In Case of Emergency -
Dial 911
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer: These SOGs are currently in the development process and have not yet been completed nor adopted by HPFD. Standard Operating Guidelines High Point Fire District Pageland, SC
USAGE AND TERMS Purpose: To define common terms and the motivation behind these Standard Operating Guidelines. Scope: All personnel Responsibility/ Rationale: The fire service has inherent risks involved in accomplishing the tasks at hand. In order to minimize these hazards the use of a standardized set of actions should be the core of any emergency response Incident Plan. Although there are obvious variations in each incident there are more similarities than differences. These similarities are the reasoning behind the development of Standard Operating Guidelines. These standard operating guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of accident and injury, and should be recognized by the members as such. Usage: The Incident Commander should know the SOGs and base a plan of action that follows them. Procedures have a built-in flexibility that allows, with reasonable justification, adjustments whenever unforeseen circumstances occur. The SOG addresses most common situations that arise during the response to and mitigation of an incident. There may be several SOGs to deal with a response, depending upon the severity, location, and the ability to achieve control as well as other factors. Priorities: Any SOG should follow the most commonly accepted order of incident priorities: · Life Safety· Incident Stabilization· Property ConservationBasis: · SOGs are to comply with local, state, and federal laws.· They should be consistent with proven techniques and practices.· They are to be reviewed periodically to determine effectiveness, and modified as necessary.· NFPA standards, IFSTA training materials, as well as OSHA mandates may be accepted as references for SOGs.
Commonly Used Terms: Guideline The term guideline will be used because it is impossible to address every situation and scenario that may arise while fulfilling the duties of this organization. Must/Will The term(s) must and/or will indicate guidelines that are to be adhered to as closely as possible. Any exceptions taken must be well substantiated and may be subject to reprimand if found in violation. Shall/May The term(s) shall and/or may indicate somewhat more flexibility in the guideline, but any deviation from this recommendation should take into account the due regard for the safety of personnel and the public.
Back to Top
Response in Privately Owned Vehicles Procedures and Guidelines
Purpose: To establish guidelines governing the response to department incidents/events in privately owned vehicles (POVs).
Scope: All personnel
Responsibility/Rationale: High Point Fire District relies on the ability of our members to respond to emergency calls in their personal vehicles, either directly to the scene or to the station. While it is essential to our organizations ability to react to emergencies in a timely manner, there are also inherent risks. These standard operating guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of accident; injury and property damage and should be recognized by the members as such.
Response in private owned vehicles When any member responds to the station or to the scene of an emergency in his/her private vehicle, each member must strictly adhere to all applicable motor vehicle laws. Privately owned vehicles are not provided with the same exemptions that are provided to emergency vehicles. No member of the organization will be permitted to violate any motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to; • Speed limits • Going through traffic control devices • Passing in an unlawful or unsafe manner
While it is recognized that timeliness in response to an emergency is important, it is imperative that all drivers understand that their private vehicles are not emergency vehicles and therefore are not afforded any exemptions or special privileges under state law. Any driver observed breaking any traffic laws or operating any vehicle in an aggressive or unsafe manner will be subject to disciplinary action including, suspension or loss of driving privileges.
Standard Operating Guidelines 1. All members responding in POVs are to abide by all laws concerning motor vehicle operation during response to fire department calls. 2. As previously stated POVs are not emergency vehicles therefore they are not allowed any exemptions of any driving laws. 3. Members responding in POVs are to never exceed the posted speed limit. Driving below the posted speed may be required as conditions dictate; fog, rain, frozen precipitation, heavy traffic, etc. 4. Members responding in POVs are to come to a complete stop at all stop signs and red traffic signals and must wait for normal right of way before proceeding. 5. Be particularly aware when travel through school zones, speed limits are to be strictly adhered to. It is unlawful to pass a stopped school bus. School buses in the process of loading or unloading students are not to be passed in either direction until it is clear to do so and all students at the bus stop are accounted for. 6. Any emergency lighting used on a POV shall be considered a courtesy light, they are not to be used as a license to operate a POV as an emergency vehicle. Courtesy lights are a visual request asking other drivers to allow you to pass them upon your approach. They are not a demand for right of way, nor do they permit the driver to illegally pass or speed to overtake another vehicle. 7. No sirens or other audible warning devices are to be used on any POV. 8. Proper parking at the emergency scene is critical. Park in a way that will not impede flow of traffic unnecessarily or impede operations of emergency vehicles and personnel. Always allow enough room for arriving apparatus. 9. Any driver found guilty by law enforcement officials of disobeying any traffic laws shall be liable for any fines and/or penalties incurred.
Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of High Fire District’s Privately Owned Vehicle Operating Guidelines and have been trained and understand the items and instructions contained in this policy. I also understand the importance of safe operation of POVs, and will abide by all of the tactical and administrative operating guidelines contained in this document.
Print Name________________________________________________
Signed ___________________________________________________ Date _________________________
Witness___________________________________________________ Date_________________________
original - personnel file copy - member
Back to Top
RESPONSE IN EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATING GUIDELINES
Purpose: To establish guidelines governing the response to department incidents/events in department owned vehicles.
Scope: All personnel authorized to drive department vehicles.
Responsibility/Rationale: High Point Fire District places a great deal of responsibility on the drivers of our emergency vehicles. Not only must emergency vehicles drivers provide prompt conveyance of the apparatus, equipment, and personnel to provide service to those in need, but also as importantly, must accomplish this task in the safest and most prudent manner possible. Emergency vehicle drivers have in their care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by this organization (the vehicle, portable equipment, and personnel). Emergency vehicle drivers also have a higher standard of care to provide to the general motoring public and must make every attempt possible to provide due regard for the safety of others. Drivers must constantly monitor and reduce the amount of risk and exposure to potential losses during each and every response. Safe arrival at the emergency scene shall be, and must always remain, the first priority of all emergency vehicle drivers. In order to accomplish this enormous task all emergency vehicles drivers shall become familiar with, and constantly abide by the following policies and procedures. These standard operating guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of accident, injury and property damage and should be recognized by the members as such.
Procedures 1. Circle of safety Prior to entering the cab and starting the vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver shall make a circle of safety around the vehicle to see that all equipment is secured, that all compartment doors are securely closed and any physical obstructions moved out of the way. During the circle of safety the emergency vehicle driver shall encircle the vehicle and visually inspect all 4 sides, the top as well as underneath the vehicle before entering the cab. He/she should also verify right side and rear clearance with the person riding in the officer position. This shall be conducted prior to moving the vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle is about to leave on an emergency or non-emergency trip.
2. Warning devices and true emergencies When responding to a true emergency1, all audible and visual warning devices will be operated at all times regardless of time of day and/or traffic conditions. All emergency vehicle drivers must understand that warning devices are not always effective in making other vehicle operators aware of your presence. Warning devices only request the right-of-way, they do not insure the right-of-way. 1The definition of a true emergency is a situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual, or significant property loss, and actions by an emergency vehicle driver may reduce the seriousness of the situation.
3. Vehicle control and right-of-way All drivers shall attempt to maintain control of the vehicle that they are operating in such a manner as to provide the maximum level of safety for both their passengers and the general public. Emergency vehicle drivers should be aware that the civilian vehicle operators might not react in the manner in which is expected or felt to be appropriate. An attempt should be made to have options available when passing or overtaking vehicles. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver can not force the right of way, nor can you assume the right of way, therefore you do not have the right of way until the other vehicle yields to you. The emergency vehicle driver shall be aware of his/her rate of closure on other vehicles and pedestrians at all times to make sure that a safe following distance is established and maintained. All drivers shall follow the rule for safe following distance and allow 1 second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length for speeds under 40 mph and add 1 additional second for each 10 mph for speeds over 40 mph.
4. Response speeds When responding to a true emergency1 only, drivers shall operate the vehicle they are driving at as close to the posted speed limit as possible, but not to exceed ten (10) miles per hour over the posted speed limit, conditions permitting. Examples of conditions requiring slower response speeds include but are not limited to; · Slippery road conditions· Inclement weather· Poor visibility· Heavy or congested traffic conditions· Sharp curves· School zones
5. Intersection Practices Extreme care should be taken when approaching any intersection, as intersections are responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles. Drivers are required to practice the organization’s intersection operating guidelines during all emergency responses.
Uncontrolled intersections Any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle or where a traffic control signal is green upon the approach of the emergency vehicle all emergency vehicle drivers should do the following: • Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.). Observe traffic in all 4 directions (left, right, front, rear) • Slow down if any potential hazards are detected and cover the brake pedal with the drivers foot. • Change the siren cadence not less than 200’ from intersection • Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible.
Emergency vehicle drivers should always be prepared to stop. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver can not force the right of way, nor can you assume the right of way, therefore you do not have the right of way until the other vehicle yields to you.
Controlled intersections Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or a red traffic light requires a complete stop by the emergency vehicle driver. In addition to bringing the vehicle to a complete stop these additional steps must be followed as well; • Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic. • Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.) as well as other options. • Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the drivers foot, continue to scan in 4 directions (left, right, front and back) • Change the siren cadence not less than 200’ from intersection • Scan intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.) avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible • Come to a complete stop • Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all is clear; reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped • Proceed one lane of traffic at a time treating each lane of traffic as a separate intersection
Railroad intersections Although we don’t have any railroad crossings within our district, the potential to deal with this type of intersection may arise from mutual aid responses or when traveling out of our district for vehicle service or repair.
At any time an emergency vehicle driver approaches an unguarded rail crossing he/she shall bring the apparatus or vehicle he/she is operating to a complete stop before entering the grade crossing. In addition the emergency vehicle driver shall perform the following prior to proceeding: • Turn off all sirens and air horns • Operator the motor at idle speed • Turn off any other sound producing equipment or accessories • Open the windows and listen for a train’s horn
6. Non-emergency response When responding to a call in a non-emergency response mode the vehicle will be operated without any audible or visual warning devices and in compliance with all state motor vehicle laws that apply to civilian traffic. At no time should any emergency vehicle be operated during response with only visual warning devices. Visual warning devices should only be operated with audible devices, unless parked emergency scene.
7. Ordinary travel procedures
8. Riding policy
9. Backing 1) The department’s first choice of turning a vehicle around is to “circle the block”. 2) If the “circle the block” method isn’t available or attainable, then before backing any departmental vehicle a spotter is to assume a position near the driver side, rear of the vehicle in view of the driver side mirror. An additional spotter may be used at right rear if needed and are available. If additional spotter is used, they are to communicate with driver side spotter, which relays that information to driver. a) The driver and spotter should agree upon a plan for backing the vehicle around before the vehicle is moved. b) The spotter should be safely positioned so that the emergency vehicle driver can see them at all times. c) The spotter and driver must maintain visual contact at all times, if at any time the emergency vehicle driver loses sight of the spotter, he/she shall stop immediately until the spotter makes himself/herself visible again. 3) If no spotter is available and the “circle the block” method isn’t available or attainable; before attempting to back up any fire department vehicle, the driver shall make a circle of safety to insure that; a) No person or objects are directly behind the vehicle or in its intended path of travel. b) All equipment is secured and that all compartment doors are securely closed. c) Any physical obstructions are moved out of the way. The emergency vehicle driver should also note all potential obstructions in the intended path of travel.
10. School Zones and School Buses All traffic laws are to be adhered to when operating in school zones or around school buses, which are loading or unloading students. Obey posted speed limits in school zones. Be vigilant in watching out for students. Obey school-crossing guards. State law prohibits passing a school bus that is loading or unloading students. Do not proceed past stopped school bus until indicated by direct visual contact from the bus driver and being aware of location of children that may be waiting to board or who have just gotten off of bus.
11. Alcohol/Drug Use Under no conditions shall anyone be allowed to respond to calls or operate any department vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Drugs include any prescribed or over-the-counter medications that may affect the judgement or ability of the member to safely perform his/her duties. If there is any doubt as to your physical condition do not respond to the call.
12. Due Regard Regardless of the situation that arises it is mandatory for the driver of any vehicle (POV or department owned) to provide due regard for the safety of others.
Acknowledgment I acknowledge that I have received a copy of Emergency Vehicle Response Operating Guidelines of High Fire District, and understand the items and instructions contained in this policy. I also understand the importance of safe operation of this organization’s vehicles, and will abide by all of the tactical and administrative operating guidelines contained in this document.
Print Name__________________________________________________
Signed _____________________________________________________ Date _________________________
Witness_____________________________________________________ Date_________________________
Original - personnel file Copy - member Back to Top
Vehicle Backing Practices
Backing an emergency vehicle is a very hazardous undertaking. There are many accidents and injuries that result from improper backing practices. Emergency vehicles of all types are especially hazardous because of the many blind spots interfering with the driver’s ability to see hazards. These standard operating guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of accident and injury, and should be recognized by the members as such.
A) General Rules 1) If you can avoid backing, don’t back the vehicle! 2) Never be in a hurry when backing. 3) If there is no spotter available: i) Reconsider backing up. Is it really necessary? ii) Make a reasonable attempt to get someone to act as a spotter iii) If a spotter cannot be obtained, get out the unit and walk around the unit completing a "circle of safety" and survey the backing area. Before proceeding to back unit, being sure to also check overhead clearance iv) Give a final warning of two horn blasts just prior to backing
B) Driver Responsibilities 1) Bring the unit to a complete stop 2) Roll window down completely 3) Make visual and verbal contact with the spotter. Agree with spotter on hand signals and decided path to take. 4) Driver and spotter must establish and continue eye contact in the left rear view mirror at all times. “If you cannot see or hear the spotter, do not backup!” 5) Drivers must have a thorough knowledge of spotter hand signals 6) The spotter hand signals to the driver indicating it is safe to begin backing 7) The driver gives a two-blast warning on the horn just prior to backing
C) Spotter Responsibilities 1) Conduct a "circle of safety" and survey the backing area and all other sides of the vehicle checking for hazards. Before proceeding to back unit, being sure to also check overhead clearance 2) Communicate any observed hazards to the driver 3) Place yourself eight to ten feet to the left rear of the unit 4) Establish visual and verbal contact with the driver and continue eye to eye contact in the left rear view mirror at all times 5) Be familiar with hand signals before allowing backing maneuvers to begin 6) Stop the driver if any hazards are observed or if you are uncertain of the direction that the driver is maneuvering 7) Additional spotters may be used if available and desired, but they should only communicate with primary spotter and only the primary spotter is to communicate with driver.
OPERATING GUIDELINES
Purpose: To establish guidelines governing the operation of brush units and personnel during outdoor fire operations.
Scope: All personnel responding to outdoor fires.
Responsibility/Rationale: Outdoor fires often cover large areas over a variety of terrain and may involve various types of vegetation. Because of the unconfined nature of outdoor fires, it is usually necessary to be mobile when suppressing these fires. Depending on the size of the incident several vehicles from multiple agencies may be involved. Our brush units do not meet NFPA recommendations because they have exposed operator areas that may be used to fight fire while the unit is in motion. In order to provide for the safety of those participating in these operations strict adherence to these guidelines are mandatory. These standard operating guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of accident, injury and property damage and should be recognized by the members as such.
Procedures 1. Driver must abide by guidelines set forth in Emergency Vehicle Response SOG
2. All persons traveling in a brush unit will be seated in cab with seatbelts secured, unless all of the following conditions are met during operations at an outdoor fire: · One person seated in the driver’s position with seat belt secured, he shall be called driver.· One person in the bed operating the pump and turret, he shall be called operator.· One person on the ground in visual and verbal contact with driver and operator at all times, he shall be called safety.· Terrain must be smooth and firm with good traction, without ditches, terraces, excessive incline or thick vegetation.· Maximum ground speed 5 MPH or equivalent to a fast walk.· Area that brush unit is operating within must have good visibility.· Driver must announce the need to change direction of travel and confirm the operator is prepared and safety must confirm that path is clear.
3. Safety’s role is to oversee operation of one brush unit at a time and coordinate efforts of driver and operator. His priority is to provide for the safety of the personnel on and in the immediate vicinity of the brush unit. 4. Anytime to brush unit is traveling, i.e. to/from water fill point or to/from fire location, the operator must dismount from the bed of the unit. 5. The operator and/or safety may ride in the brush unit during travel provided they are in the cab with seat belts secured. 6. Brush units should always operate from the burned area. 7. If visibility is hampered due to smoke and/or darkness operator should dismount from bed and operate handlines a safe distance from truck. 8. Other units, including additional brush units and/or fire plows, may be operating on the scene. Be aware of other vehicles operating in area. Back to Top
Purpose: To set forth guidelines to be followed during hose loading operations.
Scope: All personnel
Responsibility/ Rationale: Hose loading operations can be very hazardous and has the potential to contribute to death and serious injury. These standard operating guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of accident and injury, and should be recognized by the members as such.
Hose Loading Guidelines Emergency vehicle drivers should never move the apparatus until he/she is absolutely certain of the whereabouts of all personnel. Personnel involved in hose loading operations can be permitted to ride on the moving apparatus so long as the following conditions are met: · The hose loading procedures shall be in written form and all personnel involved should be trained in the procedures.· There shall be an individual, other than those loading hose, assigned as a safety observer. The safety observer should have an unobstructed view of the hose loading operation and be in visual and verbal contact with the apparatus operator.· Non-fire department vehicular traffic should be excluded from the area or should be under the control of authorized traffic control persons.· The windows should be rolled down and radio volume turned down in order to allow driver to better communicate with safety observer.· The driver is to focus totally on safely maneuvering the apparatus according to the direction of the safety observer.· The fire apparatus should only be driven in the forward direction and at a speed no faster than a steady walk.· Driver should attempt to maintain a steady speed during loading operations and avoid erratic starts and stops.· Any persons not directly involved in the hose loading operation should be out of the area and in clear view of the driver and/or safety observer· Personnel may be in the hose bed, but must maintain a balanced and stable kneeling or seated stance, and are not be standing while the apparatus is in motion. Extreme caution should be observed while in the hose bed area, particularly when near the sides and back of hose bed.· No personnel should be allowed on the tailboard, sidesteps, running boards, or any other location on the apparatus, other than the hose bed, while it is in motion.· Minimum PPE for members performing or within close proximity of hose loading operation shall include gloves and helmet
Disclaimer: These SOGs are currently in the development process and have not yet been completed nor adopted by HPFD. |
Contact
hpfd320@hotmail.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
