Fallback step 3 implemented question

[londonfireguy]

Just heard on the freq that fallback step 3 has been implemented, why has that been done??

What kind of effect does it have on normal day to day business at firehouse level??

Cheers

JT

 

[SI1075]

this isnt by the book,,,, just my experience,

when fallback is implemented it is usually at a temporary basis (a few hours)  when fire or emergency activity is high in a boro
example - 2+ all hands at once on staten island before relocators can get proper coverage,  a bunch of fires or a few multiples in another boro at the same time.  it is usually by a boro to boro basis.  once this freeze is over and all the pipes start breaking im sure you will hear it alot in the next few days

basically what it does is send single engine or 1&1 responses to what would usually be 3&2 responses.  once a second source is received then the response will be pushed up to the normal response with a special call.  but when a fall back is in place you will hear many runs for fire, smoke etc just be an engine and truck response, sometimes with a chief......

again, this is just an observed summary, im sure the books have it written alot clearer

 

[raybrag]

From Res5cue's post in March, 2008:

FALLBACK - During times of heavy activity we implement Fallback to reduce the amount of apparatus assigned to an incident. This preserves unit availability. There are 3 steps:

Step 1 = If no contact - no response to ERS boxes. This is in effect every day from 0800 to 2300 hours.
Step 2 = Step 1 and 1 engine response to mechanical boxes.
Step 3 = Step 2 and 1 engine, 1 ladder and a BC to all structural alarms.

 

[JA290]

this isnt by the book,,,, just my experience,

when fallback is implemented it is usually at a temporary basis (a few hours)  when fire or emergency activity is high in a boro
example - 2+ all hands at once on staten island before relocators can get proper coverage,  a bunch of fires or a few multiples in another boro at the same time.  it is usually by a boro to boro basis.  once this freeze is over and all the pipes start breaking im sure you will hear it alot in the next few days

basically what it does is send single engine or 1&1 responses to what would usually be 3&2 responses.  once a second source is received then the response will be pushed up to the normal response with a special call.  but when a fall back is in place you will hear many runs for fire, smoke etc just be an engine and truck response, sometimes with a chief......

again, this is just an observed summary, im sure the books have it written alot clearer

fallback was changed from 1&1 to now 2&1.

 

[londonfireguy]

The dispatchers sure have their work cut out for them today...

JT

 

[MP1234]

"FALLBACK" Definitions as of 4/13/11
FALLBACK consists of three Steps:

A. Step 1: Discontinues single Engine response to NO-Contact ERS boxes between 2300 and 0800 hours.

B. Step 2: Requires the dispatch of one Engine Company to all electromechanical boxes.

C. Step 3: Requires the dispatch of two Engines, one Ladder, and a Battalion Chief to all reported incidents requiring a structural response (telephone/ERS).  If information received indicates the need for a greater response, the dispatcher may send a full first alarm assignment.

NOTE: FALLBACK procedure may be instituted step-by-step, with time allowed for observation between steps; or, Step 2 or 3 could be opted for at the outset with Step 2 including Step 1; and Step 3 including Steps 1 and 2.