Incident Operational Resource Requests (formerly State Assistance Procedures)

Scope

This Operational Guideline outlines processes to support the requesting and allocating of operational resources beyond those normally assigned to Districts. Theses processes were formerly known as State Assistance Procedures (SAP).

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Incident Operational Resource Request forms are to be used when the Major Incident Coordination (MIC) desk is activated, and resources are requested to fulfil Incident Management Team (IMT) and field roles. All out of area resources must be processed through the MIC desk using the appropriate Resource Request form.
• Assistance Request for Strike Team or Task Force (SAP 1) – To be used for requesting out of area strike teams and task forces or part thereof. Districts directly bordering an affected area may provide resources for 12 hour deployments upon a local request (without the use of Resource Request forms) in these instances the State Duty Operations Officer (SDOO) or MIC must be informed . Where accommodation is required for neighbouring District resources, this must be processed through the MIC desk.
  • Strike Teams Under 18 Years Old – RFS OPG - Out of Area Response outlines requirements relating to those members under 18 years of age participating in deployments.
• District Dispatch of Strike Team or Task Force (SAP 3) – To be used to record those resources dispatched in response to a request as per the Assistance Request for Strike Team or Task Force (SAP 1) or by other arrangement.
• Assistance Request for IMT Personnel (SAP 5) – To be used for requesting out of area resources for IMT positions, including for both Incident Control Centre (ICC) and field roles. Districts directly bordering an affected area may provide resources upon a local request, in these instances the SDOO or MIC must be informed. Where accommodation is required for neighbouring District resources, this must be processed through the MIC desk.
• Dispatch of IMT Personnel (SAP 6) – To be used to record those resources dispatched in response to a request as per Assistance Request for IMT Personnel (SAP 5) or by other arrangement. This OPG also includes the provision to identify suitable shift arrangements for some defined roles.
• Any request, allocation or use of resources MUST not contravene any fatigue management doctrine or agency conditions.

Special Considerations

• Nil

Related Information

• Assistance Request for IMT Personnel (SAP 5)
• Assistance Request for Strike Team or Task Force (SAP 1)
• Dispatch of Incident Management Personnel (SAP 6)
• District Dispatch of Strike Team or Task Force (SAP 3)
• RFS OPG - Out of Area Response
• Service Standard 3.1.14 Fatigue Management