SOP 14-16

78 Questions

What is the consequence for personnel who fail to inform their supervisor after having their Florida driving privileges cancelled, suspended, or revoked?

They may have their employment terminated

What determines the need for periodic medical evaluation for new candidates or existing operators of emergency vehicles?

As determined by the Department

Who has the discretion to decide on the periodic classroom training for experienced operators?

Fire Rescue Chief

What specific categories are included in the Department approved 16-hour Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Program?

A. Preventive Maintenance B. Record Keeping C. Legal Requirements D. Defensive Driving

What is the requirement for experienced drivers in terms of annual retraining?

Retraining based on actual driving activity

In what circumstance can personnel waive the requirement of having a valid Florida driver’s license?

If waived by the Personnel Services Department

How many hours of documented, supervised highway driving must new candidates have before being assigned duties requiring operation of emergency vehicles?

30 hours

What is the consequence for individuals with a combination of two or more Class B moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in a three-year period?

Counseling and disciplinary action

Which of the following is considered a Class 'A' Violation?

Driving under the influence of alcohol

Under what circumstances will new hire applicants be ineligible for employment with the County?

Having more than one Class A violation conviction

Who evaluates unusual circumstances in individual cases according to the text?

Fire Rescue Chief

What position must authorize personnel to drive Department vehicles home?

Fire Rescue Chief

'Hands-on training or supervised highway training' involves supervision by which individual?

EVDT instructor or designee

'Class B' Violations cover which type of offenses according to the text?

'Moving violations not listed as Class A'

When are ALS transport units allowed to travel Code 3 to the hospital?

Both a) and b)

Under what circumstances should units NOT travel Code 3 to the hospital?

All of the above

How should units travel to the hospital to pick up personnel or equipment?

Code 1

Under what condition can an engine leave its zone to retrieve personnel?

With approval from the Battalion Chief or designee

What should be done if an engine is ALS and one person is needed to assist on a rescue transport?

Every effort should be made to keep a paramedic on the engine

Which statement about warning lights is true?

Recent NFPA standards require apparatus to be equipped with warning light controls that provide at least two levels of lighting

Which type of incident will have a non-emergency response with no red lights or siren?

Dumpster fires

When will responding units upgrade to a Code 3 response?

If additional information indicates a life is in danger or a working structure fire exists

Which incident types will have the first due suppression apparatus respond Code 3, while all other units respond Code 1?

Fire alarms and fire sprinkler alarms

What is the response code for support vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and vehicles towing equipment?

Code 1

When should warning lights be used on an emergency vehicle at the scene of an incident?

When the vehicle is parked in a traffic way or other area that may present a traffic hazard

What is the appropriate response for emergency vehicles arriving at a medical incident in a residential area?

Use four-way emergency flashers when parked in the roadway

Which incident type allows for all authorized emergency vehicles to respond Code 3 as needed?

Mass Casualty Incident

How should HazMat, USAR, and Marine Rescue towed resources typically respond?

Code 1 without lights or siren

When is a driver/operator not required to respond Code 3?

All of the above

What is the purpose of using warning lights at the scene of an incident?

Both a and b

In what direction should rescue units position their rear patient loading door area when within the protected work area?

Away from the nearest lanes of moving traffic

When should personnel place cones and flares while facing oncoming traffic at an emergency scene?

When facing away from oncoming traffic

What should personnel do when walking around fire apparatus or an emergency vehicle near moving traffic?

Maintain a 'reduced profile'

Who should be involved in the decision to completely shut down lanes, shoulders, and entry/exit ramps of limited access highways for safety reasons?

Law enforcement officials

What do Code 1 and Code 3 indicate in terms of emergency response modes?

Code 1 indicates no red lights or sirens, Code 3 indicates red warning lights and siren

When can the response mode be upgraded from Code 1 to Code 3 according to the text?

If there is a need to reduce response time

What is the primary duty of Command regarding the travel portion of the roadway during emergency operations?

Clear the travel portion as a high priority

How should personnel enter and exit fire apparatus or emergency vehicles when there is moving traffic nearby?

ext{From the 'shadow' side away from moving traffic}

What is the primary purpose of fluctuating the siren's pitch through the entire tone scale?

To accommodate different hearing levels of motorists and gain their attention from other distractions

When should hazardous warning lights (four-way flashers) be activated on an emergency vehicle?

Only when the vehicle is parked on the shoulder or other area to signal oncoming vehicles

What is the recommended practice when multiple emergency vehicles are responding to the same incident?

The vehicles should ensure there is sufficient space between them

When operating on a multi-lane roadway under emergency conditions, in which lane should emergency vehicles travel?

The inside (passing) lane, when possible

What is the recommended procedure for emergency vehicles when responding to a call and approaching a school bus loading or unloading students?

The emergency vehicle should stop and wait for the bus driver to turn off the warning signals and acknowledge the presence of the emergency vehicle

What is the recommended procedure for emergency vehicles when responding to a call and approaching a bridge?

The emergency vehicle should reduce to a Code 1 response when crossing the bridge

Under what conditions can emergency vehicles use the designated emergency vehicle turnaround points on I-95?

Only if I-95 is shut down in both directions and law enforcement is present to assist

What is the recommended procedure for emergency vehicles when responding to a call and approaching a construction zone?

The emergency vehicle should reduce to a Code 1 response when traveling through the construction zone

What is the primary reason for emergency vehicles to avoid using emergency vehicle turnaround points on I-95?

The turnaround points present a high risk of collisions with other vehicles

What is the recommended procedure for emergency vehicles when approaching an active school zone?

The emergency vehicle should downgrade its response and drive through the school zone at the posted speed

What is the responsibility of the apparatus officer or Department vehicle operator?

To ensure the safe and responsible operation of the assigned fire rescue apparatus/vehicle

What should the officer do if they believe it would be safer for them to drive the apparatus?

Assume the role of driver of their assigned apparatus

What should personnel do before leaving the station with the apparatus?

Both b and c

What is the only exception to the mandatory seatbelt requirement for Department vehicle occupants?

When medical personnel are providing patient care

How should infants or children transported by Department apparatus be secured?

Both b and c

What should personnel do if the traffic preemption device has been activated and the apparatus is leaving the station?

Approach the intersection with a Code 1 response until the traffic signal is green

What should personnel do if they observe unsafe acts related to apparatus operations?

All Department personnel are additionally responsible for reporting unsafe acts as they relate to apparatus operations

What should personnel do if they need to communicate and concur on aspects of the policy and safe vehicle operations?

Both a and b

What should personnel do if they are taking medications that can cause drowsiness or reduce their reactionary time?

Notify their supervisor and refrain from operating emergency vehicles

What should personnel do if people other than fire rescue personnel attempt to 'direct' the apparatus into a scene?

The officer should not overly commit to this 'direction' if the 'roadway' appears questionable

What type of vehicles are allowed to respond on the beach according to the text?

Rescue units and one-ton vehicles only

What is the recommended action if there are doubts about the integrity of a road while taking a fire rescue apparatus off paved roadways?

Exit the vehicle and inspect the route

What is one of the specific tactical procedures recommended to protect crewmembers at an incident scene near moving traffic?

Turn off sources of vision impairment

Why is it advised to consider placing rescue units ahead of all other emergency vehicles on scene?

To create a barrier between traffic and the crash scene

What should personnel do to protect the pump operator position from exposure to approaching traffic?

Block at least one additional traffic lane

Why is it essential to establish advance warning and adequate transition area traffic control measures upstream of an incident?

To aid in safe traffic flow

Which action should personnel take if they observe unsafe acts related to apparatus operations?

Report them to their supervisors

What is a specific recommendation for protecting crewmembers when operating in or near moving traffic?

'Avoid turning back' to approaching traffic

'Using on-scene crewmembers, establish a safety officer to monitor approaching traffic' serves what purpose at an incident scene?

'Activate an emergency signal' if needed

'Always consider positioning of first-arriving apparatus to protect the scene, patients, and emergency personnel.' Why is this important?

To create a barrier between traffic and work areas

What must Department vehicle operators do when backing a vehicle?

Back slowly and sound the horn or reverse signal

When should emergency warning lights be used on Department apparatus?

When responding to an emergency call

What is the procedure for parking parked apparatus?

Motor stopped, emergency brake set, and transmission in neutral

What should be done with supplies transported in Department apparatus?

Secured to prevent dislodging during transit

When can emergency vehicles exceed the maximum speed limit?

Provided life or property is not endangered

In what manner should sirens be operated during emergency situations?

In a manner that provides adequate warning to pedestrians and traffic

What is a requirement for operating vehicles at all times?

Drive with due regard for the safety of all persons

When will another person serve as a safety guide (spotter) when backing an apparatus?

Always to ensure safe backing operations

What does Florida Statute 316 allow for emergency vehicles approaching red lights or stop signals?

Must yield the right-of-way to all moving traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

What should be done by the spotter when guiding the backing operation of an apparatus?

Remain in plain sight of the driver at all times

Study Notes

Vehicle Operations

Fire Rescue vehicles shall not be used for personal errands or parked at establishments that may bring discredit to the Department.
The apparatus officer or driver is responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle from ignition to return.

Safe Vehicle Operations

Reporting unsafe acts related to apparatus operations is mandatory for all personnel.
Officer and driver should communicate and concur on all aspects of this policy to identify potential problems.

Leaving the Station/Apparatus Walk-around

On responses, bunker gear should be fully donned before leaving the station, except for the driver.
Prior to placing the apparatus in gear, ensure:
- All doors are closed and equipment is secured.
- The area around the apparatus is clear of equipment and personnel.
- Station bay doors are fully open.

Seatbelts

Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for drivers and occupants of Department vehicles when in motion.
Exceptions include medical personnel providing patient care.

Routine Vehicle Operations

Operators of Department vehicles shall adhere to traffic laws and drive safely and courteously in non-emergency situations.
Parking in fire lanes is prohibited during personal or non-emergency business.

Emergency Vehicle Operations

Emergency vehicles may exceed speed limits, but drivers must consider road conditions, traffic, and weather.
Emergency vehicles must come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs before proceeding through.

Multiple Emergency Vehicle Response

When multiple emergency vehicles respond to an incident, each vehicle should maintain sufficient space between them.

School Zones/Construction Areas

Emergency vehicles shall stop for school buses loading or unloading children.
Downgrade response through school zones and construction areas.

Bridges/Interstate

Reduce to a Code 1 response when crossing bridges or responding through construction zones on the interstate.

Turn Around Points on I-95

Engines should not use emergency turn around points on I-95 unless directed by law enforcement.

Department Vehicles on the Beach/Off-road Areas

Class-A engines shall not respond to beach calls; only rescue units or smaller apparatus shall respond.

Safe Positioning and Moving Traffic

Position apparatus to protect the incident scene and crew members from moving traffic.
Establish a safety officer to monitor approaching traffic and activate an emergency signal if necessary.

Traffic Control

Use traffic cones and flares to direct traffic and establish a safe work area.
Consider positioning rescue units within the protected work area with the rear patient loading door angled away from moving traffic.### Non-Emergency Response
Responses to non-emergency incidents will be made without red lights and sirens.
Incidents include power lines/wires down, unknown odor investigations, dumpster fires, smoke detector sounding, carbon monoxide alarms, illegal control burns, assist citizen, assist law enforcement, smoke investigation (not in a structure), and brush fires (no structure endangered).

Upgrade, Non-Emergency Response

If additional information indicates a life is in danger or a working structure fire exists, Fire Rescue Communications will advise units to upgrade to a Code 3 response.

First due suppression apparatus will respond Code 3 to incidents, while other units will respond Code 1.
Incidents include fire alarms, fire sprinkler alarms, brush fires (structure endangered), and smoke in a structure.

First due units will respond Code 3 to EMS incidents.
Secondary units will determine code response based on information provided by Fire Rescue Communications and/or on-scene units.

Full Response

Authorized emergency vehicles dispatched to structure fires and mass casualty incidents may respond Code 3 as needed.

Exceptions

Fire Rescue Communications, chief officers, and company officers may direct units to upgrade or downgrade code response on a case-by-case basis.

Support Vehicles

Support vehicles will respond Code 1 to all incidents.

HazMat/USAR/Marine Rescue Tow Vehicles

These vehicles will respond Code 1 to all incidents unless a victim is reported within the "hot zone" or as directed by Fire Rescue Communications.

Discretion

Drivers/operators may downgrade response if no emergency exists or conditions prohibit, but may upgrade response if needed.

Warning Lights

Warning lights should be used at incident scenes to warn motorists and help other responding units locate the scene.

Medical Incidents

Department vehicles arriving at medical calls in residential areas should use four-way emergency flashers when parking in a roadway.

Department Requirements

Personnel must have a valid Florida driver's license and maintain it unless waived by the Personnel Services Department.
New candidates and existing operators must undergo periodic medical evaluations.
Experienced operators must undergo classroom training and annual retraining.
New candidates must complete 30 hours of supervised highway driving before operating emergency vehicles.
Department of Motor Vehicles checks are routinely performed on personnel.

Class A and B Violations

Class A violations include driving while intoxicated, negligent homicide, and operating during suspension or revocation.
Class B violations include moving violations not listed as Class A.
Personnel with Class A or multiple Class B violations may be subject to counseling, disciplinary action, or termination.

Hands-on Training

Training must be supervised by an EVDT instructor or designee.
Requirements for hands-on training are outlined in the policy.

Vehicle Operation

Vehicles must be operated according to applicable laws and regulations.
Personnel who operate personal vehicles in a manner inconsistent with Florida Statute 316 may be subject to disciplinary action.

Use of Assigned Vehicles

Personnel must have authorization from the Fire Rescue Chief to drive assigned vehicles home.
Vehicles are for Department business only and may not be used for personal errands.
Vehicles taken out of St. Johns County require approval from the appropriate Section Chief or Fire Rescue Chief.

Critical Patient Transport

ALS transport units will travel Code 3 to the hospital when the patient's condition requires emergency transportation.
ALS transport units may travel Code 3 to the hospital when another call is pending and no other ALS transport unit is available.

Call Pending

ALS transport units may travel Code 3 to the hospital when another call is pending and no other ALS transport unit is available.

Expediting In-Service Status

Travel to hospitals will be Code 1, unless an actual emergency exists involving the patient during transport, or another emergency call is pending.
Units will not travel Code 3 to the hospital simply to expedite getting a unit back in service.

Test your knowledge on the policies related to maintaining a valid Florida driver's license for all personnel. Understand the consequences of failing to inform supervisors about cancelled, suspended, or revoked driving privileges while on County business.

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