Emergency Vehicle Operation Guidelines
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Emergency Vehicle Operation Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of emergency vehicle driver/operators?

  • Transport personnel safely to the emergency site
  • Complete all necessary paperwork before responding
  • Ensure the best emergency equipment is used
  • Achieve the mission of saving lives and protecting property (correct)
  • Which age requirement must an emergency vehicle driver/operator meet?

  • Can be under 21 with parental consent
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be at least 21 years old (correct)
  • Must be at least 25 years old
  • How often is the MVR reviewed for Spring Fire Department members?

  • Only after a driving incident occurs
  • Every year or at least every two years
  • Every three years with no annual review
  • Annually but no less than every three years (correct)
  • What happens if a Spring Fire Department member receives a Class A violation?

    <p>They are suspended from driving department vehicles for at least 18 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is classified as a True Emergency?

    <p>A situation with high probability of death or serious injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of emergency vehicle driver/operators?

    <p>Ensuring all emergency personnel receive training</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum number of Class B violations allowed in a three-year period?

    <p>No more than two violations are allowed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for reviewing the emergency vehicle operation guidelines?

    <p>The Fire Chief or designee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must an emergency vehicle driver do before entering an unguarded railroad crossing?

    <p>Bring the vehicle to a complete stop</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should an emergency vehicle be operated during a non-emergency response?

    <p>In compliance with state motor vehicle laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for passengers riding on fire apparatus?

    <p>They must be seated and secured by seat belts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a driver/operator do if they lose sight of the spotter while backing up a vehicle?

    <p>Stop immediately until the spotter is visible again</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the safest method of backing a vehicle according to the department?

    <p>Avoiding to back up whenever possible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may happen if a driver/operator is observed breaking traffic laws?

    <p>They can have their driving privileges suspended</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specific riding positions are prohibited on fire apparatus?

    <p>Riding on tail steps and sidelines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done before backing up an emergency vehicle?

    <p>Have a spotter in place</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should an emergency vehicle driver/operator do if another vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way?

    <p>Wait until the other vehicle yields.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum speed an emergency vehicle driver/operator can exceed the posted speed limit during a true emergency?

    <p>10 miles per hour over the speed limit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, what must an emergency vehicle driver/operator always be prepared to do?

    <p>Stop if necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must an emergency vehicle operator do when arriving at a controlled intersection with a red traffic light?

    <p>Stop completely and account for all visible traffic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of intersections regarding emergency vehicles?

    <p>They should be approached with extreme caution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a requirement for emergency vehicle operators regarding right-of-way at intersections?

    <p>They cannot assume right-of-way until yielded.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation might emergency vehicle drivers reduce their speed when responding to an emergency?

    <p>When approaching an intersection with traffic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for emergency vehicle driver/operators to be aware of civilian vehicle operators' reactions?

    <p>To manage expectations during emergency responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should drivers/operators do if spotters are not available when backing a vehicle?

    <p>Make a circle of safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done before backing up any fire department vehicle?

    <p>Make sure all compartment doors are securely closed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who must be notified if a fleet accident occurs involving a Department owned vehicle?

    <p>The dispatcher and Chief</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tool should a spotter use if headsets are not available while backing a vehicle?

    <p>A handheld radio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is forbidden to do when an emergency vehicle is en route to an emergency incident?

    <p>Pass the emergency vehicle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should NOT be done by any member responding in a privately owned vehicle?

    <p>Use emergency lights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is classified as a fleet accident?

    <p>Contact with any object other than the roadway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who can statements be given to after being involved in a fleet accident?

    <p>Only fire department officers or law enforcement officers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who photographs the scene of a fleet accident?

    <p>The Chief Officer or designee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must the Chief Officer ensure regarding the drug testing policy?

    <p>It is followed in regard to post accident drug testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    By when should the member operating the vehicle submit the VFIS Accident Packet?

    <p>By the end of the business day or next business day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who will review all fleet accidents involving department-owned vehicles?

    <p>The Accident Review Board comprised of Deputy Chiefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action is taken if a member is involved in a fleet accident?

    <p>They will be suspended from driving until further notice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may happen if a member is found at fault in a fleet accident?

    <p>They could be required to attend Drivers Education or Defensive Driving Courses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should members witnessing the incident do?

    <p>Complete a statement if available and send it through department email</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is there a specific timeframe for the completion of the Accident Review Board's investigation?

    <p>No, there is no timeframe to ensure thorough investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.
    • 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.
    • 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.

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