TFD Vehicle Accident Policy

Overview

• This document establishes TFD's policy for handling accidents involving TFD vehicles, apparatus, or specialty trailers
• The policy includes a procedure for TFD photographic documentation
• The policy applies to ALL TFD personnel
• This document replaces TFD Policy 5007, which concerned accidents and incidents involving TFD Vehicles or Apparatus dated November 2001

Associated Forms

• State of Washington Vehicle Collision Report
• City of Tacoma Motor Vehicle Accident Report (PER 708)
• TFD Accident Procedure checklist
• City of Tacoma Risk Management Office business cards

Related TFD-Specific Information

• TFD Policy 1010: Counseling and Discipline
• TFD Policy 5005: Safety Committee
• TFD Policy 5006: Vehicle, Apparatus and Specialty Trailer Safety
• TFD Policy 5008: Accident Review Board
• TFD Policy 5009: Driver Retraining
• TFD Policy 5013: Reporting On-the-Job Injury or Illness
• TFD Policy 5014: Reporting and Investigating Serious Injuries or Fatalities
• TFD Policy 5030: Stress Management Awareness Response Team
• TFD Policy 5031: Traffic Work Zones

Responsibilities of the Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety

• Ensuring accidents involving TFD vehicles, apparatus, and specialty trailers are handled according to these guidelines
• Providing Vehicle/Apparatus Safety Packets
• Notifying City departments/offices per the guidelines
• Maintaining this document

Responsibilities of TFD Battalion Chiefs and Incident Safety Officers

• Investigating accidents involving TFD vehicles, apparatus, and specialty trailers
• Photographing the accident or damage scene according to guidelines
• Completing required written reports according to guidelines

Responsibilities of Company Officers, In-charge Firefighter/Paramedics, and Other In-Charge Personnel

• Taking initial action at the accident scene according to guidelines
• Relieving the driver of driving responsibilities as necessary
• Ensuring accident and resulting damage are documented photographically
• Ensuring accidents are reported to the TFD Safety Office and their supervisor promptly
• Completing and submitting all required written reports in a timely manner

Responsibilities of Fire Communications Personnel:

• Dispatching appropriate resources to accident scenes
• Making additional notifications according to guidelines

Responsibilities of Drivers/Operators/Pilots of TFD Vehicles, Apparatus, and Specialty Trailers

• Maintaining the Vehicle/Apparatus Safety Packet and requesting replacements
• Taking initial action at the accident scene according to guidelines
• Completing and submitting all required written reports promptly

Key Definitions

• Apparatus: Mobile TFD firefighting or specialized equipment like engines, ladders, watercraft, air units, water tenders, or medic units
• Collision: Any unplanned contact where a TFD vehicle, apparatus, or specialty trailer sustains or causes damage or injury
• Deliberate Occurrence L. D. (Line of Duty): Intentionally using a TFD vehicle as a ram in an emergency after exhausting all alternatives
• IDC format: Intradepartmental Communication; a written document referring to a specific subject sent internally within the Fire Department
• Incident: Any situation where a TFD vehicle, apparatus, or specialty trailer sustains or causes damage or injury, regardless of vehicle motion
• No Fault Incident: A properly parked, secured, unoccupied TFD vehicle damaged by contact with a private entity
• Reviewable Incident: Any incident where the action/inaction of TFD personnel may have caused the accident
• Road Hazard Incident: An incident where a small object thrown from a tire causes minor damage
• Specialty Trailer: Mobile TFD equipment like MMRS, spill, decontamination, FCC, or light trailers.
• Staff call out: Notifying uniformed personnel for extraordinary incidents with designated call signs
• Unfounded Incident: An incident where the TFD vehicle was not involved or there is insufficient evidence of involvement
• Vandalism Incident: An incident involving willful or malicious destruction of TFD property
• Vehicle: A TFD automobile, van, SUV, or light truck which may or may not be equipped for priority response
• Watercraft: Vessels propelled across water using oars, paddles, water jets, propellers, towlines, or air cushions

General Guidelines / Rules

• Every TFD employee operating a TFD vehicle must carry their license, obey traffic/boating regulations, drive defensively, and use their best judgment
• All TFD watercraft are subject to the same safety policies as other TFD vehicles
• Officers and in-charge personnel are responsible for the overall operation of assigned vehicles
• Battalion Chiefs and ISOs should respond to accident scenes involving TFD vehicles
• Any TFD employee involved in an accident during City business must report it to their supervisor, regardless of fault
• Failure to report an accident may result in disciplinary action, including termination
• TFD supervisors shall refer all accident information to the TFD Safety Office
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety must report accidents involving citizens/property to the Legal Department and potential claims to the Risk Management Office
• For non-injury/non-fatality accidents, the Officer/Paramedic/Supervisor shall call the TFD Safety Office ASAP when private vehicles/property are involved, providing date, location, vehicles involved, personnel involved, private parties involved, and a brief description
• After hours, weekends, and holidays, non-injury accident information can be left on Safety Office voicemail
• Drivers involved in accidents are subject to requirements in TFD Policy 5009

Accident Classification and Review Process

• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety classifies accidents as Collision, Incident, or Deliberate Occurrence L.D. (Line of Duty)
• Accidents deemed incidents are further classified as Road Hazard, No Fault, Unfounded, Vandalism, or Reviewable
• Specific accident classifications are referred to the Accident Review Board as per guidelines in TFD Policy 5008 include Collision, Reviewable incident, Deliberate Occurrence L.D. (Line of Duty)
• Any accident may be referred to the Accident Review Board at the discretion of the Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety

Vehicle/Apparatus Safety Packet Contents

• Laminated Accident Procedure checklist
• City of Tacoma Motor Vehicle Accident Report (PER 708)
• State of Washington Vehicle Collision Report
• Disposable camera for damage documentation
• City of Tacoma Risk Management Office business cards
• TFD personnel shall follow the Accident Procedure checklist when involved in an accident or incurring damage on City business
• TFD personnel shall not give the Accident Procedure checklist to the other party involved

Initial Actions at the Accident Scene

• The driver shall immediately stop the vehicle
• Secure the scene to protect people, prevent further accidents, and preserve evidence
• Ascertain injuries and administer aid as needed
• Conduct a mechanical check of the vehicle/apparatus/specialty trailer
• The Officer/Paramedic shall contact the Fire Communications Center (FCC) requesting additional assistance as needed like Engine/Ladder companies , a TFD medic company or a Battalion Chief and ISO
• TFD personnel shall check all involved vehicles/apparatus to determine safety for continued operation; consult Fire Garage personnel as needed
• The Officer/Paramedic, in consultation with Fire Garage personnel, shall place a TFD vehicle out of service if there is a serious injury/fatality or the damage prevents safe operation
• The Officer/Paramedic shall relieve the engine or ladder driver of driving responsibilities if the accident involves an injury or fatality or the damage prevents safe operation of the apparatus
• Vehicles unable to respond to the original dispatch should be left in place until released by law enforcement, unless moving it is necessary to reduce a traffic hazard or prevent further accidents
• Ensure the Accident Procedure checklist is completed
• Ensure involved parties receive City of Tacoma Risk Management Office business card, or pertinent informationis left where the owner can locate it

Fire Communications Dispatch for Accidents

• Upon notification of an accident FCC Personnel Shall dispatch appropriate resources, Notify the appropriate Battalion Chief and ISO, Request law enforcement; Tacoma PD within city limits an appropriate agency outside city limits
• After injuries / fatalities occurred perform a Staff call out anf notify the City of Tacoma Safety Officer

Photographic Documentation Guidelines

• The BC or ISO shall complete photographic documentation, or otherwise the Officer/Paramedic shall complete or assign the task to on-scene TFD personnel
• Use the disposable camera from the Vehicle/Apparatus Safety Packet to document damage
• Use the disposable camera only for documenting accidents and resulting damage
• When photographing the accident, keep in mind; Accurate photographic documentation is important as claims may take years and all photographic documentation can be admitted or subpoenaed as evidence
• All film used to document accidents shall be developed by a TFD approved vendor

Required Written Reports

• The Officer, In-charge Paramedic or Supervisor shall ensure reports are completed while on duty; State of Washington Vehicle Collision Report, City of Tacoma Motor Vehicle Accident Report (PER 708), On-the-job injury, Serious injury, fatality reports.
• The PER 708 may be submitted via email to the Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety but submit a hard copy diagram to the scene
• The Battalion Chief, ISO who responded shall complete an investigation report in IDC format and Email it.
• Investigation file should include; Witness statements, Relevant facts; environment, Road conditions, VIN, accident report and insurance from other parties
• Electronic PER 708 form and accident investigation report in IDC can be accessed on FireWeb>Safety>Forms

Procedure for TFD Photographic Documentation

• Hold the camera steady, Start at distance, work in circular motion capturing all angles damages.
• Closer details should be done after general views
• All photos should include; Damaged portions, pre-existing damage and tire tread condition
• Take pictures of the other driver pointing to the damage
• Save digital photos on Battalion 1 or 2 drive.
• Send photos and send camera to Admin battalion for safety.
• Contact TFD timekeeper to replace the camera.