OCFA "N1" Unit Identifier

[elspicymchaggis]

I've seen "N1" dispatched on every Vegetation Fire on PulsePoint, but cannot find any information on what or who it is. I also have not heard this unit on FIRE OC. I'm positive that once I hear what it is, it's going to be a "duh" moment.

Any information is appreciated!

 

[B]

That’s going to be the PIO, “Information One” on the radio. I don’t think it’s a duh moment, legit question right there.

 

[elspicymchaggis]

That’s going to be the PIO, “Information One” on the radio. I don’t think it’s a duh moment, legit question right there.

Hummm, I thought “I2” and “I3” would be PIO, their suburbans say “INFORMATION” on the side. Or is “I” for “Investigator”?

 

[Randyk4661]

The "I"'s are investigators.
I have seen PIO show up on Pulse Point

 

[Mikek]

I'm glad this thread got started - I've been trying to decipher a few other IDs for OCFA. Anyone know what/who these are:

AST
W-units (W1, WS1)
G-units (G1,G2)

Thanks!

 

[B]

Hummm, I thought “I2” and “I3” would be PIO, their suburbans say “INFORMATION” on the side. Or is “I” for “Investigator”?

You got it, “I” is for investigators.

 

[elspicymchaggis]

The "I"'s are investigators.
I have seen PIO show up on Pulse Point

I too have seen PIO listed as a unit on Pulse Point, thus contributing to my confusion.

 

[elspicymchaggis]

OCFA has an AST chief, perhaps its protocol to blanket add everyone to the call and cancel as first in scene give a size up.

I wish someone who worked there and was on RR could just provide a complete run down…

 

[Randyk4661]

This is a long shot guess here.
The department does have a position of Nurse educator.
What kind of calls does N1 get called to?
if they are MCI's or other call of multiple injuries, technical rescues, that could explain it?
Someone capable of doing more than the paramedics?

 

[B]

I'm glad this thread got started - I've been trying to decipher a few other IDs for OCFA. Anyone know what/who these are:

AST
W-units (W1, WS1)
G-units (G1,G2)

Thanks!

AST = Assistant Chief (OCFA has 8 of them! Basically 2 are operations orientated - Field Ops North and Field Ops South. Could also get the EMS Assistant Chief on an MCI/MVI of a large scale.

WS = Wildland Support Unit manned by Reserve FF's. Recently moved to FS 28 in Irvine from FS18 in Trabuco Canyon. Basically, a utility pickup with a small water tank and a pump, used for mop up. So small it doesn't fit into any ICS engine designations.

G = OCFA has 2 type 1 handcrews run out of FS 18 in Trabuco Canyon. G1 is the Santiago Handcrew and G2 is the El Toro Handcrew. The "G" designation comes from the ICS type letter that corresponds with type 1 crews. Like "A" would indicate a type 1 or structure engine and "C" would indicate a type 3 or wildland engine, "G" indicates a type 1 handcrew.

W = Don't have a clue, gonna have to dig in on that one.

Hope that helps,
Bill

 

[Mikek]

Hope that helps,
Bill

It does! Thank you Bill!

 

[B]

This is a long shot guess here.
The department does have a position of Nurse educator.
What kind of calls does N1 get called to?
if they are MCI's or other call of multiple injuries, technical rescues, that could explain it?
Someone capable of doing more than the paramedics?

The Nurse Educators don't respond on calls unless they happen to be riding along with a unit that day. "N" is for the PIO who will get dispatched on any large or newsworthy incident.

 

[es93546]

AST = Assistant Chief (OCFA has 8 of them! Basically 2 are operations orientated - Field Ops North and Field Ops South. Could also get the EMS Assistant Chief on an MCI/MVI of a large scale.

WS = Wildland Support Unit manned by Reserve FF's. Recently moved to FS 28 in Irvine from FS18 in Trabuco Canyon. Basically, a utility pickup with a small water tank and a pump, used for mop up. So small it doesn't fit into any ICS engine designations.

G = OCFA has 2 type 1 handcrews run out of FS 18 in Trabuco Canyon. G1 is the Santiago Handcrew and G2 is the El Toro Handcrew. The "G" designation comes from the ICS type letter that corresponds with type 1 crews. Like "A" would indicate a type 1 or structure engine and "C" would indicate a type 3 or wildland engine, "G" indicates a type 1 handcrew.

W = Don't have a clue, gonna have to dig in on that one.

Hope that helps,
Bill

Are the Type I handcrews inmate crews?

 

[Kingscup]

Are the Type I handcrews inmate crews?

No.

About Hand Crew Firefighters — Orange County Fire Authority

HAND CREW FIREFIGHTERS

www.joinocfa.org

 

[B]

Not anymore. When the hand crew program started in OC years ago, they were. Run out of the James Musick minimum security jail in Irvine. Most the inmates did 6 months or less there so it was not ideal for a well trained, safe hand crew. In the early 2000’s we went to seasonal FF’s and later, the added another crew and became year round.