D-33

• This directive provides guidelines for handling accidents/incidents involving Philadelphia Fire Department vehicles
• It aims to ensure proper procedures are followed and information is gathered for future prevention

Policy Sections

• The directive is divided into "Accident/Incident Scene Operations" and "Post-Accident/Incident Scene Investigation"

Definitions

• An accident involves contact by a Fire Department vehicle that results in damage or injury
• VCU (Visual Communications Unit) must respond and document the accident scene
• Details of the accident are submitted on appropriate forms
• Damage or injury must be present for an event to be classified as an accident
• Contact without damage or injury is considered an incident

Accident/Incident Classification

• Accidents and incidents are classified after review of reports and photos by the Safety Office
• Classifications help determine areas of concern and training needs

Accident/Incident Number

• A sequential number is obtained from the Fire Communications Center (FCC) when a Fire Department vehicle is involved in damage, injury, or a report of such
• Getting a number doesn't automatically mean there was an accident
• Classification is determined after reports from the Investigating Chief Officer, VCU photos, and Safety Office review

Incident Details

• An incident includes damage or injury not caused by a vehicle accident
• VCU must document the scene, including extent of damage or its absence
• Details are submitted on a large memorandum, including the accident/incident number and a diagram with measurements if applicable

Determination of Accident vs Incident

• The Investigating Chief Officer initially determines if an event is an accident or incident
• The Safety Officer makes the final determination after reviewing information and photos
• Divisions are notified to amend responses if the Safety Officer's determination differs from the ICO's

Investigating Chief Officer Responsibilities

• The Investigating Chief Officer is assigned to gather facts about the accident/incident
• They ensure directive requirements are met and reports are submitted within 72 hours

Responsibility of Fire Department Members

• All Fire Department members must be familiar with their duties and roles related to this directive

Fire Department Objectives

• The Fire Department aims to gather information from investigations to develop prevention and reduction programs

Investigating Chief Officer Scene Analysis

• The Investigating Chief Officer analyzes the scene, directs VCU photos, interviews involved parties, and ensures timely report preparation
• Emergency Medical Command officers cannot be used to prepare accident/incident reports but EMCO can provide support if a replacement medic unit is needed or on-scene transfer of equipment/drugs is necessary

Scene Assessment

• The Investigating Chief Officer determines actions and reasoning of all involved parties, reflecting this in reports, diagrams, and VCU photos

Police Department/Accident Investigation Division (AID)

• AID is responsible for technical and detailed investigations of accidents involving Fire Department vehicles
• AID submits reports, statements, and photos to the Safety Office after their investigation
• A police officer from the district where the accident occurred usually conducts a preliminary investigation
• AID is requested for scenes with injuries/fatalities or involving 2+ emergency vehicles (Fire, Police, Ambulances) with EVOC certified operators

AID Response

• The Investigating Chief Officer can request AID if needed and check on AID notification and arrival via FCC or directly with AID

Accident Scene Operations: General Information

• When a Department vehicle is involved in an accident/incident during non-emergency duties, it is immediately placed out of service at the location until the investigation is complete, unless directed otherwise
• If a non-medic unit is involved while responding to an assignment, it's immediately placed out of service during on-scene investigation, except in life-threatening circumstances

Medic Unit Accidents

• If a medic unit is involved when transporting a patient and the accident/incident is minor with no injuries, the decision to proceed to the hospital depends on patient condition; Section 4.5.4 of the directive applies

Company Officer/Medic Unit Driver Responsibilities

• The company officer, medic unit driver, or any unit member must immediately notify FCC and provide:
• Fire Department vehicle identification
• Accident/incident location
• Number of injuries
• Vehicle mobility
• Requested assistance (medic unit, engine, ladder, battalion chief, tow truck, police, etc.)
• The Department vehicle must immediately be placed out of service, except as outlined in Sections 4.5.3 and 4.5.4
• They need to ascertain the condition of all involved individuals, render assistance to injured persons and issue the Accident Information Card (80-S-44) to the non-Department vehicle/property operator/owner

Preliminary Information and Witness Statements

• The Preliminary Accident Information Sheet (76-86) needs to be completed, including names/addresses of non-Department witnesses
• Statements from non-Department witnesses should be obtained and signed before the Investigating Chief Officer arrives
• All involved civilian drivers and passengers, including medic unit passengers, are to be interviewed

Scene Preservation

• Drivers of involved vehicles, if uninjured, should stay at the scene until the Investigating Chief Officer arrives
• Vehicles should remain in position after the accident/incident to prevent further incidents, unless authorized by the Investigating Chief Officer or AID
• Await VCU arrival before moving any vehicle

Vehicle Removal

• If the vehicle must be removed due to safety concerns before the Investigating Chief Officer or AID arrive, tire positions should be marked using crayon, chalk, etc.

Vehicle Condition

• If the vehicle is not mobile, or there is concern about its safe operation, the company officer/medic unit driver must notify the FCC and request a representative from the Office of Fleet Management (OFM) to respond
• The vehicle will remain out of service pending a safety inspection by OFM

Accidents Resulting in Injury or Extensive Damage

• The company officer/medic unit driver immediately places the company/unit out of service during the on-scene investigative process
• The company/unit remains out of service until all investigation phases are complete

Minor Property Damage Accidents

• If the accident/incident resulted in minor property damage, there were no injuries, and the fire department vehicle can safely proceed, the company officer/medic unit driver has the option to leave the scene and resume emergency response, if it is only for first-due companies

Limitations for Leaving an Accident Scene

• Leaving a minor accident/incident scene is limited to situations when:
• The affected unit/company's response position is first-due at the emergency scene
• Medic unit personnel are transporting a patient to a hospital

Exclusions for Leaving an Accident Scene

• The option to leave the scene doesnt apply to any other company/unit responding to an emergency scene

Non-Medic Unit Accidents

• If the vehicle involved is not a medic unit, and the accident/incident is minor with no injuries, whether to proceed depends on fireground conditions
• Reports of people trapped or visible fire/smoke are the only acceptable reasons for the first-in company/unit to continue its response
• inform the FCC immediately that a minor accident/incident occurred
• request police, an Investigating Chief Officer, and VCU to respond
• provide all pertinent information to the FCC, as outlined in Section 4.4
• Briefly explain to non-Department participants that the company/unit must temporarily leave due to emergency conditions elsewhere
• Issue the Accident Information Card (80-S-44) to the other operator/owner
• Inform them to expect an Investigating Chief Officer
• Request drivers of all vehicles involved remain at the scene and await the arrival of the Investigating Chief Officer or AID

Medic Unit Accidents

• If a medic unit is transporting a patient, whether to proceed depends on the seriousness of the patient's condition
• Inform FCC with location and needed information and request police, an Investigating Chief Officer, and VCU to respond
• Briefly explain to all non-Department participants the need to temporarily leave the accident/incident scene due to the patient's condition
• Give the Accident Information Card (80-S-44) and explain that an Investigating Chief Officer will arrive shortly
• Request involved drivers await the Investigating Chief Officer or AID

Post-Accident Procedures

• Upon release from the hospital or fireground, the company/unit immediately returns to the accident/incident scene and is placed out of service to continue investigations

Accident Information Envelope

• If returning to the scene, the officer/medic unit driver uses the Accident Information Envelope to complete the Preliminary Accident Information Sheet (76-86) with non-Department witnesses' details
• Prior to the Investigating Chief Officer's arrival, statements should be obtained and signed

Memorandum

• If a fireground condition or a patient's condition requires the vehicle to leave the minor accident/incident scene, forward a "Company/Unit Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Incident" memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Operations, through channels, to justify leaving the scene

Safety First

• Use common sense when determining if the Fire Department vehicle should proceed to the emergency/scene hospital. The Fire Department vehicle will not leave with injuries
• Provide the following information to the appropriate people

AID Representative Information

• PA driver's license of the Fire Dept vehicle operator
• Financial Responsibility Identification Card
• Motor Vehicle Registration Card

Witness Information

• Names and address of all uniformed and civilian witnesses

Vehicle Data

• Property number and mileage from the involved the vehicle and location
• Information to complete the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Police Crash Reporting Form (AA-45)

People Information

• Information on owner and/or operator of vehicles or property involved
• Provide the PA driver license number
• Provide the Financial Responsibility Identification Card
• Copy of the Accident Information Card (80-S-44)

Communication Restrictions

• Avoid unnecessary conversation about the accident/incident, and don't make statements about it outside the formal reporting channels

Spill Response

• A "spill response" for Department vehicle accident/incident scenes requires permission from AID or the Investigating Chief Officer, unless it poses a fire/hazard risk

Investigating Chief Officer: Responsibilities

• The battalion/deputy chief will immediately placed out of service, proceed to accident scene and remain out of service until finished
• The battalion/deputy chief will assume command of Fire Department personnel and equipment at accident scene.

Acting Chief

• If warranted, an acting chief is assigned to restore the battalion/division until accident/incident reports are completed. The Investigating Chief Officer follows guidelines
• Visually survey the area
• Take measurements of street/lane widths
• Distance parked vehicles are from the curb
• Skidmarks of vehicle involved
• Measure cause of accident or incident for investigation

Photos

• Direct VCU to photograph the accident and incident scenes for the accident/incident investigation, including
• Vehicles involved
• Driver's point of view
• Skidmarks left to vehicle
• Fire Department Equipment damage

Contributing Factors

• Note defective street light, misaligned traffic signals, potholes, improper parking, objects intruding the highway

Substance Abuse

• Consider the contribution of substance abuse and implement policy
• Ask ES-4/ES-5 for help when needed, such as controlled drugs on medic units
• Conduct the person's interviews and contact FCC if mechanical failures are present
• Ensure all interviews conduct and and obtain witness statements
• Record data correctly

Cooperation With AID

• Ensure maximum cooperation
• After all investigative actions proceed and complete the incident reports
• Note to not overtime investigating minor incident members

Deputy Chief Responsibilites

• The FCC supervisor will assign an Investigating Chief Officer to the scene

Battalion Chief Information

• The battalion chief will assist for follow-up. If a staff vehicle or medic unit is engaged, head of vehicles need notified.

Communication Information

• Take steps to tell Deputy Commissioner about an incident
• Coordinate with next of kin or hospital needs for injuries

Fire Communications Responsibilities

• All Fire Communications information needs to be reported to the deputy chief who assigns accident information. Report includes following information
• Identification or location with number of injuries
• Note mobility with damage degree

Unit Placement

• FCC will replace the company and notify and change in company
• Report any medic unit to service and dispatch help

Accidents

• A medic unit involved is no unit is dispatched when the patient transport happen .

Notifications

• VCU and Police Radio will be notified for accident and incident

Monday And Friday

• From 0800 to 1630, report to the department for safety for officer

Immediate Notification

• Officer will for any hours if involved
• If it is with members
• For 2 or more department vehicles

VCU Involvement

• The working photographer is on accident when told by FCC unless the Chief of Officer orders.

Photographer Details

• Damage and differentiation. sides photographed and damaged location Physical and driver's view also noted

Photos

• Any photos will note on driver and view

Safety Report

• Representative from the SAFTEY. Safety report will respond.

FCC Notifications

• FCC needs to told when unavailable but digital documentation acceptable
• Deputy Commissioner Apparatus will need the OF report too

After an accident

• After an incident needs to provide the Chief Officer with officer journal details
• Sign copies of all members
• Complete and forward analysis of the accident to SAFETY.
• Locate the report to the members

Investigator Questions

• Question who and type of details. Diagram measurements
• Review accuracy of 21 details

Photos

• The photos need on accident. VCU needs photos for P with listing and number.

VCU Responsibilities

• Digital and location for log shown. Numbers done yearly.
• Enter the same incident for FILM
• Assistant helps with getting photos

Safety

• Details conduct for review with review officer and findings officer
• Board conducts unusual activities

Communication

• Details with the finance

Medical help

• Impairment with help from a vehicle will be removed- Records and data get recorded

Help information

• Help from platoon

Accident Review

• The board has 5 members total with review

Safety Office Responsibilities

• The Safety Officer is assisted with causal for the 5. Classifying will give the government to report
• Recommending will help prevent it.