Podcast
Questions and Answers
What will happen if a member has two Class B moving violation convictions in a three-year period?
What will happen if a member has two Class B moving violation convictions in a three-year period?
What is the consequence for having three moving violation convictions in three years?
What is the consequence for having three moving violation convictions in three years?
What must be done before starting an emergency vehicle?
What must be done before starting an emergency vehicle?
How long is the suspension for drivers with more than three violations in a three-year period?
How long is the suspension for drivers with more than three violations in a three-year period?
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During the circle of safety, what should the driver/operator verify?
During the circle of safety, what should the driver/operator verify?
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What is required for a member after receiving a suspension for violations?
What is required for a member after receiving a suspension for violations?
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What should be done regarding warning devices when responding to emergencies?
What should be done regarding warning devices when responding to emergencies?
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What action is NOT part of the circle of safety inspection?
What action is NOT part of the circle of safety inspection?
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What is the primary responsibility of warning devices used by emergency vehicles?
What is the primary responsibility of warning devices used by emergency vehicles?
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What should emergency vehicle driver/operators do when encountering a vehicle that does not yield the right-of-way?
What should emergency vehicle driver/operators do when encountering a vehicle that does not yield the right-of-way?
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When responding to a true emergency, what is the maximum speed that should be exceeded above the posted speed limit?
When responding to a true emergency, what is the maximum speed that should be exceeded above the posted speed limit?
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What is one of the conditions that might require emergency vehicle driver/operators to reduce their response speed?
What is one of the conditions that might require emergency vehicle driver/operators to reduce their response speed?
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Why must extreme care be taken at intersections by emergency vehicle driver/operators?
Why must extreme care be taken at intersections by emergency vehicle driver/operators?
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What should emergency vehicle driver/operators do at uncontrolled intersections?
What should emergency vehicle driver/operators do at uncontrolled intersections?
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What precaution should emergency vehicle driver/operators take if potential hazards are detected at an intersection?
What precaution should emergency vehicle driver/operators take if potential hazards are detected at an intersection?
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What action should be taken regarding the siren cadence when approaching an intersection?
What action should be taken regarding the siren cadence when approaching an intersection?
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What is the primary requirement for operating a fire department vehicle during a non-emergency response?
What is the primary requirement for operating a fire department vehicle during a non-emergency response?
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Under what circumstance does the Spring Fire Department allow passengers on fire apparatus to ride in unapproved positions?
Under what circumstance does the Spring Fire Department allow passengers on fire apparatus to ride in unapproved positions?
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What action should be taken if the emergency vehicle driver loses sight of the spotter while backing up?
What action should be taken if the emergency vehicle driver loses sight of the spotter while backing up?
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What is the recommendation regarding backing up fire department vehicles?
What is the recommendation regarding backing up fire department vehicles?
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What should drivers do before attempting to back up a fire department vehicle if spotters cannot be used?
What should drivers do before attempting to back up a fire department vehicle if spotters cannot be used?
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What disciplinary action may occur if a driver/operator is observed breaking traffic laws?
What disciplinary action may occur if a driver/operator is observed breaking traffic laws?
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How should personnel use headsets while the apparatus is in operation?
How should personnel use headsets while the apparatus is in operation?
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What is required of all driver/operators when traveling under ordinary conditions?
What is required of all driver/operators when traveling under ordinary conditions?
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What should the emergency vehicle operator do before proceeding?
What should the emergency vehicle operator do before proceeding?
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What communication method is used by the spotter if headsets are unavailable?
What communication method is used by the spotter if headsets are unavailable?
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What is prohibited while an emergency vehicle is en route to an incident?
What is prohibited while an emergency vehicle is en route to an incident?
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What should a member do while responding in a privately owned vehicle?
What should a member do while responding in a privately owned vehicle?
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What constitutes a fleet accident?
What constitutes a fleet accident?
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Who should be notified first when a fleet accident occurs?
Who should be notified first when a fleet accident occurs?
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What should members avoid doing after a fleet accident?
What should members avoid doing after a fleet accident?
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What is the responsibility of the Chief Officer at an accident scene?
What is the responsibility of the Chief Officer at an accident scene?
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What should an emergency vehicle driver do if another vehicle does not yield the right-of-way?
What should an emergency vehicle driver do if another vehicle does not yield the right-of-way?
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At controlled intersections, when must an emergency vehicle come to a complete stop?
At controlled intersections, when must an emergency vehicle come to a complete stop?
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What should an emergency vehicle operator do well before reaching an intersection?
What should an emergency vehicle operator do well before reaching an intersection?
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What action should be taken at an unguarded railroad crossing?
What action should be taken at an unguarded railroad crossing?
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What should an emergency vehicle driver do concerning sirens and air horns at a railroad crossing?
What should an emergency vehicle driver do concerning sirens and air horns at a railroad crossing?
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What is a critical safety step when scanning an intersection?
What is a critical safety step when scanning an intersection?
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When changing the siren cadence, how far from the intersection should this occur?
When changing the siren cadence, how far from the intersection should this occur?
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When approaching an intersection, what is one option an emergency vehicle operator should NOT do?
When approaching an intersection, what is one option an emergency vehicle operator should NOT do?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.