TASK FORCE MANAGEMENT

Unit 4:

Arrival Considerations

Safety/Risk Management

Unit Goal

Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to describe actions that should be taken on approach and arrival, as well as other considerations prior to beginning operations.

Unit Objectives Review initial approach and arrival actions by

task force management personnel. Identify information the TF should provide and

expect during the initial briefing with the IC/IMT. Review incident and task force planning

processes and considerations. Discuss TF base of operations and forward

equipment staging considerations.

Approach Considerations

Fuel and other last minute needs

Staging area for the TF

Pre-identify those who will approach – TFL, PM, LM, Safety Officer, etc.

DO NOT OVERWHELM THE ICP

Initial On-Scene Briefing

Who Do We Talk To?

Hopefully that is answered prior to arrival.

IC IMT - Ops Section Chief

or Rescue Branch Director

What You Should Provide

Be prepared to explain TF capabilities Medical capability Identify support needs

○ Fuel○ Toilet/hand wash facilities

Provide TF contact information – cell, email, radio○ TF 205 & 205A

Check in personnel & equipment○ TF 211, TF 218

Provide TF organizational structure○ TF 203

Bring an attitude of cooperation and support, not one of arrogance!

What You Should Expect From Your Initial Briefing – ASK FOR!!

Current and projected situation Estimated number of missing or unaccounted for

Operational periods being used Incident objectives, priorities, and

expectations Obtain a copy of the IAP if available Work assignment (s)

MapsFloor Plans

ICS structure and reporting requirementsMeetings you are required to attendContact Information – cell, radio, email

Other SAR resources assigned and requested Potential locations for the BoO Facilities or resources already established

EMSHaz MatAnimal ControlHeavy Equipment requested or on scene

Current weather informationForecastSafe areas or shelters identified?

Security/Safety ConcernsPerimeter established and controlled?Constraints, limitations, and sensitivities (political,

cultural, and environmental)Status of utilities

This information will: Build on the situational awareness you began

to develop from the time you were activated Provide the information needed for your initial

on-scene task force briefing Allow you to make initial assignments while

you begin the planning process.

Task Force BriefingsMay be attended by

managers/squad officers only, or could be the whole task force.

TFL briefs on tactical assignments – will usually be verbal but may include hand-written 204s.

Distribute copies of maps or other necessary documents.

This is another opportunity to reinforce the importance of safety!

Integrating into the IncidentConsider:

○ Operational periods, work/rest cycles○ Initial Attack

Blitz50/50

○ Use of local responders○ Working with/for FEMA USAR or other SAR

resources already in place○ Handouts for IC/IMT and responders

USAR Marking Systems SAR Markings & Emergency Signals

Formal Planning Documents

Incident Action Plan (Not likely available)

Tactical Action Plan

Developed by the task force for their operations

Outlines the tactical operations to meet the objectives identified in the IAP or by the IC.

TFL Role in IC/IMT Meetings

OSC or designee makes assignments - get a clear understanding of those assignments

You provide subject matter expertiseIt may not be logical or feasible for TF

management personnel to attend meetings at the ICP

IC/IMT will determine your reporting requirements

Tactical Action Plan (TAP)Incident Map

Air Operations(ICS-220)

Medical Plan(ICS-206)

CommunicationsPlan

(ICS-205)

Assignment List(ICS-204)

Organization Assignment

(ICS-203)

Objectives(ICS-202)

Coversheet

Cover Page TF 202 – Incident Objectives TF 203 – Organization Assignment List

○ TF 203M

○ TF 203S

TF 205 – Communications Plan TF 206 – Medical Plan TF 208 – Safety Message Incident charts, maps, BoO layout, and

other supporting documents/plans

Additional Forms

Incident Map

Air Operations(ICS-220)

Medical Plan(ICS-206)

CommunicationsPlan

(ICS-205)

Assignment List(ICS-204)

Organization Assignment

(ICS-203)

Objectives(ICS-202)

Coversheet

TF 209 – Situation Report Snapshot Frequency

TF 213 – General Message Logistical Requests

TF 214 – Activity Log All Personnel

TF 206V – Victim Injury/Illness Log TF 206V-TF – TF Injury/Illness Log

TF 209 Situation Report

Provides a snapshot

Frequency may be determined by the incident and/or IC/IMT

Establishing aBase of Operations

Site Selection Considerations

Size? - Depends on your footprint. Should lay out and diagram at home considering:VehiclesTentsCommand Units

Topography? Proximity to worksite? Vehicle access/parking? Noise?

Site Selection Considerations (cont)

Property ownership?Public is bestEnvironmental concerns

Utilities? Proximity to logistical facilities? Communications capabilities?

Space Allocation Considerations

TF Control Center Meetings/Briefings Communications Equipment Cache Medical/Rehab Food Prep/Service

Base of Operations

Overview Document

Supplies Sleeping Area Canine Area Personal Hygiene Area Lighting/Generators

Task Force Control Center - TFCC

Focal point for TF Command & Control

Location for all TF management activities

Radio Designation – TF Control Clearly identified Should be staffed

whenever the TF

is operational

Consider the Need for a Forward Equipment Staging Area

BoO is a considerable distance from the worksite

Equipment or site is shared Decon of equipment is needed

SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

Unit Goal

Upon completion of this unit, participants will understand the role and responsibilities of the Safety Officer and review methods for assessing and managing risk during task force operations.

Unit Objectives Review the functions and responsibilities

of the task force safety officer. Discuss risk management issues related

to task force operations. Review environmental, health and

operational risk factors. Review the forms that are used by the

task force safety officer.

TF Safety Officer

Reports directly to the TFL. Oversees all safety aspects for the task

force from mobilization until return home Coordinates efforts with the Incident

Safety Officer Conducts safety briefings Completes required forms

TF208 and ICS215A

Considerations for the TF Safety Officer

Considerations: New or unfamiliar surroundings and

operations for task force members New or unfamiliar tools Security issues

LootersValue of Equipment Cache

Operational experience of team membersCommon sense

The Safety Officer must:

Provide proactive leadershipSet the tone for a positive safety culture Maintain compliance with safety proceduresFocus on safety throughout the missionSet a good exampleEnsure accident/injury investigations are

conducted and reports are submittedShare the responsibility for safety with

EVERYONE

Site Management and Coordination

One Person in Charge

Plan of Action Developed Prior to Starting Operations

Briefing to address Tactics and Safety Issues

Site Management and Coordination (cont)

Consider Medical Treatment Area

Rest / Rehab AreaSecurity ConcernsSafe Zones / Areas

Other Considerations

Non-TF Resources and Liaison

Integration between Search and Rescue Activities

Below Grade Ops Rapid intervention

Teams

Animal Rescue

Post-Katrina Reform Act

Safety First (PPE)EquipmentWarning Signs of

Aggression – Animal Control Officer

Risks in the Disaster Environment

Damaged InfrastructureUnfamiliar SurroundingsWeather

○ Lightning○ Wind○ Tornadoes

Earthquake AftershocksVibrations and Settling

• Travel – Either way• Base of Operations• Loading/Unloading

Risks in the Disaster Environment (cont)

Physical Hazards○ Slip, Trip & Fall Hazards○ Falling Objects○ Crushing Hazards○ Noise

Hazardous MaterialsAtmospheric HazardsPhysiological ImpactsPsychological Impacts

Safety Briefings Are Important!

We do a good job before we go to work but don’t overlook:

○ Activities at the POD○ Setting up or tearing

down the BoO○ Loading and unloading

trucks and equipment

Provide Ongoing Monitoring of TF

Health and Welfare

Review Emergency Signals and Marking Systems

TF Safety MessageTF 208

Safety AnalysisICS 215A