Policy 2123: Emergency Incident Accountability System

YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12

10000 ZIER ROAD

YAKIMA, WA 98908

POLICY # 2123

COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE: s/b Ken Eakin, Chair

EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/01/97

REVISED: 10/14/08

POLICY TITLE: EMERGENCY INCIDENT ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM

REFERENCE: WAC 296-505-05001

NFPA 1500-6.1-6

NFPA 1561

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure accountability of all firefighters on an emergency scene using a standard system to identify individual members. The system shall account for the assignment of teams or units at an emergency scene.

2.0 YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE CHIEF’S ASSOCIATION ADOPTED ACCOUNTABILITY

The County Fire Chief’s Association has adopted, for all of Yakima County, a passport accountability system. The District will utilize this system for tracking and accountability of Firefighters at an emergency scene.

3.0 MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITY

It shall be the responsibility of all members operating at an emergency scene to actively participate in the personnel accountability system. Members shall be responsible to follow personnel accountability system procedures.

4.0 INCIDENT COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY

The incident commander (IC) is responsible for all personnel at an emergency scene. The IC shall initiate the passport system at the very beginning of operations and shall maintain that system throughout the operations. The IC shall maintain an awareness of location and function of all companies and divisions.

5.0 DIVISION AND COMPANY OFFICERS TO SUPERVISE

Division officers shall directly supervise and account for the companies operating in their respective division. Company officers shall maintain an on-going awareness of the location and condition of all company members assigned to them.

6.0 THE DISTRICT TO TRAIN MEMBERS

The District shall maintain the passport system and components required to make the system effective. The District shall provide the training program developed by the County Chief’s Association. The passport accountability system should be used at drill and training exercises to promote continuity and effectiveness of the system.

7.0 ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICER

An accountability officer may be assigned to incidents based on size, complexity, or needs of the incident commander. Their sole responsibility is to assist the IC in accountability of firefighters, units, and companies.