding all units on scene for an undetermined amount of time, all other units can return to service.

o ECC will respond using the following procedure:

1. Activate TEST ALERT for 3 seconds.

2. Park Ave Command advising situation under control, holding

units on scene for an undetermined amount of time, responding

units can go in service. Responding unit’s standby for

acknowledgement on Ops Channel.

3. ECC then will do a roll call on Ops channel.

4. Truck 2, wait for them to acknowledge, Tanker 2, wait for

them to acknowledge, & then ECC will say all units in service

returning at 0446.

Incident Command will report to ECC when the situation is under control. ECC will use

TEST ALERT for 3 seconds and repeat the Incident Command name, message, and time.

It shall NOT be necessary to notify ECC when going for water or fuel. Units may mark

“On The Air” while away from their stations if available for calls. When this occurs no

documentation will occur, just a time will be given.

Page 20

Rockbridge ECC will notify and/or transfer to VASP for vehicle accidents on any

roadway in the county or any Fire EMS incidents on the Interstates. ECC will provide an

ETA of VASP if available, units are not to ask.

When a request is made for EMS only on an accident ECC will send Fire and EMS as a

safety precaution.

ECC will contact Air Medical Services and perform availability checks (1st-4th due) for

all priority calls. Units will be advised of Air Medical status.

ECC will assign an operational talkgroups to all incidents. Fire EMS personnel can ask

for a different operational talkgroups due to geographical terrain.

If a Fire Department advises ECC that they are using a large quantity of water via

hydrant, ECC personnel will notify the Public Service Authority.

At the completion of all calls ECC shall send incident summaries to the appropriate

departments. Units are NOT to be cleared from an incident until they mark in quarters

unless they advise to clear them from the call/CAD.

ECC shall advise Fire EMS units when they respond if a scene is unsafe and advise them

to stage until the arrival of Law Enforcement.

ECC may advise units to conduct “emergency traffic only.” During this time NO

OTHER transmission shall be made unless it is an EMERGENCY. During this time,

units with emergency traffic should state the following and wait for a response from ECC

– “ECC Wagon 4 Emergency Traffic.” Marking on scene or returning is NOT

considered emergency traffic.

The receiving hospital and local Law Enforcement will be notified of all incidents when

there is a reason to suspect emotions will be high and involved parties may be following

patients to the Emergency Room.

Status Checks for Fire EMS

When Fire EMS units are on scene of an incident ECC shall conduct “Status Checks”

every 15 minutes. ECC shall discontinue Status Checks when units on scene advise, “NO

NEED FOR FURTHER STATUS CHECK’S” or the IC has marked the “SITUATION

UNDER CONTROL.”

If ECC performs 3 Status Checks with no response, ECC shall send the appropriate Law

Enforcement to the scene of the incident.

Page 21



Subject: ALERT TONES

Number: COMM 9

Effective Date: 6-1-20



ALERT TONES

Alert Tones are generated on the radio consoles at ECC. Each of these tones are activated when the

proper button is pressed by ECC personnel. These tones will be transmitted on the selected frequency.

ALERT TONE (ALERT) Continuous tone for at least 3 seconds.

Uses of this tone are as follows:

• Cancel responding apparatus

• Mark situations under control

• Get the attention of Incident Commander

• Give additional information on dispatched incidents

• Weather Alerts and other non-emergency statements

MAYDAY SIGNAL (WARBLE)– Reference Comm 28 Alternating High/Low Tone for at least 7 seconds.


• Fire or Hazardous situations causing immediate danger and all personnel should evacuate the

area. The Incident Commander or the Safety Officer will make the determination of when

this alert is required.

EXAMPLE

Mayday Signal (WARBLE) for 3 seconds continuously (on F/R Announce).

Announce that a MAYDAY has been declared at the scene (repeat the address of

the incident) and advise all units to restrict radio traffic on the talkgroup the

mayday was called on (i.e. OPS 1).

BUSY ALERT (PULSE) Beep tone for at least 3 seconds.


• Indicates that a message has been received but a voice response is not practical. A voice

response will be made to field units as soon as possible.

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EVACUATION SIGNAL (C2) – Reference Comm 27 Tone should sound for greater than 3 seconds

Use of this tone are as follows:

• Imminent threat known to public safety workers

• Evacuation of a structure

EXAMPLE

EVACUATION SIGNAL (C2) for 5 seconds continuously (on F/R Announce)

Announce that an evacuation has been declared at the scene (repeat the address of the

incident), advise for all personnel to evacuate the structure and advise all units to restrict

radio traffic on affected talkgroup (i.e. OPS 1).

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Subject: FAILURE TO RESPOND

Number: COMM 10

Effective Date: Last Revision Date: 4-22-21


Failure To Respond

Failure to Responds are to be used when an agency is placed on an incident and a piece of

apparatus from that agency does not respond.

The following shall be used in placing a Failure To Respond on an agency:

• Any agency that is placed on an incident that does not respond after 16 minutes, will

receive a Failure to Respond.

• Any agency that is placed on an incident and responds between 10-16 minutes, will

receive a Delayed Response.

• Agencies covered during a station transfer/fill quarters shall not receive a Failure To

Respond

• Someone responding in a POV does not count as a response from the agency. Only if a

unit from the agency responds. This does not apply for driver requests from an EMS

agency. The apparatus responding should indicate whether they are using an assisting

driver, then the department requested will receive credit for the call being covered.

• If, an agency is on a multi-agency call, and they get a call and request another agency to

respond from the scene to the other call or divert to that call, it IS NOT a failure to

respond for the original agency they are out of resources and unable to respond

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Subject: TEST TONES

Number: COMM 11




TEST TONES

Test tones are to be performed each Monday at 1800 hours if call volume permits. Agencies will

be toned using the ALL PAGE function.

Testing will not be performed if there is an active incident unless the dispatcher obtains approval

from field units. Testing may also be delayed if deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

If ongoing incidents prohibit performing test tones through 1900 hours, the test will be canceled

and rescheduled for the next day. An alert expiring at 1800 the next day will be set in the CAD

to remind the next shift it needs to be completed.

Department Chiefs may request a pager test for their department, as needed, but not routinely

scheduled.

Non emergent requests for pages will not be made at any time unless the announcement is for

County Wide notification of canceled training, etc. For these announcements, ALL PAGE will

be used.

ECC will do a test of the MAYDAY SIGNAL, and the EVACUATION SIGNAL.

EXAMPLE OF TEST TONES

• Activation of ALL FIRE and ALL EMS page.

• Attention all Rockbridge County Fire & Rescue personnel, this is your weekly

pager test. Test the Mayday Signal (hold WARBLE for 3 seconds). Test the

Evacuation Signal (hold C2 for 5 seconds). **Special Announcements, if

applicable (list any special announcements)** This concludes the weekly

pager test.

• End with the current time.

Page 25



Subject: TELEPHONE TECHNIQUES

Number: COMM 12

Effective Date:



TELEPHONE TECHNIQUES

The telephone is the most available and therefore, the most important means of access the citizen has for

obtaining the services of a public safety agency. It is the primary link between professional and nonprofessional

communications. The telephone is the fundamental method of communications within a department and is the

chief means of informal messages between departments. When you lift the receiver of your telephone, you are

about to meet someone to engage in a conversation as important as a face-to-face visit and you are the

department. It is the policy of Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center to be professional

and courteous to every caller, and to provide timely, efficient, and effective service.

The following procedures will be used to ensure that each caller to Rockbridge Regional Public Safety

Communications Center is provided the best conceivable service,

ANSWER PROMPTLY

Treat each call as an emergency.

Place yourself in the place of one who may be in need of emergency assistance. Every ring for that person is an

eternity. Try to answer all calls within two rings, but on the first ring if possible.

TAKE ALL INFORMATION - LOG IT

Never leave anything to memory. Fill in the CAD computer log. Be sure to include all the required information

on this log. Scrap paper does not make a permanent record of the incident.

RELAYING INFORMATION

A dispatcher's role in emergency services is to relay information from one person to another. Most problems

occur when dispatchers embellish information with their opinions or promise something they cannot deliver. A

good dispatcher relays information exactly as it is given and makes clear who the source of the information is.

PROMISING SERVICE

Dispatchers will not promise services to callers that they cannot provide. Seemingly innocent comments can

constitute a promise of service. If a department has informed you that they are en route this information could

be relayed to a caller but be careful to state that they are in route, not when they will get there.

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MAKING ASSUMPTIONS

When relaying information, ECC personnel must be careful not to embellish facts with their assumptions or

interpretations of the situation. If you have reason to suspect that the situation may be other than it appears, this

should be relayed, but it must be MADE CLEAR THAT IT IS YOUR OPINION, NOT FACT.

ANSWER EACH 9-1-1 LINE

"Rockbridge, 9-1-1, Where is your emergency?"

Do not add such phrases as "Good Morning," May I Help You," etc.

ANSWER EACH ADMIN LINE

"Rockbridge ECC, give last name".

EMERGENCY CALLS WILL ALWAYS BE ACCEPTED

Even when calls do not originate within a jurisdiction which we have dispatching responsibility. Obtain all

pertinent information and relay or transfer (stay on line to make sure the call goes through) to the proper

agency. Make every effort to handle the emergency.

NEVER assume the caller is in a position to redial another number.

SPEAK DIRECTLY INTO THE MOUTHPIECE

This ensures that you will be properly understood and will not waste time repeating information. Speak up, do

not swallow your words.

SHOW INTEREST IN THE CALLER

The person has or needs information and to him or her it is important. Use the caller's name when possible; it

makes them feel you have a personal interest in their call.

OBSERVE TELEPHONE COURTESY

Calm, competent, decisive voice that is courteous will never antagonize the caller. Avoid jargon or slang. Use

proper English.

TAKE CHARGE OF THE CONVERSATION

After the initial exchange and you sense the need of the caller party, cut off superfluous wordage by leading the

caller into meaningful context by asking questions as to the location and nature of the emergency. These two

pieces of information are the most important that can be obtained from the caller. Be courteous but firm. If

Page 27

necessary, keep the caller on the line while you dispatch the appropriate agencies. Place callers on hold or

transfer calls only when necessary and be sure to tell the caller what you are going to do.

MAKE SURE THE INFORMATION GETS TO THE PROPER PERSON

Never give responding unit’s misinformation, never guess. If requested information is not immediately

available, ensure that you have obtained the caller's name and telephone number so that you may return the call.

EXPLAIN WAITS

A party waiting on a "dead phone" may become irritable and uncooperative. Never put a caller on hold without

first determining the nature of the call. If you have an emergency on another line, ask, "Is this an emergency?"

and ask the caller to hold if it is not an emergency. If it is an emergency take enough information to get an

agency toned and ask them to hold briefly while you dispatch a unit and get back to both callers as quickly as

possible.

USE COMMON SENSE

Personnel engaged in a telephone conversation shall not become argumentative, rude or sarcastic.

Conversations that become argumentative shall be referred to the shift supervisor.

Personnel shall not leave callers on hold for long periods of time.

When more than one telephone line in the Communications Center is ringing, the caller should be asked if their

call is an emergency. Emergency calls must be given priority. All other calls are to be handled in the order in

which they were received. If not an emergency, advise caller you are handling an emergency and that you will

be right with them, and then place them on hold.

Callers requesting assistance of a field unit, advise the caller that a patrol unit will respond on their complaint as

soon as possible. Don't use the terms that a patrol unit will "be right there" or "be there in a minute". The caller

will expect immediate arrival or within sixty seconds.

At no time will any caller be told a patrol unit is not available or that all patrol units are busy and time of

response is unknown. If call load is backing up, notify the shift supervisor so they can provide for necessary

personnel to handle the calls.

When talking to field units, the telephone should mainly be utilized for administrative purposes that are too

lengthy for normal radio use. Field units should generally communicate with dispatchers via radio.

TERMINATE CALLS POSITIVELY AND COURTEOUSLY

HANDLING OF IN-COMING EMERGENCY CALLS

When receiving information for dispatching, the dispatcher must extract from the caller the following

information, in this order:

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THE LOCATION OF THE EMERGENCY

Obtain the location, caller’s name, DOB, and phone number of all incidents. Never use generic names or cell

phone carriers for caller names. If they are unable or unwilling to give their information, document the attempt

and move on. Include numeric street address, distance from recognizable landmark, and physical description of

location. This is the most vital piece of information you can get. Even if the caller is unable or unwilling to

continue at this point, units may be sent to the scene to determine the nature of the emergency, and when

applicable to handle the call. Always ask the caller to repeat directions/address to reaffirm what you have

obtained. Anything that may help the responding units locate the scene of the emergency.

NATURE OF THE EMERGENCY

It is essential to the establishment of priorities that the dispatcher understand the nature of the emergency with

which he or she is confronted, so that the proper units may be dispatched to the scene. (Police, Fire, EMS.) In

all instances attempt to determine the exact nature of the incident.

Determine if there are suspects, vehicles, weapons or any other special circumstances like intoxication involved

with the caller's complaint. In such cases obtain as much information as possible from the caller. .

Communications Personnel should attempt to keep the complainant on the phone as long as possible when

handling calls of a serious nature or in progress. Continually update responding units as any additional

information becomes available.

Communications personnel shall document all complaints coming into the Communication Center into the

computer using the CAD system of reporting. All complaints of a nature not served by this Office are to be

referred to the proper agency that handles the complaint. Emergency complaints shall be taken as if they are our

own, and the appropriate agency notified.

Communications Personnel shall not transfer callers to agencies that cannot handle their request for service.

Persons reporting complaints in person shall be treated promptly and courteously.

All complaints have priority over coffee breaks, smoke breaks, meals, etc. Telecommunicator’s assigned to a

radio/telephone, will, at all times, be alert and prepared to handle the duties of their assigned positions.

Telecommunicator’s will, at all time, speak courteously and distinctly on all voice transmissions.

REPORTING PARTY INFORMATION

The dispatcher should obtain the first and last name of the reporting party, the telephone number from which the

call is being placed. If the reporting party will not give the information, the comment, "refused to give" should

be noted in the comment spaces in the computer log. If on the other hand, certain circumstances prevented the

dispatcher from obtaining the information, the notation, "not obtained" should be noted in the comments section

of the computer log and an explanation.

GUIDELINES TO OBTAIN DESCRIPTIVE INFORMATION

*****OBTAIN CALLERS NAME AND PHONE NUMBER ON ALL CALLS*****

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SHOOTING/STABBING/POTENTIAL HOMICIDE:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Ascertain if caller is victim or with victim.

• Extent of injuries--rescue needed?

• Breathing: conscious; bleeding.

• Patient Weight

• If caller advises DOA, send rescue anyway.

• Is caller the suspect or get description of suspect if gone. If caller suspect, KEEP ON PHONE: valuable

information can be obtained.

• Type weapon used: still there or with suspect?

• Description and mode of travel.

• Keep the caller on the phone until units arrive unless caller's life may be placed in more danger by

staying on the phone.

FIGHT OR ASSAULT:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Weapons--type.

• Just occurred or in progress?

• How many involved? Juveniles or adults?

• Injuries--rescue needed?

• Patient Weight

• Is the caller involved?

• Does the caller have any weapons (type)?

• Did suspects flee, if so direction and mode of travel.

BOMB THREAT:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Where is the device supposed to be and if the building has been evacuated?

• What time is it supposed to detonate?

• Where is the caller?

• How long ago was the call received?

• What was said?

• Describe the caller: male/female race, accent speech impediment.

• Any background noise heard?

• Any reason given?

• Name of person who received the initial call, their locations, and phone number if not with caller.

• If threat is made to this office, try to keep the caller on the phone while you contact the phone company

to have it traced.

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POLICE OFFICER IN TROUBLE:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Where is officer?

• Any injuries--rescue needed?

• Nature of trouble (fight/shots/pursuit).

• Weapons (type)?

• How many involved (suspects and officers)?

• Description of suspects/vehicles and direction o£ travel.

• Does the caller know what jurisdiction the officer is from? (What color is the uniform)

• Phone number and location of call if different from incident. Keep caller on phone if in a position to

continue providing information.

ACCIDENTS/CRASHES:

• Location (parking lot/highway/intersection)?

• Name

• Phone Number

• Is anyone injured--rescue needed?

• Ascertain nature of injuries and if anyone is trapped in the vehicle(s).

• Has anyone been thrown from the vehicle?

• Is there any blood in, around, or leading away from the vehicle (if vehicle is found abandoned)?

• Any property damage? Any Doors or windows missing from vehicles involved?

• Is the road blocked?

• Are there any hazards present? (fire, smoke, water involvement, fuel or chemical leaks)

• Type of Vehicle (Tanker Truck, etc)?

HIT AND RUN:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Is anyone injured?

• Patient Weight

• Description of striking vehicle, direction of travel, damage to vehicle, description of driver/occupants.

STRUCTURE FIRE:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Structure: house or commercial.

o Is a garage attached and is there a vehicle in the garage?

o Any flammable or explosive materials in the building; ammunition, paint, etc.?

• Is it occupied? If so advise them to evacuate the structure if can be done safely.

• Is smoke and/or fire visible?

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VEHICLE FIRE:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Type of vehicle?

• Is the vehicle occupied? Are they able to get out of the vehicle?

• Where is the vehicle located? (Is the vehicle greater than 25 foot from the structure?)

• Is anyone injured?

• Is the vehicle carrying cargo, and what is it?

DUMPSTER FIRE:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• How close is the dumpster to a structure?

• Is there smoke and/or fire visible?

BRUSH/GRASS FIRE:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• How close to a structure is the fire?

• Is there smoke and/or fire visible?

• How big of an area is on fire?

WIRES/LINES DOWN:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Is there power in the area?

• Is there any smoke and/or fire visible?

• Who is the service provider in the area?

• Are there wires down? If so are they across the roadway?

GAS LEAK:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Inside or outside of a structure?

• Is anyone experiencing illness?

• Evacuate the structure and/or area.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIAL:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Determine what type material is being carried or has spilled--try to speak to driver of vehicle or user of

material for most accurate information. (placard information if available)

EMS CALLS:

• Location

• Name

• Phone Number

• Type of medical problem/complaint.

• Male or female? Age of the patient?

• Patient Weight

• Any pertinent past medical history?

• Is the patient awake and breathing?

• If bleeding, what is the severity?

*** KEEP IN MIND, THIS LIST IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE. THERE MAY BE TIMES

WERE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED. THERE MAY BE SITUATIONS

WHERE SOME QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLIED. ALWAYS REMEMBER OBTAINING

AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE IS BEST PRACTICE ***

TERMINATING A CALL

Never terminate a call unless nothing further can be obtained from the caller and the caller understands any

action to be taken, i.e., a police officer will respond. In some instances, such as prowler calls, the caller is to

remain on the line until officers arrive at the scene or the caller's life could be at risk by staying on the line.

Terminate calls positively and courteously.

911 HANG-UP/ABANDONED

Dispatchers will immediately call back the number that displays on ANI and/or RapidSOS. The call should then

be screened in the normal manner to determine if there is an emergency. An officer shall be dispatched to the

scene to determine if there is an emergency.

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911 OPEN LINES

A call in which the dispatcher is unable to establish voice contact on an open line is an emergency and is

referred to as an unknown trouble call, open line.

911 open lines, on landlines, in which the dispatcher is unable to get in contact with a person on the phone

should dispatch law enforcement and stay on the line until it is determined that no emergency exists.

PRANK/PROBLEM CALLS

These calls include false reports, incidents of playing, pranks, obscene calls and any other instances of misuse

of the emergency line. Dispatchers will redial the number and will always notify an adult or subscriber of the

situation. If an adult cannot be contacted, the dispatcher will dispatch law enforcement to the scene.

Page 34



Subject: RADIO PROCEDURES

Number: COMM 13

Effective Date:



RADIO PROCEDURES

General guidelines for radio use:

Think before you speak. Organize your thoughts before transmitting.

The over-eager operator is a source of wasted time and confusion. Plain language, and the

phonetic alphabet (when necessary) help to eliminate errors and increase clarity.

Listen before transmitting to make certain the channel is clear.

Keep all transmissions brief and to the point.

Avoid long-winded descriptions and unnecessary repetition. Accuracy, brevity, and speed are all

important; however, they should be considered in that order.

Pleasantries or slang will not be used on the radio.

Speak distinctly and pronounce words carefully.

Speak at moderate speed using your conversational tone of voice with natural emphasis and

rhythm. Messages should be spoken by phrases, not one word at a time.

Make sure the microphone switch is fully depressed and pause briefly before starting to talk.

Talk at conversational level, don't shout.

Do not use the radio for non-essential messages.

Acknowledge messages which are understood without elaboration. Dispatchers should not

acknowledge a message until it is fully understood, and necessary information is noted.

Departments may conduct test of radio coverage with ECC approval.

During all radio operations, remain calm. Be careful to avoid uncivil, angry, abusive, derogatory,

or sarcastic remarks or language. When faced with such a situation, maintain control; do not

attempt to retaliate. Proceed with the business at hand. In cases where corrective action is

necessary, the parties concerned may report the incident to the Communications Supervisor.

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When you are requested by a receiving unit to repeat your message, speak slowly and in a

normal tone of voice.

Identify the unit first, then yourself, at the start of a conversation. Use official titles and

authorized unit names and equipment designations in all transmissions. Example: “Hey you,

this is me.”

When an error is made in a transmission, the word "correction" should be used, and the

correction made immediately.

All radio messages received by Dispatch will be repeated back to the unit to ensure the correct

information was received and to inform the other units

RADIO PROCEDURE - Mobile Units

Field units will acknowledge ECC with unit number not just "go ahead.”

Incidents should be handled by the unit assigned. If another unit determines it is closer to an

incident, the dispatcher should be advised immediately.

Units arriving on the scene of an incident will advise Dispatch. Should the location be different

from the original dispatched location, the first unit on the scene will advise Dispatch.

Dispatch will be advised when an incident is under control and if additional units may be

canceled.

When field units complete a call, Dispatch will be advised the unit is clear.

Dispatch will log in the CAD the status of field units. The units calling ECC by radio will

identify themselves by unit number. i.e. ECC, Engine 107.

Law enforcement shall be dispatched to any fire/EMS incident that may be potentially dangerous

and/or life threatening to responders

ECC personnel will acknowledge Fire Chiefs, Assistant Fire Chiefs, & EMS Chiefs/Captains

when they provide their status. Additional personnel responding will not be acknowledged

unless they are on scene and can provide an update on the incident.

If a Fire EMS unit should operate on the incorrect operational talkgroup, ECC shall advise the

unit of the correct operational talkgroup.

RADIO PATCH

ECC may patch two (2) or more radio talkgroups together. If it is deemed necessary to have

talkgroups patched, the request must come from the OIC. Radio patches will be done in

emergency situations only.

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Subject: ACTIVATION OF PAGERS

Number: COMM 14

Effective Date:



ACTIVATING PAGERS

The voice paging is the primary means of notifying departments of calls for service. It is

importance that pages are clear and concise so field units can understand the information given.

NOTIFICATION OF CALLS

Verify department(s) needed and other information from the recommendations/maps then

activate the department's paging system

• If an automatic mutual aid response is indicated also page the mutual aid responder(s) at

the same time.

• Use the ALERT tone for 3 seconds to notify dispatched and/or responding units if any

additional information is received for the incident.

INITIAL DISPATCH PROCEDURE

The following information is to be given in the order during the initial dispatch of a Fire EMS

Incident.

• Tones

• Agency or Agencies

• Incident Location

• Incident Type

• Time of Dispatch

The first unit responding from each agency shall be advised of additional details to include, not

limited to, operational talkgroups, apartment numbers, cross streets, chief complaint, patient

weight, etc. Additional units, from the same agency, will receive operational talkgroups and the

time.

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PAGING EXAMPLES

EMS Call

Activation of Tones

Rescue 3

800 Fitzlee St

General Illness

1320

EMS Call w/ First Responders

Activation of Tones

Company 7, Rescue 17

608 W 29th St, Stop In

Injuries From A Fall

0845

Structure Fire (Residential)

Activation Of Tones

Companies 2, 10, 11, Rescue 3, DO

1517 Rockbridge Rd

Structure Fire

1310

Structure Fire (Commercial)

Activation Of Tones

Company 9, 7, 4, Rescue 1, Do, Company 9 for Truck 9

1233 N. Lee Hwy, Walmart

Structure Fire

1630

Motor Vehicle Crash

Activation Of Tones

Companies 9, Rescue 1

Rt.11 North; in the area of Hull’s Drive-In (or closest cross street)

Single vehicle, motor vehicle crash vs. deer; with injury

0330

Motor Vehicle Crash (Tractor Trailer/Dual Response)

Activation Of Tones

Companies 9 & 11, Rescues 1 & 3, DO

Interstate 81 Mile Marker 186.2, I 81 Mile Marker 1-8-6 point 2

Motor Vehicle Crash involving a Tractor & Trailer w/ Rollover

1145

Page 38

Transfer Quarters

Activation Of Tones

Company 80

1 Engine Transfer to Company 6

0800

Medic Request

Activation Of Tones

Rescue 1

632 Blacks Creek Rd

Medic Assist

1125

Working Incident

Activation Of Tones

Companies 9, 10, 4, 1, Rescue 1

25 S Main St

Working Incident

1140

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Subject: FIRST RESPONDER PAGING PROCEDURES Number: COMM 15

Effective Date:



FIRST RESPONDER PAGING PROCEDURES

The following information outlines the proper paging procedures for First Responder agencies.

Several fire departments have certified through the Virginia Office of EMS, to respond to

medical emergencies (reference COMM 3).

The following procedures shall be followed by the dispatcher to send First Responders.

• First Responders shall be placed on all EMS incidents in their first due.

• If no EMS or First Responder agencies have responded at the 8 minute mark, the

dispatcher shall dispatch the next due EMS and next due First Responder agencies.

• If the EMS agency responds with-in 8 minutes, but the First Responder agency does not,

re-tone the First Responder agency, but do not add the next due.

• First Responder agencies SHALL NOT be sent on medical emergencies without an EMS

agency.

• First Responder agencies may be sent to a neighboring fire department’s area if they do

not have First Responder capabilities.

Co10 First Responder Paging Procedure Until Further Notice

BVFD First Responders will only be dispatched to EMS calls

for the following call types

• All Unresponsive Patients

• Cardiac arrest with CPR in progress

• Falls from greater than 10 feet

• Any agency that makes a request

• When BV Rescue Squad is already on an incident and they get a second call for service

• When BV Rescue Squad does not have career staff on duty (They will notify the ECC if

this occurs)

Page 40



Subject: EMS RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Number: COMM 16.a

Effective Date:



EMS RESPONSE PROCEDURES

The following information outlines the proper post paging procedures for EMS incidents.

After the initial EMS incident has been dispatched, the dispatcher shall perform the

following to ensure at least one ambulance is responding:

• Immediately after dispatching a priority incident, the dispatcher shall contact the

closest Air Medical Services provider and place them on standby.

• If the EMS agency has NOT responded at 6 minutes after the initial request, the

dispatcher shall conduct a RESPONSE CHECK.

• If the next due EMS agency is from another jurisdiction, the dispatcher shall contact

the appropriate PSAP and request the closest department’s response. The dispatcher

shall give that jurisdiction the incident location, details, cross streets, & operational

frequency/talkgroup.

• If the EMS agency(s) has not responded after the 6 minute response check, the

dispatcher will reactivate the paging system at 8 minutes for the initial EMS

agency(s) and add the next due EMS agency(s) accordingly. If the next due EMS

agency is from another jurisdiction, the dispatcher shall announce the county name

and EMS agency’s name.

• If an EMS agency has an active incident and receives an additional incident, the next

due EMS agency shall be placed on the incident automatically.

• Dispatch First Responders on all EMS incidents if the 1st Due Fire Department is a

First Responder agency (reference COMM 3)

• Law Enforcement shall be dispatched with EMS agencies for all patients not

breathing, overdoses, and any incident that seems violent and/or dangerous to EMS

crews.

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• Mutual aid agencies will also be response checked at 6 minutes and re-paged at 8

minutes unless the primary agency has responded and advises that they are not

needed.

• Once an EMS transport unit is responding ECC will no longer re page every 8

minutes unless requested to do so by the responding unit.

• For calls during the hours of 6a-6p, Rescue 13, Company 4 EMS shall be dual toned

• For calls during the hours of 6a-6p, Co 1 EMS, Rescue 1 or Company 4 EMS shall be

dual toned

Page 42



Subject: FIRE RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Number: COMM 16.b

Effective Date:



FIRE RESPONSE PROCEDURES

The following information outlines the proper paging procedures for Fire Departments.

After the initial fire incident has been dispatched, the dispatcher shall perform the following

to ensure the proper fire department response:

• If a fire department has NOT responded at 6 minutes after the initial request, the

dispatcher shall conduct a RESPONSE CHECK.

• If a fire department has NOT responded at 8 minutes after the initial request, the

dispatcher will re-tone the initial fire department and add the next due fire department.

• Additional calls for service requiring a fire response will NOT result in a second due

agency automatically being placed on the assignment.

• However, additional fire departments should be added for each fire department that has

failed to respond, until the response criteria has been met for the incident type.

• If the next due fire department(s) is from another jurisdiction the dispatcher shall contact

the appropriate PSAP and request the closest department’s response. The dispatcher shall

give that jurisdiction the incident location, details, cross streets, & operational

frequency/talkgroup.

• Fire departments should not be cancelled prior to, or during their response to an incident.

They shall be advised to continue at their own discretion by way of pager tones if they

have not responded, or ALERT tone if they have

• If any incident that has occurred on a boundary line of two fire departments areas, ECC

both departments shall be dispatched.

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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: TREE DOWN IN ROADWAY Number: COMM 17 Effective Date: 6/11/2019 Last Revision Date: Signature of Approval:

Page 44

The following information outlines the proper procedures for trees down in roadway.

• Contact VDOT on all tree down in roadway calls. (VDOT has on-call personnel)

• Document the time in CAD when they were notified and if they refuse due to weather conditions.

• If the ENTIRE roadway is blocked Tone out the first due Fire Department.

• Do not roll any tree down calls to any second or third due department.

• If the first due agency does not respond document this in the CAD.

• Make sure your entire shift and the following shift is aware of the tree down and advise any units that

may be responding to calls in the area of the obstruction.



Subject: HEART/STROKE ALERTS

Number: COMM 18

Effective Date:



HEART / STROKE ALERTS

In the event an EMS unit advises you that they are calling a Field Heart or Stroke Alert, ECC

will need to do the following.

▪ Determine if the EMS unit needs Air Medical Services to meet them at the hospital

helipad or if they need to do a scene response.

▪ ECC is to notify the closest appropriate Air Medical Services Agency and have them

launched to where the EMS unit has requested them to go.

ECC needs to attempt to gather patient information (age, weight, height, chief complaint,

medical history, vital signs, & medical interventions that have been performed.) if the EMS unit

or field responder on scene is able to provide the information.

Page 45


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: STRUCTURE FIRE PAGING PROCEDURES Number: COMM 19.a




STRUCTURE FIRE PAGING PROCEDURES

The following information outlines the proper paging procedures for Structure Fires.

The following procedures shall be followed by ECC personnel to dispatch Fire and EMS.

STRUCTURE FIRE WITH HYDRANTS WITHIN 1000 FT OF THE STRUCTURE

• Tone first three due Fire Companies plus the first due EMS agency

• If fire is in the county tone the Duty Officer

*Once a fire company is on location and deems the fire to be a working incident ECC shall re-tone the

first three due fire companies and the first due EMS plus add an additional fire company.

STRUCTURE FIRE WITH NO HYDRANTS

• Tone first three due Fire Companies plus two tankers from the next two Companies with

tankers and the first due EMS agency

• If fire is in the county tone the Duty Officer

*Once a fire company is on location and deems the fire to be a working incident ECC shall re-tone the

first three due fire companies and the first due EMS plus add an additional fire company.

*If Command requests to fill the Tanker Task Force ECC shall tone for one additional tanker and one

additional engine

Page 46



Subject: WORKING INCIDENT PAGING

Number: COMM 19.b

Effective Date:



WORKING INCIDENT

Scope

• To establish standard guidelines and procedures that will serve to obtain additional

personnel and or apparatus, but not an additional alarm level at fire and rescue

emergency incidents. The term shall be known as a “Working Incident.”

Policy

• When deemed necessary by the Incident Commander to upgrade a Fire or Rescue

incident to a working incident, the Incident Commander will contact the Rockbridge

County Emergency

Communications Center on the assigned operational frequency and request a

“working Incident”.

Upon receipt to upgrade a dispatched Fire or Rescue emergency to a working incident

Rockbridge ECC will:

• Retone ALL Fire & EMS agencies currently working the incident.

• Dispatch the next due Fire Department on the response assignment

• Dispatch additional resources upon request

Requirements

• The Incident Commander shall determine as soon as possible if a working incident is

needed.

• In the event that a fire member arrives POV before a fire apparatus, said member can

make the decision to make it a working incident.

• If an ambulance or rescue squad person arrived ahead of the fire department, they

shall be cross-trained at no less than Firefighter level 1 before making the decision to

up-grade the incident. If said rescue squad personnel are not certified as firefighter 1

or higher, they can contact the fire department with a size up.

Page 47

Examples

STRUCTURE FIRE:

• COMPANIES A, B, C, & RESCUE A ARE DISPATCHED

• CHIEF A ARRIVES, ESTABLISHES COMMAND AND MAKES IT A WORKING

INCIDENT

• COMPANY D IS DISPATCHED FOR AN ENGINE COMPANY ONLY, IF NO

RESPONSE

FROM CO. D, THEN CO. E IS DISPATCHED

TRAFFIC CRASH:

• COMPANY A & RESCUE A ARE DISPATCHED

• ASSISTANT CHIEF A ARRIVES AND FINDS ENTRAPMENT, ASKS

DISPATCH TO MAKE IT A WORKING INCIDENT

• COMPANY B IS ADDED TO THE ASSIGNMENT FOR AN ENGINE COMPANY

1st Alarm Assignment

3 Fire Departments

1 EMS Department

2nd Alarm Assignment

6 Fire Departments

2 EMS Departments

Page 48


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: CHIMNEY FIRE PAGING PROCEDURES Number: COMM 19.c




CHIMNEY FIRE PAGING PROCEDURES

The following information outlines the proper paging procedures for Chimney Fires.


• Chimney fires CONTAINED to the chimney, dispatch the following:

o 3 Fire departments for Engines

o 1 EMS dept for an ambulance

• Chimney fires NOT CONTAINED to the chimney or have extended to other parts of the house,

dispatch a Structure Fire response (COMM 19a)

Page 49


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: VEHICLE INTO STRUCTURE

PAGING PROCEDURES Number: COMM 19.d




VEHICLE INTO STRUCTURE PAGING PROCEDURES

The following information outlines the proper paging procedures for Vehicles Into A Structure.


• For vehicles into a structure, dispatch the following

o 1 Engine

o 1 Ambulance

o Duty Officer – county calls

Note:

In the county, the duty officer will handle the notification of the building inspector, or advise

which inspector to call.

In the cities, the OIC or IC will handle the notification of the building inspector, or advise which

inspector to call.

Page 50


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: TANKER TASK FORCE

Number: COMM 20




TANKER TASK FORCE

The following information outlines the proper paging procedures for a request to fill the Tanker Task

Force. Tanker Task Force consists of three tankers and one engine.

REQUEST TO DISPATCH THE TANKER TASK FORCE ON A STANDARD FIRE CALL

• If Command requests to Dispatch the Tanker Task Force, ECC shall tone the next three companies

with tankers and the next due company for an engine.

REQUEST TO FILL TANKER TASK FORCE ON A STRUCTURE FIRE WITH TWO

TANKERS ALREADY ASSIGNED TO THE CALL

• If Command requests to Fill the Tanker Task Force ECC shall tone for the next due tanker and one

additional engine from the next due company.

Page 51



Subject: FIRE/EMS SERVICE CALLS & STANDBYS Number: COMM 21

Effective Date: Last Revision Date: 4-20-21 Signature of Approval:

Fire/EMS Service Calls & Standbys

• If a Fire and/or EMS apparatus requests that a CAD sheet be started for a Service Call or

Standby and can provide an address, then ECC personnel shall start a CAD sheet as

requested.

• If multiple units are going to the same location for the service call or standby, then all

units shall be placed on the same CAD sheet.

• Assign the service call or standby an operation talkgroup (OPS 4 – OPS 6).

Page 52



Subject: STATION TRANSFER PROCEDURE

Number: COMM 22


STATION TRANSFER PROCEDURE

• Station Transfer is when a Fire or EMS Department takes their apparatus to another

station to run that stations 1st Due Territory.

• Stations that have requested another agency to fill their quarters shall not receive Failure

To Responds.

The following is the information that ECC shall be provided.

• ECC will be advised by the Department that is doing the station transfer.

• That agency shall notify of ECC what unit will be doing the station transfer.

• ECC shall be advised by the unit when they are in the 1st Due Territory for the station

they have transferred to.

• ECC shall be advised by the unit when they have been cleared from the Station Transfer

and no longer covering that stations 1st Due Territory.

Following is the procedure for the how units should be dispatched when they

are on a Station Transfer.

• ECC shall tone the 1st due department and include the department that is covering.

o If Rescue 3 (Glasgow EMS) is doing a Station Transfer to Rescue 2 (Buena Vista

EMS) then when Rescue 2 gets dispatched on an incident, ECC will set off tones for

Rescue 2, & Rescue 3.

▪ Example

• 270 W 30th St, Sick Person

• Activate Tones

Rescue 2, Rescue 3

Dizziness

270 W 30th St

2015

Page 53



Subject: LADDER/TRUCK COMPANY PAGING

PROCEDURES

Number: COMM 24


LADDER/TRUCK COMPANY PAGING PROCEDURES

Ladder Trucks should be placed on all Commercial Structure Fires.

If the CAD recommendation for a Commercial Structure Fire does have a Fire Department that operates

a Ladder Truck, you DO NOT need to announce a Ladder Truck.

Example:

1233 N Lee Hwy, Wal-Mart in Lexington. Recommendation shows Companies 9, 4, & 10 for

the initial response. Company 9 and Company 10 both have Ladder Trucks. The dispatch of this

incident should be as follows:

Activation of Tones

Companies 9, 4, 10, Rescue 1

Possible Structure Fire

1233 N Lee Hwy, Wal-Mart

1930

If the CAD recommendation for a Commercial Structure Fire does not have a Fire Department that

operates a Ladder Truck then ECC personnel shall place the closest Ladder Truck using CAD

recommendations on the assignment. ECC personnel shall announce the Company # and for what

Ladder Truck they operate.

Example:

44 Sterrett Rd, McDonald’s in Fairfield. Recommendation shows Companies 7, 12, & 6 for the

initial response. ECC would have to dispatch a Ladder Truck. Closest Ladder Truck is

Lexington Fire (Company 9) who is 5th Due. The dispatch of this incident should be as follows.

Activation of Tones

Companies 7, 12, 6, Company 9 for Truck 9, Rescue 17

Possible Structure Fire

44 Sterrett Rd, McDonalds

2045

Page 54



Subject: OPERATIONAL TALKGROUPS

Number: COMM 25

Effective Date:



OPERATIONAL TALKGROUPS

Operational talkgroups are the radio channels that Fire/EMS use to communicate with

ECC. All Fire/EMS units will be dispatched and mark responding on the DISPATCH

talkgroup; they will then be assigned an operational talkgroup by the dispatcher. The

following are guidelines for the usage of particular talkgroups:

OPS-1 - Structure Fires

OPS-2 - EMS

OPS-3 - Single resource incidents such as:

Brush Fires

Fire Alarms

Motor Vehicle Crashes

OPS-4 – OPS-8 - Used at the discretion of the dispatcher or incident commander for

additional calls, expanding incidents, service calls/standby.

CMD-OPS - Used at the discretion of the incident commander for expanding incidents.

LANDING ZONE – Used for all medevac air to ground communications

EVENT 1 – EVENT 6 - Used for joint law enforcement, Fire/EMS incidents

CRCH ER - Used for communication with the local Emergency Dept or Medical Control

SPECIAL OPS – Technical Rescue incidents where joint FR/LE communication is NOT

needed

*Note: The Brushy and/or North analog repeaters are to be used to patch units from out of the

area into our radio system. Select the appropriate analog repeater and create a PATCH to the

talkgroup needed on the radio system. *

Page 55



Subject: LANDING ZONES

Number: COMM 26




LANDING ZONES

• Landing Zones are to be assigned to the incident requiring Air Medical Services. The

“secondary location” feature will be used to locate the landing zone. Use a placeholder

initially when assigning departments to the landing zone assignment. This will ensure

proper notifications are generated.

• Remember to create a new CAD incident for landing zones at an alternate address from

the incident scene.

• A list of current pre-designated landing zones is included in each station book.

Page 56



Subject:

Number: COMM 27




EVACUATION SIGNAL

• In the event the Incident Command or Safety Officer declares an Emergency Incident is

unsafe, an IMMEDIATE request for ECC personnel to activate an EVACUATION SIGNAL

(C2).

ECC personnel will activate the EVACUATION SIGNAL (C2) for 5 seconds on the F/R

ANNOUNCE channel and advise that an emergency evacuation of the structure has been

declared.

Once the Incident Command or Safety Officer has advised that the structure is clear and all

personnel have been evacuated, ECC personnel should request a PAR check from the

incident command and document the findings in the CAD. The dispatcher shall echo that

report back to confirm the findings.

EXAMPLE

EVACUATION SIGNAL (C2) for 5 seconds continuously (on F/R Announce)

Announce that an evacuation has been declared at the scene (repeat the address of the

incident), advise for all personnel to evacuate the structure and advise all units to restrict

radio traffic on affected talkgroup (i.e. OPS 1).

• If it is discovered that there is an emergency or imminent threat to a group of responders, use

(C2) on the appropriate announce talkgroup, and advise of the situation.

Page 57

EVACUATION SIGNAL



Subject: MAYDAY/FIREFIGHTER DOWN

Number: COMM 28




MAYDAY/FIREFIGHTER DOWN CALL

(Definition: A firefighter lost trapped inside of a structure. The person making the initial call may or

may not be an officer or IC, as Personnel inside may be the ones to make the initial call)

Once a MAYDAY has been declared:

• ECC personnel will activate the Mayday Alert Tone (WARBLE) for 3 seconds and announce

that a mayday has been declared at the scene and advise all units to restrict radio traffic.

Dispatcher will initiate marker tones (flag icon at the bottom of the channel pop-out) on the

talkgroup having the mayday.

• ECC personnel shall then dispatch the next due fire department, and next known available medic

level ambulance (COMM 36a). A medevac helicopter shall also be assigned/auto launched.

• If next due Fire and/or EMS are out of the county they shall be requested from the appropriate

County e.g. Riverheads, Buchanan. NOTE - These Fire Departments and/or EMS agencies are to

be given a separate channel (IF AVAILABLE) while they are responding until they are closer to

the scene.

EXAMPLE

Mayday Signal (WARBLE) for 3 seconds continuously (on F/R Announce).

Announce that a MAYDAY has been declared at the scene (repeat the address of the

incident) and advise all units to restrict radio traffic on the talkgroup the mayday was

called on (i.e. OPS 1).

• Prompt the incident commander to perform a “PAR check” once radio traffic has subsided. This

will ensure accountability is done on all crews. Document the incident commander’s findings.

EXAMPLE

“Command, ECC, for a PAR check.”

Page 58



Subject: SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAM

Number: COMM 30


SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAM

The regional swift water rescue team was created to assist fire and EMS agencies with removing

persons and/or property from bodies of water. The swift water rescue team operates under the

direction of the incident commander and is alerted at the initial dispatch of the call.

To dispatch the Swift Water Rescue Team the dispatcher shall activate the following agencies:

• Swift Water (Co.2; Co.6; Co.9; Co.10; Duty Officer)

• First Due Fire Department

• First Due EMS Agency

• Local Law Enforcement, and Game Warden for investigation

The following incidents shall have the Swift Water Rescue Team place on the assignment.

• Any incident that involves a large body of water, static or flowing

To satisfy the requirement for swift water team response, a boat crew must respond to the

incident.

Note:

All agencies involved with the swift water incident shall be operating on the same operation

talkgroup. Advise agencies, when dispatched, to operate the appropriate talkgroup. This applies

to not only fire and EMS but also law enforcement.

Page 59


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Subject: Rockbridge Co. Duty Officer Number: COMM 31 Effective Date: 3-31-18 Last Revision Date: 5-21-21 Signature of Approval:

Page 60

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY DUTY OFFICER

DUTY OFFICER – EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

PURPOSE

A. To provide continuity of emergency response.

B. To provide administrative support during unusual and/or extreme circumstances.

C. To make appropriate notifications to: VEOC, Red Cross, VDEM, DEQ and Haz-Mat clean-up

contractors.

SCOPE

The provisions of this policy shall apply to any member assigned Duty Officer (DO) for Rockbridge County.

AUTHORITY

The Fire-Rescue Chief shall identify qualified personnel and scheduling of the DO rotation.

STANDARDS

A. The DO assignment will rotate on Sundays unless as otherwise arranged.

B. The DO shall be accessible by phone and/or pager. (pager preferred, activate tone ask for DO to contact

ECC)

C. The DO shall be notified of any incident requiring additional toning (beyond initial response) for

resources, or at the request of any Chief Officer or Incident Commander. This applies to any incident in

the County of Rockbridge. The DO shall be immediately notified of:

• Injury or death of a County/department member

• County/Department property damage

• County/Department vehicle damage

• Arrest of a Fire Department/Rescue Squad member

• Motor vehicle crashes involving Fire or Rescue vehicle

• Dispute between member and any other organization/citizen complaint that may result in future

action.

D. Once DO notification has been made, the DO will decide whether to monitor or respond based on

information provided and notify ECC of decision.

Notify (tone) the Duty Officer of the following:

• Structure Fire

• Structure w/fatality

• Commercial Vehicle Fire

• Brush fire requiring three or more companies

• Brush fire threating a structure

• Fire on County property

• Bomb Threat

• Explosive device w/injury

• Automatic fire alarms on County property

• Hazardous Material release/incident, including:

o Diesel Fuel/Gasoline

o Propane/Natural Gas

• Swift Water/Technical Rescues/Confined Space Rescues

• Structural Collapse

• MVC involving County school bus

• MVC w/tractor trailer

• MVC w/confirmed entrapment

• MCI Events

• Vehicle into a structure

• Incidents when I81/64 is shut down

• Search for lost/injured hikers

• When three (3) or more agencies are dispatched to incidents outside of the County. (notification

only

• Any situation where the communicator deems necessary that the DO be notified.

Page 61



Subject: TORNADO WARNINGS

Number: COMM 32


TORNADO WARNINGS

In the event of a Tornado Warning, the dispatcher shall do the following:

• Activate ALERT for 5 seconds over FR announce. Announce the following:

• Example:

• “All units, standby for Tornado Warning information”

• Activate ALL FIRE and ALL EMS Page.

• Read, verbatim, the Tornado Warning information.

• Notify Emergency Managers from all jurisdictions

Page 62

Rockbridge Regional Public Safety

Communications Center


Subject: FIRE & EMS

RECOMMENDED

RESPONSES

Number: COMM 33

Effective Date: Last Revision Date: Signature of Approval:

CALL TYPES

911 OPEN LINE - A 911 call that is open from a landline phone with no voice contact. Law

Enforcement in the Cities of Lexington and Buena Vista will sent. In the County, RBSO, Fire, &

EMS shall be sent. (recinded 8/22/2019)

Fire Call Types

ANY FIRE WITH IN 25 FEET OF A STRUCTURE IS CODED AS A

STRUCTURE FIRE.

F-AIRPLANE - A report of any aircraft down, this includes but is not limited to: planes, gliders,

helicopters, or other aircraft.

F-ALARM - Any fire alarm that does not present with visible smoke, flames, or the smell of

smoke.

F-BRUSH - Report of any type of brush, grass, tree, or Wildland fire that is greater than 25 feet

from a structure. If less than 25 feet from a structure incident needs to be coded F-

STRUCTURE.

F-CO - Any reports of carbon monoxide alarms sounding or chirping. Reports of carbon

monoxide exposure should also fall into this category. Reports of illness with this call type

should also have EMS dispatched.

F-DUMPSTER - Reports of trash barrel, dumpsters, or other debris receptacles.

F-ELEVATOR - Elevator alarms or subjects trapped in elevators.

F-GAS - Any reports of a smell of “gas” should be treated as a natural gas leak unless proven

otherwise.

F-HAZMAT - Any report of the release of materials believed to be hazardous. These include but

are not limited to: hydrocarbons such as gasoline and diesel fuel, chemicals spilt on the roadway,

in a waterway or storm drain, etc

F-LPG FIRE- Propane tank that is reported to be on fire

Page 63

F-LZ – Landing Zone step up.

F-SERVICE - Any time that the FD is dispatched for non-emergency functions such as Station

Transfers, removing trees from the roadway, lifting assistance, or other ancillary service related

events. Additionally, any FD generated services calls should be recorded under this category.

Anytime an FD reports that they are doing a standby. Events may include: controlled burns,

sporting events, public education events, etc. Parades do not qualify as stand-by type events.

F-SMOKE - Any reports of smoke for which the cause is not able to be determined. This does

not include any report of smoke in a structure. Examples: smoke in the vicinity of, column of

smoke in the distance.

F-STRUCTURE - Any report of fire, smoke (smell or visible) inside any structure. Included

shall be any report of a fire threatening a structure (i.e.- vehicle on fire near or in a structure,

wildfire threatening a structure) ****If reported in a Commercial Structure add Truck Company.

Examples of Commercial Structures are as follows: Apartment Complexes, Schools, Hospitals,

City Municipal Buildings, Nursing Homes, Motels, and Day-Care Centers. ****

F-SWIFT - Swift Water Rescue.

F-TECH - Technical Rescue Call.

F-TRAIN - Any report of a train coming off of its rail or tracks.

F-VEHFIRE - Any report of a motorized vehicle that is on fire. Vehicle fires within 25 feet of a

structure should be coded as STRUCTURE FIRE.

F-VEHFIREC - Commercial Vehicle Fire (ex. Tractor Trailers, RV’s, Buses, Box Trucks, etc)

F-WEATHER- Any weather related incident requiring a Fire Dept to be dispatched.

F-WIRE - Any reports of electrical lines down, arching, or transformers blown or on fire. This

would include telephone pole fires.

MVC Call Types

MVC-Entrapment - Any motor vehicle collision in which the caller advises the patient is pinned

or trapped in or by the vehicle. Any accidents reported as “possible” entrapment should be

classified here as well; this includes major mechanisms such as rollovers, head-on collisions, or

any MVC in which the caller advises patients are still in the vehicle but do not appear able to get

out. (i.e. Does not appear occupants can get out of the vehicle)

MVC-Injury - Any motor vehicle collision in which the call advises there are, or potentially are

injuries involved.

Page 64

MVC-FD ONLY (No PI) - Any motor vehicle collision in which there is no need for a rescue

response. No patients indicated or reported. If a need exists for traffic control or hazard remove

that requires fire, but there aren’t any patients, this would be the appropriate selection.

MVC- PD ONLY (NO PI) - Any motor vehicle collision in which there is no need for a fire or

rescue response. No patients indicated or reported. No need exists for traffic control or hazard

removal.

MVC- PEDESTRIAN - Pedestrian struck by a vehicle.

MVC- MCI /BUS Accident - Any incident involving the report of a school bus as part of the

collision. Also included would be commercial buses, large vans, etc. MCI – Mass Casualty

Incident is defined as an accident with 6 or more patients or 6 or more vehicles.

EMS Call Types

EMS – ABD PAIN – Abdominal Pain.

EMS – ALARM – Medical Alarm Activations.

EMS – ALLERGY – Allergic Reaction

EMS – AMPUTATION – Body part that has been partially or completely amputated.

EMS – AMS – Altered Mental Status.

EMS – ASSAULT – Injuries from an Assault.

EMS – BITE – Animal Bite.

EMS – BURN – Any type of burn to the body.

EMS – CARDIAC – Chest Pain or any Cardiac related emergency.

EMS – CHOKING – Subject choking (still breathing).

EMS – CODE – Cardiac Arrest (subject not breathing & no pulse).

EMS – CVA – Stroke (Cardiovascular Accident).

EMS – DIABETIC – Diabetic Emergency.

EMS – DIB – Difficulty Breathing / Shortness of Breath.

EMS – DROWNING – Drowning or near drowning.

EMS – ELECTROCUTION – Electrocution.

EMS – FALL – Injuries from a fall.

Page 65

EMS – FRACTURE – Any fracture or dislocation to the body.

EMS – GSW – Gunshot Wound

EMS – HEMORRHAGE – Hemorrhage.

EMS – LACERATION – Laceration.

EMS – OB – Any OB emergency / pregnancy issue.

EMS – OD – Drug overdose.

EMS – PAIN – Generalized non-traumatic pain any in the body.

EMS – POISON – Poisoning.

EMS – SEIZURE – Subject report to be having a seizure of seizure like activity.

EMS – SERVICE – Any time that and EMS Department is dispatched for non-emergency

functions such as lifting assistance, Station Transfers, or other ancillary service related events.

Additionally, any EMS Department generated services calls should be recorded under this

category. Anytime an EMS Department reports that they are doing a standby. Events may

include: controlled burns, sporting events, public education events, etc. Parades do not qualify as

stand-by type events.

EMS – SICK – Subjects with general illness, N & V, dizziness, flu like symptoms.

EMS – STABBING – Subject that has been stabbed.

EMS – SUICIDE – Suicide attempt.

EMS – SYNCOPE – Subjects reported to have passed out or having syncope.

EMS – UNKNOWN – Any unknown medical emergency.

EMS – UNRESPONSIVE – Subject that is unresponsive/unconscious (still breathing)

Page 66

QUICK REFERENCE CALL TYPE RESPONSES

KEY

FD - Fire Department

EMS - Rescue Squad

C5 – Company 5

EM – Emergency Management LE - Law Enforcement DT – Disaster Trailer SW – Swift Water (Companies 2, 6, 9, 10) FOAM – ROANOKE CITY (5408532829)

Fire Incident Types Recommended Response

911 OPEN LINE LE ONLY (IN LEX & BV) 1 FD, 1 EMS, LE (IN THE COUNTY)

F - AIRPLANE 3 FD, County Wide EMS, EM (COUNTY), FOAM, DT, LE

F - ALARM 1 FD

F - BRUSH 1 FD

F - CO 1 FD, unless illness reported add 1 EMS

F - DUMPSTER 1 FD

F - ELEVATOR 1 FD

F - GAS 1 FD

F - HAZMAT 1 FD, 1EMS, EM (COUNTY), LE

F - LPG FIRE 3 FD, 1 EMS, LE

F – LZ 1 FD

F - SERVICE 1 FD

F - SMOKE 1 FD

F - STRUCTURE 3 FD, 1 EMS, LE, (IF COMMERCIAL ADD TRUCK)

F - SWIFT 1 FD, 1 EMS, LE, SW

F - TECH 1 FD, 1 EMS, EM (COUNTY), LE

F - TRAIN 3 FD, 1 EMS, EM, ALL EMS & DT IF A PASSENGER TRAIN, LE

F - VEHFIRE 1 FD

F- VEHFIREC 2 FD, EM (COUNTY)

F - WEATHER 1 FD

F - WIRES 1 FD

MVC - ENTRAPMENT 1 FD, 1 EMS, C5, LE

MVC - INJURY 1 FD, 1 EMS, LE

MVC - FD ONLY (NO PI) 1 FD, LE

MVC - PD ONLY (NO PI) LE

MVC - PEDESTRIAN 1 FD, 1 EMS, C5, LE

MVC - MCI/BUS 2 FD, County Wide EMS, EM (COUNTY), DT, LE

EMS – (ALL CALL TYPES) 1 EMS, C5 & 1st Responders, LE (IF APPLICABLE)

Page 67

. Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center


Subject: MODIFIED RESPONSE

Number: COMM 34


MODIFIED RESPONSE

These are a few guidelines that we need to consider when going into a Modified Response Mode.

• Conditions in our area are extreme and affecting the ECC in a major way, creating

more calls for service than the system can handle for an extended amount of time.

• The dispatching of every single call is not going to be possible due to the amount of

call volume/radio traffic.

• The roadways are treacherous, and an emergent response would cause more harm

than good.

If the situation meets any of these guidelines the on-duty supervisor can place ECC into a

Modified Response Mode. ECC Director shall be notified.

• ECC shall activate the ALL FIRE & ALL EMS PAGE and advise that ECC is

operating under a Modified Response Mode.

• When you do this, it will trigger a few minor changes in our dispatching of calls:

• We will not dispatch calls for “trees down”, “road blocked” or “wires down” unless

there is an immediate threat to life or property.

• We will log on a separate piece of paper all trees down in roadways, wires down

without an immediate hazard or any “Service Calls” for oxygen assistance, etc. and

forward them to the EOC or appropriate agency via phone and/or fax. (Faxing can be

done only if it can be confirmed that someone is monitoring the fax machine and can

reply) If the EOC is opened, the fax shall go there for assignment to resources.

• The Director may authorize overtime to callback personnel in an emergency.

• Notify the Duty Officer

• Any call that is received during the modified response, shall be entered into the CAD,

printed and cleared for use in logging the event and recordkeeping.

• ECC shall activate the ALL FIRE & ALL EMS PAGE and advise that ECC has ended

the Modified Response Mode.

Page 68



Subject: INTERSTATE 81 RESPONSES

Number: COMM 35.a


Page 69

INTERSTATE 81 RESPONSES

Rockbridge / Augusta County Line is MM 205.3

Rockbridge / Botetourt County Line is MM 173.7

EXITS

MM 205 – Raphine

MM 200 – Fairfield

MM 195 – Timber Ridge

MM 191 – Interstate 64

MM 188 A & B – Poplar Hill

MM 180 A & B – Fancy Hill

MM 175 – Natural Bridge

EMERGENCY CROSSOVERS

MM 205.3

MM 202.8

MM 198.7

MM 196.9

MM 192.2

MM 185.2

MM 178.4

MM 175.3

MM 173.7

UNDERPASS

MM 205 → RT. 606 RAPHINE RD

MM 200 → RT. 710 STERRETT RD

MM 196.1 → RT. 716 MOUNT ATLAS RD

MM 195.1 → RT. 11 N LEE HWY

MM 191.3 → I64 EAST & WEST

MM 188.7 → RT. 60 MIDLAND TRL

MM 183.4 → RT 679 HOPS HILL RD

MM 177.0 → RT. 692 RED MILL RD

OVERPASS

MM 198.7 → RT. 712 DECATUR RD

MM 188.0 → RT. 60 MIDLAND TRL

MM 187.4 → RT. 699 WESLEY CHAPEL RD

MM 182.2 → RT. 680 FALLING SPRINGS RD

MM 180.6 → RT. 11 S LEE HWY

MM 179.3 → RT. 690 PADGETTS HILL RD

MM 176.8 → RT. 609 CEDAR CREEK RD

MM 176 → RT.11 S LEE HWY

MM 175.3 → RT. 693 HIGH BRIDGE CHURCH RD

REST AREA

MM 199.2 SOUTHBOUND

BODY OF WATER

MM 190.3 → MAURY RIVER

MM 184.1 → BUFFALO CREEK

DUAL RESPONSE AREAS

MM 201.8 – MM 203.8 COMPANY 12 & 7 / RESCUE 17

MM 194.1 – MM 196.1 COMPANY 7 & 9 / RESCUE 1 & 17

MM 184.1 – MM 186.2 COMPANY 9 & 11 / RESCUE1 & 3

SINGLE RESPONSE AREAS

MM 203.9 – MM 205.3 COMPANY 12 & RESCUE 17




Page 70



Subject: INTERSTATE 64 RESPONSES

Number: COMM 35.b


INTERSTATE 64 RESPONSES

Rockbridge / Alleghany County Line is MM 41

Rockbridge / Alleghany County have a mutual agreement for Rockbridge to

cover Interstate 64 MM 38 to MM 41 in Alleghany County.

EXITS

MM 56 – Interstate 81

MM 55 – Lexington

MM 50 – Kerrs Creek

MM 43 - Goshen

EMERGENCY CROSSOVERS

MM 53

MM 48

MM 44

MM 39

UNDERPASS

MM 43 → RT. 744 SCENIC DR

MM 44 → RT. 850 MIDLAND TRL

MM 45 → RT. 629 WHITE ROCK RD

MM 51 → RT. 625 BETHANY RD

MM 52 → RT. 624 LOW BRIDGE LN

MM 53 → RT. 602 TURKEY HILL RD

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MM 55.5→ RT. 763 LINCOLN RD

OVERPASS

MM 46 →RT. 629 WHITE ROCK RD

MM 49 →RT. 627 SYCAMORE VALLEY DR

MM 50 → RT. 623 FREDERICKSBURG RD

MM 55 → RT. 11 N LEE HWY

DUAL RESPONSE AREAS

MM 38 – MM 40 ALLEGHANY COUNTY / COMPANY 4 & 3 /

RESCUE 13

MM 40.1 – MM 44.0 COMPANY 4 & 3 / RESCUE 13

MM 44.1 – MM 48.0 COMPANY 4 & 3 / RESCUE 13 EASTBOUND

MM 44.1 – 48.0 COMPANY 4 & 3 / RESCUE 4 & 13 WESTBOUND

MM 51.5 – MM 54.0 COMPANY 4 & 9 / RESCUE 4 & 1

SINGLE RESPONSE AREAS

MM 48.1 – MM 51.4 COMPANY 4 / RESCUE 4

MM 54.1 – 56 COMPANY 9 / RESCUE 1

Page 72



Subject: EMS STAFFING LEVEL OF SERVICE

Number: COMM 36.a


EMS STAFFING LEVEL OF SERVICE

The purpose of this policy is to allow dispatchers to quickly choose the closest

appropriate/requested EMS level of service.

The levels of service are:

▪ Medic (staff by EMT-I or Paramedic) - ALS

▪ Trauma (staffed by EMT-A) - ALS

▪ Rescue (staffed by EMT-B) - BLS

• For staffed EMS units, the attendant in charge (AIC) shall call ECC at the

beginning of the shift and indicate the level of service and the duration. This may

either be done via telephone or by radio (DISPATCH).

• If the level of service changes during the indicated shift, the AIC shall call ECC

and advise of the change.

• For unstaffed EMS agencies, ECC shall assume Rescue level (BLS)

Page 73



Subject: MEDIC/ALS ASSISTS

Number: COMM 36.b


MEDIC/ALS ASSISTS

The purpose of this policy is to allow dispatchers to quickly choose the closest

appropriate/requested EMS level of service.

Advanced life support (ALS) levels of service are:

▪ Medic (staff by EMT-I or Paramedic)

▪ Trauma (staffed by EMT-A)

• EMS units may require additional support on medical emergencies that their

current staffing level cannot provide.

• EMS units shall request the level of service they require and indicate the reason

for request, and condition of the patient

• The dispatcher shall tone the first due agency and the closest appropriate staffed

EMS unit based on the staffing level of service list (COMM 36.a)

• Dispatchers should try to establish the route of travel of the requesting unit if a

rendez-vous or intercept is required.

• ALS providers in the area, may respond to assist. ECC should not automatically

cancel any dispatched resource.

Page 74



Subject: BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY RESPONSES

Number: COMM 37

Effective Date: Last Revision Date: 5-21-21 Signature of

Approval:

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY RESPONSES

• Rockbridge County Fire EMS Departments provide service on the Blue Ridge

Parkway from MM 27.2 to MM 53.1.

• The following are the Fire EMS Responses on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Parkway Police is to be notified for ANY incident on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• The Rockbridge Sheriff’s Office shall be notified for ANY incident, in county, on the

Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Any incident reported on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of the mile markers in

Rockbridge County needs to be transferred to the Parkway Police.

ECC will use the following Mile Markers for response determination:

MM 27. – MM 31.9

Company 12 / Rescue 17

MM 32.0 – MM 40.0

Company 7 / Rescue 17

MM 40.1 – MM 53.1

Company 10 & Rescue 2

Page 75

The following chart shows the names of areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Rockbridge County.

MILE MARKER AREA

27.2 RT. 56 Underpass (Tye River Gap (Enter/Exit)

29.0 Whetstone Ridge Rd Intersection (Parkway Maint. Shop

29.5 Irish Creek Road (RT.603) Underpass (NO ACCESS)

31.4 Stillhouse Hollow Parking Area

31.9 Painter Mountain Lane (RT. 886) Crossing

34.4 Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area

37.5 Nettle Creek Underpass (Irish Gap) (Enter/Exit)

38.8 Boston Knob Overlook

40.0 Clarks Gap

42.2 View Irish Creek Valley

44.2 Forest RT. 76 (Jordan Rd.) Intersection (Enter/Exit)

44.4 Whites Gap Overlook

44.9 Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook

45.6 RT. 60 Underpass (Enter/Exit)

45.7 Buena Vista Overlook

46.9 Forest Service Rd. Underpass

47.5 Indian Gap Parking Area

48.9 Licklog Springs Gap

49.3 View House Mountain

50.5 Robinson Gap Underpass (No Access)

51.5 Appalachian Trail Crossing & Parking Area

52.8 Bluff Mountain Overlook

53.1 Bluff Mountain Tunnel

Page 76



Subject: FIRE/EMS LAST CALL

Number: COMM 38


LAST CALL

The following is the script for the Last Call for Fire/EMS personnel who have passed away.

ECC will use the following script, or use the department’s submitted script for the Last Call

ECC personnel will need the following information:

• Department Name

• Name of Deceased

• Specific wording of the script supplied by the department, if applicable

• Activate ALL FIRE AND ALL EMS PAGE

• Activate the specific department’s tones

The members of the _____________________ (Department Name) wishes to thank

___________________ for his / her dedicated service to the citizens of Rockbridge County.

Although you have left us, you will never be forgotten. This is the last call for

____________________ at (time) (month, day, year).

Page 77



Subject: DISABLED EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Number: COMM 39


DISABLED EMERGENCY VEHICLES

A vehicle that has responded to an incident and is now unable to continue their response due to

mechanical issues or an accident.

If the vehicle is unable to continue the response due to mechanical issues ECC shall do the

following:

• Obtain the location of the vehicle.

• Make sure all occupants of the vehicle are ok.

• Send the appropriate resources needed to those occupants and vehicle.

ECC shall tone the following if EMS Apparatus becomes inoperable on an EMS Incident:

• All Depts that have been dispatched.

• Next due EMS Department (Carilion if available).

• 1st Responders (if the 1st or 2nd Due Fire Department is a 1st Responder Dept)

ECC shall tone the following if 1st Responder Apparatus becomes inoperable on an EMS

Incident:

• Original Fire Dept for 1st Responders.

• 2nd Due First Responders if the 2nd Due Fire Dept is 1st Responders.

ECC shall tone the following if Fire Apparatus becomes inoperable on a Fire Incident:

• Original Fire Dept.

• Next appropriate due Fire Dept. (i.e. If you have toned a Structure Fire and 1 of the 3

Departments responding vehicles becomes inoperable ECC shall place 4th Due Fire on

the assignment.)

Page 78



Subject: Fire Rescue Announce

Number: COMM 40

Effective Date: June 1, 2020 Last Revision Date: Signature of Approval:

Fire Rescue Announce

• The symphony console has the ability to open all fire rescue talkgroups simultaneously. This

provides a way for dispatchers to alert all talkgroups without the need for patching talkgroups

together.

• Fire rescue announce is to be used to give announcements or immediate alerts to all fire rescue

personnel. Normally, all announcements are preceded by a three second ALERT tone.

• This may include, but is not limited to:

• Units in/out of service (repair, maintenance, etc)

• Major events notification (acknowledgement of Mayday press WARBLE for three

seconds, imminent safety concerns, press C2 for five seconds)

Procedure

• To activate the Fire/Rescue Announce feature, gather the information that needs to be sent and

press the F/R Announce channel on the console. This will activate all talkgroups assigned to fire

and rescue.

• Remember, this feature preempts all ongoing radio traffic. Unless it is emergent, attempt to wait

until there is a break in normal radio traffic.

• Upon receiving information that a unit is in or out of service (repair, maintenance, etc), notify all

fire rescue personnel by first pressing the ALERT tone, then giving the information. This should

happen during the hours of 6am and 10pm. Notifications after hours should wait until 6am.

• When a Mayday is declared on a fire scene, acknowledge the Mayday by pressing the WARBLE

tone for three seconds on F/R Announce channel, and alert personnel of the Mayday (Comm 28).

• When an evacuation is declared on the fire scene, acknowledge the evacuation by pressing the

EVACUATION SIGNAL (C2) for three seconds on F/R Announce channel on the console and

alert personnel of the evacuation (Comm 27).

• If a dispatcher discovers information that is emergent or an imminent threat to personnel beyond

a singular incident, press the C2 tone, and give the information

• If an incident commander wishes for an announcement to be broadcast, press the ALERT tone,

indicate what incident commander requested the announcement and then give the message.

Page 79

Regional Mass Casualty Incident Plan

1 | P a g e

Regional Mass Casualty Plan

MCI - ECC 2019

Page 80


Level 1

(5-9 Patients) • Dispatch the Initial Response Assignment for the incident • Level 1 MCI Requested

LEVEL 1

ACTION

Comments

Three Rescue Agencies/Four Transport Units

To the scene – this includes the initial assignment

Dispatch one (1) additional fire company To the scene/manpower Dispatch RCFR Duty Officer (county incidents) To the scene

Notify SJH – ED Charge Nurse One (1) Aeromedical Transport Unit Standby –

Dispatch additional Law Enforcement Assistance To the scene Notify ECC Director or Designee

Notify VDOT TOC VDOT to the scene – if incident occurs on highway Notify VSP

COMMENTS

• ECC may automatically activate Level 1 MCI based on call information. • Notify IC when all required units are enroute/on-scene.

Page 81


Level 2 (10-20 Patients)

• Dispatch the Initial Response Assignment for the incident • Level 2 MCI Requested

LEVEL 2

ACTION

Comments

Seven (all County) Rescue Agencies / 9

Transport Units

To staging – this includes the initial assignment (Prompt IC to locate a staging area)

Contact Carilion Dispatch to send units from Rke To staging Dispatch Duty Officer To the scene

Two (2) Additional Fire Companies To the scene - manpower Contact Rockbridge Co. Schools School bus - to staging

Dispatch the Regional Disaster Trailer – FVRS To the scene (Tone R17/Co7 initially) Contact SJH, Augusta Health, Roanoke Memorial ED Obtain number of patients each can receive

One (1) Aeromedical Transport Unit Standby – SJH Helipad if LG12 is unavailable Dispatch additional Law Enforcement Assistance To the scene

Notify ECC Director or Designee ECC Management/Additional Staffing Notify VDOT TOC VDOT to the scene – if incident occurs on highway

Notify VSP COMMENTS

• Obtain from IC who will be the EMS Officer • Obtain from IC who will be Staging Officer and where the staging area is

located for EMS units. • Notify EMS officer – once ED’s have been contacted and provide number

of patients each can take. • Consider other First Response agencies for man power if needed.

Page 82


Level 3

(21-49 Patients) • Dispatch the Initial Response Assignment for the incident • Level 3 MCI Requested

LEVEL 3

ACTION

Comments


Transport Units


Notify surrounding Counties for 4 transport units To staging Contact Carilion Dispatch to send units from Rke To staging

Three (3) Additional Fire Companies To the scene - manpower Dispatch Duty Officer To the scene

Dispatch the Regional Disaster Trailer – FVRS To the scene - (Tone R17/Co7 initially) Contact Rockbridge Co. Schools School bus to staging

Dispatch BVPD Command Trailer To the scene Contact SJH, Augusta Health, Roanoke Memorial ED Obtain number of patients each can receive

*Dispatch RCFR/LFD Off duty personnel Report to staging Two (2) Aeromedical Transport Units Standby – SJH Helipad if LG12 is unavailable

VAEOC Notification VDEM staff on standby Dispatch additional Law Enforcement Assistance To the scene

Notify ECC Director or Designee ECC Management / Additional Staffing Implement the Modified Response Plan

Notify VDOT TOC VDOT to the scene – if incident occurs on highway Notify VSP

*Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue and Lexington Fire off duty career staff COMMENTS


located for EMS units. • Obtain from EMS officer the location of a potential LZ • Notify EMS officer – once ED’s have been contacted and provide number

of patients each can take. • Obtain from IC where the command post will be located. • Consider other First Response agencies for man power if needed.

Page 83


Level 4

(50+ Patients) • Dispatch the Initial Response Assignment for the incident • Level 4 MCI Requested

LEVEL 4

ACTION

Comments


Transport Units


Notify surrounding Counties for 6 transport units To staging Contact Carilion Dispatch to send units from Rke To staging

Three (3) Additional Fire Companies To the scene - manpower Dispatch Duty Officer To the scene

Dispatch the Regional Disaster Trailer – FVRS To the scene (Tone R17/Co7 initially) Contact Augusta Co for the disaster trailer at SARS To staging

Contact Rockbridge Co. Schools Two (2) School buses to staging Dispatch BVPD Command Trailer To the scene

Contact SJH, Augusta Health, Roanoke Memorial ED Obtain number of patients each can receive *Dispatch RCFR/LFD Off duty personnel Report to staging

Two (2) Aeromedical Transport Units Standby – SJH Helipad if LG12 is unavailable VAEOC Notification VDEM staff on standby

Dispatch additional Law Enforcement Assistance To the scene Notify ECC Director or Designee ECC Management / Additional Staffing

Implement the Modified Response Plan Notify VDOT TOC VDOT to the scene – if incident occurs on highway

Notify VSP *Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue and Lexington Fire off duty career staff COMMENTS


located for EMS units. • Obtain from EMS officer the location of a potential LZ • Notify EMS officer – once ED’s have been contacted and provide number

of patients each can take. • Obtain from IC where the command post will be located. • Consider other First Response agencies for man power if needed.

Page 84

Documents

Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center