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The Driver/Operator. The driver/operator is responsible for safely transporting firefighters,apparatus, and equipment to and from the scene of an emergency or other call for service. Once on the scene, the driver/operator must be capable of operating the apparatus properly, swiftly, and safely.
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The driver/operator is responsible for safely transporting firefighters,apparatus, and equipment to and from the scene of an emergency or other call for service. Once on the scene, the driver/operator must be capable of operating the apparatus properly, swiftly, and safely. These skills are determined by each jurisdiction and in addition the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications sets minimum qualifications
It requires any driver/operator who is responsible for operating a fire pump to also meet the requirements of NFPA 101, Professional Qualifications for Fire Fighter I.
Skills and Physical Abilities • Reading skills • Writing skills • Mathematical skills • Physical fitness in accordance with NFPA 1500 • Vision Requirements (20/30) NFPA 1582 • Hearing Requirements NFPA 1582
Selection of Driver/Operator To meet the intent of NFPA 1002 the candidates will also have to attend and complete a Firefighter I course Simply letting a firefighter drive the truck around and showing him/her how to engage the pump is not adequate
Driving Regulations • Driver/Operator are regulated by state laws city ordinances, and departmental SOPs In general a driver/operator is subject to all statues, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle driver
In most jurisdictions, emergency vehicles are not exempt from laws that require to stop for school buses when their flashing red signal lights indicate that children are being loaded or unloaded Recent legal decisions have held that a driver/operator who does not obey state, local, or department SOPs can be subject to criminal and civil prosecution-if involved in a accident, both the driver/operator and the fire department may be held responsible.
Licensing Requirements In the United States the (DOT) establishes the basic requirements for the licensing of drivers Each state may alter them if it deems necessary for its jurisdiction Some states require the driver/operator to have a (CDL) while others have exempted the fire service from these requirements