The role of a First Responder

What is a First Intervention Officer and what is their role?

In a crisis situation, it is important to be able to safely evacuate the people present on a site. The First Intervention Officer (also known as FIO) is trained to bring a fire under control in a coordinated manner and establish a report on the situation in order to react quickly in the event of danger. They often work alongside the industrial firefighter team. Below, we will explore the role of the First Intervention Officer. This task is crucial because evacuation stakeholders must be competent and well trained. The goal is to prevent a disaster from occurring or worsening. In this article, we will address the following points:

• What is a first intervention officer and what is their role?
• What skills are required to become a first intervention officer?
• Which organizations offer training for a first intervention officer?
• When should FIO training be renewed?
• What is the validity period of a first intervention officer's training?
• What regulations apply to the first intervention officer?
• How many first intervention officers are required?

What is a first intervention officer and what is their role?

The FIO (First Intervention Officer) is an agent specialized in emergency situations related to a fire outbreak or chemical risk within a company. Their role is essential because it is important to react quickly in the event of danger. In particular, they are responsible for raising the alarm in order to keep staff safe. This role is taken on by brave, dedicated individuals. Indeed, they are volunteer employees. They are trained to be able to use firefighting equipment. But also to take part in evacuating people. Indeed, during a fire, the FIO team must be able to analyze the type of fire (solid, liquid, or gas). Then, to use the necessary extinguishing equipment to bring the situation under control. And finally, to evacuate all peoplefrom the affected area. We often speak of a team of first intervention officers, since they rarely act alone to fight a fire. The objective remains to bring it under control as quickly as possible in order to limit losses, while properly alerting the fire department. In addition to this role as an actor during a crisis situation, the first intervention officer also has a preventive role, just like the first aid officer. Indeed, they may be called upon to study the risks within the company as well as verify that the company has the necessary equipment to control these risks.

What skills are required to become a FIO?

First, the first intervention officer must remain calm during the critical period that can be experienced at the scene of a fire. They must avoid spreading panic so as not to worsen the situation, and must make decisions regarding extraordinary situations. As such, they must have a strong sense of responsibility and be a good communicator.

Which organizations offer first intervention officer training?

Today, in France and across its regions, many organizations offer first intervention officer training. This first intervention officer training concerns companies with high fire risks. Fire FIOs can be specifically trained. Our company CountAct can help you train your fire FIOs in Grenoble, Lyon, Dijon, and Paris. We can also train all of your safety personnel within your company or establishment open to the public. Feel free to request a quote :) Other organizations can also train your first intervention officers in regions where CountAct is not present; we have partnerships in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, in the PACA region… Feel free to send us an email: countact@countact.fr, and we can recommend organizations to you or support you in your search for a training organization or training center for your guide files, rear guides, first aid officers, FIOs, industrial firefighters…

When should First Intervention Officer training be renewed? And what is the validity period of a FIO's training?

Currently, the renewal of FIO training is structured and regulated in France. Indeed, the regulations of the French Labor Code, as well as INRS recommendations, are clear on the steps to follow. These safety personnel are required to complete initial training lasting at least 7 hours in person, as well as a training renewal every 2 years lasting at least 7 hours. This training allows these safety personnel to learn about various aspects. For example, the different fire classes, the different types of fire extinguishers, the types of fuels, as well as how a fire develops and spreads. To validate this training, a certificate is issued if the training organization considers that the person has the necessary skills to become a FIO. As such, at CountAct we also recommend having real management of your safety personnel (CountAct addresses this). It is important to know the risks within the company in order to be able to anticipate them. The main goal is to guarantee the safety of all staff.

What regulations apply to a first intervention officer? And how many FIOs are required?

Today, every company is required to haveemployees covered by first-aid training, which includes FIOs (fire FIOs…). As such, the employer is required to have the necessary emergency personnel available. All of this in order to guarantee the safety of all employees during a crisis situation. Regarding the question of how many FIOs are required: we recommend having as many FIOs as possible to ensure the most effective possible response in the event of a fire. This recommendation is all the more relevant given current flow management issues (remote work, open space…). CountAct offers to optimize the management of your safety personnel. We also allow you to have real-time access to important accident information, helping you gain efficiency and speed. Feel free to contact us; we will support you in your internal safety strategy.

The other evacuation stakeholders…

You now know what a first intervention officer is, the intervention officer training, as well as the different tasks they are responsible for during an emergency evacuation. We invite you to read our article on safety stakeholders to further your knowledge of the important roles involved in a crisis situation.