Spring Fire Department Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Procedures PDF

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Procedures Chief’s Signature Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/04/2019 Revision Number: 06 PURPOSE All driver/operators need to recognize the fact that the emergency vehicle response is the...

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Procedures Chief’s Signature Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/04/2019 Revision Number: 06 PURPOSE All driver/operators need to recognize the fact that the emergency vehicle response is the basis for the success or failure of all other emergency functions. These expensive vehicles carry all of the portable emergency equipment in addition to all of the personnel of the organization. Without safe conveyance of these vehicles to the emergency scene, Spring Fire Department cannot achieve its mission of saving lives and protecting property. Emergency vehicle driver/operators have in their care, custody, and control most of the major assets possessed by the Spring Fire Department. Emergency vehicle driver/operators also have a higher standard of care to provide to the general motoring public and must make every attempt possible to provide due regard for the safety of others. The safe operation of these vehicles, particularly during emergency response, depends greatly on the ability, skills and attitude of the driver/operator. SCOPE This procedure applies to all members of Spring Fire Department. REVIEW The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and assuring its accuracy. REFERENCES/DEFINITIONS True Emergency: A situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual or significant property loss, and actions by an emergency vehicle driver/operator may reduce the seriousness of the situation. POLICY/PROCEDURE No emergency vehicle driver/operator shall be under 21 years of age… No exceptions! A Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record Report (commonly referred to as MVR) review, will be completed on all Spring Fire Department members annually but not less than every three (3) years. This report should reflect not more than two (2) Class B and no Class A violations in a three (3) year period (see attached for definitions). Class A Violation: An individual who has a Class A violation within the past three (3) years normally receives a license suspension from the Department of Motor Vehicles, which issued the license. In addition, the Spring Fire Department member will be suspended from driving any Spring Fire Department vehicles for not less than an eighteen (18) month period. Any of these members will be required to attend an approved driver/operator improvement program, or equivalent training, and be recertified to operate any Spring Fire Department. Page 1 of 7 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/21/2019 Revision Number: 06 Class B Violation: Any members who have a combination of two (2) Class B moving violation convictions and/or chargeable accidents in a three (3) year period will be issued a warning letter from any Department Officer or Station Officer of Spring Fire Department. Any members who have a combination of three (3) moving violation convictions and/or accidents in a three (3) year period will be issued a suspension from driving any department vehicles for a period of ninety (90) days by any Department Officer or Station Officer of Spring Fire Department. Any member who has more than three (3) moving violation convictions or three (3) chargeable accidents or any combination in a three (3) year period will be issued a suspension from driving any department vehicles for a period of one (1) year. In addition, the same member will be required to complete an approved driver/operator improvement program and be recertified to operate emergency vehicles. Note: Unusual circumstances with individual cases will be evaluated on its own merits. Circle of Safety: Prior to entering the cab and starting the vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver/operator shall make a circle of safety around the vehicle to see that all equipment is secured, all compartment doors are securely closed, and any physical obstructions are moved out of the way. During the circle of safety, the emergency vehicle driver/operator shall encircle the vehicles and visually inspect all four (4) sides and the top of the vehicle before entering the cab. He/she should also verify right side and rear clearance with the person riding in the Officer position. This shall be conducted prior to moving the vehicle regardless of whether or not the vehicle is about to leave on an emergency or non-emergency run. Warning Devices: When responding to a true emergency, all audible and visual warning devices will be operated at all times regardless of time of day and/or traffic conditions. All emergency vehicle driver/operators must understand that warning devices are not always effective in making other vehicle operators aware of your presence. Warning devices only request the right-of-way; they do not insure the right-of-way. Vehicle Control and Right-of-Way: All driver/operators shall attempt to maintain control of the vehicle they are operating in such a manner as to provide the maximum level of safety for both their passengers and the general public. Emergency vehicle driver/operators should be aware that civilian vehicle operators might not react in the manner expected or felt to be appropriate. An attempt must be made to have options available when passing or overtaking vehicles. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver/operator cannot force the right-of-way, nor can you assume the right-of-way, therefore, you do not have the right-of-way until the other vehicle yields to you. Response Speeds: When responding to a true emergency only, driver/operators shall operate the vehicle they are driving at as close to the posted speed limit as possible, but not to exceed ten (10) miles per hour over the posted speed limit, conditions permitting. Examples of conditions requiring slower response speeds include but are not limited to:  Slippery road conditions  Inclement weather  Poor visibility Page 2 of 7 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/21/2019 Revision Number: 06   Heavy or congested traffic conditions Sharp curves Intersections: Extreme care must be taken when approaching any intersection. Intersections are the locations responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles. Driver/operators are required to practice the Organization Intersection Operating guidelines during all emergency responses. Uncontrolled Intersections: Any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the direct of travel of the emergency vehicle or where a traffic control signal is green upon the approach of the emergency vehicle all emergency vehicle driver/operators should do the following:  Scan the intersection for possible hazards (turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.). Observe traffic in all four (4) directions (left, right, front, and rear).  Slow down if any potential hazards are detected and cover the brake pedal with the driver’s foot.  Change the siren cadence no less than 200’ from intersection.  Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if possible. Emergency vehicle driver/operators should always be prepared to stop. If another vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver/operator cannot force the right-of-way, nor can you assume the right-of-way, therefore, you cannot have the rightof-way until the other vehicle yields to you. Controlled Intersections: Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or a red traffic light requires a complete stop by the emergency vehicle driver/operator if all visible traffic in all lanes cannot be accounted for. If all lanes and traffic can be accounted for, the emergency vehicle operator may proceed a red signal or stop sign, after slowing as necessary for safe operations. In addition, the following steps must be followed as well:  Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic.  Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.) as well as driver options.  Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the driver's foot, continue to scan in four (4) directions (left, right, front, and rear).  Change the siren cadence no less than 200’ from intersection.  Scan intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.) avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if possible. Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers, have partner communicate all is clear, reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped.  Proceed one lane of traffic at a time treating each lane of traffic as a separate intersection. Railroad Intersections: At any time an emergency vehicle driver/operator approaches an unguarded railroad crossing he/she shall bring the apparatus or vehicle he/she is operating to a complete stop before entering the grade crossing. In addition, the emergency vehicle driver/operator shall perform the following prior to proceeding:  Turn off all sirens and air horn.  Operate the motor at idle speed.  Turn off any other sound producing equipment or accessories. Page 3 of 7 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/21/2019 Revision Number: 06  Open the windows and listen for a train’s horn. Non-Emergency Responses: When responding to a call in a non-emergency response mode or normal flow of traffic, the vehicle will be operated without any audible or visual warning devices and in compliance with all state motor vehicle laws that apply to civilian traffic. At no time should any emergency vehicle be operated during response with only visual devices. Ordinary Travel: All driver/operators shall obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices when driving any fire department vehicle under ordinary travel conditions. Any driver/operator observed breaking any traffic laws or driving any vehicle in an aggressive manner will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension of driving privileges. Passengers in Apparatus: Spring Fire Department requires all persons riding on fire apparatus to be seated in approved riding positions and be secured to the vehicle by seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion. Spring Fire Department prohibits the riding on tail steps, sidesteps, running boards, or any other exposed position. If headsets are equipped, all personnel shall utilize the headset while apparatus is being operated. Backing: The department recognizes that backing emergency vehicles is made hazardous by the fact that the driver/operator cannot see much of where he/she intends to go. The department recommends that whenever possible driver/operators should avoid backing, as the safest way to back up a vehicle is not to back up at all. When it is necessary to back up any department vehicle all driver/operators shall follow one of the following measures:  The department’s first choice of backing procedures is that before any vehicle is put into reverse and backed that a spotter be out in place near the rear of the vehicle. The spotter should be safely positioned so that the emergency vehicle driver/operator can see them at all times. If at any time the emergency vehicle driver/operator loses sight of the spotter, he/she shall stop immediately until the spotter makes himself/herself visible again.  If conditions exist that make use of spotters impossible, all driver/operators, before attempting to back up any fire department vehicle, shall make a circle of safety to see that no persons are directly behind the vehicle or in its intended path of travel, all equipment is secured, all compartment doors are securely closed, and any physical obstructions are moved out of the way. The emergency vehicle driver/operator should also note all potential obstructions in the intended path of travel.  When headsets are equipped on an apparatus, the operator and spotter, shall wear and utilize the headsets while backing the apparatus. If headsets are not available, the spotter will utilize a handheld radio and keep in constant communication with the operator. Passing Apparatus: At no time shall any member pass an Emergency Vehicle while en route to an emergency incident. This includes staff vehicles, personally owned vehicles (POV’s), and other emergency apparatus. Once on or near the location, it is permissible to maneuver vehicles in order to assist in incident mitigation, or any other time it is deemed a necessity. Page 4 of 7 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/21/2019 Revision Number: 06 Response in Privately Owned Vehicle without Emergency Equipment: When any member responds to the station or to the scene of an emergency in his/her privately owned vehicle, each member must strictly adhere to all applicable motor vehicle laws. Privately owned vehicles are not provided with the same exemptions that are provided to emergency vehicles. No member of the organization will be permitted to violate any motor vehicle laws. Fleet Accidents: Anytime a Department owned vehicle comes in contact with any object other than the roadway, resulting in any damage (to the vehicle or other object), is to be classified as a Fleet Accident. When involved in a fleet accident, the following steps will be taken:  Notify the dispatcher of the accident to include location, injuries, hazards, and any other pertinent information.  Notify the on call Chief. (The Chief scheduled on When to Work)  Law Enforcement will be notified on all fleet accidents. Request Department of Public Safety or Harris County Sheriff’s Office.  No one involved in the accident will give statements to anyone other than a fire department officer or Law Enforcement Officer. (If injuries occur, any questions can be answered to EMS personnel.)  The Chief Officer or designee will photograph the scene. These photographs will be sent to the Administrator and to all the Deputy Chiefs.  Immediately following the completion of the on scene investigation, the member operating the vehicle and the Chief Officer on scene, will go to the Spring Administration Building.  The Chief Officer will ensure that the Spring Fire Department drug testing policy is being followed in regard to post accident drug testing. The Chief Officer will contact the approved Drug Testing facility if it is deemed necessary.  The member operating the vehicle will complete a VFIS Accident Packet as soon as possible. The packet will be turned into the Administrator by the end of that business day, or at the beginning of the next business day, if after hours or on weekends. A copy of the packet will be placed in all the Deputy Chiefs mailboxes at Administration.  The Chief Officer handling the process will notify all the Deputy Chiefs of all fleet accidents.  All members witnessing the incident will fill out a statement in the accident packet if available. All members witnessing the incident will send a witness statement through department email to all the Deputy Chiefs within 24 hours of the incident. Fleet Accident Review Board: All Fleet Accidents involving a department owned vehicle will be reviewed by all the Deputy Chiefs. If one of the Deputy Chief’s are involved in a Fleet Accident, the other two Deputy Chiefs will complete the investigation. As stated above, all documents and photographs need to be forwarded to all the Deputy Chiefs appropriately. Any member that is involved in a Fleet Accident will be suspended from driving until the investigation is complete and they receive notice by email from a Deputy Chief that their driving privileges have been reinstated. If the member is at fault, further disciplinary action can be taken to include the following:  Required Drivers Education or Defensive Driving Courses  Extended suspension time from driving  Suspended completely from the department  Termination of membership All factors of the incident will be reviewed during this process which includes: Page 5 of 7 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/21/2019 Revision Number: 06        The cost of damage off all property involved (Department Owned or not) Any injuries and the severity of injuries Was this policy followed Could the accident be prevented Were there any negligent infractions. Any citations issued Any other factor presented from the accident There will not be a timeframe given for the completion of the Accident Review Board to ensure that a proper and detailed investigation is completed. While it is recognized that timeliness in response to an emergency is important, it is imperative that all driver/operators understand that their private vehicles are not emergency vehicles and therefore are not afforded any exemptions or special privileges under state law. Any driver/operator observed breaking any traffic laws or operating any vehicle in an aggressive or unsafe manner will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension, loss of driving privileges. Page 6 of 7 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Procedures Chief’s Signature Document Number: SFD.018 Date: 03/04/2019 Revision Number: 06 Acknowledgement I, acknowledge that I have received a copy of the (Print Name) Spring Fire Department Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator Procedures, and have been trained and understand the items and instructions contained in the policy. I also understand the importance of safe operation of Spring Fire Department vehicles, and will abide by all of the tactical and administrative operating guidelines contained in this document. _____________________________________________ (Signature) _____________________________ (Date) Page 7 of 7