Unknown Toxic Exposure Tactical Decision Game
This Tactical Decision Game (TDG) presents an unknown toxic exposure scenario designed to develop fireground decision-making for company officers. Dispatched to a reported breathing problem in a four-story apartment building, officers must interpret incomplete information and anticipate a potential hazardous materials event. Initial reports of multiple patients with respiratory distress immediately raise concerns about a gas release or toxic exposure. This unknown toxic exposure tactical decision game requires rapid size-up, recognition of critical cues, and early consideration of escalation.
Decision Focus
This unknown toxic exposure tactical decision game requires officers to make the following operational decisions:
- Conduct an effective initial size-up based on limited dispatch information
- Select an appropriate strategy for a suspected hazardous materials incident
- Establish tactical priorities including life safety and hazard isolation
- Determine appropriate resource assignment and escalation
- Communicate clearly with dispatch, EMS, and incoming units
Incident Video
The incident simulation video for this unknown toxic exposure TDG provides a dynamic representation of conditions on arrival at a multi-story apartment building. Officers are prompted to pause the simulation at key decision points and apply their tactical decision-making. The simulation reinforces recognition-primed decision making by presenting evolving conditions, including multiple patients, reports of a “spicy chemical” odor, and increasing resource demands. This simulation aligns directly with the unknown toxic exposure tactical decision game and supports application of decisions under time pressure.
Important Lessons
This unknown toxic exposure tactical decision game emphasizes recognition of critical cues, anticipation of hazardous materials conditions, and decision-making under time pressure. Officers must interpret incomplete and sometimes conflicting information while maintaining command and communication effectiveness. The scenario and the related audio from the actual incident highlights the importance of early resource escalation, including consideration of hazardous materials teams and mass casualty incident designation. The PDF includes an additional learning section that explores bear spray characteristics, detection methods, and decontamination considerations.
What Does Good Look Like?
Effective performance includes a clear size-up, appropriate strategy selection, and timely decisions that prioritize life safety and hazard control. Officers demonstrate strong command presence through clear communication and effective coordination of incoming resources. Good performance also reflects anticipation of changing conditions and early recognition of the need for specialized resources. This unknown toxic exposure TDG is part of the Command Competence 10-Minute Training system.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
