2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week Vehicle Safety Chapter 5 FOOG’s

1. 2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week Vehicle Safety Chapter 5 FOOG’s

2. Section 100 Vehicle Readiness • The purpose of this guideline is to provide direction and instruction in the check-out of departmental vehicles.

3. Safety • In order to help ensure the readiness, reliability, and safe operation of departmental vehicles, it is essential that all vehicles be checked-out in a methodical and consistent manner. Drivers of all department vehicles are responsible for creating, maintaining, and routinely completing Vehicle Check-Out forms for their vehicle(s).

4. Check Out • Emergency response vehicles (those required to be checked-out daily) shall be checked-out as soon as possible at the beginning of each shift or anytime after being in and out-of-service for mechanical reasons (service, failure, etc.).

5. Preventative Maintenance • The vehicle/apparatus operator will ensure that daily, weekly, and monthly vehicle check-offs are performed in accordance with the vehicle specification package.

6. Placing Out of Service • The vehicle/apparatus operator should place the vehicle out of service immediately if he/she feels safety may be compromised.

7. Case Study – Boston FD Jan. 2009 • City of Boston FD • 30 year veteran Lt. killed in the line-of-duty after breaks on Truck 26 fail. • Further inspection identified an additional 3 trucks with faulty breaks.

8. News Report: http://wbztv.com/local/fire.truck.inspections.2.913612.html

9. Section 200 Vehicle Operations • The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the proper operation of department vehicles. These guidelines are not intended to replace the judgment of the vehicle operator. Certain circumstances may require deviation from established guidelines. In all cases, safety is the paramount consideration.

10. Response Guidelines • Seat belts will be worn by operators and passengers at all times. • The vehicle operator must ensure that all passengers are secured, properly bunkered, and positioned before moving the vehicle. (Drivers have been convicted of manslaughter for failure to insure everyone was belted.) • Riding on the exterior of any apparatus/vehicle is strictly prohibited.

11. Response Guidelines • Vehicles shall not be backed without use of a back-up person, unless personnel are not available for this function. The back-up person shall use clear, concise hand signals to direct the vehicle operator. If a back-up person is not available, (i.e. many times this is the case on Medic Units) the operator should walk around the vehicle to check for obstructions prior to moving the vehicle. • Chock blocks should be used in front and behind the left rear tire on fire apparatus (on very steep grades, both chocks will be used on the downhill side of the tire). The left front tire must be chocked on all Medic Units.

12. Response Guidelines • Personnel will wear provided hearing protection in apparatus, with the exception of Freightliner/Saulsbury pumpers. • All auxiliary braking devices such as engine or exhaust, brakes, transmission, and Telma retarders will be disengaged when operating on wet or slippery roads.

13. Response Guidelines • The driver/operator will use both audible and visual emergency warning devices, including lights and sirens. • The vehicle/apparatus will be brought to a complete stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs. • The posted speed limit will be observed when entering an intersection with a green light visible.

14. Response Guidelines • The vehicle will slow to a speed of not more than five (5) miles per hour when entering an intersection controlled by a yield right-of-way sign only. • The vehicle will be brought to a complete stop at all intersections that are visibly obstructed in any manner (i.e. buildings, other vehicles, trees or shrubbery, etc.). • Extreme caution will be exercised when traveling in the opposite traffic flow lanes.

15. Response Guidelines • At no time will the operator proceed through an intersection until he/she has looked in all directions and determined that it is safe to proceed. While proceeding through the intersection, both the operator and the officer (where applicable) shall be on the alert for approaching or turning vehicles, other emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and any other hazard that could compromise safety.

16. Response Guidelines • Overtaking another vehicle moving in the same direction should be done with extreme caution. This should be accomplished by passing the upcoming vehicle on the left whenever possible. • The posted, reduced speed limits for school zones will be observed during hours of operation.

17. Response Guidelines • Operators will bring the vehicle to a complete stop whenever encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights and will not proceed until it is confirmed safe to do so; it will be considered safe to proceed once the bus driver has ceased operating the flashing warning lights or should the bus driver signal that it is safe to proceed.

18. Response Guidelines • A distance of 300 - 500 feet should be maintained between emergency vehicles if responding together along the same route. In congested areas or when encountering heavy traffic, this minimum distance may be impossible to maintain. Always maintain adequate distance to avoid rear-end collisions.

19. Response Guidelines • Always maintain an operating space in front of the vehicle that is at least equal to the minimum travel distance necessary to stop the vehicle without contacting another object. • The vehicle/apparatus operator will follow the safest most expeditious route whenever possible. Also, it is important to be aware that unnecessary route of travel through congested or heavily populated areas, such as subdivisions, should be avoided whenever possible.

20. Response Guidelines • The location and response route of emergency vehicles will be updated via radio communications any time there is a possibility that emergency vehicle routes could intersect during an emergency response.

21. On Scene Operations • During on-scene operations, the vehicle operator will remain with his/her assigned unit unless directed otherwise by their Company Officer or the Incident Commander. • Any apparatus not being utilized should be positioned away from the scene and shut down.

22. On Scene Operations • The apparatus operator shall wear the appropriate protective clothing for the situation. To increase visibility, all personnel will wear reflective vests if bunker gear is not required. • When operating on incidents on streets, roadways or highways, the operator will position the apparatus between the on-coming traffic and the emergency incident at a thirty (30) degree angle to protect personnel operating on the incident.

23. On Scene Operations • Vehicle operators will avoid running over fire hose except in cases of extreme necessity. • Operators of aerial apparatus shall ensure the aerial is positioned correctly, and that it is safe for climbing. They will also ensure that personnel observe established safety guidelines, which include the wearing of helmets by all personnel on the ground below raised aerials.

24. On Scene Operations • Safety should be the primary consideration during hose loading activities. At no time will any apparatus be placed in reverse when personnel are loading hose from behind the vehicle. When loading hose, personnel on the hose bed should work from a kneeling position to prevent falls.

25. Case Study - Houston FD April 2009 11 patients 9 FF’s injured

26. Background • “HOUSTON -- Two days ago, two fire trucks collided while racing to the same call.  But now high-level sources have suggested to 11 News that sometimes trucks race to a fire to see who can get there first.” • Both Houston rigs were responding to what was initially a reported fire call-but turned out to be public works crew smoke-testing sewer lines. Cops determined that FF Ducote ran a red light while headed northbound and was broad-sided by the engine company westbound....the engine had the green light. • www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com

27. St. Louis FD Oct. 2008 • The two fire engines were headed to a fire about 12:45 p.m. about a block from where the crash happened. • 8 FF’s injured – 1 concussion- all seat belted. • Watch the Red Light!

28. Multiple LODD’s in GA. within last year • Stockton, GA. Feb 24. 2009 • One brother was driving, the other riding seat (deceased), dad is chief, wife of deceased was driving second in engine.

29. Walker County, Ga. Dec. 31, 2008 • Corporal Chris DeBord with the Georgia State Patrol said, "he tried to turn left onto Mcfarland Avenue, apparently was running a little too fast for turn, brought a power pole down and went onto its top." • "It's been hard on all of us," says Fort Oglethorpe Fire Chief Bruce Ballew. "The chaplins are really getting a workout, but they're helping. I'm glad they're here for somebody to talk to."

30. GA. wrecks within last year • Monroe County FD • Atlanta ARFF FD (bot. right) • Houston County FD (right) • Crisp County FD (bot.)