OG 4030 Response to Incidents-Alpha Units

Issued By: OPERATIONS (B. Clarke)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher 
Date of Issue: 2001/10/17
Revision Date: 2010/03/11

PURPOSE: 

To establish and clarify response protocols for Alpha Units located in the Core fire stations which apply to all core volunteer members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

OBJECTIVE:

To provide the procedure for the dispatch and response of Alpha Units to incidents within the Core.  

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to Alpha Units (volunteer members) located in the core fire stations of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

DEFINITIONS: 

•    Alpha Unit alpha units are identified through the use the letter “a” following the station number for the area in which they are utilized. Fire apparatus currently identified as alpha units are 08a, 09a, 10a, 16a, 17a, & 18a.

•    Fire Response Zones fire response zones within Halifax Regional Municipality signify the stations that are identified to provide coverage in those areas. The first number indicates the station which has primary jurisdiction in that area, subsequent number (s) indicates the station (s) which provides secondary coverage. The affected response zones are: 08-07-05;08-07-09;08-09; 08-12; 09-08; 09-10-11; 16-15; 16-17; 17-14; 17-16; 17-18; and 18-17.

•    Incident Type incidents are classified within the CAD (Computer Assisted Dispatch) system by the severity of the incident type and the level of response required mitigating the emergency. For example, when a 911 Call-taker enters an emergency as a structure fire, it would automatically link to the Incident type “major”.

PROCEDURE: 

When an alarm is received in a response zone that utilizes alpha units on a first response, the officer or driver of the alpha unit will notify dispatch by radio when staffed that they are in service and responding Code (3) Three. Alpha units will upgrade to Code (1) One upon notification of a confirmed structure fire or clearance from the Platoon Chief, Incident Commander or Dispatch.

The secondary station or backup apparatus will either proceed to the incident or be turned around at the discretion of the Platoon Chief, Incident Commander or Dispatch. Alpha Units will proceed directly to the incident unless the emergency is considered under control.

When an alarm is received in a response zone that utilizes alpha units as station cover, the officer or driver of the alpha unit will notify Dispatch by radio when staffed that they are in service and standing by in quarters.

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure for the Alpha-Unit response to incidents.