Chief: J. Ferguson

Deputy Chief: J. Wildcat

Assistant Chief: Vacant

Battalion Chief: Vacant

Battalion Chief: Vacant

 

 

1.1 - Welcome Message

1.2 - Purpose of the Standard Operating Procedures

1.3 - Our Mission Statement

1.4 - Policy and Procedure Updates

 

2.1 - Following the Chain Of Command

2.2 - Ranking Structure

2.3 - Supervisor | Command | High Command

2.4 - Misconduct Action

2.5 - Reinstatement Policy

2.6 - Firefighter Status Policies

2.7 - Radio Communication Policy

2.8 - Uniform Policy

2.9 - Custom Uniform Policy

2.10 - Open Roster Guidelines

2.11 - Department Weapons Policy

2.12 - Department Apparatus

2.13 - Driving Etiquette

2.14 - Activity Logs

2.15 - Stationing / Hospital Locations

2.16 - Call Allocations

2.17 - Sub-Divisions and Certifications

2.18 - Department Salaries

2.19 - Promotional Requirements

 

3.1 - EMT Duties

3.2 - Drug Usage

3.3 - Staging for 10-99s (Officer/EMS Down)

3.4 - Incident Command

3.5 - Sub-Division Leadership

3.6 - Field Training Program Duties

3.7 - Patient Treatment Priorities

3.8 - Refusal of Transport

 

4.1 - Activation Policy

4.2 - Vehicles

4.3 - Vehicle Rules and Guidelines

4.4 - Uniform Policies

4.5 - Fire Types

4.6 - Arriving on Scene of a Fire

4.7 - Utilizing an Attack Hose

4.8 - 10-50 Incidents (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

 

5.1 - Call Allocation

5.2 - Dispatch and RTO

5.3 - Staging for 10-99s

5.4 - Scene Command

5.5 - EMS Procedures

5.7 - Activity Logger

 

“Greetings to all future, and ongoing members that are currently in the Louisville Fire Department. We hope you are doing well, with that being said this document that has been approved by our administration will demonstrate the conduct, yet the standards you should be enforcing. We as a Fire Department drive for the honor of oath, and the commitment that is needed within the state of Florida. This document will also demonstrate the guidelines a member must follow. The following document may change if the board feels any changes are necessary. You will be liable to ensure any update within all forward documents are adhered to. On behalf of the Louisville Fire Department Administration, welcome.”

 

Best moving forward,

Fire Chief Jay Ferguson

This SOP is to supply you with the information necessary to function efficiently as a Firefighter within the Louisville Fire Department. It is important to note that there is no manual or information available within this document that will compensate for carelessness, lack of sincere effort, dishonesty, or disregard for the established regulations. This SOP outlines procedures to be followed while on duty. Failure to meet the regulations and policies stated within this document will result in punishments. Standard Operating Procedures save time, reduce confusion, eliminate errors, and will assist the Louisville Fire Department with staying organized and prepared.

As first responders to fires, public safety and medical emergencies, disasters, and terrorist acts, the Louisville Fire Department protects the lives and property of Louisville residents and visitors. The Department advances public safety through its fire prevention, investigation, and education programs.

Upon reading this document, if you feel a change is necessary, Department personnel can follow their Chain of Command to suggest changes. SOPs can be updated, changed, and/or removed by Administration at any time. Its Department Personnel responsibility to be familiar with these changes. The Louisville Fire Department Administration will notify all Firefighters via the discord with a ping and changes will be highlighted for 3 days within this document. Follow your Chain of Command for any changes to policy or procedure. Administration will review all possible changes to determine when/if changes are needed. The Louisville Fire Department Administration will vote and discuss these changes and implement them or deny them.

 

 

The Chain of Command is used if and when you have any queries or need help with something. If you are a Firefighter, you must present your question to a fellow firefighter before moving up chain, do not jump straight to a Captain. The purpose of the Chain of Command is to establish a clear Chain of Authority in the Louisville Fire Department. You must follow this chain if you need support or any questions. Failure to follow this will lead to disciplinary actions.

The Louisville Fire Department holds a professional rank structure and Chain of Command that is to be followed at all times and is as follows:

Fire Chief

Deputy Fire Chief

Assistant Fire Chief

Battalion Chief (2)

 

Captain (4)

 

Lieutenant ()

 

Fire Engineer

Senior Firefighter

 

Firefighter II

Firefighter I

Probationary Firefighter

The rank of Fire Engineer and above is considered a Field Supervisor. Supervisors have the ability to issue discipline in accordance with the current Misconduct Action Plan. Supervisors are to be pillars of leadership. Expectations of a Supervisor are to be mentors, leaders, role models, and professionals at all times.

 

Senior Firefighters can issue warnings, and strikes but for more severe incidents need to refer to Command.

The Louisville Fire Department has implemented a strike system which is accessible using the main roster and selecting “Strike Sheet”.

 

If an offense were to be committed by a member, they will have a strike added to their name. Strikes do not automatically expire from your record. They carry over even if you are terminated or resign. These must be appealed after 14 days from the issuance of the strike. The Fire Chief has the last overall say of the punishment unless instructed otherwise.

 

Strike Policy - Command Members of the Louisville Fire Department may receive no more than two strikes before being demoted one rank. High Command Members may only receive one strike before being demoted one rank. If all of the ranks below are filled, the member may be assigned to more than one rank lower than their previous rank.

 

A Firefighter must be suspended if a complaint is initiated against them; however the Firefighter may be removed from suspension following an investigation into the matter.

Those who have retired honorably may open an administration request about being reinstated. This only applies to persons within the rank of Firefighter II or above. Anyone from Probationary Firefighter or Firefighter must reapply and go through the academy again. The following are the criteria to be eligible for reinstatement:

• Have followed proper procedure when retiring. Opening a ticket instead of just leaving discord.
• Have been at or above rank of Firefighter II at time of retiring.
• Have retired within the last 6 months.
• Be on good terms with the Louisville Fire Department Administration.
• Not have been forcefully removed or fired.
• Must not have been reinstated no more than 3 times.

If you match these conditions and desire to be reinstated, you may open an Louisville Fire Department administration ticket and inquire about a reinstatement. It is important to note that the mere fact you match these criteria won't guarantee your approval. If approved your rank cannot be higher than Firefighter II unless given explicit approval.

Leave Of Absence (LOA) - An excused Firefighter may take a Leave of Absence due to illness, real-life difficulties, computer problems, ect. Firefighters may request up to a 30 day LOA and must request this in a Command Request. Firefighters who fail to provide notice and are inactive for two weeks and do not meet activity requirements, will be terminated and will be ineligible for reinstatement. Before applying for an LOA you must be active for 2 weeks prior unless explicit approval is given by Louisville Fire Department Administration. Going LOA will disqualify you for the upcoming promotion cycle. 

 

Louisville Fire Department Administration reserves the right to revoke any LOAs at any time, giving proper notice to the Firefighter.

 

Inactive - Firefighter who have been marked inactive due to a second offense of inactivity will be required to complete 6 hours on duty to be remarked active. Upon reaching 6 hours of on duty time, the firefighters inactivity offenses will be reset, and will be marked active.

RTO should be quick and to the point at all times. Plain English should be utilized, 10 codes should not be used. 

 

If you are trying to reach a member of the Louisville Fire Department through RTO you would say their call sign or apparatus, then your callsign or apparatus. “Hey you, it's me.”

 

 

When transmitting over the Radio Frequency you must ensure you are using the 5 second rule, This means you must wait 5 seconds before transmitting after someone else to ensure nobody is spoken over and RTO remains clean and professional at all times.

 

Example of Radio is the following:

“Car-1 to Car-4” Waiting 5 seconds or for them to respond then continue your conversation.

The Louisville Fire Department has multiple uniforms that are designed to be worn according to the vehicle you are operating and the call you are responding to. The uniforms may be found on the main roster. Under no circumstances may you create your own uniform without it being approved by the Louisville Fire Department administration. The only way to obtain a custom uniform is from being a member of High Command+ or winning an award.

 

The first uniform is the Basic EMT Uniform, this uniform is to be worn by all EMTs with their certification. It is to be worn at all times while operating an ambulance, even at a station.

 

Paramedic Uniform is to be worn by those that have an active Paramedic Certification working an ambulance at all times even at stations.

 

Station Gear is to be worn by all units operating an Engine, Brush, or Ladder truck while at station awaiting a call. Once you receive a call you must then either change into your “Firefighter Medical Gear” Or “Turnout Gear” (With or without SCBA). This must be done before leaving the station.

As a Firefighter you do not have access to a custom uniform unless stated clearly form Administration. If you are in the position of Captain, you are permitted to wear custom uniforms. The following guidelines are in place to ensure everybody remains in a professional attire while on duty for the department and must be approved before being worn on duty.

• No backwards caps.
• No jeans.
• No hoodies.
• No non professional headwear.
• You must ensure clothing has clear logos of the Louisville Fire Department to identify yourself.
• No must unless it is the medical mask.
• Must have a medical bag
• No rank colored shirt unless you are within that rank.

• Orange for Engineer
• Red for LT+
• White for Administration

When an open roster has been made apparent to all Firefighters, you may drive any apparatus that is stated in the announcement provided. Please be aware, you will still only be permitted to drive apparatuses limited to your medical qualifications. (For Example, EMTs only drive their respective ambulances while paramedics drive theirs or pair up.) As well as vehicles that require certifications may not be driven unless you possess said certification. Open roster typically grants access to all vehicles below administration. This means you are not permitted to drive administration vehicles. Please refer to the vehicle roster for codes.

It is imperative as a firefighter you understand the following policy. Under no circumstance should any member of the Louisville Fire Department carry a weapon on their person, openly or hidden. This includes; firearms, knives, explosives, ect. The administration team follows this policy to a very high standard, therefore, any insubordination of breaking this policy will result in immediate disciplinary action including termination from the department. Self defense may be utilized if you feel your life is endangered, following a situation like this an investigation will be launched to decide if this was a necessary act of self defense. Do not use an axe in self defense.

As stated previously, the Louisville Fire Department uses a radio traffic system to communicate. Each vehicle has an assigned callsign or apparatus, which acts as an identifier for everyone else in RTO. All vehicle call signs are listed in the vehicle roster for reference. These callsigns are not to be altered. The format for your RTO name will be the apparatus you are activated as, your name, and your callsign. An example of this would be 

“Rescue 1 | J. Ferguson | CAR-1”

Driving should always be within the law, with the exception of an emergency situation. If you are discovered breaking any simple traffic rules, you will be punished. The usage of engine multipliers, or torque multipliers, as well as any unrealistic speed customization, is strictly prohibited. There are three different response codes. Code 1, Code 2, and Code 3.

• Code 1 is standard traffic laws, you should not be breaking any traffic rules while code 1.
• Code 2 is light but no siren besides in intersections. but still emergent meaning you still need to follow standard traffic laws but move with a sense of urgency while responding. All staging calls are to be Code 2.
• Code 3, this is for high prioritized, life-threatening situations, you may break traffic regulations while code 3, although there are restrictions. While code 3 in an EMS vehicle you should never exceed 85 MPH, in a large fire apparatus such as an engine you shall never exceed 75 MPH. All other vehicles should never exceed 10 MPH under any circumstance. Although you may be code 3, you still must yield at all intersections while blaring your horn upon approach to warn nearby civilians and vehicles present.

When going on duty as Louisville Fire Department, all activity is to be tracked using our “/duty” script. Be sure to do this when going on/off duty to ensure your time is tracked. All Firefighters must attend mandatory events and maintain 2 hours a week to remain active. Cutoff for hours will be Sunday at 12pm CST to allow for promotions to be released later that night.

• First Offense Inactivity - Strike
• Second Offense Inactivity - Demotion
• Third Offense Inactivity - Termination

The Louisville Fire Department currently has stations and are as follows and have hospitals for you to drop off patients at these locations. (PENDING FINISH)

Unless there are multiple apparatuses of the same type, all units should respond to the latest Fire/EMS related call unless told not to respond by LEO or highest in RTO. If there are multiple of the same unit, only one should be appointed unless disclosed by LEO or highest in RTO or if the unit requests more to respond.

The Louisville Fire Department has a total of 5 Subdivisions and 4 Certifications at this time. 

• Ladder
• Arson Investigation
• Swift Water Rescue
• Urban Search & Rescue/Hazmat

• EMS Supervisor
• Air Operations
• Kentucky Wildland Fire Service (KWFS)
• Coroner
• Hospital

This section applies to all Louisville Fire Department Firefighters. This outlines department wages and are paid out regularly during your shift.

Recruit - 

Firefighter I - 

Firefighter II - 

Firefighter III - 

Senior Firefighter - 

Fire Engineer - 

Lieutenant - 

Captain - 

Administration - 

Time in grade requirements mentioned below will need to be met to be considered for promotion. Other requirements mentioned below must be met to be considered for promotion. If a firefighter goes LOA before the cycle, they will be made ineligible for a promotion.

• Probationary Firefighter - Firefighter - 6 hours on duty, failure to meet this for 3 weeks will result in your removal from the Louisville Fire Department
• Firefighter - Firefighter III - 7 days in position
• Firefighter III - Senior Firefighter - 14 days & Pass paramedic Examination
• Senior Firefighter - Fire Engineer - 14 days in position
• Fire Engineer - Lieutenant - 30 days in position
• Lieutenant - Captain - 30 days in position
• Captain - Administration - Administration Discretion.

Strikes may disqualify a Firefighter from promotion. The Fire Chief makes final say on any promotions submitted to his office for approval.

 

Upon arriving on a medical scene, you are to treat the most critically injured patient, no matter who it is. See it as their occupation or their criminal record does not matter to you.You see everyone as equal and deserve to live no more than anyone else. If you arrive on a scene and there is a hurt officer and a critically injured suspect, you are to treat the suspect first as they have a lower chance of survival.

 

Patients have the right to refuse treatment and transportation. In the event their legal guardian refuses treatment or transportation you at first, inform them of the risks and dangers if the patient is not treated and/or transported. If the patient does not have a guardian there and refuses treatment, you must determine whether or not they are capable and in the right state of mind to make this decision. You can determine their awareness and orientation by asking a few simple questions. If they pass and still refuse, have them sign a Against Medical Advice Form (AMA).

 

Medic/Rescue Crew(s) are obligated to update/complete patient records in CAD in accordance with Louisville Fire Department policies. This is to be done after releasing someone to Hospital staff, LEO, or any other external entity. Furthermore, there are three priority levels that are distinguished by the activation of lights and sirens.

• Priority 1: Patient is unstable and in a life threatening critical conduction. You are to use lights and sirens.
• Priority 2: Transport is urgent, the patient is stable although their condition may worsen. You are to use lights, and only sirens while in heavy traffic or intersections.
• Priority 3: Needs medical treatment although only minor injuries with no life threatening conditions. You are to follow all traffic laws with no lights or sirens.

 

Anytime you are transporting a patient in a Rescue/Medic apparatus, it is important to notify RTO of the transport.

“Rescue 1 show me enroute to the Medical Center with 1 patient, white male, early 40s, chief complaint is 1 gsw to abdomen code 3 priority 1.”

 

At any instance where you are transporting a suspect, they must be searched (by a respective Law Enforcement Officer) before getting on the stretcher. Officers must accompany you back to the hospital. Whether this by trailing your ambulance with their vehicle or sitting in the back of the apparatus with the suspect.

 

Upon arriving at one of the medical centers, you are to remove the patient from the vehicle and grab them. Walk up to the door/into the hospital and do”/me hands over to re staff” and hospitalize them for however long you see fit. Remain under 60 seconds at all times unless you are told otherwise by an LEO or a higher up.

The use of drugs throughout the state of Florida is limited to certain Louisville Fire Department personnel (Paramedic). If Internal Affairs receive reports of non-registered staff (EMT-B) distributing medication to the patients, they will face punishment of a higher level. This negligence towards patients will not be tolerated within the department. Paramedics CANNOT start IV’s.

 

Its is strictly prohibited that EMT-B personnel administer the following to patients

• Epinephrine
• Propofol
• Fentanyl
• Morphine
• Blood Products

All use of the listed medications above is limited to Paramedic Certified providers.

10-99 (Officer/EMS Down) calls should be handled with caution. You may only move into a 10-99 scene if an officer comes into your RTO deeming the scene safe, otherwise you must stage 5-6 blocks away from the scene.

Fire Engineers and above are authorized to take Incident Command upon arriving on scene. The individual taking incident command is authorized to allocate specific units on scene to certain tasks. All units must answer to the scene’s incident commander. If someone with a higher rank than scene’s incident command arrives on scene they have authorization to take scene commander.

Subdivision Leadership Duties:

• Accepting applications and training new cadets.
• Recruiting for Department and Subdivisions.
• Schedule events and tasks to your Subdivision.

FTO/FTA Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide mentoring and guidance to new Firefighters while on-duty and training.
• Keeping active Firefighters current on policy, and providing refresher and remedial training as needed.
• Carry out FTP duties and others as assigned.
• Minimum 5 FTP Points per week, this can be voided due to lack of cadets or their effort.

Regardless of the patients’ ethic, race, or gender, the most seriously damaged patient must be attended to first. For example, if an officer has less injuries but a suspect has greater injuries, you must treat the suspect first; Officers who insist that you treat them first because they are police but have less life-threatening injuries can submit a formal complaint.

• Priority 1: Patient is unstable and in a life threatening critical conduction. You are to use lights and sirens.
• Priority 2: Transport is urgent, the patient is stable although their condition may worsen. You are to use lights, and only sirens while in heavy traffic or intersections.
• Priority 3: Needs medical treatment although only minor injuries with no life threatening conditions. You are to follow all traffic laws with no lights or sirens.

When a patient refuses transport, Louisville Fire Department personnel must ensure the patient is alert, oriented, and has decision making capacity. A refusal must be documented and signed by the patient. Personnel should advise all patients accordingly on risks, if they need to go to the hospital Louisville Fire Department should strongly advise it. All refusals must be witnessed by fellow Louisville Fire Department personnel or LEO agency personnel.

 

When you get on duty, you may activate Rescue/Medic, or a Fire Apparatus of your choosing. Make sure you follow certification guidelines if you activate ladder. While you are not required to activate as a Rescue being the first unit on, you must respond to all medical calls, regardless of your apparatus. If 3 units are on, one must be Rescue/Medic. Additionally, once 4+ units are on duty at least one must activate the engine to aid any fire outbreaks that may occur within the City.

We have plenty of vehicles for Fire & Rescue and all can be found in the main roster for use. Be sure to check for any certification requirements before activating.

Engines # and # are to be utilized for basic fire/medical response, they are outfitted with four attack lines, spreaders, bolt cutters, and basic medical supplies.Ladder Trucks assist with significant structural fires such as large apartment or commercial buildings.

You will need Firefighter Medical, Turnout, and Turnout SCBA when activating Fire/Rescue. Follow them as on the roster. Failure to do so will result in punishment.

We presently have three different types of fires in our script.

• Normal: May be extinguished with either water or a fire extinguisher.
• Chemical: Identified by its green tint, can be doused with a foam hose (water will enhance size) or a fire extinguisher.
• Electrical: Identified by the “electrical sparks” it produces. This fire can be extinguished with a foam hose. (Water will expand its size) Also you can use a fire extinguisher.

When arriving at a fire scene, you must first put on your Turnout SCBA gear before approaching any potential hazards. After putting on your SCBA, you must perform a full 360 degree scan of the fire to assess the type of fire and tether to deploy foam or water.

To utilize a hose, approach the appropriate apparatus and equip the attack hose. Once you are holding the hose you will have the ability to change to water or foam and to store your hose, put it back by going back to the apparatus and interact.

When arriving at an MVA call, you must block all incoming traffic from the accident. You want to analyze the scene and determine how many people were involved in the collision. Are the patients trapped? Determine the hazards in the circumstance. Determine whether the vehicle is leaking or smoke. If the vehicle poses an active fire hazard, identify the source of the threat and extinguish the fire with a foam hose, or extinguisher. In some more extreme accidents, spreaders would be required. Spreaders are clamp tools used to remove automobile doors and disfigure a vehicle so that an individual can depart. Never remove an occupant from a vehicle unless an EMT or Paramedic has given authorization.