Standing Orders - 2025

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LSCFD
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Date of Issue: 2025-01-01.
Last revised date: 2025-10-08
Red County Fire Department (RCFD)
Standing Orders - 2025
Issued by: Office of the Fire Chief.
Effective Date: January 1, 2025.
Applies to: All sworn firefighting and EMS personnel of RCFD.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Red County Fire Department (RCFD) is to protect life, property, and the environment through fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and public education.

We serve a rural and semi-rural community, where firefighters are expected to be versatile, professional, and community-focused.

The purpose of this Standing Orders is to establish clear expectations for conduct, operations, and safety for all members of the Red County Fire Department. These orders remain in effect unless superseded by updated revisions.
Operational Priority:
  1. Firefighter and Responder Safety
    - No action shall be taken that unnecessarily endangers RCFD personnel.
    - "One patient, victim or civilian is better than two" concept.
    - Accountability and crew integrity are mandatory.
    - Every firefighter goes home.
  2. Life Safety (Patients, Victims and Civilians)
    - Rescue of endangered civilians is the next highest priority.
    - Minimum of one (1) smoke-diving search and rescue party must be ordered if interior fire in accommodation structure where not all civilians are accounted for, this precedes Firefighter and Responder Safety. “Two-in, two-out” shall be observed on interior fire operations.
    - No firefighter will operate alone in an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environment.
    - EMS care shall be rendered promptly once victims are removed from danger, regardless of Property Conservation and Salvation, see below.
  3. Property (Value, Conservation and Salvation)
    - Fire spread containment, vehicle stabilization, and prevention of escalation.
    - Salvage operations (covering valuables, limiting water damage).
  4. Environmental
    - Containment of hazardous materials.
    - Limiting runoff into waterways.
    - Consideration of wildfire spread and ecological damage.
    - Environment comes last in the hierarchy but is never ignored.
NOTE: Incident Commander (IC) has the authority and right to deviate from Operational Priority based on the dynamic situation. Although this must be explicitly ordered, Command is to be promptly informed as soon as possible convenient and will be held accountable post-action.
Chain of Command
Orders shall be followed through the established chain of command.
Disagreements or clarifications will be addressed after incidents are concluded, never during.
The Incident Commander (IC) has operational authority until relieved by a higher-ranking officer.

Chain of Command is as follows:
  • Fire Chief
  • Deputy Fire Chief
  • Captain
  • Lieutenant
  • Career Firefighter
  • Volunteer Firefighter
  • Probationary Firefighter
Accountability
  • Crew integrity will be maintained at all times.
  • Minimum of one (1) smoke-diving search and rescue party must be ordered if interior fire in accommodation structure where not all civilians are accounted for, this precedes Firefighter and Responder Safety. “Two-in, two-out” shall be observed on interior fire operations.
    - “Two-in, two-out” shall be observed on interior fire operations.
    - Note: A secondary smoke-diving group should be prioritized to stand-by in case of LUNAR report/PASS activation from primary group!
  • No firefighter will operate alone in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environment.
  • Personnel Accountability Reports (PAR) will be conducted at IC/Command discretion.
PPE and SCBA Discipline:
  • Full PPE and SCBA shall be worn at all fire-related incidents unless otherwise directed by the IC.
  • SCBA shall be used in any IDLH atmosphere until declared clear by IC.
    - IDLH atmospheres are by default any reaction products originating from a fire, etc.
  • Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
Apparatus, Equipment & Ambulance Readiness
  • Personal Equipment will be checked daily at the start of shift.
  • Apparatus (engine) will be checked daily at the start of shift.
  • Rescue Ambulance (RA) will be checked daily at the start of shift.
  • Deficiencies will be reported immediately to the officer in charge (OIC).
  • No engine or RA shall leave quarters if critical safety equipment is non-functional.
Communications:
  • All radio transmissions will use plain language, e.g. no 10-codes.
  • Units will identify themselves by apparatus designation, e.g., “Engine 1,” “Medic 1”.
  • Emergency distress will be communicated by declaring “MAYDAY” followed by unit and situation.
    - If emergency distress is declared, all other non-essential communications must cease at once.
Response Standards:
  • All personnel on duty shall respond to emergencies when dispatched.
    -Refusal to respond without valid reason (injury, illness, safety concern) will result in review by the Chief’s Office.
  • Engines and medic units will respond within 60 seconds of dispatch notification during staffed hours.
  • Apparatus drivers will obey all traffic laws except when emergency response is authorized. Due regard for civilian safety is mandatory.
  • Seatbelts are to be worn by all personnel while apparatus is in motion.
EMS Operations:
  • Firefighters shall provide care within their certified level (EMT-B, Paramedic).
  • The senior medic on scene has authority over patient care decisions.
  • HIPAA and patient confidentiality must be observed at all times, see third part of MIST report.
Conduct & Discipline:
  • Members shall report to duty on time, sober, and fit for work.
  • Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on- and off-duty, employees with the RCFD submit to alcohol, drug and blood testing as required.
    - Blood testing may be required in order to determine if firefighter has been exposed to levels exceeding safe working levels. If so, firefighter in question may be given administrative duties and tasks temporarily.
  • No harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct will be tolerated.
  • Members represent RCFD on and off duty; misconduct off duty may result in discipline.
Community Role:
  • Firefighters are expected to participate in community risk reduction, fire prevention, and public education.
  • All personnel will act professionally in public interactions, on calls and at civic events.
Discipline for Non-Compliance:
Violations of these Standing Orders may result in progressive discipline:
  • Verbal Counseling
  • Written Reprimand
  • Suspension (with or without pay)
  • Termination (for serious or repeated violations)
All employees with the Red County Fire Department engaged in any operational activity, need to reply with read and understood.
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