Winter OperationsWinter Operations

Personnel Safety and Operational Efficiency

OverviewOverview

Winter Operations – Types of Winter Conditions – Personal Protection – Vehicle Concerns – Scene Operations

ObjectivesObjectives

Identify types of winter conditions that could affect emergency services operations.

Identify personal protective measures that need to be considered during winter operations.

Identify vehicle concerns that need to be considered in preparation for and during winter operations.

Identify scene operation concerns that need to be considered during winter operations.

Types of Winter ConditionsTypes of Winter Conditions

Lower Temperatures– Icy conditions– Frost–Wind chill resulting in even lower

temperatures– Greater reliance on heating systems– Reduced physical endurance

Types of Winter ConditionsTypes of Winter Conditions

Inclement Weather– Snow or sleet – Freezing rain– Overcast skies – Combination of wintery conditions– Fog

Shorter Periods of Daylight

Types of Winter ConditionsTypes of Winter Conditions

Decreased Visibility Due to Precipitation

Personal Protection Personal Protection

Clothing – Layers of clothing – Socks or other warm footwear – Spare gloves – Underclothing when responding at night – Protective clothing worn completely and

correctly

Personal Protection Personal Protection

Clothing – Extra socks and mittens available at the

scene to replace damp ones or for those who do have them

– Extra clothing may affect ability of personnel to perform tasks

– Dress as if you are going to outside for a long period--you might be

Personal Protection Personal Protection

Protect Crew – Rotate crews to have fresh and warm

personnel – Rehab • Place to rest and rehydrate with warm fluids • Place to warm up

–Monitor health conditions • Hypothermia • Frostbite, especially on fingers and toes

Personal Protection Personal Protection

Protect Crew – Stay dry and warm – Equipment problems • Cold air from SCBA cylinders • Freezing of facepiece exhalation valves

– Going from a fire and high heat environment to a overhaul or rehab environment - drastic changes in atmospheric temperature

Vehicle ConcernsVehicle Concerns

Vehicle – Heating system providing heat in

passenger area – Cooling system maintaining motor

cooling level – Preventing freezing in pumps and water

tanks• may require special measures such as

transmitting heat from motor to pump area

Vehicle ConcernsVehicle Concerns

Vehicle– Good tire tread and proper tire pressure – Snow tires or chains available – Instant chains in good working

condition – Gauges freezing – Gates and valves freezing – Ground around Apparatus (sand)

Vehicle ConcernsVehicle Concerns

Operators – Refreshed on cold weather vehicle

handling and operations – Driving in snow and/or icy conditions – Limited visibility from motorists • Precipitation • Darkness • Fog • Emergency lighting at scene

Vehicle ConcernsVehicle Concerns

Operators – Aerial apparatus stabilizer operations

on ice • May require chipping away ice • May require sand under stabilizer plates • Subsequent melting may affect vehicle

stability

– Vehicles parked on ice, especially on inclines, may slide, even with brake set

Vehicle ConcernsVehicle Concerns

Equipment – Keep equipment on apparatus dry to

prevent freezing – Keep oxygen in oxygen systems warm – Prevent freezing in water-based fire

extinguishers

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Equipment – Combustible gas meters may not work

properly in cold weather – Gasoline powered engines and power

tools difficult to start and keep running – Gasoline in portable pump or power tool

tanks may have water in them causing freezing

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Equipment – Hose becoming brittle and difficult to

move – Ladders freezing up affecting extension

and retraction – Hand tool handles may become slippery

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Scene Safety – Ice forming on ground - may require

sand–Mist causing ladders to ice up - may

require special climbing techniques to prevent slipping

– Cold air keeping toxic vapors low – Steps and running boards on apparatus

becoming slippery

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Scene Safety –Watch traffic around emergency scene

due to decreased visibility – Consider extra traffic control measures

due to decreased visibility and the requirement for greater stopping distances

– Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Operations– Keeping patients warm and dry – Operating from elevated positions such

as aerial ladders or platforms may expose personnel to wind

– Rehab service to provide warm beverages and food

– Extra staffing to rotate personnel

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Operations– Shelter for extended operations – Gaining access to scene • May not be able to get close to scene • May require snow plowing to reach scene • May not be able to access static water

sources • Fire hydrant caps may be frozen • May require specialized vehicles

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Operations– Ability to remove and transport victims • All-terrain vehicles • Four-wheeled drive units • Brush units or snow plows to accompany

ambulances

– Initiate salvage operations to keep contents from getting wet and freezing

–Manage water runoff away from scene

Scene OperationsScene Operations

Operations– Provide adequate scene lighting due to

decreased visibility – Shutting off utilities may affect heating – Consider relocation of displaced victims – Consider relocating uninjured victims in

auto accidents

SUMMARY

Winter Operations – Types of Winter Conditions – Personal Protection – Vehicle Concerns – Scene Operations