A victim reported inside before the team is ready

Firefighter I · Who you talk to: A neighbor and the incident commander

What this case adds

• Know the rule: two in and two out for interior attack.
• Know the exception: when life is in jeopardy, the incident commander and firefighters decide if a rescue entry outweighs the risk.
• An incipient fire, or fighting the fire from outside, does not need the full team.

Critical fails

• Entering without SCBA on air, or letting your partner enter without it.
• Starting an interior attack without two firefighters outside, unless life is in jeopardy and a rescue is needed.
• Losing voice or visual contact with your partner inside.
• Any action that compromises your safety or your team's (mandatory item in Pennsylvania's NFPA 1010 station).

Sources

1. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(4), procedures for interior structural firefighting https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134
2. OSHA standard interpretation, November 13, 1998: rescue when life is in jeopardy https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1998-11-13-1
3. OSHA standard interpretation, December 15, 1998: incipient fires and rescue entry https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1998-12-15

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the NFPA, OSHA, the Washington State Patrol, the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, IFSAC or the Pro Board. NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1010 are trademarks of their owner and are named only to describe what this mold practices; always follow your department's procedures.