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HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SAFETY OPERATIONS – 004 September 1, 2023 NIMS COMPLIANT...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SAFETY OPERATIONS – 004 September 1, 2023 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Passenger and Driver Safety Revision: 5 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2025 Fire Chief 4 PURPOSE POLICY During all non-emergency vehicle operations, drivers and their passengers are to conform with the Illinois State Vehicle Code. Specifically, all drivers and passengers must follow all rules of the road in the same manner as civilian drivers. When responding to emergencies, drivers are bound by these same rules of the road, yet, certain special privileges are extended. These special privileges extend to exceeding the posted speed limit and the right of way. A. Driving at an extremely high speed or with a reckless disregard for other highway users, when responding to an emergency, creates an unfavorable public attitude toward the fire department and an unnecessary hazard. There may be circumstances which could justify higher speeds. Such circumstance would be in exceptional emergency situations and the judgment of the responding Company Officer must be relied upon to determine speed. However, reckless disregard for public safety is not acceptable under any circumstance. These provisions do not relieve the driver from the duty of driving with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor do such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others. B. When exceeding the standard right of way, once all traffic has been accounted for and the direction of travel is clear, the drivers may proceed past a red signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as required and necessary for safe operations. (Rule of thumb: If you can't see all traffic lanes - STOP AND WAIT!) C. Emergency vehicles that must use the center median or oncoming traffic lanes to approach an intersection must come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection. D. Emergency vehicles that must use the center median or oncoming traffic lanes should use caution and drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. E. Emergency vehicles that must pass on the RIGHT side of other stopped or stalled vehicles 1  should do so using extreme caution and at a reduced speed. F. During emergency response, drivers of Fire Department vehicles must bring the vehicle to a complete stop for any of the following: 1. When directed by a law enforcement officer 2. Blind intersections 3. When the driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic in an intersection 4. When other intersection hazards are present 5. When encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights An emergency by definition is an unforeseen combination of circumstances which call for immediate action. In the fire service, a set of circumstances may constitute an emergency, which under a different though similar application, may not be. To determine an actual fire emergency, we must rely on good judgement and experience. Drivers of vehicles shall drive the authorized emergency vehicle in compliance with the provisions of the laws regulating driving and parking unless the vehicle is being operated under one of the following conditions: 1. In responding to an emergency call, or while engaged in rescue operations. G. Any Fire Department vehicle responding in an emergency manner should make use of either/both audible and visual signal devices, including Opticoms and headlights while in motion. When parked, an adequate number of visual signals shall remain on to protect the personnel and equipment. The audible and/or visual signal devices shall remain activated until the unit is on the scene, staged or returned. H. During emergency response or non-emergency travel, drivers of Fire Department vehicles should come to a complete stop at all unguarded railroad grade crossings. Drivers should assure that it is safe to proceed before crossing the railroad track(s). Drivers should also use caution when approaching and crossing any guarded grade railroad crossing. I. During an emergency response, drivers should avoid passing other emergency vehicles. If unavoidable or warranted by the situation, the passing activities should be conducted using radio communications. J. Cook County has posted a weight restriction to the bridge on Bartlett Rd that crosses over Poplar Creek between Bode Rd and Golf Rd. The restrictions are: 1. 2 axle vehicles: 28 tons (56,000lbs) gross 2. 3 or more axle vehicles: 37 tons (74,000lbs) gross. Our Tower Ladders exceed this weight restriction. There is NO exemption for emergency vehicles. All drivers should respond and react according to the conditions encountered. Neither poor road conditions, inclement weather, nor the actions of others relieve the driver of his responsibility to drive safely. All personnel riding in the apparatus are required to wear a seat belt during emergency and non- 2 emergency vehicle movement. If a supervisor or acting supervisor is present on the apparatus, he will assume responsibility for all personnel wearing a seat belt. If no supervisor is present on the apparatus, the driver is responsible for the use of seat belts by front seat passengers in the vehicle. (The driver's responsibility is defined by Illinois law.) All persons riding or driving in ambulances are required to be secured with seat belts. The only exception to this rule is for paramedics who must provide patient treatment enroute to the hospital. Whenever possible, the treating paramedic should return to a seat belted area whenever patient treatment is unnecessary. All equipment in vehicles must be properly stored. At no time will personnel ride tailboard areas of fire suppression equipment during emergency and non-emergency operation. Whenever a vehicle is backing up, a passenger must dismount the apparatus and direct the driver during the backing operation. If the driver is alone, and no guides are available, the driver must have a clear view of the area involved or must dismount and walk completely around the apparatus and inspect the area involved before backing up. The unique hazards of driving on or adjacent to, the fireground, requires the driver to use extreme caution. Drivers must consider the danger that their moving vehicle poses to fireground personnel and spectators who may be preoccupied with the emergency. Change of quarters within our Department and during a MABAS change of quarters, should not be considered an emergency response and must conform with the Illinois Vehicle Code. An engine, or tower following an MICU unit or when an MICU unit transporting a BLS patient to the hospital, will utilize a non-emergency response mode (no lights and siren) and must conform to the Illinois Vehicle Code. Use of Cellular Mobile Phones and Electronic Communication Devices In January 2010, the Illinois Legislature passed two changes to (625 ILCS 5/12, Sections 12-610.1 and 12-610.2). Section 12-610-1 prohibits the use of a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school zone or on a highway in a construction or maintenance speed zone. Section 12-610.2 prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message (text messaging). These changes do not apply to the operator of an emergency vehicle when use of the device is required for official duties. It shall be the expectation that all Hoffman Estates Fire Department personnel will adhere to these changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code. Drivers of Fire Department vehicles are directly responsible for safe and prudent operations under 3 all conditions. While the driver is responsible for safe operation of the vehicle, the officer or acting officer riding in the front passenger seat takes on the role of co-driver. While not in physical control of the operation of the emergency vehicle, the officer provides an additional set of eyes and ears for the driver and shall also be responsible for making certain that the driver operates the vehicle in a safe manner that is consistent with this and any other appropriate policies.  Officer shall ensure that all personnel on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts and in approved riding positions prior to movement of the emergency vehicle  Officer shall ensure driver is operating the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner during response in accordance with departmental policy and state law  Officer shall issue warnings about road and physical hazards to the driver  Officer shall direct the driver to cease any unsafe driving, such as excess speed or unsafe intersection practices  Officer shall, when practical, operate the radio, audio and visual warning devices during response  Officer shall check the map book or MCT to assist the driver in determining the safest and most direct route to the emergency scene No vehicle (except an automobile e.g.: staff car, shift commander vehicle, utility 22, HazMat 24, Dive 24, TRT 24) shall respond in an emergency manner outside the Village of Hoffman Estates with only one person on the apparatus. Whenever a trailer is pulled going to an emergency outside the Village of Hoffman Estates, 2 people are required to be assigned to it. The section above does not apply to a Brush Fire. For a Brush Fire (BRUSH) Response follow Response Guideline 17. PROCEDURE DEFINITIONS EXCEPTIONS Exceptions granted under CH 625 ILCS 5/11-205, the Illinois Vehicle Code, authorize the operator of an emergency vehicle in compliance with the section to: 1. Stand or park on any roadway. 2. Proceed past a red signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as required and necessary for safe operations. 3. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he/she does not endanger life or property. 4. Disregard regulations governing movement or turning in specified directions. REFERENCES CH 625 ILCS 5/11-205 End of Document 4