Apparatus Response SOP 604.01 Flashcards
Last revision date of SOP 604.01?
02/01/2017
All DFD vehicles and fire apparatus will be operated in compliance with what 2 things?
- Texas state law
2. Texas vehicle code
What absolves the driver of any responsibility to drive with due caution?
Nothing. Not even emergency (code 3 response)
Who is responsible for the safe operation of the emergency vehicle at all times?
The driver of the emergency vehicle
In what manner will DFD vehicles be operated?
A manner that provides for the safety of all persons and property
What has priority over unnecessary speed and reckless driving enroute to an emergency incident?
Safe arrival
Do the provisions of the SOP protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others?
NO
When are seat belts required?
All COD employees are required to use seat belts at ALL times when operating a city vehicle equipped with seat belts
What 5 things will attain a prompt and safe response?
- Leaving the station in a standard manner
- Driving defensively and professional at a reasonable and safe speed
- Knowing where the unit is going
- Using warning devices to move around traffic and request right of way in a safe and predictable manner
- Riding in regular seats provided with seat belts
The standard manner to leave the station includes what 3 things?
- Quickly mounting the apparatus
- All personnel, on board, seated, and seat belts on
- Station doors fully open
Is riding on the tailboard or other exposed position permitted?
NO. Not on any vehicle at any time
Who’s responsibility is it to correct any unsafe conditions?
The company officer
Who will assume responsibility for the actions of the driver when a company officer is present?
The company officer
What type of incident is deemed an emergency?
Those which pose a significant risk to life and/or property
What does emergency response require?
Use of all audio (sirens and airhorns) and visual (lights) warning devices as necessary
What should the first arriving unit do concerning the response of later coming units when possible?
Advise additional units to reduce code
The initial response to what 5 types of incidents will be considered emergency?
- Reported fire in a structure
- Reported fire outside which involves the potential destruction of property or poses a risk to human or animal life
- All categories of emergency medical incidents
- Man-made or natural disasters involving the destruction of property and the potential for injury and/or death
- Automatic fire alarms at the discretion of the company officer
What type of incident is deemed a non-emergency?
Those which do not pose a significant risk to life and/or property
Are audio and/or visual warning devices used for non-emergency response?
NO. Unless ordered by a competent authority to upgrade the response to emergency status
What 2 incidents will initially require a non-emergency response?
- Medical transfers where the patient does not have a life threatening condition
- Public service calls in which there is no immediate threat to life and/or property
What is true of apparatus vehicles engaged in non-emergency response regarding safety rules and posted speed limits?
Non-emergency response will obey all applicable traffic safety rules and will not exceed the posted speed limit
What 3 things will drivers use to govern their response when responding code 3?
Traffic
Weather
Road conditions
What 3 things must be true for an FD vehicle to exceed posted speed limits?
Responding code 3
Favorable conditions
Safe to do so
What 4 things are considered favorable conditions that must be met to exceed posted speed limits when responding code 3?
Light traffic
Good roads
Good visibility
Dry pavement
What is the maximum speed of travel when responding code 3?
No more than 10mph over the posted speed limit
What are 7 situations that even though they are responding code 3 the driver will completely stop the vehicle and only proceed when they can account for all oncoming traffic in all lanes yielding the right of way?
- When directed by a law enforcement officer
- Stop signs
- Red traffic lights
- Negative right-of-way intersections
- Blind intersections
- When all lanes of traffic in an intersection cannot be account for
- When other intersection hazards are present
What will the driver do at all unguarded railroad crossings?
Completely stop the vehicle until they determine it is safe to cross
At what speed may the driver approach and cross an intersection with the right of way?
Not exceeding the posted speed limit
How should the vehicle be placed at the scene of an incident?
So as to protect personnel who may be working in the street
What should be used while stopped at an incident to make approaching traffic aware of the incident?
Warning lights
True or False? When driving to an emergency always attempt to drive to the left and pass on the left?
TRUE
Where should a driver drive on a multi-lane road?
Drive in the left hand portion of the farthest left lane
What 2 things does driving in the left hand portion of the farthest left lane accomplish?
- Helps people in front of the apparatus see it better
2. Gives the appearance of wishing to pass
On which side should you overtake a vehicle when approaching an intersection?
On the left
When approaching an intersection where you plan to turn right on which side should you overtake vehicles?
On the left when possible and safe to do so
When is traffic light preemption permitted for use?
Emergency response only
Who will direct all audible alerting devices?
The company officer
What 3 things will the driver do when approaching school zones?
- Discontinue code 3 response by shutting off siren but leaving lights on
- Slow to the posted speed limit
- Come to a complete stop where necessary
What 3 things will the driver do when approaching a school bus displaying lights, loading or unloading children?
- Come to a complete stop
- Shut of siren but leave lights on
- Wait for a signal to proceed
What is required at all times when operating a vehicle in reverse?
A back-up person
With what will the back up person be equipped?
A radio and able to direct the driver if needed
What should the driver do with the back up person?
Keep them in sight at all times
If the driver loses sight of the back up person what should they do?
Bring the vehicle to a stop until visual contact is restored
What is expressly prohibited when backing a vehicle?
No personnel will act as a back up person from the tailboard from any vehicle
What should the driver do prior to backing a vehicle when no back up person is available and the driver is alone?
Stop the vehicle and walk around the vehicle and look at the area to be back prior to moving the vehicle
