Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Procedures

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.

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.