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.