Hoffman Estates Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines - PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - 009 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG T...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - 009 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Ride-Along Guidelines Revision: 3 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2024 Fire Chief 3 PURPOSE The following conditions must be met in order for non-Fire Department employees to "ride-along" on departmental apparatus and vehicles. DEFINITIONS POLICY A. All riders and ride-along arrangements must be approved by the Shift Commander and a staff officer, if a civilian has requested to ride. B. If the rider is an associated professional, firefighter, paramedic, police officer, village officer, nurse, etc., the Shift Commander can approve. 1. Riders shall call in advance for an appointment to ride-along. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. 2. Riders are encouraged to schedule times on Saturday or Sunday between 0800 and 2200 hours. No riders from 2200 to 0800. Riders will not be allowed to participate on fire inspections. 3. A maximum of one ride-along per apparatus will be allowed at any one time. C. Those under 18 years of age must have a Waiver of Responsibility/HIPAA form signed by a parent or legal guardian in addition to the individual and the Shift Commander granting permission must witness the form. A Waiver of Responsibility/HIPAA form mustbe signed by the individual and witnessed by the Shift Commander before riding. (A copy of the form is attached.) The completed form will then be scanned into the appropriate folder on the J:drive by the Shift Commander. D. The minimum age for all riders is 17 years of age. Children under the age of 17 will be allowed to “ride-along” under the following two conditions: Revised: January 1, 2022 1   Only during the week of the recognized “Bring Your Child To Work Day”, the fourth week of April.  Or with the approval of the Fire Chief The above conditions are subject to parental completion of the Waiver of Responsibility/HIPAA. E. Casual clothing, appropriate to the expected weather conditions, is acceptable. Shoes and socks must be worn. F. A vest identifying the rider as a Hoffman Estates Fire Department observer will be issued to each station. No bunker gear will be issued or used. G. A seat belt must be worn while riding on HEFD equipment. H. Riders must remain on the apparatus, unless otherwise directed by a department officer. Riders shall not be allowed entry into medical inpatient facilities such as Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health (ABBH) or SHARE, unless they are a licensed medical professional participating as a ride-along in conjunction with their employment. Personnel should use discretion before exposing riders to sensitive medical and traumatic incidents. I. Riders are not to become involved in any incident that the company is involved in, unless directed by a department officer. J. At no time will riders be allowed to use audio or video recording devices, such as cameras or cellular phones, etc. K. An officer can dismiss the rider at any time due to inappropriate behavior. PROCEDURE EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES Revised: January 1, 2022 2  HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT RIDE-ALONG/HIPAA APPLICATION NAME AGE ADDRESS PHONE (Number) (Street) (City) OCCUPATION (If student, name of school and grade) IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OR ACCIDENT (Nearest relative, parent or guardian) (Name) (Address) (Phone) Family doctor or medical service requested if observer is injured or ill: (Name) (Clinic) (Address) (Phone) When do you wish to ride? Date: Time: Why do you wish to ride? Do you know anyone employed by Hoffman Estates Fire Department? If so, give name(s): Driver's license number and State STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION I realize that there are certain hazards present in accompanying a fire company while on duty, and I agree to assume responsibility for and hold the Hoffman Estates Fire Department, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from any liability arising out of any damage or injuries incurred by me during the ride-along period. I further agree to abide by the instructions of the Company Officer in charge during the time I am riding, as instructed by the Lieutenant or Captain. I also agree that as a ride-along, I will maintain strict patient confidentiality as set forth within the guidelines of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Date: (Print) (Signature) If observer is under 18 years of age: Date: Parent/Guardian (Print) (Signature) _ Date: (Battalion Chief/Acting Battalion Chief) End of Document Revised: January 1, 2022 3