ROCKY HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE

 

 

USE OF THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS

 

 

Purpose:           To establish a structured guideline to facilitate the most effective and safe method of deploying the thermal imaging camera [TIC]

                       

 

Scope:              Every effort shall be made to utilize the TIC for structure responses and/or any other situation deemed necessary by the truck officer/senior member.

 

 

Procedure:        Standard Searches:

 

The ranking officer or senior firefighter on the apparatus will operate the TIC and the search team will consist of 3-5 firefighters.

 

Prior to entering a dwelling the TIC operator shall scan the entrance for hazards and/or victims. The team shall then enter the structure and employ standard S/R tactics.

 

Once a search area has been entered the TIC operator will monitor the teams progress and point out any potential victims or hazards.  The search team member shall also request the camera to be brought into the area to assist, if necessary.

 

The TIC operator shall also scan all areas including halls, stairwells, attics, basements, etc prior to entry.

 

NOTE: The TIC is designed to assist in the search evolution.  It is essential that standard search tactics be employed whenever the camera is used.  If you crawl without the camera you crawl with it.

 

                       

Large Area Searches:

 

A minimum team consisting of 5 firefighters is recommended to maintain close accountability.

 

When searching an area with a common corridor, the team should split into 2 groups allowing each group to work one side of the hallway.

 

The search teams will travel their side of the hall checking each room while maintaining communication with the TIC operator.

 

The TIC operator shall stay in the corridor and maintain accountability of the teams and will assist when called for.

 

 

·        The TIC has not been determined to be intrinsically safe as an ignition source; this device is not to be used in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

 

·        The TIC allows a two dimensional view of an environment and depth perception is limited additionally, the TIC will not provide an accurate image of the conditions behind drywall, plaster/lathe, concrete, glass or plastic.

 

·        The TIC is intended to be used as a tool to enhance established search patterns.

 

·        The camera located on the 3rd due truck will be assigned to RIT.

 

 

 

 

 

Date:08-06

Proponent:  RHFD Staff

Replaces: New

Review: Yearly