I. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the SOP

• Mitigate Liability: Ensure all medical and fire interventions meet state protocols and ethical standards.
• Ensure Operational Unity: Guarantee consistent, high-quality care across all stations.
• Promote Life Safety: Establish fireground and clinical habits prioritizing safety of public and crews.

1.2 Scope of the SOP

• Supersedes Local Custom: Takes precedence over unofficial field habits.
• Applicability: All on-duty conduct and off-duty behavior reflecting on the department.
• Specialized Units: SOT, TEMS, HazMat, MedEvac, FMO adhere to core principles plus specialized manuals.

II. Core Values and Principles

2.1 Mission Statement: The "Three Pillars"

• Rapid Response: Minimize property loss and maximize patient survival.
• Clinical Excellence: Evidence-based medical care, treat patients as family.
• Community Protection: Shield against fire, hazardous materials, and environmental disasters.

2.2 Core Values

• Bravery: Face danger to save lives.
• Integrity: Honest medical reporting and fire investigations.
• Professionalism: Maintain calm "Command Presence" under chaos.

III. Organizational Structure

3.1 Chain of Command

• High Command: SAFR & SAMS Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief
• Command Staff: Battalion Chief, Captain
• Field Supervision: Lieutenant & Paramedic Supervisor, Engineer & Paramedic
• Field Personnel: Firefighter II & Advanced EMT, Firefighter I & EMT, Probationary Firefighter & EMR

IV. Specialized Subdivisions

4.1 Special Operations Team (SOT)

• Focus: Water-to-Air integration, technical rescue
• Protocol: Maritime & mountain rescue, coordinate with Air Support

4.2 Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS)

• Focus: Medical support for SWAT/LEO
• Protocol: Embedded in tactical teams for point-of-injury care

4.3 MedEvac (Air Operations)

• Focus: Rapid transport of Priority 1 trauma patients
• Protocol: Coordinate with ground units for Landing Zone security

4.4 Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT)

• Focus: Mitigation of CBRNE threats
• Protocol: Establish Hot, Warm, Cold zones for all HazMat calls

4.5 Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO)

• Focus: Fire investigation, arson prosecution, code enforcement
• Authority: Fire Marshals have Peace Officer powers for arson investigations

V. Use of Force & Scene Safety

5.1 Patient Restraint

• Verbal De-escalation: Calm patient
• Physical Restraint: Soft restraints to cot
• Chemical Restraint: Paramedic+ sedatives per protocol

5.2 Scene Safety (The "Golden Rule")

Do not enter unsecure scenes involving violence until Law Enforcement declares "Code 4".

VI. Radio Communications

6.1 Communication Pillars

• Brevity: <10s transmissions
• Clarity: Plain English
• Accuracy: Clear size-ups

6.2 Common Codes

• 10-3: Stop Transmitting
• 10-4: Acknowledged
• 10-7: Out of Service
• 10-8: In Service
• 10-20: Location
• Code 3: Emergency response (Lights & Sirens)

VII. Disciplinary Procedures

7.1 Violation Tiers

• Class A (Minor): Uniform violations, minor radio chatter, punctuality issues → Verbal warning/Retraining
• Class B (Serious): Negligence of patient care, reckless driving, insubordination → Written reprimand/Suspension
• Class C (Major): Gross malpractice, arson, corruption, abandonment → Termination & POST Revocation

VIII. General Procedures

8.1 Public Relations

Firefighters and Medics are the face of the city. Engage in "Positive Contact" with citizens when not on calls, show equipment, and answer questions to build trust.