EOG 300 pg 57-59 transportation related response

Transportation Related Response

• First assigned companies utilize a converging approach upon arrival at expressway incidents, directing subsequent units accordingly.
• Unauthorized use of off ramps by fire department vehicles is allowed only with on-scene Incident Commander (IC) approval, which may be from TFD, TPD, or EMSA.

Traffic Safety

• Establishments of an incident safety zone are essential to allow for close positioning of units while keeping traffic lanes open.
• Blocking traffic mitigates secondary collisions; law enforcement is preferred for traffic control at incidents.
• Traffic control needs must be clearly communicated to law enforcement during dispatch.
• Use engines or request additional companies specifically for traffic safety as needed.
• Position apparatus to protect the scene, aiming to block intersections first.
• When using charged hoselines, angle apparatus so the pump panel faces downstream for operator safety.
• Emergency lights should remain on for visibility; white lights are turned off at night unless parking in residential areas, where only flashers may be left on.

Key Traffic Safety Behaviors

• Always stay aware of traffic; do not turn your back on it.
• Engage in protective parking and wear high-visibility gear (vests, bunker coats, helmets).
• Reduce visibility impairment for motorists and use traffic cones and signs effectively.
• Exit vehicles from the non-traffic side whenever possible to enhance safety.

Traffic Cones

• Traffic cones must be deployed by the first arriving company to direct traffic at the incident scene and expanded as more units arrive.
• Cones should always be placed and retrieved with the individual facing oncoming traffic.
• Placement distance varies with speed limits, ranging from 100 feet at 35 MPH to 250 feet at speeds exceeding 55 MPH.

Calling for Wreckers

• TFD companies do not specify wrecker companies (except for AAA at owner’s request) and only need to communicate the number of vehicles needing removal.
• Indicate if a semi wrecker is required.
• For AAA requests, provide vehicle make, model, and color to save radio traffic.

MVC Response

• Upon non-injury MVCs, TFD will organize efforts to clear roads if vehicles can be safely moved.
• Personnel are to await clearance from TPD for debris clean-up and vehicle movement in injury incidents.
• TPD processes non-injury MVCs and drivers should exchange information using provided forms.
• Vehicles with significant engine damage must have batteries disconnected; absorbent materials can be used for fluid clean-up.

MVC w/Extrication Procedures

• Follow established traffic safety and cleanup procedures during extrication operations.
• Personnel in the work area must wear full structural firefighting PPE, including eye protection.
• Leather gloves may be an acceptable alternative to structural gloves.
• A second company should be dispatched if necessary, and one member will be designated as a safety officer.
• Maintain a charged line ready, stabilize all vehicles, and secure batteries before operations.
• Protect patients from hazards such as glass and debris, maintaining constant awareness for safety during rescues.