P-027 Fire & Emergency Service Chaplaincy Program

Date of Issue: 2001/02/07

PURPOSE: 

To provide for a full range of Fire & Emergency Service personnel needs, through the establishment of a comprehensive Chaplaincy Program within Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure all HRFE personnel needs are met when utilizing the Fire & Emergency Service Chaplaincy Program. 

SCOPE:

This policy applies to the Chaplain and those utilizing the Fire & Emergency Service Chaplaincy Program.

POLICY:

1.1    Because of the major risks and constant stresses faced by Fire & Emergency personnel in the line of duty, an appropriately qualified person will be appointed as Coordinating Chaplain of the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

1.2    The Coordinating Chaplain will be appointed by written order of the Chief Director.

1.3    Additional Chaplains will be appointed by the Coordinating Chaplain.

CHAPLAINCY APPOINTMENT:

2.1 The individual appointed to the position of Fire & Emergency Service Chaplain will be:
a)    An ordained member of the religion
b)    In good physical health
c)    Interested in the Fire and Emergency Service
d)    Prepared to serve in a crisis zone
e)    Willing to commit the time necessary to make the ministry effective 
f)    Committed to learn the skills necessary to effectively relate to and minister to firefighters and emergency service personnel.
g)    A member of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing team.

2.2 To the extent possible, Chaplain(s) will be given the opportunity to meet with members and staff of the Fire and Emergency Service, visit the stations and receive guidance in understanding Fire & Emergency organization and procedures. Training will also be provided to help him/her protect him/herself, and to be able to render proper assistance in determining the needs of members at the emergency scene.

2.3 After appointment, the Chaplain will be issued the following equipment:

a.    Standard turnout gear, including coat, pants, boots, gloves, and helmet with “Chaplain” markings.
b.    1 hat badge and 1 vest badge complete with wallet
c.    1 Chaplaincy cross
d.    1 three-in-one summer jacket
e.    1 dark blue burberry
f.    1 Fire and Emergency Service dress uniform
g.    Business cards
h.    1 Pager
i.    Picture ID.

2.4 The Coordinating Chaplain will be responsible for administering a budget for out-of-pocket expenses.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below constitute examples of what may actually be required in any situation that may be encountered. Chaplains will provide spiritual comfort, guidance and assistance to all Fire and Emergency Service members, veterans, and their families.

3.1 Emergency Situations

The Chaplain will respond when contacted by Dispatch, Fire and Emergency Service, or EMO personnel or at his/her own discretion and will report at the scene to the Incident Commander. When at the scene, the Chaplain will be under the command authority of the Incident Commander.
The Chaplain may respond as follows:

a.    To the scene when:

1.    A working fire of second alarm or greater is in progress.
2.    A critical incident as described in OG No. 4020.
3.    A critical injury or death to a firefighter is reported. 
4.    The incident involves a casualty that is a member of a Fire & Emergency member’s family.

5. Whenever the Incident Commander determines that the services of the Chaplain may be of value in the ongoing emergency operation. This may include situations where:

a)    The casualty or family is highly emotional or unstable.
b)    Care is needed for the family of the casualty while treatment is underway.
c)    The casualty or the family requests the services of a Chaplain or clergy.
d)    The Incident Commander feels the presence of the Chaplain would be of benefit to the casualty or to Fire and Emergency Service personnel.

b.    To the hospital when:

1.    The Incident Commander or paramedic providing treatment determines that the casualty may need support or counsel.
2.    The casualty’s family needs to be located and notified.
3.    A member of the Fire & Emergency is the casualty, or his/her family member.

3.2 Incident Duties:

a.    On-the-Scene Duties:

1.    Provide appropriate assistance to the casualty to release operational personnel for firefighting duties.

a)    Comfort and counsel
b)    Liaise with appropriate community agencies, i.e. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.
c)    Help contact various persons, insurance agents, family members, etc. In all cases, the Chaplain will find out a casualty’s church or religious preference and attempt to notify the pastor or church.
2.    Liaise with Incident Commander to ensure that members engaged in firefighting activities are monitored for signs of physical and emotional stress and relieved from emergency operations if required.

b.    Post-Emergency Duties:

1. Conduct follow-up to ensure casualties are receiving necessary assistance.
2. Ensure firefighters’ immediate needs are met in relation to on-the-job injuries, critical incident stress, etc. 

3.3 Routine Duties

a.    Duties within the Fire and Emergency Service:

1.    Visit all stations and shifts.
2.    Visit hospitalized Fire & Emergency members and members of their families.
3.    Participate in recruit training (Orientation) as requested by the training officer.
4.    Be available for counselling members of the Fire & Emergency in times of stress or difficulty.
5.    Assist when requested by any division of the Fire & Emergency in their programs.
6.    Attend Fire and Emergency functions.
7.    Perform Fire & Emergency Ceremonies as required.
8.    Conduct funeral/memorial services as needed and requested.
9.    Be part of a Chaplaincy system that provides for twenty-four hours a-day coverage.

b.    Duties outside the Fire and Emergency Service:

1.    Represent and interpret Fire & Emergency goals and concerns to the churches and religious institutions of the community.
2.    Assist when requested with public events or public information needs.
3.    As time permits, and as requested, conduct extended ministry to casualties and their families.
4.    Establish contacts with community agencies i.e. Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

4.1    Chaplain does not replace the member’s religious affiliation, but seeks to support the concern of every religion for its members who may be in professions with special risks or needs. A Chaplain shall be supportive of every member of the Fire & Emergency, regardless of his or her nationality, race, sex or religion. 
4.2 Any communication a person makes with a Chaplain is on a strictly confidential basis.

4.3
a.    Any member who is made aware of any situation which may need the response of a Chaplain may contact a Chaplain directly. Fire & Emergency Administration will maintain and publish current telephone numbers of the Chaplain(s). A Chaplain may also be contacted through Fire & Emergency Administration if desired.

b.    The Coordinating Chaplain may be contacted by pager at 4980110; any of the
Chaplains may be reached via 911 Dispatch.

4.4 A Chaplain will be contacted by Dispatch upon awareness of the following:

a)    Death, injury to, or hospitalization of a Fire & Emergency member.
b)    Death, injury to, or hospitalization of a Fire & Emergency member’s spouse or child.
c)    Death of a Fire & Emergency member’s close family member (i.e. Any family member covered under the Fire & Emergency Bereavement Leave provisions).
d)    Major fire/disaster/emergency scenes.
e)    Major motor vehicle accidents and those involving department vehicles.

4.5    Chaplain(s) shall be provided with the training, protective equipment, and identification necessary to enable them to operate in their role at emergency scenes.


RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    P-009 Notification of Death or Serious Injury
•    P-010 Fire Service Funeral

POLICY REVIEW:

This policy shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments made to the Chaplaincy Program for HRFE.