Approach of Official Safety Protocol in Incidents Based on NFPA 1521 to the Operational Staff of the Rumiñahui Fire Department.

Abstract

The Rumiñahui Fire Department regularly faces high-risk situations that require quick and safe responses in scenarios such as fires, rescues, and hazardous material handling. These events pose significant operational challenges, where the lack of proper protocols increases the risk of accidents and failures in emergency response. To minimize risks and enhance operational effectiveness, the implementation of a safety protocol is proposed, based on the guidelines of NFPA 1521, which establishes the training and certification of Incident Safety Officers (ISO). These officers are responsible for supervising safety at emergency ensuring compliance with established operational procedures, and guaranteeing the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by personnel. Additionally, the conduct of practical exercises and periodic drills is proposed to assess the effectiveness of the protocols and improve personnel's emergency response capabilities. The methodology used in the development of this protocol was qualitative and descriptive, based on the systematic collection, detailed analysis, and comprehensive comparison of regulatory information with international standards. The results strongly highlight the urgent need to train ISOs in advanced risk management techniques, conduct constant operational tests to assess efficiency, evaluate response capabilities under real conditions, and develop a structured, tiered emergency plan that includes preventive measures, rapid response strategies, and post-incident evaluation protocols to ensure continuous improvement and optimal emergency preparedness. With this strategy, the Rumiñahui Fire Department will be able to strengthen its emergency preparedness, significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and operational failures, and coordinated response aligned with the highest international safety standards in emergency situations.