Firefighters must follow protocols for driving safely.
The manner in which fire departments respond to emergencies presents a hazard because of the high speeds driven and the weight of the vehicles used. Firefighters are the first line of defense when there is a medical emergency, wildfire, terrorist attack, natural disaster or a release of hazardous materials. In order for first responders to serve the public effectively, firefighters must keep themselves safe by following fire department vehicle safety protocols.
Basic Driving Policies
All firefighters in an emergency vehicle must wear seat belts. Whether there is an emergency or not, the driver of the vehicle must ensure all necessary staff is on-board, suited-up properly and using their seat belts before the vehicle can move. Also, firefighters should not use lights or sirens on the road when they are not responding to an emergency.
Emergency Response Policies
Fire departments operating a vehicle in an emergency mode must have their warning lights flashing and sirens on to warn drivers and pedestrians of their approach. The use of lights and sirens does not automatically give fire fighters in an emergency vehicle the right of way. The use of these instruments is simply a request to have the right of way--it is the driver's responsibility to make sure it is safe to proceed. Also, during an emergency the driver of a fire department vehicle cannot exceed the posted speed limits by more than 10 miles per hour.
Special Safety Considerations
Before backing up a fire department vehicle, the driver must ensure the path is clear. One or two people should serve as spotters to help guide the driver, especially when there is limited visibility.
When a fire department vehicle arrives at the scene of incident, the driver must be able to remain calm and to move quickly while exercising caution around other drivers and pedestrians who may be distracted by the emergency situation.
Fire Department Vehicle Drivers
Those driving emergency vehicles must attend and pass the basic driver training course and the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course. The driving record of emergency vehicle operators must remain without driving offenses.
Use of Personal Vehicles
Firefighters using their own vehicles to respond to an emergency must possess a valid driver's license and have passed the basic driver-training course and the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course.
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