CVFD Training – Emergency Vehicle Operations SFFMA Training Objectives: –

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE 325 DRIVING OF APPARATUS This procedure establishes guidelines for driving apparatus belonging to the Crosby Volunteer Fire Department. No department owned or leased vehicle should respond or return to service without at least two members in the vehicle. This includes the utility truck if it is pulling the Haz Mat trailer or the Rescue Boat. If the truck is not pulling the trailer, it may roll with a single firefighter in the cab. – In this situation, a released probationary or junior firefighter meets the definition of a second firefighter. – The key exception to this procedure is in the case when an established, on-scene incident commander, who has performed a size up and determines the need for a specific piece of equipment, accepts the liability on behalf of the department associated with the decision and makes the request of an apparatus standing by to roll to the scene with a single firefighter. – In the event where a piece of equipment must be operated in a non-emergency setting (going for fuel, refilling a water tank after maintenance, etc.), a Senior Firefighter, as defined by SOP 137, may execute that operation without an additional firefighter accompanying and without prior consent of a line officer. – In a situation where a single Senior Firefighter, as defined by SOP 137, is standing by with a piece of equipment after multiple dispatched tones, that Senior Firefighter may go in route with that apparatus without having an established command presence or line officer approval. The standard to follow in this situation will be referred to as “3 and 3”: the apparatus can go in route with a crew of three or after three dispatched tones with a single Senior Firefighter. Mutual aid will be requested on the third dispatched tone. Emergency traffic may be run at the discretion of the Senior Firefighter operating the apparatus.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE 325 DRIVING OF APPARATUS Apparatus responding on emergency calls (under emergency traffic conditions) shall not exceed the posted speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour. When responding emergency traffic through a school zone, traffic will be reduced to non-emergency and all posted speed limits will be observed. Upon exiting the school zone, responding under emergency traffic may be resumed. When responding under emergency traffic, the operator WILL NOT run through a stop sign, yield sign, or any traffic signal (red, yellow, or green light). The operator will slow down as the intersection is approached, gain control of the intersection (defined as assuring that no other vehicle or pedestrian will enter the intersection in front of the responding apparatus), and then proceed cautiously through the intersection.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE 325 DRIVING OF APPARATUS When operating apparatus during emergency traffic, the driver’s sole attention shall be on the safe operation of the equipment. Any activity not associated with the operation of the equipment (radio or cell phone communication, map reading, etc.) should be performed by the officer in charge or his designee. Apparatus responding on routine calls (under non-emergency conditions) shall abide by all traffic laws while en route to the call. (i.e. red lights, speed limit etc.) At no time should any piece of apparatus be backed up or moved in tight areas without the officer of that piece or his/her designated observer in such a position as to be seen by the driver when the piece is in motion. The only deviation from this will be when a piece of apparatus is driver only (ie, the utility truck). When emergency equipment is returning from an incident, all traffic laws will be abided by at all times. Head lights will be used at all times. All safety equipment (seatbelts) provided will be worn at all times. Under no circumstances will a junior or probationary member drive the apparatus. These members shall drive only when told to do so by the officer in charge. This permission may be granted over the radio, but under no circumstances is to be assumed. Officers should drive the apparatus only when there are no drivers or qualified members available.

Training / Licensing of Drivers Requirements: – Firefighter must be voted in member – Must be 21 years of age with valid drivers license Training: – Firefighter can only be cleared by D-80, 8001, 8002, or 8003 – Firefighter must prove proficiency in knowledge of apparatus, proficiency in pumping, and complete day and night drivers training