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Purpose
To establish guidelines when operating emergency vehicles in the St. John’s Regional Fire Department.
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Background
This operational guideline is meant to ensure the efficient response of personnel and apparatus to the scene of an emergency without danger to public or private property, or injury or death to civilians or Fire Department personnel.
This POG shall apply to all personnel responding to any type of emergency in any type of emergency vehicle.
The driver of each vehicle bears full responsibility for adherence to this procedure. Authority to deviate from this procedure rests solely with the Officer In Charge (OIC) who bears full responsibility for the results of any deviation.
Provincial laws exempt authorized emergency vehicles from regular traffic laws when responding to an emergency. However, neither Provincial laws nor this procedure absolve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the responsibility of driving with due regard for the safety of others on the road. The driver remains fully accountable for his/her actions.
This replaces POG # 07-01-08, “Use of Red Lights, Sirens and Speed” dated 2005/06/15, and POG # 07-01-09, “Staging and Placement”, dated 2005/06/15.
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Policy Statement
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANY ASPECT OF SAFETY BE SACRIFICED IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE SPEED OF THE RESPONSE.
Driver Attention
The driver shall focus full attention on the safe operation of the vehicle, and will initiate the proper sequence for emergency response upon exiting the station. It is the duty of the OIC to change/adjust emergency lights, siren and operate the radio where possible. The operation of the air horns is the driver’s responsibility, and should be used as a tool to request the right of way. Care must be taken that the air horn does not drown out the siren. Drivers of command vehicles, and support vehicles when responding, are exempt from this requirement if there is only one person in the front seat of the vehicle. Drivers of these vehicles shall exercise extreme caution when it is necessary.
Seat Belts
The driver shall not move the apparatus until all personnel have boarded the vehicle and are seated with seat belts fastened.
Exiting the Station
On leaving the station, the driver shall be aware of other apparatus leaving at the same time and shall yield to all emergency vehicles to the right. On leaving the station, the driver shall gently apply the brakes to assure their operation prior to entering the street.
Warning Devices
All audible and visual warning devices shall be in operation when making an emergency response.
Speed
Under the Highway Traffic Act the driver of an emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call or alarm may exceed the speed limit, however the maximum speed of any SJRFD emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency is not to exceed 15 kph over the legal posted speed limit. The driver of an emergency vehicle shall not exceed the speed limit unless he/she sounds an audible signal by bell, horn, siren or exhaust whistle, and shows a flashing red light.
NOTE
All Aerial Devices are to proceed to all calls with emergency lights and sirens but at a speed less than posted speed limits.
Under less than ideal conditions the maximum allowable speed shall be within safe operation of the vehicle and the driver’s abilities. The driver shall always maintain a speed consistent with safe operation of the vehicle under the prevailing conditions.
Intersections
Intersections are the most dangerous areas to approach during an emergency response. The following special precautions shall be observed by all responding vehicles.
1. When an emergency vehicle must approach an intersection in the centre lane or left of centre, the driver shall come to a complete stop until all other traffic in the intersection has yielded.
2. When approaching an intersection (stop sign or red traffic light) the emergency vehicle shall come to a complete stop until all other traffic in the intersection has yielded the right-of-way).
3. The maximum allowable speed through any intersection shall be the posted legal speed limit.
Driving Left of Center
Driving in the centre lane or left of centre is extremely dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible.
Passing Emergency Vehicles
Passing other emergency vehicles on an emergency response is dangerous, unnecessary and is strictly prohibited. The only exception would be passing apparatus that have broken down.
Approach Safety
On approaching the emergency scene, all drivers shall watch for emergency vehicles approaching from other directions. They shall drive with extreme caution and be constantly on alert for firefighters and civilians who may be distracted by the emergency and may step in front of the approaching apparatus.
Reduced Response
The first OIC to arrive at the emergency scene shall evaluate the need for other responding companies to continue on an emergency response. Whenever possible, other responding vehicles shall be advised they are clear to go, 10-8.
Emergency Vehicles Approaching School Buses Displaying Flashing Red Lights
All drivers operating emergency vehicles en route to an emergency call will stop a safe distance (minimum 15 meters) from any school bus displaying flashing red lights or the stop arm. Once the red lights have ceased flashing, the driver of the emergency vehicle may, with caution and due care, slowly pass the school bus and continue en route to the emergency call.
Staging Procedure
1. First arriving Engine should be parked in the best position to allow for hose line attacks. Usually just short of or just past intended entrance. Engine should be parked in such a manner that at least one traffic lane is free for other responding apparatus.
2. First arriving Rescue should be parked in an appropriate position so as not to interfere with other responding apparatus. Usually this will be far enough behind or ahead of the Pumper so as not to interfere with fire ground operation.
3. First arriving Truck (Aerial) will be staged two (2) blocks or 1000 feet back. OIC will initiate Truck (Aerial) operations or utilization of the personnel where he/she deems necessary.
4. Second in Engine and/or other responding apparatus will not proceed directly to the scene unless requested by the first arriving OIC. The second in Engine and other vehicles should park in their direction of travel about one (1) block or 500 feet from the scene in an uncommitted position, usually near an intersection or a water supply (hydrant). From this position, await instructions from the Incident Commander.
5. All apparatus will confirm by radio as to their on-scene or holding position. All radio operators will ensure that they do not interfere with the message of an on-scene status report of first in OIC.
NOTE
All Operational Guidelines are provided as a guideline only and may be altered by the OIC to meet extenuating circumstances. |
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Approvals
Fire Chief/Director
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Responsibility
St. John's Regional Fire Department
POG # 07-01-08
Approved By:
______________________________________ _______________
Jerry F. Peach Date
Fire Chief
Director of Regional Fire and Emergency Services
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Appendix/Appendices
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