Cibolo
Volunteer Fire Department
CVFD
Handbook
Approved
by: Chief Niemietz
Emergency
Vehicle Response
PURPOSE:
Responding to any
emergency call, the Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) places a great deal
of responsibility on the DRIVERS of our emergency vehicles. Not only must
EMERGENCY VEHICLE DRIVERS (EVD) provide prompt conveyance of the apparatus,
equipment, and personnel to provide service to those in need,
but just as importantly, must accomplish this task in the safest and most
prudent manner possible.
EVDs have in their
care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by this
organization (the vehicle, portable equipment and PERSONNEL). EVDs 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 EVDs. In order to accomplish this enormous task,
all EVDs shall become familiar with, and constantly abide by the following
policies and procedures.
PROCEDURES:
CIRCLE
of
SAFETY
Prior to entering
the cab and starting the vehicle, the EVD 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 EVD shall encircle the vehicle and visually inspect
all 4 sides and the top of the vehicle before entering the cab. EVDs should
also verify right side and rear clearance with the person riding in the
OFFICER’S position. This shall be conducted prior to moving the vehicle
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is about to leave on an emergency or
non-emergency.
WARNING
DEVICES and INCIDENTS
When responding to
an incident, all audible and visual warning devices will be operated at all
times of day and/or traffic conditions. All EVDs 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.
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. EVDs should be aware that 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 EVD cannot force the right-of-way, nor can assume the
right-of-way, therefore you do not have the
right-of-way until the other vehicle yields to you.
The EVD shall be
aware of the 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 2 second of
following distance for speeds under 40 mph and 2 additional seconds for speeds
over 40 mph.
RESPONSE SPEEDS:
When responding to an incident, drivers shall operate
the vehicle they are driving at as close to the posted speed limit as possible,
but not exceed ten (10) miles per hour over the posted speed limit, conditions
permitting. Examples of conditions requiring reduced speeds include but are not
limited to;
• Slippery road
conditions
• Inclement weather
• Poor visibility
• Heavy or congested
traffic conditions
• Sharp curves
INTERSECTION PRACTICES:
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 EVDs 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 driver’s foot.
• Change the siren
cadence not less than 200’ from the intersection.
• Avoid using the
opposing lane of traffic if at all possible.
EVDs should always be prepared to stop. If another
vehicle operator fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the
EVD cannot 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 or red traffic light requires a complete stop by the EVD, 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 driver options.
• Begin to slow down
well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the
driver’s foot, continue to scan in 4 directions (left, right. Front and back).
• Change the siren
cadence not less than 200’ from the intersection(s).
• Scan the
intersection for possible passing options (pass on the right, left, wait,
etc.).
• Avoid using the
opposing lane of traffic if at all possible.
• Come to a COMPLETE
STOP
• Establish eye
contact with the other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all is clear;
reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped
• Proceed one lane of traffic at a time each
lane of traffic as a separate intersection.
RAILROAD INTERSECTIONS
At any time an EVD approaches an unguarded rail
crossing you shall bring the apparatus or vehicle to a complete stop before
entering the grade crossing. In addition the EVD shall perform the following
prior to proceeding:
• Turn off all
sirens and air horns
• Operate the motor
at idle speed.
• Turn off any other
sound producing equipment or accessories.
• Open the windows
and listen for a train’s horn.
NON-EMERGENCY RESPONSE
When responding to a call in a non-emergency response
mode or normal flow of traffic (non-code 3 or when not responding to an
incident) 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.
ORDINARY TRAVEL PROCEDURES
All drivers shall obey all traffic laws and traffic
control devices when driving any fire department vehicle under ordinary travel
conditions. Any driver observed breaking any traffic laws or driving any
vehicle in an aggressive manner, will be subject to disciplinary action
including, suspension of driving privileges.
RIDING POLICY
CVFD requires all persons riding on fire apparatus to
be seated in approved riding positions and be secured to the vehicle by belts
whenever the vehicle is in motion.
The EVD and/or person riding in the OFFICER’S position
shall verify that all personnel are properly seated and in seat belts before
the vehicle is moved. Standard communication signals should be formulated and
utilized by all personnel.
CVFD prohibits the riding on tail-steps, sidesteps,
running boards, or any other exposed position. (EXCEPTION; On
scene of Grass/Brush Fire B3/BT4) Personnel who perform grass/brush; emergency
medical care while the vehicle is in motion should be secured to the vehicle by
a seat belt or safety harness designed for occupant restraint.
BACKING
CVFD recognizes
that backing emergency vehicles is made hazardous by the fact that the driver
cannot see much of where they intend to go. CVFD recommends that whenever
possible, drivers should avoid backing, as the safest way to back up a vehicle
is not to back up at all. When it is necessary to back up any departmental
vehicle, all drivers shall follow one of the two measures:
• CVFD’s first
choice of backing procedures is that before any vehicle is put into reverse and
backed, a SPOTTER be put in place near the rear of the vehicle. The spatter
should be safely positioned, so that the EVD can see them at all times. If at
any time the EVD loses sight of the spotter, the driver shall immediately stop
until the spotter is visible again.
• If conditions
exist that make use of spotters impossible, all drivers, before attempting to
back up any fire department vehicle, shall make a circle of safety to see that;
no person/persons are directly behind the vehicle or in its intended path of
travel. All equipment is secured and that all compartment doors are securely
closed. Any physical obstructions are moved out of the way. The EVD should also
note all potential obstructions in the intended path of travel.
RESPONSE
in PRIVATE OWNED VEHICLES
When any member responds to the station in their private
vehicle, each member must strictly adhere to all applicable motor vehicle laws.
No member of CVFD is permitted to violate any motor vehicle laws.
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. Any driver observed operating any vehicle in on
aggressive or unsafe manner will be subject to disciplinary action including,
suspension, loss of driving privileges and/or termination.
RESPONSE
DIRECT to SCENES in PRIVATE OWNED VEHICLES
Officers may, at their discretion, respond direct to scenes.
This is usually in the case of the Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Chief for
command and control purposes.
Other members may be requested by an officer to respond direct
to a scene for various reasons.
Certain members may be given permission to respond to certain
scenes by an officer. This may be one time or on-going permission.
No other members are authorized to respond directly to
scenes.
All fires should only be responded to from the Fire Station
with appropriate vehicles and