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Questions and Answers
What is the primary responsibility of emergency vehicle driver/operators?
Which age requirement must an emergency vehicle driver/operator meet?
How often is the MVR reviewed for Spring Fire Department members?
What happens if a Spring Fire Department member receives a Class A violation?
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What is classified as a True Emergency?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of emergency vehicle driver/operators?
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What is the minimum number of Class B violations allowed in a three-year period?
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Who is responsible for reviewing the emergency vehicle operation guidelines?
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What must an emergency vehicle driver do before entering an unguarded railroad crossing?
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How should an emergency vehicle be operated during a non-emergency response?
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What is required for passengers riding on fire apparatus?
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What should a driver/operator do if they lose sight of the spotter while backing up a vehicle?
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What is the safest method of backing a vehicle according to the department?
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What may happen if a driver/operator is observed breaking traffic laws?
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What specific riding positions are prohibited on fire apparatus?
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What should be done before backing up an emergency vehicle?
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What should an emergency vehicle driver/operator do if another vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way?
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What is the maximum speed an emergency vehicle driver/operator can exceed the posted speed limit during a true emergency?
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When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, what must an emergency vehicle driver/operator always be prepared to do?
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What must an emergency vehicle operator do when arriving at a controlled intersection with a red traffic light?
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What is a key characteristic of intersections regarding emergency vehicles?
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Which of the following is a requirement for emergency vehicle operators regarding right-of-way at intersections?
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In which situation might emergency vehicle drivers reduce their speed when responding to an emergency?
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Why is it important for emergency vehicle driver/operators to be aware of civilian vehicle operators' reactions?
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What should drivers/operators do if spotters are not available when backing a vehicle?
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What must be done before backing up any fire department vehicle?
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Who must be notified if a fleet accident occurs involving a Department owned vehicle?
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What tool should a spotter use if headsets are not available while backing a vehicle?
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What is forbidden to do when an emergency vehicle is en route to an emergency incident?
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What should NOT be done by any member responding in a privately owned vehicle?
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What is classified as a fleet accident?
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Who can statements be given to after being involved in a fleet accident?
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Who photographs the scene of a fleet accident?
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What must the Chief Officer ensure regarding the drug testing policy?
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By when should the member operating the vehicle submit the VFIS Accident Packet?
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Who will review all fleet accidents involving department-owned vehicles?
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What action is taken if a member is involved in a fleet accident?
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What may happen if a member is found at fault in a fleet accident?
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What should members witnessing the incident do?
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Is there a specific timeframe for the completion of the Accident Review Board's investigation?
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Study Notes
Emergency Vehicle Operation
- Emergency vehicle response is critical for the Spring Fire Department's mission: saving lives and protecting property.
- Emergency vehicle driver/operators are entrusted with the safety of the organization's assets and the public.
- All Spring Fire Department members are responsible for following this procedure.
Driver Eligibility
- Emergency vehicle driver/operators must be at least 21 years old.
- Annual DMV driving record reviews are required for all members, with a maximum of two Class B violations and no Class A violations allowed in a three-year period.
- A Class A violation within the past three years results in a license suspension from the DMV and an 18-month suspension from driving Spring Fire Department vehicles.
Emergency Response
- Emergency vehicle driver/operators should be prepared for unexpected reactions from other drivers.
- When responding to a true emergency, drivers should operate as close to the posted speed limit as possible, but not exceeding 10 mph over the limit.
- Slower response speeds are required in conditions such as:
- Heavy traffic
- Poor visibility
- Hazardous road conditions
- Construction zones
Intersection Operations
- Intersections are particularly dangerous for emergency vehicles.
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Uncontrolled intersections:
- Emergency vehicle driver/operators should proceed with extreme caution and be prepared to stop.
- They should yield to other vehicles, even if the emergency vehicle has a green light.
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Controlled intersections:
- Emergency vehicle driver/operators should come to a complete stop if unable to account for traffic in all lanes.
- If all lanes and traffic are visible, they may proceed through a red light or stop sign after slowing to a safe speed.
- They should activate headlights, sirens, and flashing lights.
- They should check for oncoming traffic.
- They should proceed cautiously with due regard for the safety of others.
Railroad Intersections
- Emergency vehicles must come to a complete stop before entering unguarded railroad crossings.
- Before proceeding:
- The driver should ensure the crossing is clear of oncoming trains.
- The driver should check for warning lights and signals.
- The driver should activate headlights, sirens, and flashing lights.
Non-Emergency Responses
- Emergency vehicles must obey all traffic laws and regulations during non-emergency travel.
- Audible and visual warning devices should not be used during non-emergency responses.
Ordinary Travel
- Driver/operators must obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices when driving department vehicles under ordinary travel conditions.
- Aggressive driving is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Passengers in Apparatus
- All personnel must be seated in approved positions and secured by seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion.
- Riding on steps or exposed positions is prohibited.
- When headsets are available, personnel should use them while the vehicle is in operation.
Backing Procedures
- Backing up emergency vehicles is hazardous due to limited visibility.
- Use of a spotter is recommended to guide the driver.
- If a spotter is not available, the driver should perform a circle of safety to ensure no obstructions or personnel are in the vehicle's path.
- When headsets are available, the operator and spotter should utilize them during backing maneuvers.
Passing Apparatus
- No member is permitted to pass an emergency vehicle en route to an emergency incident.
- This includes staff vehicles, personally owned vehicles, and other emergency apparatus.
Response in Privately Owned Vehicles
- Members responding in their personal vehicles must obey all traffic laws.
- Personal vehicles do not have the same exemptions as emergency vehicles.
Fleet Accidents
- Any incident involving a department-owned vehicle that results in damage is considered a fleet accident.
- These steps must be taken:
- Notify the dispatcher with location, injuries, hazards, and pertinent details.
- Notify the on-call Chief.
- Contact Law Enforcement (Department of Public Safety or Harris County Sheriff's Office).
- Do not provide statements to anyone other than a fire department officer or Law Enforcement Officer.
- Take photographs of the scene and forward them to the Administrator and Deputy Chiefs.
- The member operating the vehicle and the Chief Officer will report to the Spring Administration Building.
- The Chief Officer will ensure compliance with the department's drug testing policy.
- The member operating the vehicle will complete a VFIS Accident Packet and submit it to the Administrator.
- The Chief Officer will notify all Deputy Chiefs of the accident.
- All witnesses will provide statements through department email to the Deputy Chiefs within 24 hours.
Fleet Accident Review Board
- All Fleet Accidents involving a department vehicle are reviewed by the Deputy Chiefs.
- The investigation includes:
- Reviewing all documents, photographs, and witness statements.
- Examining the circumstances of the accident.
- Determining fault and responsibility.
- Considering disciplinary action, such as drivers education or defensive driving courses.
- The driver involved in the accident is suspended from driving until the investigation is complete and reinstated by a Deputy Chief.
- There is no set timeframe for completion of the investigation.
Conclusion
- These procedures are designed to ensure the safe operation of emergency vehicles and the well-being of all personnel.
- Strict adherence to these guidelines is essential for the success of the Spring Fire Department's mission.
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Description
This quiz covers the protocols and eligibility requirements for emergency vehicle drivers at the Spring Fire Department. It delves into the responsibilities of driver/operators and the importance of adherence to safety procedures. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for effective emergency response.