1 connecticut fire academy officer’s role in driver safety connecticut fire academy officer’s...

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Connecticut Fire AcademyConnecticut Fire Academy

Officer’s Role In Driver SafetyOfficer’s Role In Driver Safety

Connecticut Fire AcademyOfficer’s Role in Driver Safety


2Connecticut Fire AcademyOfficer’s Role in Driver Safety


Connecticut Fire Academy Officer’s Role in Driver Safety


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Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives

To provide guidance to fire department comp-To provide guidance to fire department comp-

any and staff officers for developing & maint-any and staff officers for developing & maint-

aining support for the safe operation of all fire aining support for the safe operation of all fire

and emergency vehicles and / or any other and emergency vehicles and / or any other

vehicles operated by the fire department and / vehicles operated by the fire department and /

or its members while in the performance of or its members while in the performance of

their dutiestheir duties



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Including:Including:

•Fire apparatusFire apparatus

•Rescue vehiclesRescue vehicles

•AmbulancesAmbulances

•Command vehiclesCommand vehicles

•Support vehiclesSupport vehicles

•Any other vehicles owned by the dept.Any other vehicles owned by the dept.

•POV’sPOV’s



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TopicsTopics

Basic Driving Policies:Basic Driving Policies:

• Driver qualifications and trainingDriver qualifications and training

• Skills maintenanceSkills maintenance

• Duties and responsibilitiesDuties and responsibilities

• Risk ManagementRisk Management

• General traffic lawsGeneral traffic laws

• Reporting safety problems & violationsReporting safety problems & violations



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TopicsTopics

Emergency Response Policies:Emergency Response Policies:

• Authorized emergency responseAuthorized emergency response

• Special driver qualificationsSpecial driver qualifications

• Applicable traffic lawsApplicable traffic laws

• Fire Department driving policiesFire Department driving policies

• Use of warning devicesUse of warning devices

• Member behavior while riding apparatusMember behavior while riding apparatus



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TopicsTopics

Liability Issues:Liability Issues:

• Negligent hiringNegligent hiring

• Negligent retentionNegligent retention

• Lack of trainingLack of training

• Improper trainingImproper training



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TopicsTopics

Vehicle Accident Reporting & Investigation:Vehicle Accident Reporting & Investigation:

• Accident scene proceduresAccident scene procedures

• Accident InvestigationAccident Investigation

• Report preparation & publicationReport preparation & publication

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AbstractAbstract

Collision incidents involving the operation of Collision incidents involving the operation of all types of fire apparatus continue to rise all types of fire apparatus continue to rise each year.each year.

Such incidents continue to be a leading Such incidents continue to be a leading cause of firefighter deaths and injuries cause of firefighter deaths and injuries throughout the countrythroughout the country..

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The second leading cause of The second leading cause of death and injury for Fire death and injury for Fire

personnel is blunt force trauma personnel is blunt force trauma due to vehicle crashesdue to vehicle crashes

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The leading cause of death and The leading cause of death and injury for EMS personnel is injury for EMS personnel is blunt force trauma due to blunt force trauma due to

vehicle crashesvehicle crashes

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Myths v. FactsMyths v. Facts

Myth #1:Myth #1: emergency vehicle accidents occur in bad emergency vehicle accidents occur in bad weather with poor visibilityweather with poor visibility

Fact #1: Fact #1: The majority of emergency vehicle The majority of emergency vehicle accidents occur on clear days with good visibilityaccidents occur on clear days with good visibility

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Myth #2: Myth #2: Most emergency vehicle accidents occur Most emergency vehicle accidents occur on dark roads or at dusk when the driver has diffi-on dark roads or at dusk when the driver has diffi-culty seeing other vehicles.culty seeing other vehicles.

Fact #2: Fact #2: The majority of emergency vehicle acci-The majority of emergency vehicle acci-dents occur in daylight.dents occur in daylight.

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Myth #3: Myth #3: Most emergency vehicle accidents occur Most emergency vehicle accidents occur when trying to pass a vehicle that refuses to yield to when trying to pass a vehicle that refuses to yield to the right of the road.the right of the road.

Fact #3: Fact #3: The majority of emergency vehicle accidents The majority of emergency vehicle accidents occur when making turns or when broadsided at an occur when making turns or when broadsided at an intersection.intersection.

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Myth #4: Myth #4: Most emergency vehicle accidents occur Most emergency vehicle accidents occur on wet or snowy roads.on wet or snowy roads.

Fact #4: Fact #4: The majority of emergency vehicle The majority of emergency vehicle accidents occur on dry roads.accidents occur on dry roads.

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Myth #5: Myth #5: Most emergency vehicle accidents occur Most emergency vehicle accidents occur while backing the vehicle into a tight spot.while backing the vehicle into a tight spot.

Fact #5: Fact #5: As in Fact #3, the majority of emergency As in Fact #3, the majority of emergency vehicle accidents occur on the roadway in an vehicle accidents occur on the roadway in an intersectionintersection..

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Myth #6: Myth #6: Because emergency vehicles have lights Because emergency vehicles have lights and sirens, the traffic signal device does not and sirens, the traffic signal device does not present the emergency vehicle driver with a major present the emergency vehicle driver with a major hazard.hazard.

Fact #6: Fact #6: Locations where traffic signaling devices Locations where traffic signaling devices exist present the greatest risk for an emergency exist present the greatest risk for an emergency vehicle accident to occur.vehicle accident to occur.

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Where is the problem?Where is the problem?

So if the weather, time of day, the other So if the weather, time of day, the other drivers, location of crashes and all the things drivers, location of crashes and all the things we mentioned are myths, then where is the we mentioned are myths, then where is the problem?problem?

Keep this question in mind as we go forward Keep this question in mind as we go forward in this presentationin this presentation

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AbstractAbstract

In 2007 115 firefighters were killed in the Line of In 2007 115 firefighters were killed in the Line of Duty. Duty.

There were 26 vehicle collisions and 3 “struck There were 26 vehicle collisions and 3 “struck by” incidents that took the lives of 29 firefighters.by” incidents that took the lives of 29 firefighters.

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USFA Releases Provisional 2007 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

Speed and a lack of seat belts contributed to many deaths as well. More than 2 of every 10 firefighter fatalities in 2007 occurred when responding to or returning from an incident. While seat belts and speed were not necessarily factors in all of these fatalities, they were contributing factors for most of them.

USFA Releases Provisional 2007 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

Speed and a lack of seat belts contributed to many deaths as well. More than 2 of every 10 firefighter fatalities in 2007 occurred when responding to or returning from an incident. While seat belts and speed were not necessarily factors in all of these fatalities, they were contributing factors for most of them.

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AbstractAbstract

All told, 22.6% of the firefighters killed in the All told, 22.6% of the firefighters killed in the line of duty last year were killed in vehicle line of duty last year were killed in vehicle crashes or traffic related incidentscrashes or traffic related incidents

Apparatus crashes or other traffic related Apparatus crashes or other traffic related incidents continue to be the second leading incidents continue to be the second leading cause of death for firefighterscause of death for firefighters

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AbstractAbstract

Of the 29 firefighters were killed in traffic Of the 29 firefighters were killed in traffic related incidents:related incidents:

• 24 Were killed while responding24 Were killed while responding

• 2 were killed while returning2 were killed while returning

• 3 Were killed in other traffic related 3 Were killed in other traffic related incidents such as “struck by” a vehicleincidents such as “struck by” a vehicle

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AbstractAbstract

To the end of January 2008 30% of the To the end of January 2008 30% of the firefighters deaths in this country are from firefighters deaths in this country are from vehicle or traffic related incidents.vehicle or traffic related incidents.

To the end of January 2008 30% of the To the end of January 2008 30% of the firefighters deaths in this country are from firefighters deaths in this country are from vehicle or traffic related incidents.vehicle or traffic related incidents.

2008 is no better than last year2008 is no better than last year

In fact, it is worse:In fact, it is worse:

2008 is no better than last year2008 is no better than last year

In fact, it is worse:In fact, it is worse:

Whereas only 10% of the deaths so far have Whereas only 10% of the deaths so far have been during active fireground activitiesbeen during active fireground activitiesWhereas only 10% of the deaths so far have Whereas only 10% of the deaths so far have been during active fireground activitiesbeen during active fireground activities

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AbstractAbstract

Our first firefighter fatality of 2008 occurred on Our first firefighter fatality of 2008 occurred on New Year’s Day when a volunteer Firefighter New Year’s Day when a volunteer Firefighter from North Carolina was killed in a crash while from North Carolina was killed in a crash while responding to a fireresponding to a fire

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AbstractAbstract

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AbstractAbstract

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AbstractAbstract

He was heading north on Old Concord Road when he took a curve too fast about 3 miles south of China Grove, said N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper C.F. Rogers. He lost control of his pickup, overturned and was thrown from the truck. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt.

Rogers estimated that Arthur was going at least 75 miles per hour. The speed limit is 55, and a sign recommends 40 for the curve. Cold Water Fire Chief James Preddy Jr. said police give volunteer firefighters leeway when they turn their emergency lights on, but they're not allowed to speed.

He was heading north on Old Concord Road when he took a curve too fast about 3 miles south of China Grove, said N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper C.F. Rogers. He lost control of his pickup, overturned and was thrown from the truck. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt.

Rogers estimated that Arthur was going at least 75 miles per hour. The speed limit is 55, and a sign recommends 40 for the curve. Cold Water Fire Chief James Preddy Jr. said police give volunteer firefighters leeway when they turn their emergency lights on, but they're not allowed to speed.

This young man This young man died in his own died in his own fatal car crash fatal car crash while responding while responding to a car crash!to a car crash!

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AbstractAbstract

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AbstractAbstract

The fire service community needs to take The fire service community needs to take a more active roll in understanding the a more active roll in understanding the causes of such incidents.causes of such incidents.

Such as:Such as:

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It wasn’t the driver that was killed in this crashIt wasn’t the driver that was killed in this crashIt wasn’t the driver that was killed in this crashIt wasn’t the driver that was killed in this crash

The officer was not wearing his seat belt and was The officer was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected and thrown into a bridge abutmentejected and thrown into a bridge abutment

The officer was not wearing his seat belt and was The officer was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected and thrown into a bridge abutmentejected and thrown into a bridge abutment

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Chief Officers are not exempt from disaster eitherChief Officers are not exempt from disaster eitherChief Officers are not exempt from disaster eitherChief Officers are not exempt from disaster either

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This is a single vehicle This is a single vehicle EMS crash caused by EMS crash caused by loss of control due to loss of control due to excessive speedexcessive speed

This is a single vehicle This is a single vehicle EMS crash caused by EMS crash caused by loss of control due to loss of control due to excessive speedexcessive speed

The driver survived but The driver survived but his partner and the his partner and the patient were both killedpatient were both killed

The driver survived but The driver survived but his partner and the his partner and the patient were both killedpatient were both killed

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In this case from Arkansas the patient in the In this case from Arkansas the patient in the emergency vehicle was the victim of a gunshot wound emergency vehicle was the victim of a gunshot wound to the chest. The patient died due to the delay in to the chest. The patient died due to the delay in getting him to the hospital because of this crash.getting him to the hospital because of this crash.

Connecticut Fire AcademyBasic EVOC

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Connecticut Fire AcademyBasic EVOC

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How do you get run over by your own fire How do you get run over by your own fire truck?truck?

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How do you crushed to death by your own How do you crushed to death by your own fire truck?fire truck?

Long Island Firefighter Crushed to DeathLong Island Firefighter Crushed to Death

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How do you crushed by your own fire truck How do you crushed by your own fire truck in your own firehouse?in your own firehouse?

Fire Captain Crushed Between ApparatusFire Captain Crushed Between Apparatus

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The score in this crash:

Freight Train: 1

Fire Department: 0

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You can’t make this stuff up. We do it to You can’t make this stuff up. We do it to ourselves all the time!!!!ourselves all the time!!!!

Take A Good Look At This PictureTake A Good Look At This Picture



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Hurry up, we can beat the other company to the box!



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Failed to stop at a controlled intersection



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And killed a bus driver



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Who’s fault is this disaster?



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And what about this one?

Waterbury, May 2007Waterbury, May 2007



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Or an even worse nightmare:Or an even worse nightmare:



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In each of the cases you have just seen a Company Officer was riding in each piece

of apparatus

In each of the cases you have just seen a Company Officer was riding in each piece

of apparatus

In two of the cases it was the officer who was killed.

In two of the cases it was the officer who was killed.



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•To address the problem we must To address the problem we must change the culturechange the culture

•Changing the culture is hard workChanging the culture is hard work



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Both the Officer and Chauffeur driving this rig were seriously

injured in this crash

150 years of great tradition150 years of

great traditionTotally unimpeded by

progress

Totally unimpeded by

progress



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Changing the culture is hard workChanging the culture is hard work

I’ve been drivin’ dis rig for thirty years, I can stop on a dime!!!

…er, it wasn’t me, it was dem’ brakes!!!



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Changing the culture is hard workChanging the culture is hard work“The less time I spend in the intersection, the less chance I have of gettin’ hit so I ain’t stoppin!

“Aw S____t!!

Civilian killed and an $800,000. piece of apparatus out of service for several months



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Changing the culture is hard workChanging the culture is hard work

“Lookit’ here, if I don’t go fast I won’t be first to da’ box!!!!!”


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““The Accident Waiting to The Accident Waiting to Happen”Happen”

“OK, everybody in?, grab yer’ whatevers and hold on. Hang on guys, Trust me, I’ve been doin’ dis’ for thirty years…we ain’t gonna’ be second to dis’ call !!”


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The fact is that the majority of crashes The fact is that the majority of crashes occur due to human error and of that occur due to human error and of that human errorhuman errorit isit is

that is the biggest problemthat is the biggest problem


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Driver AttitudeDriver Attitude


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Driver AttitudeDriver Attitude


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Officer’s RoleOfficer’s Role

Who sets the tone for the driver’s attitude?Who sets the tone for the driver’s attitude?



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Driver Training &

Responsibilities

Driver Training &

Responsibilities

Personal Qualities & Attributes Needed In Emergency Vehicle

Operators

Personal Qualities & Attributes Needed In Emergency Vehicle

Operators


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DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIESDRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

The driver of the emergency vehicle The driver of the emergency vehicle carries a heavy responsibilities for the carries a heavy responsibilities for the safety of his / her company members, safety of his / her company members, the public and the vehicle.the public and the vehicle.

The driver must be familiar with the The driver must be familiar with the Motor Vehicle Statutes especially Motor Vehicle Statutes especially those that deal with emergency those that deal with emergency response.response.

The driver of the emergency vehicle The driver of the emergency vehicle carries a heavy responsibilities for the carries a heavy responsibilities for the safety of his / her company members, safety of his / her company members, the public and the vehicle.the public and the vehicle.

The driver must be familiar with the The driver must be familiar with the Motor Vehicle Statutes especially Motor Vehicle Statutes especially those that deal with emergency those that deal with emergency response.response.


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OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIESOFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES

Know the driver’s job and Know the driver’s job and everything the driver is supposed to everything the driver is supposed to knowknow

Plus:Plus:

Properly supervise the driverProperly supervise the driver

Properly communicate with the driver Properly communicate with the driver

Know the driver’s job and Know the driver’s job and everything the driver is supposed to everything the driver is supposed to knowknow

Plus:Plus:

Properly supervise the driverProperly supervise the driver

Properly communicate with the driver Properly communicate with the driver


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RESPONSIBILITIESRESPONSIBILITIESRESPONSIBILITIESRESPONSIBILITIES

All Fire Department vehicles are a moving All Fire Department vehicles are a moving billboard for our department, ourselves and our billboard for our department, ourselves and our profession...profession...

All Fire Department vehicles are a moving All Fire Department vehicles are a moving billboard for our department, ourselves and our billboard for our department, ourselves and our profession...profession...


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RESPONSIBILITIESRESPONSIBILITIES

Logos, decals and Logos, decals and stickers are morale stickers are morale builders and help builders and help Espirit-D-Corps but Espirit-D-Corps but also let “civilians” also let “civilians” know who were are know who were are and what we and what we representrepresent



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We operate through public funding either We operate through public funding either through taxes or private fundraisers.through taxes or private fundraisers.

Why antagonize the people from whom Why antagonize the people from whom we need support?we need support?

We operate through public funding either We operate through public funding either through taxes or private fundraisers.through taxes or private fundraisers.

Why antagonize the people from whom Why antagonize the people from whom we need support?we need support?


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Responsibilities of the Driver Training Student:

The student must possess aThe student must possess a valid valid drivers license.drivers license.

The student must have a teachable The student must have a teachable attitude and open to constructive criticism.attitude and open to constructive criticism.

The student must possess aThe student must possess a valid valid drivers license.drivers license.

The student must have a teachable The student must have a teachable attitude and open to constructive criticism.attitude and open to constructive criticism.


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What Abilities Does a Driver Need?What Abilities Does a Driver Need? As a driver you must be able to:As a driver you must be able to:

Process dispatch information.Process dispatch information.

Select the best response route.Select the best response route.

Manage time and space limitationsManage time and space limitations..

Predict the actions of other drivers.Predict the actions of other drivers.

Predict behavior patterns of pedestrians.Predict behavior patterns of pedestrians.


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Driver Training & ResponsibilitiesDriver Training & Responsibilities

Respond to alarms without undue Respond to alarms without undue delay.delay.

To exercise due regard, safe and To exercise due regard, safe and proper driving techniques while proper driving techniques while responding in a timely fashion.responding in a timely fashion.


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What Abilities Does a Driver Need?What Abilities Does a Driver Need?

Above all else as a driver you must be able to:Above all else as a driver you must be able to:

Maintain an adult attitude at all times


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What Abilities Does the Officer Need?What Abilities Does the Officer Need?

The Fire Officer needs to have a basic The Fire Officer needs to have a basic understanding of risk management and understanding of risk management and how these theories apply to his jobhow these theories apply to his job


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Risk DefinedRisk Defined

The possibility of encountering danger, The possibility of encountering danger, harm or loss or the exposure to harm or harm or loss or the exposure to harm or lossloss

In the case of emergency vehicle opera-In the case of emergency vehicle opera-tions the possibility of encountering tions the possibility of encountering danger, harm or loss and the exposure is danger, harm or loss and the exposure is HIGHHIGH


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Risk DefinedRisk Defined

A person or thing that represents a source A person or thing that represents a source of riskof risk

In the area of emergency vehicle In the area of emergency vehicle operations the person would be a bad operations the person would be a bad driver and the thing would be a piece of driver and the thing would be a piece of fire apparatusfire apparatus


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Risk DescribedRisk Described

Probability of a bad occurrence:Probability of a bad occurrence:

• LowLow

• HighHigh

Probability relates to the fact that some-Probability relates to the fact that some-thing bad might happen while we are thing bad might happen while we are operating an emergency vehicle and how operating an emergency vehicle and how severe the consequences might besevere the consequences might be


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Risk DescribedRisk Described

In the scope of emergency vehicle In the scope of emergency vehicle operations the probability of a crash is?operations the probability of a crash is?

HIGHHIGHIn the scope of emergency vehicle In the scope of emergency vehicle operations the probability that the crash will operations the probability that the crash will have serious consequences is?have serious consequences is?

HIGHHIGH


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Controls in Risk ManagementControls in Risk Management

AdministrativeAdministrative

• SOP’s, SOG’sSOP’s, SOG’s

• Training requirementsTraining requirements

• Safe driving practicesSafe driving practices

• Regulations and standardsRegulations and standards


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EngineeringEngineering

• Apparatus designApparatus design

• Computer diagnostics & warning controlsComputer diagnostics & warning controls

• Seat beltsSeat belts


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Personal ProtectionPersonal Protection

• Seated in a proper seating positionSeated in a proper seating position

• Use of seat beltsUse of seat belts


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Officer’s ResponsibilityOfficer’s Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the Fire Officer to It is the responsibility of the Fire Officer to safeguard the assets of his organizationsafeguard the assets of his organization

• Members are assets and are consideredMembers are assets and are considered first and foremostfirst and foremost

• Apparatus are also assetsApparatus are also assets


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Public TrustPublic Trust

Part of the responsibility of the fire officer is Part of the responsibility of the fire officer is to function as the “custodian” of all his assetsto function as the “custodian” of all his assets

The Fire Officer must restrict any undesire- The Fire Officer must restrict any undesire- able outcome that injures members, able outcome that injures members, damages apparatus, causes damage and damages apparatus, causes damage and injury to members of the public and their injury to members of the public and their property property


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Public TrustPublic Trust

The Fire Officer must restrict any undes-The Fire Officer must restrict any undes-ireable outcome:ireable outcome:

• Injury to membersInjury to members

• Injury to other personsInjury to other persons

• Damage to ApparatusDamage to Apparatus

• Damage to public & private property Damage to public & private property


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N.F.P.A. 1500N.F.P.A. 1500

The national standard for risk management The national standard for risk management in the fire servicein the fire service

States in part:States in part:

Sect. 2-2.2 “…The risk management plan Sect. 2-2.2 “…The risk management plan shall cover…training, vehicle operations”shall cover…training, vehicle operations”


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N.F.P.A. 1500N.F.P.A. 1500

Additional Requirements Include:Additional Requirements Include:

• Risk IdentificationRisk Identification

• Risk EvaluationRisk Evaluation

• Risk ControlRisk Control

• Follow-up EvaluationFollow-up Evaluation


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Section SummarySection Summary

Managing the risk of Emergency Vehicle Managing the risk of Emergency Vehicle Operations includes:Operations includes:

• The probability that an apparatus crashThe probability that an apparatus crash might occurmight occur

• That the crash will result in damage & That the crash will result in damage & injuryinjury

• That the damage & injury will be severeThat the damage & injury will be severe


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Section SummarySection Summary

The risk of injury or death during emergency The risk of injury or death during emergency vehicle operations can be reduced by:vehicle operations can be reduced by:

• Proper training in EVOCProper training in EVOC

• Implementation of and adherence toImplementation of and adherence to SOG’sSOG’s

• Avoiding unnecessary risks & bad driving Avoiding unnecessary risks & bad driving habitshabits


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Definitions & ConceptsDefinitions & Concepts

Managing risk for others (the community) is Managing risk for others (the community) is the mission of the fire departmentthe mission of the fire department

The fire department must reduce the com- The fire department must reduce the community (external) risk while at the same time munity (external) risk while at the same time managing its own (internal) riskmanaging its own (internal) risk

Every fire department has the need to Every fire department has the need to explicitly express its mission in a formal explicitly express its mission in a formal statementstatement



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““The key to the successful The key to the successful implementation of the Risk Management implementation of the Risk Management Plan is that every member of the Plan is that every member of the Department must be responsible for Department must be responsible for carrying it out in every facet of the work carrying it out in every facet of the work environment.environment.

Everyone is responsible to ensure the Everyone is responsible to ensure the highest attainable levels of safety for the highest attainable levels of safety for the workforce, whether on the fireground, workforce, whether on the fireground, with the public or in the office.”with the public or in the office.”

Mission StatementMission Statement



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“…“…It is the responsibility of each and It is the responsibility of each and every member to ensure workforce safety every member to ensure workforce safety at each and every level of Fire at each and every level of Fire Department Operations.”Department Operations.”




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The mission statement then becomes a The mission statement then becomes a formal document that serves as a starting formal document that serves as a starting point or a goal to which all members can point or a goal to which all members can subscribesubscribe




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Delivering Emergency Services involves Delivering Emergency Services involves high risk activitieshigh risk activities

Operating fire apparatus is a high risk Operating fire apparatus is a high risk activity that needs to be managed activity that needs to be managed properlyproperly

If this risk is not managed properly the If this risk is not managed properly the department will suffer a lossdepartment will suffer a loss

We cannot “leave our fate to chance”We cannot “leave our fate to chance”

Managing Risk In The EVOC Managing Risk In The EVOC AreaArea



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Losses & Loss ControlLosses & Loss Control

Personnel LossesPersonnel Losses

• Loss of lifeLoss of life

• Personal InjuryPersonal Injury

Personnel are important. They are the most Personnel are important. They are the most important asset to our job.important asset to our job.

A good leader takes care of his peopleA good leader takes care of his people



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Property LossesProperty Losses

• Department vehiclesDepartment vehicles

• Other department equipmentOther department equipment



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Down Time LossesDown Time Losses

• Personnel on medical leavePersonnel on medical leave

• Apparatus destroyed or damaged in a crashApparatus destroyed or damaged in a crash

• Piece of equipment on damaged apparatus Piece of equipment on damaged apparatus needs to be replaced/repairedneeds to be replaced/repaired



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Liability LossesLiability Losses

Liability is the obligation to compensate Liability is the obligation to compensate others for losses and damages that are others for losses and damages that are caused by the acts or omissions of the fire caused by the acts or omissions of the fire departmentdepartment

Usually the results of a lawsuit where the Usually the results of a lawsuit where the numbers can be quite highnumbers can be quite high



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Legal ResponsibilityLegal Responsibility

• The risk that a fire department or itsThe risk that a fire department or its member(s) can be held legally responsible formember(s) can be held legally responsible for a bad outcome is an important considerationa bad outcome is an important consideration in Emergency Vehicle Operationsin Emergency Vehicle Operations

• Fire Departments and their members areFire Departments and their members are considered to be legally responsible for any considered to be legally responsible for any harm that results from something they didharm that results from something they did



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• Fire departments and their members areFire departments and their members are expected to operate their department vehiclesexpected to operate their department vehicles in a responsible manner that does not exposein a responsible manner that does not expose any individual or the community at large to any individual or the community at large to an unacceptable level of risk of injury oran unacceptable level of risk of injury or damagedamage



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The term “injury” applies to many different The term “injury” applies to many different things:things:

• Fatal InjuryFatal Injury

• Serious physical injurySerious physical injury

• Minor physical injuryMinor physical injury

• Damage to public or private propertyDamage to public or private property



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The term “injury” applies to many different The term “injury” applies to many different things:things:

• Damage to the environmentDamage to the environment

• Negative economic impacts on an individualNegative economic impacts on an individual or a corporationor a corporation

• Damage to an individual’s reputationDamage to an individual’s reputation



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The fire department also has a legal respon-The fire department also has a legal respon-sibility to manage the level of risk to which its sibility to manage the level of risk to which its members are exposed during the performance members are exposed during the performance of their dutiesof their duties

This responsibility also includes Emergency This responsibility also includes Emergency Vehicle OperationsVehicle Operations



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Consensus StandardsConsensus Standards

• The N.F.P.A. sets standards for the fireThe N.F.P.A. sets standards for the fire serviceservice

• When a department is in compliance withWhen a department is in compliance with N.F.P.A. standards that department is in a N.F.P.A. standards that department is in a good position to show that it has a compre-good position to show that it has a comprehensive program to manage the risk in hensive program to manage the risk in emergency vehicle operationsemergency vehicle operations



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Example:Example:

There is an apparatus crash that involves the There is an apparatus crash that involves the fatality of a civilian as well as substantial fatality of a civilian as well as substantial property damage. There is a lawsuit that arises property damage. There is a lawsuit that arises from this crash.from this crash.



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Example:Example:

• Was the FD chauffeur trained?Was the FD chauffeur trained?

• To what standard was he trained?To what standard was he trained?

• Was the officer trained as a Chauffeur?Was the officer trained as a Chauffeur?

• Who did the training?Who did the training?

• Are there dept. SOG’s?Are there dept. SOG’s?



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Legal ResponsibilityLegal ResponsibilityDocumentation is RequiredDocumentation is Required

A fire department is required to demonstrateA fire department is required to demonstratethat its officers and members:that its officers and members:

• Are competent and well trainedAre competent and well trained

• Are familiar with the regulations and currentAre familiar with the regulations and current standards that apply to their dutiesstandards that apply to their duties

• That they followed established SOP’s andThat they followed established SOP’s and guidelines that are consistent withguidelines that are consistent with regulations and standardsregulations and standards



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Legal ResponsibilityLegal ResponsibilityDocumentation is RequiredDocumentation is Required

A fire department is required to demonstrateA fire department is required to demonstratethat its policy is:that its policy is:

• Current Current

• ConsistentConsistent

• Everyone is trained the same standardEveryone is trained the same standard

• Everyone is held to the same standardEveryone is held to the same standard



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Vehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Operations Policies

Emphasis is on safety:Emphasis is on safety:

• Safe vehicle operationSafe vehicle operation

• Developing vehicle operations policiesDeveloping vehicle operations policies and proceduresand procedures

• All members expected to comply withAll members expected to comply with the lawthe law

• All members expected to comply withAll members expected to comply with department safety policies & SOP’sdepartment safety policies & SOP’s



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ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Driver ResponsibilityDriver Responsibility

• Responsible for safe operation of vehicleResponsible for safe operation of vehicle AT ALL TIMESAT ALL TIMES

• Must comply with all laws; not just trafficMust comply with all laws; not just traffic

• Must comply with department SOP’s, etc.Must comply with department SOP’s, etc.



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• Responsible for supervising the vehicleResponsible for supervising the vehicle operatoroperator

• Supervises all other members as wellSupervises all other members as well

• Must ensure that the vehicle operator Must ensure that the vehicle operator complies the laws & Dept. SOP’s, policiescomplies the laws & Dept. SOP’s, policies



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• The company officer riding in the front The company officer riding in the front seatseat shall assist the driver by operating theshall assist the driver by operating the radios and conducting other activities radios and conducting other activities such as map reading and operating such as map reading and operating emergency equipmentemergency equipment

• The driver’s responsibility is to focus onThe driver’s responsibility is to focus on the safe operation of the vehiclethe safe operation of the vehicle



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Member’s ResponsibilityMember’s Responsibility

• All department members are required All department members are required to comply with all department safety to comply with all department safety policies & procedures while riding inpolicies & procedures while riding in or performing any function that involvesor performing any function that involves a department vehiclea department vehicle



114


SeatbeltsSeatbelts

• All persons riding in any departmentAll persons riding in any department vehicle must be seated in approved ridingvehicle must be seated in approved riding positions with seatbelts fastened at allpositions with seatbelts fastened at all times while the vehicle is in motiontimes while the vehicle is in motion

• The vehicle operator shall not move the The vehicle operator shall not move the vehicle until all persons aboard are seatedvehicle until all persons aboard are seated and properly securedand properly secured



115


SeatbeltsSeatbelts

• All persons aboard the vehicle shall All persons aboard the vehicle shall remain seated and secured while theremain seated and secured while the vehicle is in motionvehicle is in motion

• Members shall not loosen seat belts toMembers shall not loosen seat belts to dress or don equipment while the vehicledress or don equipment while the vehicle is in motionis in motion



116


Emergency v. Non-Emergency ResponseEmergency v. Non-Emergency Response

• Non-emergency response requires that allNon-emergency response requires that all F.D. vehicles travel with the normal flow ofF.D. vehicles travel with the normal flow of traffic. traffic.

• No exemptions from the law apply.No exemptions from the law apply.



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• Emergency response creates an Emergency response creates an increased risk to firefighters as well asincreased risk to firefighters as well as other persons on the roadwayother persons on the roadway

• The increased The increased riskrisk must be balanced must be balanced against the potential against the potential benefitbenefit of a faster of a faster responseresponse



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Emergency response should be limited to Emergency response should be limited to situations that involve:situations that involve:

• Risk of DeathRisk of Death

• Risk of serious injury or disabilityRisk of serious injury or disability

• Preventable serious property damagePreventable serious property damage



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• Response classification can be Response classification can be changed by dispatch center at any timechanged by dispatch center at any time based on new informationbased on new information

• Company officer can also changeCompany officer can also change response classification while enroute response classification while enroute to the alarmto the alarm



120



• Company officer first on scene can hasCompany officer first on scene can has the authority to downgrade the response the authority to downgrade the response classification of inbound unitsclassification of inbound units



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Emergency Response ClassificationsEmergency Response Classifications

• Smoke showingSmoke showing

• Smoke condition in a buildingSmoke condition in a building

• Outside fire with exposuresOutside fire with exposures

• Gas leak inside a buildingGas leak inside a building

• Haz-Mat release w/life safetyHaz-Mat release w/life safety

• Critical medical incidentCritical medical incident



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Non-Emergency Response ClassificationsNon-Emergency Response Classifications

• Automatic alarm-no human report of fireAutomatic alarm-no human report of fire

• Residential smoke alarm-no life safetyResidential smoke alarm-no life safety

• Carbon Monoxide alarm-no life safetyCarbon Monoxide alarm-no life safety

• Outside fire-no exposures-no life safetyOutside fire-no exposures-no life safety

• Water leaksWater leaks

• Relief company to incident under controlRelief company to incident under control



123


Emergency Response DrivingEmergency Response Driving

• Written department policy dictates how theWritten department policy dictates how the traffic law exemptions will be applied bytraffic law exemptions will be applied by responding membersresponding members

• Emergency vehicle operator and the ridingEmergency vehicle operator and the riding officer are responsible to ensure safeofficer are responsible to ensure safe operationoperation



124



• Department policies regarding emergency Department policies regarding emergency operation may be more stringent than the operation may be more stringent than the law requireslaw requires

• An emergency response does not relieve An emergency response does not relieve the vehicle operator or the officer from thethe vehicle operator or the officer from the responsibility to use due regardresponsibility to use due regard



125



SPEEDSPEED• The vehicle operator shall not operate theThe vehicle operator shall not operate the vehicle at a speed that is not reasonable andvehicle at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent at all timesprudent at all times

• If the vehicle operator is not operating at aIf the vehicle operator is not operating at a safe speed it is the safe speed it is the direct responsibility of direct responsibility of the officer to tell the driver to slow downthe officer to tell the driver to slow down



126


Driver TrainingDriver Training

• All driver training candidates must have aAll driver training candidates must have a valid driver’s licensevalid driver’s license

• All fire department members operating fireAll fire department members operating fire apparatus should have a valid 2-Q licenseapparatus should have a valid 2-Q license or a CDL issued by the State of Connecticutor a CDL issued by the State of Connecticut

• All fire department members who operateAll fire department members who operate apparatus must be medically qualifiedapparatus must be medically qualified



127


Driving Record ReviewDriving Record Review

• The Fire Department shall obtain and reviewThe Fire Department shall obtain and review a copy of the prospective member / driver’sa copy of the prospective member / driver’s DMV recordDMV record

• This review of the driving record should beThis review of the driving record should be done as a condition of employment and done as a condition of employment and should certainly be done as part of the driver should certainly be done as part of the driver selection processselection process



128


Driving Record ReviewDriving Record Review

• All members driving records should beAll members driving records should be reviewed periodicallyreviewed periodically

• Not less than three year intervalNot less than three year interval

• Annual record check preferredAnnual record check preferred

• Record check includes ALL members of theRecord check includes ALL members of the department who operate department vehiclesdepartment who operate department vehicles



129


Mandatory NotificationMandatory Notification

If a fire department member has been charged If a fire department member has been charged with a offense that can result in the suspension with a offense that can result in the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license should be or revocation of their driver’s license should be required to notify their immediate superior or required to notify their immediate superior or Chief in a timely fashionChief in a timely fashion



130



Such charges may include:Such charges may include:

• Driving while intoxicated or under influenceDriving while intoxicated or under influence of drugsof drugs

• Negligent Homicide or Gross NegligenceNegligent Homicide or Gross Negligence

• Aggravated Assault with a motor vehicleAggravated Assault with a motor vehicle

• Reckless DrivingReckless Driving



131



Such charges may include:Such charges may include:

• Leaving the Scene of An Accident / EvadingLeaving the Scene of An Accident / Evading ResponsibilityResponsibility

• Excessive speeding violations resulting inExcessive speeding violations resulting in suspensionsuspension

• Any other Court action where license isAny other Court action where license is suspendedsuspended



132

Vehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Operations Policies Basic Driver TrainingBasic Driver Training

A proper driver training program includes:A proper driver training program includes:

• A comprehensive driver selection processA comprehensive driver selection process

• Review of applicable laws & legal termsReview of applicable laws & legal terms

• Review of alcohol / controlled substancesReview of alcohol / controlled substances

• Instruction on Department SOG’sInstruction on Department SOG’s

• Vehicle dynamicsVehicle dynamics



133

Vehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Operations Policies Basic Driver TrainingBasic Driver Training


• Inspection & Maintenance ProceduresInspection & Maintenance Procedures

• Competency CourseCompetency Course

• Over-The-Road EvaluationOver-The-Road Evaluation

• TestingTesting



134

Vehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Operations Policies Advanced Driver TrainingAdvanced Driver Training


• Vehicle specific training:Vehicle specific training:

1.1. TankersTankers

2.2. EnginesEngines

3.3. Aerial Devices Aerial Devices

4.4. Any other specialized department vehicleAny other specialized department vehicle



135


Remember:Remember:



136


Refresher Driver TrainingRefresher Driver Training

Refresher Training Should Be Completed:Refresher Training Should Be Completed:

• A minimum of every three yearsA minimum of every three years

• Yearly refresher desirableYearly refresher desirable

• After long term absence of memberAfter long term absence of member

• As part of remedial measures taken due toAs part of remedial measures taken due to apparatus crash or traffic violationsapparatus crash or traffic violations



137


Alcohol & Substance AbuseAlcohol & Substance Abuse

Obviously, fire department members on duty Obviously, fire department members on duty are not allowed to respond to any emergency are not allowed to respond to any emergency incident, operate department vehicles, or incident, operate department vehicles, or perform any other duty related functions while perform any other duty related functions while under the influence of alcohol or drugsunder the influence of alcohol or drugs



138



Obviously, fire department members on duty Obviously, fire department members on duty are not allowed to respond to any emergency are not allowed to respond to any emergency incident, operate department vehicles, or incident, operate department vehicles, or perform any other duty related functions while perform any other duty related functions while under the influence of alcohol or drugsunder the influence of alcohol or drugs



139





140



• Members should not drink alcohol for aMembers should not drink alcohol for a minimum of 8 hours prior to reporting forminimum of 8 hours prior to reporting for workwork

• A blood alcohol concentration of .02% orA blood alcohol concentration of .02% or higher, while on duty, shall create ahigher, while on duty, shall create a presumption that the member has beenpresumption that the member has been drinkingdrinking



141



The driver and officer in charge of a fire The driver and officer in charge of a fire vehicle that is involved in a crash should be vehicle that is involved in a crash should be tested for alcohol when the crash involves:tested for alcohol when the crash involves:

• A fatalityA fatality

• Personal injuryPersonal injury

• Measurable property damageMeasurable property damage



142


Collision InvestigationCollision Investigation

• All collisions and “near miss” incidents All collisions and “near miss” incidents should be reported and investigatedshould be reported and investigated

• Fire Department investigation separate fromFire Department investigation separate from any other investigation i.e. Law Enforcementany other investigation i.e. Law Enforcement

• Fire Department investigation is to deter- Fire Department investigation is to deter- mine what happened not who is legally at mine what happened not who is legally at faultfault



143



• The internal investigation focuses on what The internal investigation focuses on what happened and how it can be prevented inhappened and how it can be prevented in the futurethe future

• Focuses on direct causes, indirect causesFocuses on direct causes, indirect causes and makes recommendations regarding and makes recommendations regarding future situationsfuture situations



144


Collision InvestigationCollision InvestigationScene ProceduresScene Procedures

•Check to see who is injuredCheck to see who is injured

•Treat the injuredTreat the injured

•Prevent the situation from getting worsePrevent the situation from getting worse

•Protect the scene and your personnelProtect the scene and your personnel



145


Collision InvestigationCollision InvestigationScene ProceduresScene Procedures

•Don’t move anythingDon’t move anything

•Don’t say anything; admit nothingDon’t say anything; admit nothing

•Do Do NOTNOT apologize or say you’re sorry apologize or say you’re sorry

•Do not attempt to explain anythingDo not attempt to explain anything



146



Your best tool in Your best tool in an accident an accident investigationinvestigation

No matter how minor the incident may seemNo matter how minor the incident may seem



147


Collision InvestigationCollision InvestigationFinal ReportFinal Report

• Direct causesDirect causes

• Indirect causesIndirect causes

• Makes recommendationsMakes recommendations

• Distributed throughout the DepartmentDistributed throughout the Department



148


Vehicle Inspection & MaintenanceVehicle Inspection & Maintenance

• All fire department vehicles shall beAll fire department vehicles shall be inspected & tested on a inspected & tested on a regular basisregular basis

• Preventive maintenance shall be conductedPreventive maintenance shall be conducted to ensure all apparatus is at a high state ofto ensure all apparatus is at a high state of operational readiness operational readiness



149



Any fire department vehicle Any fire department vehicle that is found to be unsafe that is found to be unsafe

at any time shall be placed at any time shall be placed out of serviceout of service



150



Fire Apparatus & other first response vehicles Fire Apparatus & other first response vehicles shall be considered unsafe and placed out of shall be considered unsafe and placed out of service if deficiencies are noted in one or service if deficiencies are noted in one or more of the following areas:more of the following areas:



151


Apparatus Out-Of-Service CriteriaApparatus Out-Of-Service Criteria

• Braking systemBraking system

• Steering gearSteering gear

• SuspensionSuspension

• Wheels or tiresWheels or tires

• ThrottleThrottle

• Transmission or drivelineTransmission or driveline



152


Apparatus Out-Of-Service CriteriaApparatus Out-Of-Service Criteria

• Cab and / or body mountingCab and / or body mounting

• Door latchesDoor latches

• Seat BeltsSeat Belts

• Windshield, wipers or defrosterWindshield, wipers or defroster



153

Vehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Inspection & MaintenanceVehicle Inspection & Maintenance

• Vehicle inspections shall be conducted Vehicle inspections shall be conducted atat least weekly least weekly (at a minimum)(at a minimum)

• All inspections must be recorded & recordsAll inspections must be recorded & records keptkept

• Day, date, time and person conducting theDay, date, time and person conducting the inspectioninspection

• Company officer responsible for supervisingCompany officer responsible for supervising inspectionsinspections



154

Vehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Operations PoliciesVehicle Inspection & MaintenanceVehicle Inspection & Maintenance

• Apparatus that has been out of service forApparatus that has been out of service for P.M. or repair must be inspected by P.M. or repair must be inspected by assigned driver upon returning to serviceassigned driver upon returning to service

• This is especially true for apparatus This is especially true for apparatus returning to service after an accidentreturning to service after an accident

• Take nothing for granted: check the truck!Take nothing for granted: check the truck!

155

Negligent MaintenanceNegligent Maintenance

Fire Department is liable if vehicle is Fire Department is liable if vehicle is unsafe to drive and that condition unsafe to drive and that condition contributed to the incident.contributed to the incident.

i.e. Waterbury crash 1990i.e. Waterbury crash 1990

156

Other Liability IssuesOther Liability Issues

Negligent HiringNegligent Hiring

Negligent hiring is the liability that a fire Negligent hiring is the liability that a fire department organization incurs when it does department organization incurs when it does not reasonable investigate a potential not reasonable investigate a potential member’s background and then places that member’s background and then places that member in a position where that member member in a position where that member creates a danger to a third partycreates a danger to a third party

157



Example:Example:

A fire department hires or otherwise brings A fire department hires or otherwise brings into service (volunteer FD) a new memberinto service (volunteer FD) a new member

The new member did not undergo a The new member did not undergo a background check or driver’s license checkbackground check or driver’s license check

He is placed in a driver’s positionHe is placed in a driver’s position

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Example:Example:

He has a crash and other members get hurtHe has a crash and other members get hurt

Investigation after the fact shows that the Investigation after the fact shows that the new member had a record for DWI and his new member had a record for DWI and his license was revokedlicense was revoked

The fire department is now liable for the The fire department is now liable for the actions of the memberactions of the member

159


Negligent RetentionNegligent Retention

The fire department can be held liable for The fire department can be held liable for retaining a member who is known to be unfit retaining a member who is known to be unfit for the positionfor the position

This theory places a duty on the fire depart-This theory places a duty on the fire depart-ment to conduct a reasonable investigation ment to conduct a reasonable investigation of any information received that suggests of any information received that suggests that a member is not fit for the position that a member is not fit for the position

160



Example:Example:

A citizen is nearly killed in a near miss A citizen is nearly killed in a near miss incident with a piece of fire apparatusincident with a piece of fire apparatus

The citizen responds to the fire station after The citizen responds to the fire station after the company returns to quarters and makes the company returns to quarters and makes a complaint to the member on watcha complaint to the member on watch

161



Example:Example:

The member on watch summons the The member on watch summons the company officer to speak to the citizencompany officer to speak to the citizen

The citizen makes a complaint about the The citizen makes a complaint about the near miss incidentnear miss incident

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Example:Example:

The officer hears the complaint from the The officer hears the complaint from the citizen but because he is best friends with citizen but because he is best friends with his chauffeur he takes no actionhis chauffeur he takes no action

This situation happens several more times This situation happens several more times with the same result; no action takenwith the same result; no action taken

163



Example:Example:

Eventually the member chauffeur that is the Eventually the member chauffeur that is the subject of the complaints has a crash and subject of the complaints has a crash and other members are seriously injured and a other members are seriously injured and a civilian is killedcivilian is killed

The original complaining citizen hears of the The original complaining citizen hears of the crash and comes forward as a witnesscrash and comes forward as a witness

164



Does this company officer have a problem?Does this company officer have a problem?

Is the fire department liable under this Is the fire department liable under this theory?theory?

165



Does this company officer have a problem?Does this company officer have a problem?

Of course he has a problem because:Of course he has a problem because:

• He failed to superviseHe failed to supervise

• He knew his friend shouldn’t driveHe knew his friend shouldn’t drive and the let him drive anywayand the let him drive anyway

• This is a whole other cause of actionThis is a whole other cause of action in itselfin itself

166

Consequences of Failing To SuperviseConsequences of Failing To Supervise

• Criminal ActionCriminal Action

• Civil ActionCivil Action

• Compensatory DamagesCompensatory Damages

• Departmental ActionDepartmental Action

• Effect on Career Path Effect on Career Path

• Damage to ReputationDamage to Reputation



167

ReviewReview

To provide guidance to fire department comp-To provide guidance to fire department comp-

any and staff officers for developing & maint-any and staff officers for developing & maint-

aining support for the safe operation of all fire aining support for the safe operation of all fire

and emergency vehicles and / or any other and emergency vehicles and / or any other

vehicles operated by the fire department and / vehicles operated by the fire department and /

or its members while in the performance of or its members while in the performance of

their dutiestheir duties



168

ReviewReview

Basic Driving Policies:Basic Driving Policies:

• Driver qualifications and trainingDriver qualifications and training

• Skills maintenanceSkills maintenance

• Duties and responsibilitiesDuties and responsibilities

• Risk ManagementRisk Management

• General traffic lawsGeneral traffic laws

• Reporting safety problems & violationsReporting safety problems & violations



169

ReviewReview

Emergency Response Policies:Emergency Response Policies:

• Authorized emergency responseAuthorized emergency response

• Special driver qualificationsSpecial driver qualifications

• Applicable traffic lawsApplicable traffic laws

• Fire Department driving policiesFire Department driving policies

• Use of warning devicesUse of warning devices

• Member behavior while riding apparatusMember behavior while riding apparatus



170

ReviewReview

Liability Issues:Liability Issues:

• Negligent hiringNegligent hiring

• Negligent retentionNegligent retention

• Lack of trainingLack of training

• Improper trainingImproper training



171

ReviewReview

Vehicle Accident Reporting & Investigation:Vehicle Accident Reporting & Investigation:

• Accident scene proceduresAccident scene procedures

• Accident InvestigationAccident Investigation

• Interviews of members & witnessesInterviews of members & witnesses

• Report preparation & publicationReport preparation & publication

172

ReviewReviewDepartment wide commitment to driving safetyDepartment wide commitment to driving safety

Close examination of Drivers – get the bestClose examination of Drivers – get the best

Written Policy and ProceduresWritten Policy and Procedures

EnforcementEnforcement

TrainingTraining

RewardsRewards


173

N.F.P.A. StandardsN.F.P.A. Standards

NFPA 1451 NFPA 1451

Fire Service Vehicle Operations TrainingFire Service Vehicle Operations Training

2002 Edition2002 Edition

NFPA 1500NFPA 1500

Fire Department Occupational Safety Fire Department Occupational Safety

& &

Health Program Health Program

2002 Edition2002 Edition

1 connecticut fire academy officer’s role in driver safety connecticut fire academy officer’s...

Documents

driver safety slide

driver safety connecticut

academy officers role

apparatus slide

training driver qualifications

povspovs slide

emergency vehicles

staff officers