By Jamie C. Morelock
Preparation for the next fire call should begin at the end of the present fire call. Much is written about procedures during an emergency, but little is said about the equally important period of time afterward. Company level demobilization is the breakdown of an apparatus and its personnel following their release from an incident.
 1. Photos by author. |
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APPARATUS CHECKS
To be efficient at demobilization, company members must be thoroughly familiar with their apparatus. Apparatus checks should be done at the beginning of each shift or at a weekly drill. Although the chauffeur (driver) is normally responsible for this task, every company member should inspect the apparatus to become familiar with it—to identify new tools and their locations and see what equipment is missing or out of service (see photo 1). Standardizing apparatus, tool, and equipment locations is beneficial for the firefighters detailed to or operating from another company’s apparatus.
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Well-organized compartments are easy to inspect (see photo 2). When each item has a designated place, preferably mounted in a bracket, personnel can quickly verify if all equipment is in place. If equipment is piled into a compartment, it can be misplaced, damaged, or even lost (see photo 3). Chauffeurs must spend considerable time checking such compartments.
AT THE SCENE
On-scene checks are similar to regular apparatus checks. Chauffeurs should make mental or written notes of all equipment removed from the apparatus—this will help them during demobilization. They must do a complete walk-around of the apparatus, opening and scanning each compartment and checking any areas where tools could have been laid down (see photo 4; note the halligan leaning against the pump panel). At an emergency, it is easy for personnel to become sidetracked and misplace equipment, but a thorough check will ensure every item has been accounted for.
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At a minimum, all companies should make sure all self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are readied, all loose equipment is returned to its designated place, all apparatus-mounted equipment is set in the transport position, and all compartment doors are secured. Additionally, engine companies should fill water tanks and rebed hoselines with nozzles returned to their original settings. Likewise, ladder companies must be sure to secure all ground ladders and power saws (inspect cutting edges) and set aerial master stream devices for transport (with multiple-position waterways pinned in the rescue position). Individually, company members should also check that their personal protective equipment is accounted for.
Returning the company to “in-service” status quickly is important. However, the apparatus must be prepared as much as possible before leaving the scene. Inadequate demobilization could hinder operations at the most basic incidents should the company be dispatched to another call before returning to quarters.
AT THE STATION
Check on any apparatus item that wasn’t addressed at the scene immediately on returning to the station. Document any equipment problems, and bring them to the officer’s atten-tion.
Because of the hectic nature of the incident scene, it may not be possible, at the scene, to return the apparatus to the same state of readiness as it was at the beginning of the shift, but companies must strive to prepare their equipment as much as possible before leaving the station for the next call. Proper demobilization helps to ensure smooth and efficient operations regardless of when the next call comes.
JAMIE C. MORELOCK is a firefighter for the Fremont (OH) Fire Department. He is an Ohio-certified instructor and teaches fire tactics in Bowling Green State University’s Continuing Education Program. He also teaches for Vanguard-Sentinel Career Center in Fremont.
