Vehicle Lockout SOG 310-04

• This Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) 310-04 aims to establish guidelines for the prompt removal of occupants or animals in vehicle lockout situations.
• The authority lies with the Fire Rescue Administrator.
• This SOG applies to all Emergency Operations personnel.
• Attachment A is a Release from Liability form.

Response Procedure

• The closest available Rescue unit is dispatched for reported persons locked in a motor vehicle. If the Rescue unit is unavailable, the closest Engine will be dispatched.
• For animals locked in vehicles, the closest available Engine is dispatched.
• The first arriving unit must verify if the vehicle is indeed occupied and whether the A/C is running.

Occupied Vehicle with NO Running A/C

• If an occupied vehicle has no running A/C, it is handled as a true emergency.
• Any occupant showing signs of compromise like perspiration or altered consciousness should be immediately extricated without delay.
• Extrication may include breaking a window, with or without the owner's permission, prioritizing locations that avoid patient injury.
• If the occupant shows no signs of compromise, use the most appropriate expeditious method to gain entry.
• This may include using a "Jiffy Jack" Car Entry System or breaking a window.

Breaking a Window

• When breaking a window, the owner's permission should be obtained.
• Professional judgment should be used, with consideration of the time of day and ambient temperature as primary factors.

Car Entry System

• A Fire Rescue personnel shall be assigned to continually observe and immediately communicate when the occupant presents with signs of compromise.

Occupied Vehicle with Running A/C

• If a vehicle is occupied with the engine and A/C running, and the occupant shows no signs of compromise:
• If the vehicle owner requests Fire Rescue personnel to unlock the vehicle.
• Fire Rescue personnel must obtain the vehicle owner's permission, requiring them to sign a Release from Liability (SOG 310-04 Attachment A).
• Personnel should attempt to unlock the door using a "Jiffy Jack" or similar tool.
• If unlocking is unsuccessful, POP-A-LOCK should be requested.
• If the vehicle owner requests that a window be broken:
• Fire Rescue personnel must obtain the vehicle owner's permission, requiring them to sign the Release from Liability (SOG 310-04 Attachment A).
• A window should only be broken AFTER the Release from Liability (SOG 310-04 Attachment A) is signed for an occupant without signs of compromise.
• All completed Release of Liability forms must be forwarded to the Records Custodian.