MPS Fire Service Exercises - Fire Real Time Incident Command Interview for Apartment Fire

Fire Real Time Incident Command Interview for Apartment Fire

WHAT IS THE FIRE REAL TIME INCIDENT COMMAND INTERVIEW?
The MPS approach to testing fireground command skills is the premier model in use today. In designing the apartment fire scenario, our goal was to develop a realistic simulation that would permit reliable and fair scoring of candidate responses by oral panel members. The interview consists of two parts, which correspond to two phases of the incident. Candidates for first-level supervisory positions take Phase I only; candidates for higher level jobs take both. Pictures and diagrams are provided, along with a listing of all on scene equipment and personnel. Candidates play the role of the Incident Commander. During each phase of the interview, the interview panel members inform candidates of each event that occurs, including incoming reports by fire fighters or officers, and candidates must immediately tell panel members what orders they would give or actions they would take. In addition, other questions regarding strategy and tactics are asked at key points.

POSITIONS USED FOR?
The interview consists of two phases. Use Phase I for first-level supervisors (i.e. fire lieutenant or captain). Use both phases for battalion chiefs or higher ranks.

FIRE REAL TIME INCIDENT COMMAND INTERVIEW USED FOR:
>>>>• Fire Lieutenant or Captain (Phase I only)
>>>>• Fire Battalion Chief (Phases I & II)
>>>>• Fire Assistant Chief (Phases I& II)

TEST FORMAT
The interview simulation consists of two parts, which correspond to two phases of the incident. In Phase I, assessees are told they are the Incident Commander and arrive along with first alarm companies (or shortly thereafter). In Phase II, assessees are told to assume that someone else was in charge during Phase I, and that they arrive at a later point and are the highest ranking officer on the scene. In each phase, pictures are provided showing the fire and smoke, diagrams of the area are given, and the resources on scene are listed. Assessees are then informed by panel members of on-scene fire fighting activities, observations by company officers and/or other events as they occur (event by event). The process is designed to simulate the real-time demands placed on an Incident Commander. Assessees must specify their strategy and tactics, and detail all actions they would take in response to each event or development that occurs. The interview for Phase I typically takes about 30 minutes; and if both Phases I and II are used, the interview takes about 60 minutes. An alternate form of Phase II is for a mass casualty incident, and if used, the interview may take as much as 75 minutes. Please inquire.

SCORING
An interview guide is supplied which tells interview panel members how to conduct the interview and score candidates. Interviewers should be provided approximately 90 minutes to review the interview guide before conducting interviews.