Driver Manual

Chapter 2: Relay Initiation

• After apparatus placement and hose connections, the Driver Operator needs the PDP set to begin the relay.

Chapter 1: Emergency Vehicle Operation

• Florida State Statutes exempt emergency vehicle drivers from certain traffic laws.
• These exemptions do not excuse drivers from exercising reasonable safety for all persons and property.

Chapter 1: Tire Blowout Response

• Accelerating initially is not a recommended technique when experiencing a tire blowout.
• Following the correct procedure is important for safety.

Chapter 1: Offensive Mode Operation

• Operating in an offensive mode involves positioning the engine to keep it closer to the building.
• The goal is ensuring the nozzle reaches the fire and tools and equipment are readily available.

Chapter 1: Apparatus Positioning Factors

• Positioning of the apparatus on the fire ground is dictated by the water supply.
• Other variables are amount of units, direction of travel and time of arrival.

Chapter 6: 4-Stroke Small Engine Guidelines

• Crankcase oil in a 4-stroke engine should not be SAE 30.
• Using non-ethanol gasoline (REC 90) and allowing 1" of tank space for expansion are correct guidelines.
• Turning the fuel lever to the off position while the engine is running is a way to run the fuel out of it.

Chapter 2: "Make or Break" Person (Spotter) Monitoring

• All conditions need to be periodically monitored by the "make or break" person (or spotter).
• This includes fill time, route adjustments to speed up fill time, and ground conditions around the fill site.

Chapter 2: Water Tanks and Cisterns

• Before pulling your prime from water tanks and cisterns, vent openings on the container must be opened.

Chapter 2: Water Shuttle Operation Units

• Aerials may not be involved in a water shuttle operation.
• Tenders and Engines may be involved.

Chapter 2: Relay Operation Pressure

• Each engine must maintain at least 20 PSI residual pressure in their designated discharge gauge while operating in a relay.

Chapter 6: Battery Operated Cut Off Saw (Dewalt Flex Volt 9")

• The battery compartment is water tight, an important feature of the Battery Operated Cut Off saw.

Chapter 1: Driver/Operator Conduct

• Driver/Operators (D/O's) must operate apparatus in a safe and defensive manner.
• This includes adhering to PBCFR policies/procedures, PBCFR SOG's, and Florida State Statutes.
• Driver/Operators (D/O's) must not adhere to Federal traffic laws

Chapter 2: Relay Operation Pressure Monitoring

• Each engine must maintain at least 20psi residual pressure in their appropriate discharge gauge during relay.

Chapter 1: Driver/Operator Safety Responsibility

• The Driver/Operator is responsible for exercising reasonable safety for all persons and property.

Chapter 2: Incident Commander Information Sources

• In an emergency, the Incident Commander (IC) can obtain water supply and fire flow information from communications center, the FOO, or directly contacting the Water Officer/water department.

Chapter 1: "Reasonable Safety" Considerations

• "Reasonable Safety" is based on all available information, excluding the time of day.

Chapter 6: 1 1/2" TFT Fog Nozzle Flow

• A 1 1/2" TFT fog nozzle flows 150 GPM at 100 PSI when placed directly on a discharge.

Chapter 1: Driver/Operator Compliance

• Driver/Operators (DO) must comply with Florida state motor vehicle laws.
• Driver/Operators (DO) must comply with Ordinances and regulations as well as county driver rules.
• Driver/Operators (DO) must comply with Relevant DOT regulations
• Driver/Operators (DO) must NOT comply with Due regard act of 1991

Chapter 6: Constant Flow Nozzle

• The Elkhart Chief nozzle with fog nozzle removed is known as the "constant flow" nozzle.

Chapter 2: Information Sources for FOO

• The Fire Operations Officer (FOO) can obtain water supply information from the Communications center.
• The Fire Operations Officer (FOO) can obtain water supply information from Calling the water officer, or by contacting the water department directly.
• The Fire Operations Officer (FOO) can obtain water supply information from QAS

Chapter 2: Relay Operation Formula

• When operating a relay, PDP = Friction Loss + 20 PSI (intake gauge pressure).

Chapter 2: Optimal ISO Ratings for Tenders

• For optimal ISO ratings, the first tender must begin dumping water within 10 minutes of the first pumpers arrival at the fire scene.
• For optimal ISO ratings, the pumper must continue to be supplied with a minimum of 250 gallons for 2 hours.

Chapter 2: Relay Pumping Operation Definition

• A relay pumping operation is defined as two or more units supplying another unit.

Chapter 2: Optimal ISO Tender Rating Requirements

• A pumper must be supplied for two hours with 250 GPM for optimal ISO ratings.

Chapter 2: Continuous Water Supply in Palm Beach County

• The four means of providing a continuous water supply for firefighting in Palm Beach County include relay pumping.
• The four means of providing a continuous water supply for firefighting in Palm Beach County include drafting.
• The four means of providing a continuous water supply for firefighting in Palm Beach County include modified direct pumping or Nurse tender operation.

Chapter 1: Defensive Driving Concepts

• Defensive driving concepts that D/Os must be familiar with do not include Evasive maneuvers.
• Defensive driving concepts that D/Os must be familiar with do include Safe following distances.
• Defensive driving concepts that D/Os must be familiar with do include Proper siren usage.
• Defensive driving concepts that D/Os must be familiar with do include Anticipating other drivers actions.

Chapter 6: TFT Master Stream Fog Nozzle Flow

• The TFT master stream fog nozzle flows approximately 350-400 GPM at 100 PSI when placed directly on the deck gun.

Chapter 1: Causes of Firefighter Vehicle Collision Injuries and Deaths

• Unfamiliarity with the apparatus and lack of driver training is not a contributing factor to firefighter injuries and deaths caused by vehicle collisions.

Chapter 2: Assistance Locating Water Sources

• The Communications Center may be requested to help locate the nearest water source, especially at night.

Chapter 6: Power Unit Fluid Level

• On power units equipped with a sight glass, the fluid level shall be at the top.

Chapter 2: 600 Series Brush Truck Water Tank Capacity

• The 600 series brush trucks carry 750 gallons on the onboard water tank.

Chapter 1: Emergency Vehicle Operation Considerations

• Factors that must be taken into account when deciding whether to engage in emergency vehicle operation is “outweighed” by the potential risk(s) to the public if emergency vehicle operation is initiated are due regard.

Chapter 2: Water Source Locator Software Information

• The Water Source Locator software does not provide the location of water hazards.

Chapter 2: Recommended Water Shuttle for Short Duration Fires

• Direct pumping is recommended for short duration fires such as room/contents, garage, or shed fires.

Chapter 2: Acceptable Tactic for Short Duration Fires

• Direct pumping is "an acceptable tactic" operation for short duration fires, like room/contents, garage, or small shed fires.

Chapter 2: Apparatus Not Participating in Water Relay

• Brush trucks shall NOT participate in a water relay operation.

Chapter 6: Vent Saw Cold Start

• For cold starts of vent saws, the "Master Control Lever" (chock switch) should be positioned at full choke for warm starts.

Chapter 2: Purpose of Pressurized Water Source

• Fire pumps are a pressurized water source for use in firefighting operations.

Chapter 6: Blades for Specific Materials

• The blade best suited for cutting bulletproof glass, PVC, and railroad rails, but not good for cutting wood is the Diteq blade.

Chapter 6: TFT Nozzle Pressure

• The nozzle pressure for the TFT nozzles is 100 PSI.

Chapter 2: Drafting from Folding/Dump Tank

• Intakes with closed bleeder valves should be used to allow uninterrupted transition.
• This is used from drafting from a folding/dump tank to supplying the attack engine your onboard tank water if possible.