Working Copy | Revised January 2005

Work in Progress | Not Certified by the Chief Officer at this time

August, 2007

The Duties of Drivers are many and varied. It is the intention of this Chapter to outline how Drivers should respond to an incident. While safety is Number One, it is not the intention of this SOG to list, rank, and describe all the duties of fire department drivers as they respond to an incident. Some "common sense" is required. This SOG will try to give priority to what needs to be done and what should be done as the firefighter responds to an incident.

These SOGs are being built to show all Drivers/Firefighters what is expected of them both On and Off the Fire Scene. FBVFD requires its Drivers to attend Emergency Vehicle Driver Training {EVDT} class before they can drive. Training of Drivers will include requirements for maintaining their EVDT certification. Each Driver must know that in order for the Chief Officer to allow them to drive, they must be in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they operate an emergency vehicle. NFPA 1002 and 1500 are recognized standards for emergency vehicle drivers, and FBVFD shall try to implement portions of these standards as time continues. This document will also allow future Drivers to see what it is that they need in order to drive. Training is based on the information found in the VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Program.

Driver Certification is an important aspect of Fort Blackmore VFDs Emergency Vehicles. Certification of all drivers shall be an integral part of Fort Blackmore VFDs Firefighter Training. Actual driving experience, both in emergency and non-emergency settings, will be part of the certification program. Observed performance in the field will also be a part of Recertification. Length of time since Certification shall hopefully not exceed two years. All new emergency vehicles shall be introduced to Drivers and training shall commence on them. New technology in the emergency vehicles shall be learned.

Drivers shall have their Motor Vehicle Records {MRVs} checked through VSP. The Chief Officer shall oversee this check. MRVs shall be checked at least once every three years, or more often if the Driver is asking for Certification to drive an ambulance/First Responder. Copies of each operator license will be placed in the Drivers’ Personnel Jacket, yearly, if possible. In the event of an accident, the Driver will be submitted for Drug/Alcohol Testing. Drivers’ Personnel Jackets will include: [1] Classes Attended, [2] Classes completed for proficiency, [3] Certification, such as EVDT or Roll-Over Class, [4] Licensing: a Check of Drivers’ Driving Records will be done and the date in which it was completed shall be placed in their Personnel Jacket, signed by the Instructor, Chief, or Chief’s appointed Line Officer.

Drivers must realize that most emergency vehicle accidents are driver error, mostly caused by excessive speed.

Drivers’ Responsibilities

When an alarm is received by the Driver, as a volunteer, she/he should try to respond as quickly as possible. The Driver should report to the Station, do his preliminary walk-around, start the vehicle, and prepare to leave. Seatbelts should be worn by all Responders, including the Driver. She/He should speed or break any motor vehicle laws while responding. She/He should drive the speed limit, or a slightly faster speed if road and WX condition permit.; and, whether it is life or property involved, the Driver should use Extreme Caution and Due Regard for civilian drivers and Responders reporting to the Station.. She/He should not EXPECT other drivers to give the right of way simply because she/he is responding to an emergency. The Driver shall use red lights and sirens when responding to a Fire Incident. "Lights and Sirens" are required for emergency traffic, but is not a license to break the law. "Lights and Sirens" are the Driver’s means of aksing for the "right of way". If the right of way is asked, it may not be received. In that case, the Driver may not break the law to get to the Fire Scene {this includes ALL emergency traffic that Fort Blackmore VFD runs}. The Driver must obey all traffic signs and speed-limits. It is better to arrive alive and live to fight fire another day, than be sent to the hospital/morgue. These important points are emphasized below.

When Responding in a Department Vehicle:

Do not break any laws to arrive at the fire hall or the scene

Come to the fire hall to ride the fire truck to the scene

You will be known as the Engineer or OIC {Officer in Charge}

Place your PPE in the vehicle, or put it on. Keep your helmet off until arriving on the scene.

If you arrive late, and your Engine or other Fire Vehicle has already gone "en-route", take your gear and POV to the scene