Emergency Vehicle Driver Procedures

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Questions and Answers

What will happen if a member has two Class B moving violation convictions in a three-year period?

They will be issued a fine.

They will be required to retake the driver certification.

They will receive a warning letter. (correct)

They will be suspended for one year.

What is the consequence for having three moving violation convictions in three years?

Immediate termination from the department.

Mandatory attendance in a driving course.

Suspension from driving department vehicles for 90 days. (correct)

A permanent record of violations.

What must be done before starting an emergency vehicle?

Check the fuel level only.

Ensure all doors are locked.

Notify a supervisor.

Conduct a circle of safety. (correct)

How long is the suspension for drivers with more than three violations in a three-year period?

1 year. Signup and view all the answers

During the circle of safety, what should the driver/operator verify?

Clearance on the right side and rear. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a member after receiving a suspension for violations?

Attend a training program. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding warning devices when responding to emergencies?

Operate at all times. Signup and view all the answers

What action is NOT part of the circle of safety inspection?

Verifying fuel level. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of warning devices used by emergency vehicles?

They request the right-of-way Signup and view all the answers

What should emergency vehicle driver/operators do when encountering a vehicle that does not yield the right-of-way?

Wait for the other vehicle to yield Signup and view all the answers

When responding to a true emergency, what is the maximum speed that should be exceeded above the posted speed limit?

10 miles per hour Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the conditions that might require emergency vehicle driver/operators to reduce their response speed?

Heavy traffic Signup and view all the answers

Why must extreme care be taken at intersections by emergency vehicle driver/operators?

They account for many major accidents Signup and view all the answers

What should emergency vehicle driver/operators do at uncontrolled intersections?

Scan the intersection for potential hazards Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should emergency vehicle driver/operators take if potential hazards are detected at an intersection?

Cover the brake pedal with their foot Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken regarding the siren cadence when approaching an intersection?

Change it no less than 200 feet from intersection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary requirement for operating a fire department vehicle during a non-emergency response?

Obey all state motor vehicle laws applicable to civilian traffic Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance does the Spring Fire Department allow passengers on fire apparatus to ride in unapproved positions?

Under no circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the emergency vehicle driver loses sight of the spotter while backing up?

Immediately stop until the spotter reappears Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommendation regarding backing up fire department vehicles?

Avoid backing up whenever possible Signup and view all the answers

What should drivers do before attempting to back up a fire department vehicle if spotters cannot be used?

Make a circle of safety to ensure no obstructions Signup and view all the answers

What disciplinary action may occur if a driver/operator is observed breaking traffic laws?

Suspension of driving privileges Signup and view all the answers

How should personnel use headsets while the apparatus is in operation?

All personnel should utilize the headsets Signup and view all the answers

What is required of all driver/operators when traveling under ordinary conditions?

Obey all traffic laws and control devices Signup and view all the answers

What should the emergency vehicle operator do before proceeding?

Note all potential obstructions in the intended path Signup and view all the answers

What communication method is used by the spotter if headsets are unavailable?

A handheld radio Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited while an emergency vehicle is en route to an incident?

Other emergency vehicles passing Signup and view all the answers

What should a member do while responding in a privately owned vehicle?

Adhere to all motor vehicle laws Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a fleet accident?

Contact with objects other than the roadway Signup and view all the answers

Who should be notified first when a fleet accident occurs?

The dispatcher Signup and view all the answers

What should members avoid doing after a fleet accident?

Giving statements to non-authorized personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Chief Officer at an accident scene?

Photograph the scene Signup and view all the answers

What should an emergency vehicle driver do if another vehicle does not yield the right-of-way?

Wait for the other vehicle to yield Signup and view all the answers

At controlled intersections, when must an emergency vehicle come to a complete stop?

If visible traffic in all lanes cannot be accounted for Signup and view all the answers

What should an emergency vehicle operator do well before reaching an intersection?

Begin slowing down and cover the brake pedal Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken at an unguarded railroad crossing?

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop Signup and view all the answers

What should an emergency vehicle driver do concerning sirens and air horns at a railroad crossing?

Turn them off before entering the crossing Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety step when scanning an intersection?

Scan the intersection for possible hazards Signup and view all the answers

When changing the siren cadence, how far from the intersection should this occur?

200 feet Signup and view all the answers

When approaching an intersection, what is one option an emergency vehicle operator should NOT do?

Proceed through multiple lanes at once Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spring Fire Department Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Policies and Procedures

Driver Improvement Program: Members with two Class B moving violations or accidents within three years will receive a warning letter. Three violations or accidents will result in a 90-day driving suspension. Four or more violations or accidents within three years lead to a one-year driving suspension and a mandatory driver improvement program.
Circle of Safety: Drivers must conduct a circle of safety around the vehicle before starting, visually inspecting all sides and the top, and confirming clearance with the passenger in the officer position.
Warning Devices: Audible and visual warning devices should be operated at all times during emergency responses, even in daylight or good traffic conditions. Warning devices only request right-of-way, they do not guarantee it.
Vehicle Control and Right-of-Way: Drivers must maintain vehicle control to provide safety for passengers and the public. They should be mindful that civilian drivers may not react as expected. Emergency vehicles only have right-of-way when other drivers yield.
Response Speeds: Emergency response speeds should be as close to the posted speed limit as possible, but not exceeding ten mph over the limit, conditions permitting. Slower speeds are required in slippery conditions, inclement weather, poor visibility, heavy traffic, and sharp curves.
Intersections: Exercise extreme care when approaching intersections. Emergency vehicle drivers must follow the Organization Intersection Operating guidelines during emergency responses.
- Uncontrolled Intersections: Scan the intersection for potential hazards like vehicles turning on red, pedestrians, or fast-moving traffic. Slow down if necessary and cover the brake pedal. Change the siren cadence no less than 200 feet from the intersection. Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic. Be prepared to stop. Emergency vehicles cannot force right-of-way if other drivers fail to yield.
- Controlled Intersections: Stop at controlled intersections if all traffic is not visible. When visibility is clear, drivers can proceed, after slowing, even if the light is red or a stop sign is present. Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic. Scan for hazards and passing options. Begin slowing down early, and cover the brake pedal. Change the siren cadence no less than 200 feet from the intersection. Establish eye contact with other drivers, confirm all other vehicles are stopped, and communicate with partners. Proceed one lane at a time.
Railroad Intersections: Stop at unguarded railroad crossings. Turn off sirens, air horn, and any other noise-generating equipment. Operate the engine at idle speed. Open windows and listen for a train horn.
Non-Emergency Responses: During non-emergency responses, operate the vehicle without audible or visual warning devices, complying with all state motor vehicle laws. Never use only visual warning devices during a response.
Ordinary Travel: Obey all traffic laws and control devices while operating any fire department vehicle during normal travel conditions. Disciplinary action including driving suspension could be taken for violating traffic laws or driving aggressively.
Passengers in Apparatus: All persons riding on the apparatus must be seated in approved positions and secured with seatbelts when the vehicle is in motion. Riding on tail steps, sidesteps, running boards, or any other exposed position is prohibited. Use headsets when they are equipped.
Backing: Avoid backing up whenever possible. If backing is necessary, follow these procedures:
- Spotter: Use a spotter positioned safely behind the vehicle, visible to the driver at all times.
- No Spotter: Make a circle of safety to ensure no people are behind the vehicle or in its path. Remove equipment and obstructions. Note potential obstructions in the intended path of travel.
- Headsets: Use headsets for communication between the driver and spotter during backing.
Passing Apparatus: Never pass an emergency vehicle en route to an incident, including staff vehicles, personally owned vehicles (POVs), and other emergency apparatus.
Response in Privately Owned Vehicle: When responding in a privately owned vehicle, all applicable motor vehicle laws must be strictly followed. No exemptions are provided for privately owned vehicles.
Fleet Accidents: Any contact with an object outside of the roadway that causes damage is classified as a fleet accident. Follow these steps:
- Notify the dispatcher, including location, injuries, hazards, and other details.
- Notify the on-call Chief.
- Notify Law Enforcement (Department of Public Safety or Harris County Sheriff’s Office).
- Do not give statements to anyone other than a fire department officer or Law Enforcement Officer.
- The Chief Officer or designee will take photographs of the scene and send them to the Administrator and all Deputy Chiefs.
- The driver and Chief Officer will report to the Spring Administration Building following the investigation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the policies and procedures for operating emergency vehicles within the Spring Fire Department. This quiz covers important topics like the Driver Improvement Program, Circle of Safety, and the use of warning devices. Ensure you understand the responsibilities and safety measures for effective emergency responses.