4.10 Assignment of Backup and Support Units

VERSION 1.0 – DECEMBER 2023

Purpose: To provide standard protocols for the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom) Operators with the relevant principles and guidelines regarding the assignment and response of SLSQ backup and support resources.

Scope: This procedure applies to all operators at the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom).

Procedure:
In some situations, additional resources may be required to supervise or manage an incident or event, providing the support and planning required to reduce risk for those involved and enhance patient outcomes.

1. Assignment of backup/support resources
   1.1 The response of additional backup and/or operational support resources should be assigned:
   a) Asssignments will occur with the initial dispatch of the primary response unit for all:
   (i) Resuscitations
   (ii) Drownings
   (iii) Major Incidents
   (iv) Search and Rescue
   (v) Mass Rescues
   (vi) Multi-Casualty Incidents
   b) At the discretion of the OCS or Shift Supervisor.
   c) As requested by the on scene Incident Controller or member.
   d) Mandatory dispatch of an Operational Supervisor/Duty Officer to provide member support and safety supervision for incidents requiring supervisory oversight.

2. When assessing the suitability of backup / support resources, the following points must be taken into consideration:
   2.1 Dispatch the closest most appropriate resource. In each instance Operators must evaluate all alternatives to ensure the closest most appropriate response/s are activated.
   2.2 The time and travel distance involved for recommended backup / support units to reach an incident.
   2.3 The utilisation of additional resources should be undertaken with consideration of the ‘next’ response capability and/or area coverage.

3. Additional Considerations
   3.1 The on-scene resources must be provided with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) and/or dispatch location for backup resources. This information will be utilised by on scene members to consider and determine the responding backup priority and/or whether to commence alternative procedures.
   3.2 In circumstances where there is difficulty in identifying or locating an additional resource to provide backup / support, the Operator must advise the unit on scene of the pending delays and immediately notify the OCS or Senior Operator.

4. Responsibilities:
   4.1 All operators are responsible for following the procedures outlined in this procedure.
   4.2 The OCS is responsible for ensuring that their operators are aware of and following the procedures outlined in this procedure.