This article is a list of mnemonics and acronyms related to first responders including community first responders, emergency departments, and other first responders with either low level or no qualifications in the relevant field. This list includes the definition of each item in the mnemonic or acronym.
General
Incident Reporting M/ETHANE (The common structure for first responders to report information regarding an incident or emergency to superiors or incident command or control systems.)
Major incident - Joint consideration between first responders should be conducted to decide whether a major incident (indicating that vast resources or personnel will be needed to deal with the incident) or a standby (indicating that the incident may evolve into a major incident) should be declared. 'M/ETHANE' becomes 'ETHANE' if a major incident is not declared. The date and time of any declaration should be recorded. Exact location - The exact location of the incident should be communicated using a system which can be understood by other first responders or emergency personnel. It is recommended to be as precise as possible. Examples of possible location systems the person reporting the location may use are: an address, latitude and longitude, a grid reference, or (when accepted by local emergency services) a What3words coordinate. Type of incident - The general nature of the incident should then be communicated. Hazards - Current or potential hazards should then be reported. A risk analysis process such as comparing likelihood and severity should guide the person conducting the report as to which hazards or risks are most notable. Access - The number of access and egress routes should be noted, with the best or most practical routes being described in additional detail. Information regarding routes which are inaccessible and potential rendezvous points should also be included in communications. Number of casualties - The number of casualties and their condition/classification should be communicated. An agreed upon classification system should be used, such as triage levels. Emergency services - The type and number of emergency service equipment and personnel which are required and those which are already available at the location of the incident should be communicated. This is not limited to formal emergency services and includes capable community first responders or bystanders. It also includes equipment such as fire hydrants or extinguishers which are available, in addition to resources such as ambulance vehicles.
Firefighting
Fire extinguisher use PASS (The basic steps for portable fire extinguisher use.)
Pull or Pin - Pull the pin at the top of the fire extinguisher (and immediately test the extinguisher). Aim - Aim the nozzle or outlet of the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze - Squeeze the handles of the extinguisher to begin discharging it. Sweep - Sweep the nozzle or outlet from side to side at the base of the fire.
First attack firefighting RACE (The priority of initial actions to take against a fire.)
Rescue - Rescue anyone in immediate danger from the fire if it does not endanger the responders' own safety. Alert or Alarm - Raise the alarm by triggering a fire alarm. Alert nearby persons to gain assistance in fighting the fire or alerting other people. Alert emergency services, site security and other emergency contacts as necessary. Confine or Contain - Contain the spread of the fire by closing nearby doors and windows if it is safe to do so. The smoke and toxic fumes should be contained to the area where the fire was first found, and the flow of oxygen into the fire should be cut off to reduce the impacts and spread of the fire. The responder should take care not to cut off their route of evacuation during this step. Extinguish or Evacuate - If the responders are confident in their firefighting abilities, they should utilize 'first attack' firefighting practices and equipment, such as a portable fire extinguisher in accordance with the PASS mnemonic. Responders should always ensure that they have a clear route of evacuation and to evacuate if they are not confident in their ability to fight the fire.
Firefighters
On arrival I EAT (The phases of incident command.)
Initiate - The first qualified responder on the scene will take initial command. The delegation of authority when a group or multiple types first responders are initially on scene differs from country to country. Establish - When appropriate, a formal command post and structure should be established for the emergency. Assume - Each time a new person is delegated command of the incident, they should properly assume command and receive a briefing or hand-over from the previous incident commander. Terminate - Conclude the incident and end the formal command of the relevant responders.
TRIPOD (The six different primary phases of a fire response, in no particular order.)
Transitional - The phase where an offensive attack is made from a defensive position, or vice versa. Rescue - The phase where firefighters enter a building to search for potential casualties or victims and remove them from danger. Investigating - The phase where the nature and source of the fire are investigated. This investigation aims to conclude whether there are chemical hazards or other HAZMATs exposing additional risk to nearby property and persons, and assists in identifying what measures need to be taken to protect firefighters. Preparing - The phase where a plan is devised, or when plans and resources are put in place. Implemented at the conclusion of the investigating phase, or whilst waiting for additional personnel or resources. Offensive - The phase where an offensive attack on the fire is conducted. Firefighters and equipment will enter the fire-affected structure to attempt to completely extinguish the fire from its source. This is usually done through entering the structure with hose lines. Defensive - The phase where a defensive attack is conducted on the fire. Firefighters and equipment are used to attempt to extinguish the fire from the outside of the structure or its collapse zone. This phase is implemented when an offensive attack is not feasible due to dangers presented by the nature of the fire or structure. The primary goal of this phase is to defend nearby structures and attack a fire until additional resources or personnel arrive, or the fire is extinguished to the point where another type of attack is possible.
Incident priorities RECEO (The general priorities at a fire scene in order, with 'V' and 'S' being added in as is appropriate considering the fire, personnel and equipment.)
Rescue - Get known victims out of danger and conduct assessments (whether through internal searches or interviewing of occupants) regarding the potential of un-confirmed or unknown victims. Exposures - Protect nearby property that may become affected by the fire. This is the first part of preventing the spread of the fire. Exposures do not include separate rooms of the fire affected structure, but are separate structures or properties. Confine - Confine the fire to the affected parts of the structure. This is the second part of preventing the spread of the fire and typically involves offensive attacks and activation of any passive fire protection systems. Extinguish - Actively extinguish the fire through the use of various firefighting methods. Overhaul - Check for the hidden spread of fire (such as through hot embers) and eliminate any risk of reignition (through sources such as hot-spots). Ventilate - When appropriate, ventilate the structure to allow smoke to escape. Ventilation allows heat, toxic fumes and smoke to escape the structure, it increases the safety of an offensive attack and reduces the risk to any victims inside. Salvage - Preserve property and any items inside a fire affected structure from damage from fire, smoke and water.
ARSO (The general sequence or priority of courses of action at an incident - whether fire or rescue - in order.)
Approach and Arrival - What is done as the firefighting unit arrives at the incident to ensure their safety, as well as any initial actions (such as locating fire hydrants). Rescue - What is done by the firefighting unit to safely protect people at an incident. Suppression - What is done by the firefighting unit to safely protect items of economic, environmental, cultural, or personal value. Overhaul - What is done by the firefighting unit to safely help people and the area affected by the incident to return to normal, or to repair the effects that the incident had on these people or areas.
Size-up
WALLACE WAS HOT - (Elements of a general fire size-up, in no particular order.)
Water - Assess and make decisions regarding the supply of water to the fire. This usually involves locating a fire hydrant and deciding to forward lay or reverse lay a supply line, or defer the responsibility of water supply to the next arriving firefighter unit. For large building fires it may be necessary to conduct calculations of water flow from the available water source(s), and boost various water supplies. In remote locations there may not be an adequate water supply close enough to the fire, in which case additional equipment may need to be requested. Area - Determine the rough area of any alight structures and consider requesting additional resources if necessary. Life hazard - Determine if there is a hazard to the life of people who remain in the structure which is alight. It is generally recommended to assume that life safety is at risk until the firefighters have determined that the structure is clear of occupants, or that it is impossible to survive inside the structure due to the conditions of the fire. Location - Determine the location, size, and extent of the fire, and possible locations where the fire could spread. Apparatus - Determine the quantities and types of firefighting apparatuses that are physically available, and those currently due to arrive. The difference between currently available apparatuses which can be immediately utilised and those which are due to arrive in the near future is important (for example, an apparatus which is due to arrive may be preoccupied with another call), and should be considered when developing strategic plans. Along with the determination of apparatuses, the availability of trained personnel should also be determined and considered. Construction - Identify the construction type of the alight structure. Examples of specifics to consider are the material which the structure is constructed of and hidden roofspaces. Exposures - Identify the exposures to the fire, and utilise this knowledge whilst developing strategic plans against the fire. Weather - Identify the weather conditions both current and future (through a weather forecast), and evaluate their possible effects on the fire and its spread. Auxiliary appliances - Determine the availability of auxiliary appliances such as sprinkler systems, and if applicable ensure the continued operation of these appliances (by, for example, increasing the supply of water to the sprinklers). Special matters - Identify the presence, and determine the effects of any special matters. A special matter is anything which could negatively affect firefighting, or place additional risk to the firefighters or other people. Special matters may be grouped into utility hazards (such as downed power lines or burst water pipes), egress issues (such as barred windows or destroyed fire escape stairs), HAZMAT presence (such as explosive gas or other chemicals), and other special matters (such as confined spaces).