Operation of Emergency Vehicles / 1
/ Joplin Fire Department
Standard Operating Guideline / SOG
802.5-11-E
Subject:OPERATION OF EMERGENCY VEHICLES
PAGES 1 of 3 / Effective Date:
12-20-2011
Rescinds:
802.4-09-E
Application:
All JFD Personnel / Updated by: Deputy Chief Jim Perkins
Authorized by: Fire Chief Randles
PURPOSE: To establish safe driving practices.
ACTION:
- General
When any fire apparatus is in motion on any public or private trafficwayor parking lot, the following measures shall apply:
1)The headlights shall be on.
2)Turn signals shall always be used, even during emergency operations.
3)The crew shall be aware of all overhead hazards and verify that the top of the apparatus will not strike any object.
4)A ground guide person shall be used and emergency lights activated any time an apparatus is backed. If at any time the ground guide is not visible to the driver the apparatus will come to a full stop until the ground guide is visible.
5)The Captain should employ a crew management system when operating the vehicle, by utilizing all personnel in the vehicle to be watchful for and to warn of unsafe conditions over the vehicle intercom system.
- Operation
1)All fire department apparatus shall be operated in compliance with all traffic laws, including sections pertaining to emergency vehicles and any requirements of the Authority having Jurisdiction.
2)Drivers of Fire Apparatus shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of the vehicle under all conditions.
3)When the Driver is under the direct supervision of an Officer or Officer Designee, That person shall also assume responsibility for the driver’s actions.
4)Prior to movement of an apparatus for any reason, Drivers shall conduct a 360 degree walk around to assure that all compartments are in the closed position and any objects which will be in the path of the vehicle are removed.
5)Drivers shall not move fire apparatus until all persons on the vehicle are seated and secured in seat belts in approved riding positions.
6)The driver will verify that all shore line connections have fully separated from the vehicle prior to moving the apparatus.
7)Drivers shall not move fire apparatus until they, along with their Captain, have verified that the garage door is in the fully up position and not in motion. All non-driving personnel shall monitor the garage door to assure that the door does not begin to close while apparatus is in motion.
8)Apparatus shall pull from the station at idle speed.
9)All personnel in fire department apparatus shall remain seated and secured until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
10)While the vehicle is in motion the donning and doffing of equipment and personal protective clothing that requires the removal of any seat belt shall be prohibited.
11)Drivers of fire apparatus shall obey all traffic control signals and signs and rules of the road of the jurisdiction for the operation of motor vehicles.
12)Procedures for emergency response shall emphasize that the safe arrival of fire apparatus at the emergency scene is the first priority.
13)During emergency response, drivers of fire apparatus shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop under any of the following circumstances.
a)When directed by a law enforcement officer.
b)Red traffic lights.
c)Stop signs.
d)Negative right of way intersections.
e) Blind intersections.
f)When the driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic in the intersection.
g)When other intersection hazards are present.
h)When encountering a stopped School bus with flashing warning lights.
14)Drivers shall proceed through an intersection only when the driver can account for all lanes of traffic in the intersection.
15) Apparatus will NOT proceed down a one-way street or divided highway against traffic.
16)During emergency response or non-emergency travel, drivers of fire apparatus shall come to a complete stop at all unguarded railroad grade crossings. Drivers shall ensure that it is safe to proceed before crossing the railroad tracks.
17)Drivers shall use caution when approaching and crossing any guarded railroad crossing.
18)At no time shall the speed of departmental apparatus exceed the posted speed limit.
19) When chains are applied top speed shall be 30 MPH.
20) Maximum speed on Interstates shall be 65 MPH.
21) Jake brakes or transmission retarders are to be used at all times except during periods of inclimate weather conditions.
22) Upon stopping fire department apparatus, the driver will ensure that the vehicle is stabilized in place by utilization of the provided tire chocks in front of and behind the rear tires of the apparatus.
23)Due to the level of congestion on Rangeline Road between Turkey Creek Blvd. and 24th street, travel on this section of Rangeline shall be avoided between 0700hrs.and 2200hrs. daily. The only exception to this rule will be when the incident is on Rangeline and then travel shall not exceed more than 4 blocks.
V. Exceptions:
1.Aerials shall be chocked in front of and behind the front tire any time the outriggers are used or the aerial device is operated.
2. Apparatus may travel against traffic on any one-way streets and divided highways ONLY if the roadway has been secured by law enforcement and verification has been received that is safe to do so.
VI. REFERENCE:‘Joplin City Code’ Section 114.97, Authorized Emergency Vehicles, RSMO section 304.022, NFPA 1451, NFPA 1500