Fundamental Protocol 1

Scope

This Fundamental Protocol outlines the principles of being a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) member (volunteers and staff) and representing the RFS to the community and other agencies. Fundamental Protocol 1 supports Fundamental Protocol 2, and they should always be read in combination.

Guiding Principles

1. Protected Community
   • RFS will protect the community and our environment minimising the impact of fire and other hazards through community education, mitigation activities, and response.
   • In all circumstances, members are to assess the risk versus benefits of any actions or activities, considering if the benefit of their intervention outweighs the risk of any preventable harm (such as a backburn to prevent significant fire impact).
2. Accountability and Responsibility
   • All members’ legal and ethical responsibilities are underpinned by:
     • Rural Fires Act (1997);
     • Rural Fires Regulation (2022);
     • Service Standards; and
     • RFS Code of Conduct and Ethics.
   • It is the responsibility of all members to:
     • Comply with RFS Operational Procedures and Guidelines (OPG).
     • Report variations or errors in operational practices; and
     • Provide relevant information to support After Action Reviews (AAR) and investigations.
   • RFS members are trained to carry out various activities and functions, and should always operate within their training capacity, considering the risks of the operations.
3. Teamwork
   • Teamwork extends to other RFS members, emergency service personnel, and members of supporting agencies. It applies to almost every activity, such as administration, equipment maintenance, training, incident response, community education, support activities, and even social events.
   • Members will work closely with communities and the public, and must consider local knowledge, land holder priorities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples connection to Country.
4. Communication
   • Effective communication is essential.
   • Communication must be clear, concise, and respectful.
   • Communication must be appropriate to the audience and adaptable to the situation.
   • Ensure all messages are understood and acted upon.
5. Documentation
   • Members should document attending incidents either through approved incident reporting processes or a log book:
     • Be accurate and as factual as possible, distinguishing between what was observed and discussed;
     • Provide a clear, concise, and complete description of the event; and
     • Include all actions taken, and observations prior to and following actions.

Special Considerations

• As an RFS member, you are expected to hold yourself and others to the statements and intent of the RFS.
• The RFS is the combat agency responsible for protecting people, infrastructure, environment, economic and cultural assets within their community through the prevention, mitigation, and suppression of bush and grass fires, and all fires occurring within a Rural Fire District (RFD).
• The RFS may be assisted by, or provide assistance to, other agencies when dealing with hazards of any type. Members should cooperate with other agency members and must operate within their legislative powers.

Related Information

• RFS Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Rural Fires Act 1997
• Rural Fires Regulation 2022
• Service Standards
• Service Standard 3.1.6 Operational Doctrine