Pumper Operations

1. Pumper Operations

2. Knowledge Objectives (1 of 2) Describe the role that the driver/operator plays in promoting safety, educating crew members, and promoting team building. Describe the driver/operator’s responsibility maintaining a safe work environment. Describe the functions and limitations of the fire apparatus and its equipment.

3. Knowledge Objectives (2 of 2) Describe the driver/operator’s role when responding to an incident. Describe the driver/operator’s role when returning from an incident.

4. Skills Objectives Identify dispatch information. Perform a 360-degree inspection. Start the fire apparatus. Perform the serpentine exercise. Perform a confined-space turnaround. Perform a diminishing clearance exercise. Back a fire apparatus into a fire station bay. Shut down and secure a fire apparatus.

5. Introduction (1 of 5) Driver/operator has obligations to self, crew, and community Internal and external expectations depend on the ability to perform and complete initial response assignments and extra duties at the scene. Driver/operator is responsible for preventing, managing, and rectifying problems at the scene.

6. Introduction (2 of 5) Driver/operator must understand and accept the responsibilities that come with the job in order to be successful. Driver/operator still has frontline responsibilities. Driver/operator plays a greater role in crew’s efficiency and success. Preventative maintenance Regular inspections of the apparatus and equipment Adherence to jurisdictional operating guidelines

7. Introduction (3 of 5) New driver/operators may not realize the responsibilities of the position. Driver/operator must acknowledge hazards associated with the position and accept responsibility to prevent hazards “Lead by example”

8. Introduction (4 of 5) Driver/operator makes other crew members confident when completing regularly scheduled fire apparatus and equipment inspections. Apparatus and equipment will function when needed Confidence in own abilities and in reliability of fire apparatus and equipment creates a manageable situation.

9. Introduction (5 of 5) Despite inspection and maintenance efforts, equipment will fail. Foundation of knowledge, experience, and skill provides backup and alternatives for completing assignments. More knowledge offers more options, leading to better outcomes.

10. The Many Roles of the Driver/Operator (1 of 3) Driver/operator: teacher, mentor, vital crew member, and safety advocate Expected to fix what is broken, offer alternative methods, maintain constant readiness, and support every function that the apparatus can provide Has duty to educate other crew members on roles and responsibilities

11. The Many Roles of the Driver/Operator (2 of 3) Crew members may not understand problems created from small, insignificant actions during the response and return phases of the assignment. When fire fighters remove a tool from the apparatus and do not tell anyone, the driver/operator does not account for it when the apparatus leaves the scene. Bring problems to light so everyone can share in the success.

12. The Many Roles of the Driver/Operator (3 of 3) Build crew confidence and efficiency by demonstrating a commitment to the department, crew, officer, and community. Follow operating guidelines and applicable laws and regulations. Create and maintain a safe work environment. Follow sound risk management principles. Team synergy begins with confidence and trust from driver/operator’s words and actions.

13. Promoting Safety (1 of 4) Several roles driver/operator must play Safety is the first priority. Consider the events prior to the response. Were required preventive maintenance actions taken? Is the apparatus in a proper state of readiness? Driver/operators can take steps to support a safer work environment.

14. Promoting Safety (2 of 4) Many departments utilize SOPs to maintain work-safe environments. SOPs are developed to prevent injuries, establish uniformity, and serve as a foundation for effective operations at the incident. Seat belts are often underutilized by crew members. Driver/operator should be the first to buckle up.

15. Promoting Safety (3 of 4)

16. Promoting Safety (4 of 4) Equipment carried on the apparatus is often stored in areas that present risk to fire fighters. Heavy equipment, despite storage location, presents a safety problem for fire fighters. Proper removal and lifting techniques Driver/operator (safety advocate) influences future apparatus and equipment purchases and modifications to existing equipment.

17. Educating Crew Members (1 of 3) Educate crew members on potential hazards associated with apparatus and equipment. Knowing “why” makes “how” come easy. Driver/operator must address rider positioning to crew members.

18. Educating Crew Members (2 of 3) Riding assignments used by many departments Each seat or position represents a specific task or function. Ensure that critical functions are designated before arrival. Extend responsibilities of riding positions by explaining the response and return hazards of driving the apparatus to crew members.

19. Educating Crew Members (3 of 3) Communicating on the fire ground or en route to the scene can be difficult. Educate crew members on the distractions that hinder effective communications. Some crews use a vehicle intercom system. Driver/operator must be familiar with SOPs regarding emergency communications.

20. Trust and Team Building Crew synergy is strongest when the crew knows about the driver/operator’s roles and responsibilities. Stay focused for a more effective effort. Crew members must believe in the driver/operator’s abilities. Time and patience build a solid team. All crew members must perform assignments without reservation or hesitation.

21. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment (1 of 6) Experienced driver/operators should start training future candidates early. Educating crew members is a major responsibility for the driver/operator. Teach them to recognize operational errors or equipment malfunctions at emergency and nonemergency events. Help crew members understand the stressors that challenge a driver/operator regularly.

22. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment (2 of 6) Safety is embedded in all aspects of firefighting. Driver/operator is responsible for inspecting apparatus and equipment and undertaking basic preventive maintenance. Inspections and checks ensure the reliability of the apparatus and equipment. Routine inspections must be taken seriously.

23. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment (3 of 6) Complete daily inspections of the equipment and apparatus systems to actively promote a work-safe philosophy. Other informational sources used during the inspection and maintenance processes include operating and general service manuals. Manuals are key tools for the maintenance and service program.

24. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment (4 of 6)

25. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment (5 of 6) Educate crew members at the station on the importance of using safety equipment. Demonstrate how to pre-set, start, and operate specialized equipment. Teach how to troubleshoot problems in the field. Give crew members something to remember as a tool to help execute procedures. Write the acronym on the top of the device.

26. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment (6 of 6) Driver/operator may discover other roles and responsibilities charged to the position. Prepare for additions and changes in the role to maintain consistency and reliability by completing assignments. Lead by example. Adhere to SOPs. Colleagues will follow your example.

27. Fire Apparatus and Equipment: Functions and Limitations (1 of 5) Successful driver/operators understand the primary function and recognize the limitations of the apparatus and equipment. Regardless of function, the driver/operator must know the expectations of the crew and fire officers. Missing or not completing an assignment properly is not an option. Communicate immediately if a problem arises that cannot be managed in the field.

28. Fire Apparatus and Equipment: Functions and Limitations (2 of 5) Have training and answers to questions before arriving at the fire ground. Take out the apparatus and practice flowing water with the equipment. Try out different scenarios that may arise. Complex knowledge and skills are needed to be proficient in the driver/operator position.

29. Fire Apparatus and Equipment: Functions and Limitations (3 of 5) Driver/operator must know the functions and limitations of the equipment and onboard systems. Know the answers or where to find them quickly. Operating manuals are the best sources. Educate crew members on the manufacturer’s equipment limitations.

30. Fire Apparatus and Equipment: Functions and Limitations (4 of 5) Not all restrictions are associated with the apparatus’s equipment and systems. The apparatus itself presents challenges. Know the height and weight restrictions for each apparatus. Vehicle dynamics are critical to safe operation.

31. Fire Apparatus and Equipment: Functions and Limitations (5 of 5) Driver/operator should know the fire apparatus, equipment, and systems that support operations. Driver/operator is the crew’s “go-to” person. Education, training, and repetition will support ability and enable the driver/operator to develop alternatives during critical situations.

32. Fire Apparatus and Equipment Inspections (1 of 2) Routine inspections include all onboard systems and carried equipment. Equipment not routinely used may be forgotten. Start with complete inventory of apparatus Cleaning equipment is another inspection method.

33. Fire Apparatus and Equipment Inspections (2 of 2)

34. Safety Across the Board (1 of 2) Many apparatus are used in fire service. No matter what the apparatus is used for or what it responds to, all apparatus are operated two ways. Emergency response: starts with dispatch and ends when fire apparatus is back inside the fire station On-scene operations: operation of any of the fire apparatus-mounted equipment at the incident

35. Safety Across the Board (2 of 2) Both operations are critical components of fire services and dramatically affect the incident outcome. Driver/operator’s response sets the tone for the team. At the scene, effectively operate the equipment. Driver/operator must be able to operate alone. Driver/operator’s job is not done upon arrival at the scene.

36. Emergency Vehicle Response (1 of 6) Dispatch Process of sending out emergency response resources promptly to a location for a specific purpose Communications center gives emergency information. Must have at least two separate ways of notifying each fire station Most departments use verbal message to units responding to the incident.

37. Emergency Vehicle Response (2 of 6) When dispatched for an emergency, the driver/operator should listen for: The type of emergency The location of the emergency The description of the incident Other responding units The assigned tactical radio frequency Additional information from the dispatcher

38. Emergency Vehicle Response (3 of 6) Maps Can take years to learn a response area so the driver/operator must be familiar with maps Most metropolitan departments have a map that driver/operators use to locate incidents.

39. Emergency Vehicle Response (4 of 6) Department maps may be accessed in different ways. Most common map is found at the fire station Usually a large paper map is placed around the station. Maps may have a grid to divide the response area into more specific areas. Smaller version of the station-mounted maps may be on the apparatus.

40. Emergency Vehicle Response (5 of 6) Never try to read the map while responding to an emergency. Some departments use a map on the MDT, which may be able to pinpoint the exact location of an emergency. Whichever map the department uses, select a safe and efficient route for the call.

41. Emergency Vehicle Response (6 of 6) 360-degree inspection Quick check of the apparatus and surroundings to ensure the apparatus is prepared for an emergency or nonemergency response If the apparatus is responding from inside the station, the first step in the inspection is to open the door.

42. Starting the Fire Apparatus (1 of 3) After the 360-degree inspection, enter the cab and initiate the sequence to start the apparatus. Modern apparatus are usually diesel powered. Before starting the apparatus, ensure that unnecessary electrical loads are off. Verify that the parking brake is set.

43. Starting the Fire Apparatus (2 of 3) If the apparatus has automatic transmission, it should be in neutral. Turn on the battery selector switch. Some apparatus will have a prove-out sequence. Once the prove-out sequence is complete, the apparatus is ready to start.

44. Starting the Fire Apparatus (3 of 3) Adjust seats and mirrors during daily fire apparatus inspection. It is dangerous to make changes while operating a moving vehicle. Before leaving for the incident, look over the instrument panel. Fuel gauge Air pressure gauges Oil pressure gauge

45. Seat Belt Safety (1 of 2) Before the apparatus moves, check that all members are wearing a seat belt. NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, requires the driver/operator not move the apparatus until everyone is seated and secured with seat belts in approved riding positions.

46. Seat Belt Safety (2 of 2) NFPA 1500 recognizes instances when fire fighters need to be unsecured When providing necessary emergency medical care When loading hose During tiller training

47. Getting Underway (1 of 4) Once members are secure in the cab, verify that all exterior compartment doors, ladder racks, telescoping scene lights, and other apparatus-mounted equipment is secure. Some apparatus are equipped with compartment-door indicator lights. Others have digital display showing open compartment doors or other damaged equipment.

48. Getting Underway (2 of 4)

49. Getting Underway (3 of 4) Secure interior compartment doors. Items stored in the compartment may fly out if the apparatus is in an accident. Let the engine warm up before the response begins. Operating a cold engine and transmission under hard conditions may damage the engine. Turn on headlights whenever the apparatus is moving, not just at night.

50. Getting Underway (4 of 4) Once the overhead door is fully open, drive the apparatus out. Be aware that other apparatus may be leaving at the same time. Do not exceed 5 mi/h (8 km/h) while pulling out of the station. Look to both sides of the apparatus to ensure that cords and extractor are clear. Close doors after clearing the building.