Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Driver Operator Handbook PDF

Introduction Palm Beach County Fire Rescue units respond to nearly 150,000 calls per year. That coupled with travel to and from training, public education events, area familiarization, and so on, puts our personnel on the road and at risk on a daily basis. This chapter covers some basic skills and t...

Introduction Palm Beach County Fire Rescue units respond to nearly 150,000 calls per year. That coupled with travel to and from training, public education events, area familiarization, and so on, puts our personnel on the road and at risk on a daily basis. This chapter covers some basic skills and techniques to help reduce that risk, as well as important information on apparatus positioning. Each year, approximately 20-25% of all firefighter injuries and deaths are caused by vehicle collisions while responding to or returning from emergency calls. This is the second leading cause of death in firefighters. Some of the reasons for these incidents include: excessive speed, improper navigation through intersections, unfamiliarity with the apparatus, lack of seatbelt use, and lack of driver training. The first goal of any Driver Operator (DO) is to get the apparatus and crew to the scene in an expedient, safe and efficient manner. Simply put, we are no good to the citizens we serve if we do not safely make it to the call. Every PBCFR DO must comply with all Florida state motor vehicle laws, ordinances and regulations as well as all County driver rules, and relevant Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. DOs must also abide by all departmental polices/procedures and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) governing the operation of emergency vehicles. Additionally, the DO must be familiar with the concepts of defensive driving, including: safe following distances, evasive maneuvers, and anticipating other driver’s actions. As a DO, it’s also important to understand reaction and braking times, and weight transfer of apparatus. Do not get complacent. Most accidents involving fire apparatus occur when you would least expect it - during daylight hours with dry road conditions. In the state of Florida, drivers of authorized emergency vehicles are not required to have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), but must possess a Class E license. DOs shall operate all fire apparatus and other departmental vehicles in a safe and defensive manner in accordance with PBCFR policies/procedures and SOGs and Florida State Statutes and laws. Recent legal decisions have held that a DO who violates these state statutes and/or laws can be held accountable and subjected to criminal and/or civil prosecution. It is your responsibility as the driver to exercise “due regard” for the safety of all persons and property. 8  Due regard – A reasonable careful person performing similar duties under similar circumstances would act in the same manner. Along with “due regard”, emergency vehicle operations shall at all times, be consistent with “reasonable safety” and Florida State Statutes. Reasonable safety – factors that must be taken into account when deciding whether the need to engage in emergency vehicle operation is “outweighed” by the potential risk(s) to the public if emergency vehicle operation is initiated. Reasonable safety shall be based upon all available information, including but not limited to: 1. Type of call; 2. Type of roadway, traffic and weather conditions; and 3. Any other factor(s), which could impact on emergency vehicle operation. The bottom line is that you can, and may, be held accountable for your actions. To improve your driving skills, the PBCFR EVOC Driving Course is available to any employee or company that wishes to use it. Contact the Driver Training Coordinator in the Training & Safety Division to schedule and reserve the course. A map of the course is provided below, and the elements of the PBCFR EVOC Driving Course are as follows: #1 – Lane Change #2 – Turn Around #3 – Serpentine (forward and reverse) #4 – Diminishing Lane #5 – Straight Lane (forward and reverse) #6 – Alley Dock #7 – Straight Lane #8 – Lane Change 9 10 Gross Vehicle Weights The average vehicle weights for apparatus in Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue are as follows: Freightliner Engine 33,000 E-One Typhoon Engine 38,000 Sutphen Engine 40,000 Aerial Apparatus 50,000 Tender 57,000 Brush Truck 28,500 Note: The weight of each unit is fully loaded with equipment, water, and crew. Keep in mind when driving these vehicles that they are extremely heavy and do not handle or stop as fast as the privately owned vehicle you drive. As a DO, it is important to be familiar with weight transfer, reaction time, braking time, and angle of approach/departure. Each of these things affects your handling of the vehicle. Another factor that you must consider is that fire apparatus is not only heavy, it is “top-heavy”, with a greater propensity for rollover. Responding to Emergencies Driving any fire apparatus is a privilege and a craft that you should continue to hone throughout your career. Sadly, driving is the second leading cause of firefighter fatalities. Here are some general driving guidelines to help keep you and your crew safe while driving any PBCFR apparatus. These guidelines are in accordance with general safe driving practices and PBCFR policy #FR-O-303 Vehicle Apparatus Safety and SOGs 110-01 Emergency and Non- Emergency Response and 310-01 Traffic Operations. Preparation One of the most important steps you can take toward being a good Driver Operator is to properly prepare for the job. At the start of each shift it is essential that you perform a thorough truck check and document any problems that you may find. From making sure all of the equipment is where it belongs and in proper working order to ensuring that your water tank is full - each step matters. In addition to performing a systematic truck check, be sure to adjust your seat and mirrors at the start of each shift, and make yourself familiar with the inside of the cab, before you drive. 11 Safe Driving Practices All Drivers of Fire Rescue vehicles shall comply with all Florida State Motor Vehicle Laws, ordinances and regulations as well as all County driver rules and relevant Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from certain traffic laws by Florida State Statutes. The exemptions, however, do not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from exercising “due regard” for the safety of all persons and property. Emergency vehicle operation shall at all times, be consistent with “reasonable safety” and Florida State Statutes. Reasonable safety – factors that must be taken into account when deciding whether the need to engage in emergency vehicle operation is “outweighed” by the potential risk(s) to the public if emergency vehicle operation is initiated. Reasonable safety shall be based upon all available information, including but not limited to: 1. Type of call; 2. Type of roadway, traffic and conditions; and 3. Any other factor(s), which could have an impact on emergency vehicle operation Each driver shall observe safe-operating procedures at all times so as not to endanger employees, the public, property or equipment. Each driver shall conduct a thorough walk- around inspection (Safety Circle Check) of the vehicle before the initial operation. ALL personnel shall wear a seat belt when riding in a Fire Rescue vehicle. Exceptions are authorized when the use of a seat belt interferes with patient care and when loading hose on a moving apparatus. 12  Drivers shall not move Fire Rescue vehicles until all persons on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts in approved, riding positions. In addition, while the vehicle is in motion, the donning and doffing of equipment, and personal protection clothing that requires removal of any restraining belt or other device, shall be prohibited. Riding on the tailboard/running board or any other location other than a designated seat of any Fire Rescue vehicle is expressly prohibited. Loose equipment shall not be permitted in the cab of the vehicle. Stations with an emergency traffic control device (traffic signal) must activate the signal for every emergency response made from that station. Non-emergency use of emergency traffic signals is prohibited. When responding to an emergency, the vehicle’s visual and audible warning devices shall be used to alert other vehicular and pedestrian traffic. For increased safety, ensure headlights are on when vehicle is in operation. When responding at night, turn off “wig wag” lights to keep from blinding oncoming traffic. Headlights should be illuminated in normal position (low beam). Units responding to emergency incidents should monitor the radio TAC channel to gather as much information as possible prior to arrival. Speeds in excess of the posted speed limit are authorized during emergency responses so long as responders and the public are not endangered. Driving into oncoming lanes is a last resort for extreme situations and should be done at slow rates of speed, using extreme caution. Under no circumstances shall a driver be permitted to use a communication device while responding to an emergency, even if the device is equipped with a hands- free device. Siren Use Believe it or not, there is an actual method to optimizing your siren use. Often, it’s not that people can’t hear us, it’s that they cannot tell where the sound is coming from. On top of that, drivers are distracted by cell phones, loud music, and are driving cars that are designed to have increased noise insulation. Understanding proper siren use may help you combat some of these challenges. Scientific studies have led to the following useful information in regards to siren use: Always use your siren when responding to an emergency. 13  Be aware that at 40 mph a siren can project 300 feet, at 50 mph you “outrun” your siren. Utilize “wail” mode, or the Federal Q. When approaching intersections, switch from “wail” to “yelp” between 200-300 feet before the intersection. Use air horns as you approach and travel through intersections. Intersection Safety When approaching an intersection being controlled by a stop sign, red traffic signal, or other traffic control device that requires the flow of traffic to stop, you must come to a complete stop and proceed only when the traffic flow and safety permits, clearing one lane of traffic at a time. When approaching an intersection being controlled by a green traffic signal, you should reduce the speed of the vehicle and cover the brake to a point where it could avoid a collision should the need to do so become necessary. When approaching large, heavily blocked intersections, consideration should be made about shutting off vehicle emergency lights and sirens so as not to force civilian vehicles out into the intersection at a red light. Limited Access Highways Emergency vehicles may make use of a “U” turn to gain entry to traffic traveling in the opposite direction when responding to emergencies on limited access highways (i.e., I-95, Florida’s Turnpike). USE EXTREME CAUTION! 14  For the safety of personnel in the vehicle, at no other times are “U” turns on limited access highways permitted. Emergency vehicles shall proceed to the next interchange or exit and turn around in a safe location. Exceptions would include excessive travel distances to next exit (i.e. next County.) Types of Emergency Response Code 1 – Response to be normal driving which does not require the use of emergency lights and siren. Code 2 - Activity as normal driving with the use of emergency warning lights only, for non-emergency response such as participation in parades, dignitary escorts, or other similar events. Code 3 – Response as the use of lights and/or siren when responding to an emergency call. Responding with Multiple Units When two or more units are traveling Code 3 together in the same direction, maintain a separation distance of at least 300 to 500 feet apart. Do NOT pass another emergency vehicle that is responding Code 3 with you. Use extreme caution at intersections. Anticipate other units approaching the intersection from another direction. When traffic warrants it, drive in the center lane, allowing traffic to pull off to both the right and left. 15  Keep the cab and compartment doors closed when not in use. Practice “good housekeeping” when operating on scene. Night Driving Techniques Dim dash and panel lights. Reduce speed. Keep headlights and windshield clean. Keep your eyes moving – scan the roadway. Skid Control Remove foot from the accelerator. Steer the vehicle in the same direction that you are skidding (“steer into the skid”). Do NOT brake! Slow and regain control. Tire Blowout Accelerate initially. Slow down. Signal intentions. Safely pull off the roadway. Apparatus Positioning on or Near Roadways The following recommendations regarding positioning of apparatus on or near roadways should be followed. Placement can be affected by weather, time of day, scene lighting, traffic speed and volume, hills, curves and other obstructions. If police have not yet arrived, first control oncoming vehicular traffic before addressing the emergency. Remember that smoke generated by fires can dramatically decrease visibility. Along with these general roadway safety guidelines, all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel must complete the “Blocking Procedures at Roadway Incidents” training module on Target Solutions. 16 General Roadway Safety Personnel working in and around traffic shall wear department approved traffic safety vests at all times. For added visibility and safety, don traffic vest over your bunker coat. Wear your bunker gear and helmet when working at traffic accident scenes. Never turn your back on traffic! Never trust traffic! Always be aware of your surroundings! Limit your time on scene to what is required to complete the assignment. Mark with paint and move vehicles from the roadway whenever possible. Use the apparatus, emergency and scene lights, safety cones, flares and law enforcement personnel to gain control of traffic, redirect traffic, and protect the work zone. Avoid using firefighters to direct traffic if at all possible. Call for PBSO early to help with traffic control. Working at incidents that occur within intersections, use extreme caution. STAY ALERT and aware of your surroundings at all times. Assign someone as a “lookout” to act as a safety officer and keep an eye on traffic. Position apparatus at a 45-degree angle to the roadway between traffic and the work zone. Position apparatus to protect the loading area of transport vehicles and create a Safe Work Area. Take a minimum of one and a half (1.5) lanes of traffic to protect the Safe Work Area. Take more lanes if necessary to keep personnel and citizens safe. Turn the apparatus wheels away from the incident. 17  Chock wheels of the blocking apparatus. Traffic cones shall be deployed at 15 foot intervals upstream of the blocking apparatus with the furthest traffic cone approximately 75 feet upstream to allow adequate advance warning. On limited access highways, cones should be placed 150 feet upstream of the blocking apparatus to divert and direct traffic away from the scene. To accommodate this, it may be necessary to use additional cones off the Rescue, Law Enforcement, or other apparatus. Per PBCFR Dispatch Protocols, for any call located on a highway, regardless of the call type, an additional suppression unit will be dispatched for the purpose of blocking the incident and creating a Safe Work Area. If necessary, have PBSO close the roadway. Direct any ambulatory occupants off the roadway, keeping them out of harm’s way. While working on scene at night, turn the headlights off if the apparatus is facing oncoming traffic. Use flares to illuminate cones at night or in fog/smoke conditions. (Confirm that there are no fuel leaks first.) Use scene lights on the apparatus, or deploy scene lights to illuminate the work area. Be sure to place scene lights so they do not blind other drivers or oncoming traffic. When working near railroad tracks, always treat the tracks as active. Never stop or park on railroad tracks. Park on the same side of the tracks as the incident. 18 Fireground Positioning First due units set the stage for the remainder of the incident. Good initial placement will contribute to the successful outcome of any incident. This section addresses the positioning of pumping apparatus for fire attack and water supply. Because the topic of positioning specialty apparatus (Aerials, Tenders) can be complex, it will not be covered in this section, but is addressed in a separate class. Positioning of engines for relay and water shuttle operations is covered in Chapter 2 of this manual (“Water Sources”). There is no one set rule that applies to positioning of apparatus on the fireground. Rescue situations, water availability, apparatus exposure, method of attack, weather, terrain, positioning requirements of other apparatus, department SOG’s and tactical judgment are all deciding factors. General Fireground Positioning Guidelines Rescue is always the first priority on a fire scene. First arriving units must evaluate conditions and leave room for the aerial apparatus if necessary. Position apparatus so tools, equipment or ladders can be quickly deployed to complete a rescue. Water supply may dictate positioning. The engine should be able to connect to a hydrant and pump attack lines while operating in a safe and effective manner. Method of fire attack can govern placement: Operating in an offensive mode will warrant keeping the engine closer to the building to ensure the nozzle reaches the fire and tools and equipment are readily available to firefighters. A defensive operation may require the engine to be placed a greater distance from the structure. Take the collapse zone into consideration. The collapse zone is at least 1½ times the height of the building. Weather and wind direction should be taken into account. When possible, position the engine upwind of the incident. 19  Terrain can have a significant effect on apparatus placement. Given the choice, always choose a paved surface over an unpaved surface. Always try to keep a minimum of two wheels on the pavement at all times. Relocation potential must be considered. Conditions may change for the worse and you may need to re-position the apparatus. Apparatus that are not being used should be parked out of the way, or remain in the staging area so as to not interfere with fireground operations. Position the apparatus so that you maximize its use. Generally, the front of the building should be left available for the aerial apparatus, unless directed otherwise by the Incident Commander. Do not block the entire roadway. Maintain access for hose lines and later arriving apparatus. When laying supply lines be sure to move them off the roadway prior to charging them. Leave plenty of room for incoming units. Use cones to protect hose lines and control vehicular traffic near the incident. Stay clear of power lines that may fall and contact apparatus. Be aware of your surroundings. Power lines should be given adequate clearance. Park at least 25’ from the rear of any apparatus to allow enough room to remove the ground ladders and equipment from the rear compartments. Backing of Apparatus A large percentage of accidents involving fire apparatus occur while backing. These incidents have the potential to be quite serious, yet they are often easily avoidable. Whenever possible, drivers should plan their travel routes in advance to avoid backing. However, when backing is essential, we must ensure that it is safe to do so, and that the area is clear prior to backing any apparatus. The following guidelines shall be used in addition to those specified in PBCFR policy #FR-O-303 Vehicle Apparatus Safety regarding the backing of apparatus. 20  Backing shall be done only after the driver of the vehicle has performed a Safety Circle Check (walk around the vehicle) to ensure the line of travel is safe for backing. When backing a vehicle, the driver shall not back the same unless such movement can be made safely without interfering with traffic and/or any stationary object. When backing, the driver shall have the assistance of at least one Fire Rescue employee. The default place for this person to position themselves shall be to the rear of the vehicle being backed up, on the most appropriate side, and in such a position that the backup person is not in the path of the vehicle. If another Fire Rescue person is not available, the driver of the vehicle shall get out and visually inspect the area behind the vehicle before backing. Strict caution must be observed. Both the driver and the backup person shall have eye-to-eye contact with each other via the outside mirror of the vehicle. The driver’s window shall be down, and a portable radio shall be used by the backup person to ensure verbal communication with the driver. In EVERY backup situation, visual contact between the driver and the backup person shall be maintained. IF AT ANY TIME THE DRIVER LOSES VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE BACKUP PERSON THE DRIVER SHALL STOP IMMEDIATELY. The vehicle shall remain stopped until such time that visual contact is restored. When backing up a vehicle at night, the backup person should use a flashlight in a manner that allows the driver to see the spotter. Avoid shining the flashlight in the driver’s eyes or mirror. When backing any apparatus equipped with a back-up camera, do not use the camera if you have a backup person. It is imperative that you maintain eye contact with your back-up person at all times, and follow their directions. When a backup person is not available, the camera should only be used in conjunction with the vehicle’s mirrors. In addition to performing a Safety Circle Check, when backing any apparatus without a backup person, activate the emergency warning lights, and sound a short horn blast prior to backing as an added precaution. 21 PBCFR Backing Hand Signals To avoid confusion and maintain consistency throughout the department, the following hand signals shall be used by all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel when performing the role of backup person, and backing any apparatus. Straight Back: One hand above the shoulders with palm toward face, waving back. Other hand at your side. (Left or right hand optional) Turn: Both arms pointing in the same direction. Driver will verbally advise the backup person which way the turn will be made. The backup person will then assist the driver in backing the apparatus. 22  Stop: Single arm fully extended above head with hand in a fist. Be sure to yell or radio the “stop” order loud enough for the driver to hear the warning. (Left or right hand optional) ***Refer to PBCFR policy #FR-O-303 Vehicle Apparatus Safety, SOG 110-01 Emergency and Non-Emergency Response and SOG 310-01 Traffic Operations for more information.*** 23