Vehicle Operations - Revision history

Mfrdmanager: /* Operating as an Authorized Emergency Vehicle */

2025-01-29T14:30:44Z

‎Operating as an Authorized Emergency Vehicle

Mfrdmanager at 22:32, 25 November 2024

2024-11-25T22:32:31Z

Mfrdmanager: /* Drivers / Operators of Fire Department Vehicles */

2020-08-17T12:57:10Z

‎Drivers / Operators of Fire Department Vehicles

Mfrdmanager: Protected "Vehicle Operations" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

2018-02-10T20:25:01Z

Protected "Vehicle Operations" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

Mfrdmanager: /* Operating as an Authorized Emergency Vehicle */

2017-10-28T13:41:26Z

‎Operating as an Authorized Emergency Vehicle

Mfrdmanager: /* Drivers / Operators of Fire Department Vehicles */

2017-10-28T13:40:39Z

‎Drivers / Operators of Fire Department Vehicles

Mfrdmanager: /* Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Vehicles */

2017-10-28T13:40:01Z

‎Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Vehicles

Mfrdmanager: /* Access through gated entryways */

2016-07-20T19:34:52Z

‎Access through gated entryways

Mfrdmanager: /* Access into the Visconti */

2016-07-20T19:33:56Z

‎Access into the Visconti

Mfrdmanager: /* Drivers / Operators of Fire Department Vehicles */

2016-05-15T21:36:18Z

‎Drivers / Operators of Fire Department Vehicles

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 * There are only two types of responses recognized by this department: Emergency and Non-emergency. A true emergency is defined as a situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual or significant property loss and action by emergency personnel may reduce the seriousness of the situation. OIC’s and drivers must weigh risks vs. benefits based on information received during dispatch and update information when determining response mode. Additionally, the same consideration must be made for other responding units and the private ambulance company. These units should be notified to slow their response unless emergency response is necessary after FD units arrive on the scene.
 * Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with oscillating, rotating or flashing lights of sufficient intensity, when illuminated, to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight, but such lights shall not be used except when in response to or on the scene of an emergency call, in which event the driver shall operate all oscillating, rotating or flashing lights, continuously to warn pedestrians and motorists of the approach thereof.
-* F.S. 316.072 (5) states the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, except when otherwise directed by a police officer, may:
+* F.S. 316.072 (5)(b) states the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, except when otherwise directed by a police officer, may:
 **Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of normal traffic flow.
 **Proceed past red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.

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 ===Fleet Safety and Operators Conformity To The Rules of The Road===
 * Vehicle safety includes the establishment of standards for vehicle testing, inspections, preventive maintenance, and defensive driving. Defensive driving is a matter of personal practice, which involves proper motivation, and the development of a positive mental attitude toward driving. Members are urged to adopt the correct mental attitude and response in order to drive defensively while practicing fleet safety. It is the intent of this department to reinforce safe driving habits through in-service training, driving training courses, close supervision, and discipline. Members of this department government and are constantly under close scrutiny of the public while operating a department vehicle. Because this is true, members have a duty to operate vehicles in a safe, courteous, and legal manner in conformity with Florida Statutes.
-* Chapter 316.051 of the Florida Statutes provides that:
+* Florida Statute 316.072 provides that:
-**The rules of the road apply to the operation of vehicles upon all state and county highways, municipal streets and alleys, and wherever vehicles have the right to travel.
+**The provisions of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes shall apply to the operation of vehicles and bicycles and the movement of pedestrians upon all state-maintained highways, county-maintained highways, and municipal streets and alleys and wherever vehicles have the right to travel.
-**The operators of all vehicles owned by the United States, this State, or any county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision, must conform to the provisions of this chapter.
+**It is unlawful for any person to do any act forbidden, or to fail to perform any act required, in [Chapter 316, Florida Statutes]. It is unlawful for the owner, or any other person employing or otherwise directing the driver of any vehicle, to require or knowingly permit the operation of such vehicle upon a highway in any manner contrary to law.
 ===Operating as an Authorized Emergency Vehicle===
-* Florida State Statute 316.003 (1) provides that the definition of an Emergency Vehicle is: Vehicles of the Fire Department, Police vehicles, and such Ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments, public service corporations operated by private corporations, and the Department of Transportation as are designed or authorized by the department or the Chief of Police of an incorporated city or any sheriff of any of the various counties.
+* Florida State Statute 316.003(1) provides that the definition of an “Authorized Emergency Vehicles” is: vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol), police vehicles, and such ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments, public service corporations operated by private corporations, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Health, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Corrections as are designated or authorized by their respective department or the chief of police of an incorporated city or any sheriff of any of the various counties.
 * Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell, capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and must be approve by the department, but such a siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call, in which event the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when conditions warrant to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.
 * There are only two types of responses recognized by this department: Emergency and Non-emergency. A true emergency is defined as a situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual or significant property loss and action by emergency personnel may reduce the seriousness of the situation. OIC’s and drivers must weigh risks vs. benefits based on information received during dispatch and update information when determining response mode. Additionally, the same consideration must be made for other responding units and the private ambulance company. These units should be notified to slow their response unless emergency response is necessary after FD units arrive on the scene.

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 * Driver shall not move Fire Department vehicles until persons in the vehicle are seated and secured with seatbelts in the approved riding positions. Members must be dressed in turnout gear and belted during response.
 * At a minimum, one spotter will be utilized while backing any Fire Department apparatus (Engines, Trailers, Rescue). In situations where there is limited or restricted visibility or maneuverability, two spotters should be used.
 ===Fleet Safety and Operators Conformity To The Rules of The Road===

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 * Vehicle operators shall not cross medians with apparatus except in rare and unforeseen situations. If the decision is made to cross a median, the operator must ensure it can be done in a safe manner without causing damage to the apparatus.
 * Vehicle operators shall not take on traffic in opposing lanes except in rare and unforeseen circumstances.
-* When transporting a patient in a Rescue vehicle, extreme care must be observed during “emergency” transport (as defined in MFD Practice Parameters), the speed limit should be observed and siren utilized as necessary. The intent of this mode of transport is to avoid delay at stop signs, heavy traffic, and red lights. It allows for procession after complete stop when required. It is not the intent to allow for exceeding the speed limit. This could endanger not only the patient but our members performing as attendants as well.
+* When transporting a patient in a Rescue vehicle, extreme care must be observed during “emergency” transport (as defined in MFRD Practice Parameters), the speed limit should be observed and siren utilized as necessary. The intent of this mode of transport is to avoid delay at stop signs, heavy traffic, and red lights. It allows for procession after complete stop when required. It is not the intent to allow for exceeding the speed limit. This could endanger not only the patient but our members performing as attendants as well.
 * During patient transport in any mode (emergency and non-emergency) the engine retarding system in the Rescue unit shall be disabled to provide a smooth transport.
 * The “No-Smoke” on units shall be engaged before driving forward into the drive through bays.
 * Vehicle wheel chocks will be assigned to each emergency vehicle. The vehicle operator will insure that a chock or set of chocks are placed in such a way as to prevent the forward and backward movement of a parked/unattended emergency response vehicle that is outside of the confines of a fire station. Chocks are to be used in conjunction with either air or mechanical brakes. Chocks are to be used in both emergency and non-emergency situations (excluding staff vehicles).
 ===Access through Gated Entryways===

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 * Members will only use department vehicles for performing their official duties. Under no circumstances will department vehicles be used for private use, unless otherwise authorized.
 * Drivers of Fire Department Vehicles shall be directly responsible for safe and prudent operation under ALL conditions. When the driver is under supervision of an officer (Lieutenant or Engineer), that officer shall also assume responsibility for the actions of the driver.
-* Driver shall not move Fire Department vehicles until persons in the vehicle are seated and secured with seatbelts in the approved riding positions. Members must be dressed in turnout gear and belted during response except in rare and unusual circumstances. The OIC and driver must evaluate these situations and make a decision as to the risk vs. Benefit of making exceptions to this rule.
+* Driver shall not move Fire Department vehicles until persons in the vehicle are seated and secured with seatbelts in the approved riding positions. Members must be dressed in turnout gear and belted during response.
 * At a minimum, one spotter will be utilized while backing any Fire Department apparatus (Engines, Trailers, Rescue). In situations where there is limited or restricted visibility or maneuverability, two spotters should be used.

← Older revision	Revision as of 20:25, 10 February 2018
(No difference)

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 * All vehicles shall be kept as clean as possible. The driver of any vehicle is responsible for the cleanliness and appearance, both interior and exterior.
 * Members assigned the responsibility of operating any department vehicle shall, upon commencing their tour of duty, carefully inspect the condition and serviceability of their vehicle, noting any defect, damage or missing equipment. Failure to inspect a vehicle prior to assuming control and failing to identify any such condition may result in assigning the responsibility for such defect, damage or missing equipment to the member neglecting to adhere to this policy.
-* Any Fire Department vehicle found to be unsafe shall be placed out of service until repaired. Repair work will require a repair order to be signed by the requestor and then forwarded to City Garage. After being repaired, the vehicle shall be inspected prior to being placed back in service by the designated vehicle operator.
+* Any Fire Rescue Department vehicle found to be unsafe shall be placed out of service until repaired. Repair work will require a repair order to be signed by the requestor and then forwarded to City Garage. After being repaired, the vehicle shall be inspected prior to being placed back in service by the designated vehicle operator.
-* The fuel level of each vehicle must be checked at the beginning of each shift and properly serviced as needed. All vehicles will be turned over to the on-coming shift with a minimum of 3/4 tank of fuel. All other fluid levels are to be checked by garage personnel each week.
+* The fuel level of each vehicle must be checked as close to the beginning of each shift as possible and properly serviced as needed. All vehicles will be turned over to the on-coming shift with a minimum of 3/4 tank of fuel. All other fluid levels are to be checked by garage personnel each week.
-* Inventory sheets shall be followed during check out and inventory books filled out for '''EACH''' vehicle, '''EACH''' day. Each book is to be signed by the OIC daily.
+* Inventory sheets shall be followed during check out and inventory books filled out for '''EACH''' vehicle, '''EACH''' day. Each inventory sheet shall be signed by the OIC daily.
 * One day per week, each vehicle will have a "weekly" checkout at which time ALL equipment will be removed from every compartment, checked and serviced thoroughly according to manufacturer’s recommendations, and the compartment and equipment cleaned.
 * In the event any damage is incurred to a department vehicle, or if mechanical trouble becomes apparent during operation, the operator will immediately notify the OIC, then complete all appropriate paperwork. (Repair forms, accident forms.)

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 * Vehicle wheel chocks will be assigned to each emergency vehicle. The vehicle operator will insure that a chock or set of chocks are placed in such a way as to prevent the forward and backward movement of a parked/unattended emergency response vehicle that is outside of the confines of a fire station. Chocks are to be used in conjunction with either air or mechanical brakes. Chocks are to be used in both emergency and non-emergency situations (excluding staff vehicles).
-===Access through gated entryways===
+===Access through Gated Entryways===
 Driver operators shall avoid accessing the gate entryways that are for key pad (visitor) use. These entryways have limited clearance for emergency vehicles. The entry method that is now advised is to use the gate card entryway only. Responding apparatus should utilize the appropriate entry feature which may include opticom, "yelp” siren feature or gate card to gain access. Should either method fail to open the gate, a firefighter shall exit* the apparatus and use the gate code on the key pad. If the gate card entryway is inaccessible, drivers may use another entryway by exercising extreme caution.
 *exiting firefighters shall don a traffic safety vest to increase visibility