DO CH. 2

Driving with emergency warning lights only, used for non-emergency situations like parades or escorts.

Driving with lights and/or siren activated, used for responding to emergency calls.

Maintaining a distance of at least 300 to 500 feet between emergency vehicles traveling Code 3 together in the same direction.

Do not overtake another emergency vehicle responding Code 3 with you.

When traffic warrants it, drive in the center lane, allowing traffic to pull off to both the right and left.

Keep the cab and compartment doors closed when not in use.

Reduce speed, dim dash lights, keep headlights and windshield clean, and constantly scan the roadway.

Remove foot from the accelerator, steer in the same direction of the skid, do not brake, and slow down to regain control.

Emergency vehicle operation may be affected by other factors.

Drivers must prioritize safety of everyone and everything involved.

A thorough inspection before each use is mandatory for all emergency vehicles.

Seat belts are mandatory for all personnel in fire rescue vehicles.

Exceptions to mandatory seat belt use are only allowed in very specific scenarios.

Donning and doffing of equipment is prohibited while the vehicle is in motion.

Riding on the tailboard, running board, or any non-designated seat is prohibited.

No loose equipment is allowed inside the cab of the vehicle.

All occupants must be securely seated with seat belts before the vehicle moves.

Approved riding positions are essential for safety and efficiency.

On highway incidents, an additional suppression unit should be dispatched to block traffic and create a safe work zone. If necessary, request police to close the road.

When working on a scene at night, turn off headlights if the apparatus is facing oncoming traffic to avoid blinding drivers.

Use flares to illuminate cones at night or in fog/smoke conditions to ensure visibility and safety.

When working near railroad tracks, treat them as active, never stop or park on them, and park on the same side as the incident.

The first arriving unit should prioritize rescuing people and ensure enough space for an aerial apparatus if needed. Positioning should also allow for quick deployment of tools, equipment, and ladders for the rescue.

When approaching an intersection controlled by a stop sign, red traffic signal, or other traffic control device requiring a stop, you must come to a complete stop and proceed only when safe and the flow of traffic permits, clearing one lane at a time.

When approaching an intersection controlled by a green traffic light, reduce your speed and be prepared to brake to avoid a collision if needed.

Consider turning off emergency lights and sirens when approaching large, heavily blocked intersections to avoid confusing civilian vehicles.

Emergency vehicles may use a U-turn to enter traffic traveling in the opposite direction when responding to emergencies on limited access highways, but with extreme caution.

For the safety of personnel, U-turns on limited access highways are not permitted except in emergency situations.

Instead of performing a U-turn on a limited access highway, emergency vehicles should proceed to the next interchange or exit and turn around in a safe location.

Exceptions to the rule of proceeding to the next exit for U-turns include excessive travel distances to the next exit, such as to the next county.

Code 1 response involves normal driving without using emergency lights or siren.

Code 2 response involves driving with emergency warning lights only, used for non-emergency situations like parades or escorts.

Code 3 response involves driving with lights and/or sirens activated, used for responding to emergency calls.

Fire apparatus is designed to quickly respond to emergencies, but it requires careful handling due to its weight and top-heaviness.

A thorough vehicle inspection is crucial before every shift to identify potential issues and ensure the safety of the crew.

Drivers must always comply with state and local traffic laws, even when responding to an emergency.

Emergency vehicles have specific legal exemptions, but they are not exempt from exercising due care for the safety of people and property.

Emergency vehicle operation should only be initiated when the need for a rapid response outweighs the potential risks to the public.

Factors like call type, road conditions, and traffic should be carefully considered before engaging in emergency operations.

Maintaining a safe distance between emergency vehicles is crucial for avoiding collisions and ensuring clear communication.