Ponder Fire Department Driver Training Lt. James Longbrake, Lt. John Williams

Objectives Driver will have knowledge of current Standard Operating Guidelines Driver will have knowledge of safe techniques of driving Driver will have knowledge of state laws governing emergency vehicle operations Driver will demonstrate safe and proper driving techniques Driver will demonstrate safe and proper backing techniques

Course Outline Classroom Lecture and Video –3-4 hrs Driving –Backing obstacle course –Road course

Why are we here Refresher for senior members Knowledge and skills practice for new members Incident stabilization not complication Everybody Goes Home

Why we are here In 2007, 118 FF LODD 26 FF died responding or returning from calls 10 in POV Over 200 injuries resulting from accidents

Why we are here Not just your life you are responsible for –Fellow FF in vehicle with you –Fellow FF responding with you –Citizens Legal repercussions

Ponder SOG’s/Bylaws Age –21 to drive All members required to attend PVFD approved driver training Speed limits –Residential and School areas posted limit is max

Ponder SOG’s/Bylaws Will not proceed thru stop sign or lights without first ensuring it is SAFE to do so Seat belts will be on prior to getting onto FM 156 or FM 2449 –Vehicle operator responsible for ensuring all members wear seatbelts

Ponder SOG’s/Bylaws Driver responsible for equipment inventory after each call Driver responsible for operating pump on large vehicles

Other driver responsibilities Know your district –Roads –Fastest/safest routes to location –Construction issues –Bridge load limits –Overhead obstacles

Preparation Equipment checks –Daily/Weekly –Monthly –Yearly What are we looking for and why?

Video CEVO Apparatus Inspection

Prior to driving Inspect your apparatus Seat adjustment, mirror adjustments Seatbelts Know where your controls are Take a deep breath –Control nerves/excitement/focus

Video CEVO Cushion of Safety

Normal Driving Ops Awareness of surroundings –Following distance –Scan mirrors Steering control –9-3 hand position Cover the brake

Video CEVO Driving with Lights and Sirens

Code 3 Member in seat A of apparatus responsible for radio and sirens Due regard Attitude Control Awareness of surrounding reactions

Video CEVO Specific Traffic Situations

Video CEVO Special Considerations

Backing If unsure what is behind you get out and look Use a spotter Do not be afraid to pull up and try again

Equipment

Tanker responding to house fire

During MDA fundraiser got called to Grass fire, car cut them off and they rolled

No seatbelts, all four ejected lucky to be alive, Took corner to fast On their way to vacant structure fire