Mini-Tacticals

Mini-tacticals

Another component of the tactical scene exercise are the mini-tacticals. While the major tactical scenario may last from beginning to culmination of an incident, these are a series of relatively short, quick hitting, job-related exercises. These could be related to operational issues or a current policy or procedure.

Here is an example:

You are a captain of an engine company who has been dispatched to a structure with numerous calls and a report of people trapped. It’s in your first due. As your engineer pulls out of the station he strikes a car. What would you do and why?

Here is a checklist of what the evaluators expect:
• I would immediately notify dispatch that we have been involved in a traffic accident and have them replace us with another engine. I would ensure that the Battalion Chief knew we were no longer responding (this is particularly true if your department dispatches on one channel and has a separate tactical frequency).
• I would check the condition of my firefighters and the condition of the people in the other vehicle.
• I would request PD for traffic control and fire and EMS units for the injured.
• I would ensure my uninjured firefighters or I were treating any victims.
• I would have my firefighters place out road cones or flares to prevent a second accident.
• After the injured were treated, I would remind my firefighters not to admit fault or make statements to anyone.
• I would get names and contact information of any witnesses.
• I would make sure the appropriate vehicle accident and injury paperwork was completed.
• I would make sure the fire chief and city attorney were notified.
• I would make sure that the families of any injured firefighters were notified.
• If necessary, I would facilitate critical incident stress debriefing

• I would log it in the station logbook.