south pierce fire & rescue

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South Pierce Fire & Rescue

Training DivisionTraining Division

PresentsPresents

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EVAPEmergency Vehicle Accident

Prevention

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Lesson Topics

1.1. Legal AspectsLegal Aspects

2.2. Concepts of Defensive DrivingConcepts of Defensive Driving

3.3. Important Physical ForcesImportant Physical Forces

4.4. Driving Conditions & ContingenciesDriving Conditions & Contingencies

5.5. Vehicle Control TasksVehicle Control Tasks

6.6. Apparatus InspectionsApparatus Inspections

7.7. Written ExamWritten Exam

8.8. Rodeo & Driving CourseRodeo & Driving Course

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Legal Aspects of Emergency Vehicle Operations

Lesson Objectives Identify the Wash. State Statutes which apply to Identify the Wash. State Statutes which apply to

operators of emergency vehicles.operators of emergency vehicles. Identify and explain which situations represent a Identify and explain which situations represent a

“true emergency”.“true emergency”. Explain CDL requirements.Explain CDL requirements. Explain “who” is responsible for safe driving.Explain “who” is responsible for safe driving. Explain why accurate driver qualification records Explain why accurate driver qualification records

are necessary.are necessary.

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Legal Aspects

State government regulations.State government regulations. Revised Codes of WashingtonRevised Codes of Washington Washington Administrative CodeWashington Administrative Code

Local ordinances.Local ordinances. E.g., Speed limitsE.g., Speed limits

Department policies.Department policies. Policy BookPolicy Book

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Department PolicyOperations-District Apparatus

4210P-14210P-1

Page 1Page 1

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Staff shall meet the following qualifications prior to operating a district apparatus Be approved by the district’s vehicle insurance company.Be approved by the district’s vehicle insurance company. Be a minimum of 18 years of age.Be a minimum of 18 years of age. Possess a valid Washington State drivers license.Possess a valid Washington State drivers license. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record.Have and maintain an acceptable driving record. Be a staff member of the district a minimum of six months.Be a staff member of the district a minimum of six months. Meet the district medical requirements.Meet the district medical requirements. Maintain a current EVAP certification.Maintain a current EVAP certification. Be trained and qualified on the apparatus.Be trained and qualified on the apparatus.

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Three Principles of Emergency Vehicle Operations Emergency Vehicle operators are subject to Emergency Vehicle operators are subject to

all traffic regulations unless a specific all traffic regulations unless a specific exemption is made.exemption is made.

Exemptions are legal only in the emergency Exemptions are legal only in the emergency mode.mode.

Even with an exemption, operators can be Even with an exemption, operators can be found criminally or civilly liable in an found criminally or civilly liable in an accident.accident.

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The Law Applies To Me:

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There are laws on the books which allow There are laws on the books which allow us to operate Emergency Vehicles and us to operate Emergency Vehicles and give us some freedom of action the give us some freedom of action the general public does not have. Yet, there general public does not have. Yet, there are in each section catch phrases which are in each section catch phrases which place the ultimate liability on our place the ultimate liability on our shoulders. So therefore, the laws as shoulders. So therefore, the laws as written apply to each and everyone of written apply to each and everyone of us.us.

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BIG PRINT, gives it to you. You may: Park or stand your vehicle irrespective of all Park or stand your vehicle irrespective of all

laws to the contrary.laws to the contrary. Proceed past red lights and stop signs.Proceed past red lights and stop signs. Exceed the maximum speed.Exceed the maximum speed. Disregard regulations governing the Disregard regulations governing the

direction of movement of traffic or turning direction of movement of traffic or turning in specific directions regardless of the in specific directions regardless of the posted signs or regulations to the contraryposted signs or regulations to the contrary

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The little print takes it away!

May vs ShallMay vs Shall

–Due regardDue regard

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The Issue of Liability

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Courts apportion blame

They look at the case and determine who They look at the case and determine who and what contributed to the accident. They and what contributed to the accident. They assign a percentage of the blame to each assign a percentage of the blame to each faction.faction.

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Courts apportion blame

A court may say that the “other” driver was A court may say that the “other” driver was 40% to blame; the fire department 40% to 40% to blame; the fire department 40% to blame; the vehicle operator 20% to blame. blame; the vehicle operator 20% to blame. They look at the dollar award and assign the They look at the dollar award and assign the percentages accordingly.percentages accordingly.

Let’s say the “other” driver is asking for Let’s say the “other” driver is asking for $1,000,000 in damages for harm due to an $1,000,000 in damages for harm due to an accident.accident.

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““Other” driver – 40% = No awardOther” driver – 40% = No award Fire Department – 40% = $400,000Fire Department – 40% = $400,000 Emeg. Vehicle Operator – 20% = $200,000Emeg. Vehicle Operator – 20% = $200,000

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Was there a true emergency?

Is there a high probability that this situation Is there a high probability that this situation could cause death or serious injury to an could cause death or serious injury to an individual?individual?

Is there significant property imperiled?Is there significant property imperiled? Could action on my part reduce the Could action on my part reduce the

seriousness of the situation?seriousness of the situation?

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If a Emergency Vehicle operator was driving in excess of the established rules adopted by their fire department, or without

“ DUE REGARD “

for the safety of others, than the Emergency Vehicle operator could be held personally responsible.

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What is Due RegardDue Regard for the safety of others? ““A reasonably careful person, performing A reasonably careful person, performing

similar duties and under similar similar duties and under similar circumstances, would act in the same circumstances, would act in the same manner”.manner”.

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What problems might a person encounter after an accident? Possible individual financial responsibility.Possible individual financial responsibility. Uncertainty of outcome.Uncertainty of outcome. Months/years of mental strain on the Months/years of mental strain on the

individual or family.individual or family. Grief if you took a life or seriously injured Grief if you took a life or seriously injured

someone.someone.

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Commercial Drivers License (CDL) In Washington State, all fire department In Washington State, all fire department

drivers operating any fire department drivers operating any fire department vehicle that has a “manufacture’s weight vehicle that has a “manufacture’s weight rating”( MWR) in excess of 26,000 pounds rating”( MWR) in excess of 26,000 pounds are considered to be “commercial drivers”.are considered to be “commercial drivers”.

EVAP will substitute for CDL.EVAP will substitute for CDL.

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Requirements of the CDL lawIn order to meet the requirement of the CDL

law, you must:

Complete all of the EVAP course Complete all of the EVAP course requirements:requirements: Classroom portion.Classroom portion. Written test 80% passing grade.Written test 80% passing grade. Rodeo/road courseRodeo/road course Road test.Road test.

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Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention

Safety is foremost in everything we do, Safety is foremost in everything we do, individually or as a team.individually or as a team.

You are responsible for the safety of You are responsible for the safety of yourself and your passengersyourself and your passengers

WE ARE IN THE SAFETY BUSINESSWE ARE IN THE SAFETY BUSINESS

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Concepts of Defensive Driving

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Lesson Objectives

Explain why a positive attitude is necessary.Explain why a positive attitude is necessary. Describe several types of driver failure Describe several types of driver failure

which contribute to accidents.which contribute to accidents. Explain the responsibility the Emergency Explain the responsibility the Emergency

Vehicle operator accepts while driving.Vehicle operator accepts while driving.

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25% of firefighters killed are responding to or returning from incidents

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Defensive Driving

The most important requirement of The most important requirement of being a good driver is:being a good driver is:

A Good AttitudeA Good Attitude

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Concepts

KnowledgeKnowledge AlertnessAlertness ForesightForesight Good JudgmentGood Judgment SkillSkill

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Driver Failure

CarelessnessCarelessness IncompetenceIncompetence RecklessnessRecklessness InattentivenessInattentiveness Inability to judge distancesInability to judge distances Slow reaction of driversSlow reaction of drivers

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What are some of the things that could alter our normal driving abilities? AlcoholAlcohol Drugs/prescription drugsDrugs/prescription drugs InjuriesInjuries Poor attitude brought on by family problemsPoor attitude brought on by family problems Personnel conflictsPersonnel conflicts Other driversOther drivers ExcitementExcitement

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You Have A Responsibility to:

Your own familyYour own family The department and communityThe department and community The other crew members on board. As the The other crew members on board. As the

driver, you owe them a safe trip!driver, you owe them a safe trip!

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Physical and Mental Conditions

The Emergency Vehicle operator has the The Emergency Vehicle operator has the responsibility to begin each shift or trip in responsibility to begin each shift or trip in good mental and physical conditiongood mental and physical condition

Financial problems.Financial problems. Domestic problems.Domestic problems. Be aware of changing attitudes.Be aware of changing attitudes. A good defensive driver expects and allows A good defensive driver expects and allows

for the mistakes of others.for the mistakes of others.

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Important Physical Forces

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Lesson Objectives:

Description of terms.Description of terms. Discuss the effects of acceleration, Discuss the effects of acceleration,

deceleration and weight distribution.deceleration and weight distribution. Discuss braking systems and effects on Discuss braking systems and effects on

driving.driving. Effects of weight transfer.Effects of weight transfer.

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Important Physical Factors

Velocity & direction (Two of the most Velocity & direction (Two of the most important)important)

InertiaInertia Centrifugal forceCentrifugal force FrictionFriction BrakesBrakes

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Other Physical Forces

Weight transferWeight transfer Live loadsLive loads

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Velocity

Rate of motion or speed.Rate of motion or speed.

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Velocity

AccelerationAcceleration DecelerationDeceleration Braking.Braking.

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Inertia

The tendency of a body in motion to The tendency of a body in motion to stay in motion in a straight line unless stay in motion in a straight line unless

disturbed by an external force.disturbed by an external force.

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Centrifugal Force

The force, caused by inertia, which The force, caused by inertia, which tends to make a rotating body move tends to make a rotating body move

away from the center of rotationaway from the center of rotation

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Weight Transfer/Live Loads

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Friction

Resistance to motion between two Resistance to motion between two moving objects that touchmoving objects that touch

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Friction occurs throughout

Operators hands and the steering wheel.Operators hands and the steering wheel. Engine parts rubbing together.Engine parts rubbing together. Gears meshing.Gears meshing. Tires and the road surface.Tires and the road surface. Brake shoes or pads rubbing on drum or Brake shoes or pads rubbing on drum or

disc.disc.

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Friction can be classified in three conditions GreatestGreatest – When the wheels and the vehicle – When the wheels and the vehicle

are stationary.are stationary. Very GoodVery Good – When the wheel is rolling on a – When the wheel is rolling on a

dry, smooth road surface.dry, smooth road surface. LeastLeast – When the wheel is locked or – When the wheel is locked or

spinning.spinning.

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Understanding Brake Types

Drum brakes Drum brakes

Disc brakesDisc brakes

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Drum brakes – Drum brakes – Almost 90% of the total drum surface is in Almost 90% of the total drum surface is in contact with the brake shoe at one time. Thus only about 10% contact with the brake shoe at one time. Thus only about 10% of the surface can be cooled off at any one time.of the surface can be cooled off at any one time.

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Disc brakes –Disc brakes – The pad makes contact with only 15% of the The pad makes contact with only 15% of the disc surface, about 85% of the disc surface is cooling.disc surface, about 85% of the disc surface is cooling.

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System Types

Hydraulic systemHydraulic system – Closed system using hydraulic – Closed system using hydraulic fluid.fluid.

Hydraulic/vacuum assist – Hydraulic/vacuum assist – Closed hydraulic Closed hydraulic system with vacuum assist from the motor.system with vacuum assist from the motor.

Air system – Air system – Uses compressed air to operate the Uses compressed air to operate the vehicles service and parking brakesvehicles service and parking brakes

Air Over Hydraulic – Air Over Hydraulic – Uses air pressure to operate Uses air pressure to operate hydraulic system.hydraulic system.

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Auxiliary Braking Devices

Jake Retarder –Jake Retarder – Uses engine compression Uses engine compression to slow vehicle.to slow vehicle.

Electric Retarder – Electric Retarder – Provides a powerful Provides a powerful drag force by using electromagnets on the drag force by using electromagnets on the vehicle driveline.vehicle driveline.

Hydraulic Retarder – Hydraulic Retarder – Uses hydraulic fluid Uses hydraulic fluid in the transmission to create a drag on the in the transmission to create a drag on the vehicles drivetrain.vehicles drivetrain.

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Driving Conditions and Contingencies

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Lesson Objectives

Describe a procedure for estimating vehicle Describe a procedure for estimating vehicle following distances.following distances.

Adverse weather conditions precautions.Adverse weather conditions precautions. Three primary steps for skid control.Three primary steps for skid control. Problems associated with night driving.Problems associated with night driving.

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Contingency

A possibility that must be prepared A possibility that must be prepared against; a future emergencyagainst; a future emergency

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Normal Following Distances

Estimate car lengths – One car length for Estimate car lengths – One car length for every 10 mphevery 10 mph

Three-second rule – Keep a separation of at Three-second rule – Keep a separation of at least three seconds between the Emergency least three seconds between the Emergency Vehicle and the vehicle being followed. Vehicle and the vehicle being followed.

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Normal Stopping Distances

All stopping distances are based on a ¾ All stopping distances are based on a ¾ second reaction time by the driver.second reaction time by the driver.

Sedans – about 366 feetSedans – about 366 feet Light trucks – about 426 feetLight trucks – about 426 feet Three axle – about 531 feet (1/8 of a mile)Three axle – about 531 feet (1/8 of a mile)

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Adverse Weather Conditions

Approximately six times more people are killed on Approximately six times more people are killed on wet roads than on snowy and icy roads combined.wet roads than on snowy and icy roads combined.

Roads are especially slippery during the onset of Roads are especially slippery during the onset of fog, mist and rain.fog, mist and rain.

Wet roadways causes vehicles to “Wet roadways causes vehicles to “hydroplane”.hydroplane”. Do not use auxiliary braking systems on snow and Do not use auxiliary braking systems on snow and

ice.ice.

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Primary Causes of Contingency Situations Vehicle malfunctions or failure.Vehicle malfunctions or failure. A sudden change or deterioration in the A sudden change or deterioration in the

road.road. The appearance of an obstacle in the The appearance of an obstacle in the

roadway.roadway. Driver errorDriver error

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Unavoidable Collisions

When collision is unavoidable, When collision is unavoidable, choose an object to collide withchoose an object to collide with

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Impact Absorbing

Parked carsParked cars Low bushes and shrubsLow bushes and shrubs

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Non-Impact Absorbing

Concrete bridge abutments.Concrete bridge abutments. Buildings.Buildings. Large trees.Large trees. Utility poles.Utility poles.

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Night Driving

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Causes of Accidents

Night vision varies among persons.Night vision varies among persons. Eye straining activities (during the day) can Eye straining activities (during the day) can

reduce night vision.reduce night vision. Bright flashes of light (lightning, high beam Bright flashes of light (lightning, high beam

glare) can cause momentary blindness.glare) can cause momentary blindness.

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Drunk Drivers

Weaving across lanes.Weaving across lanes. Delayed start at a stop sign or traffic light.Delayed start at a stop sign or traffic light. Erratic speeds.Erratic speeds.

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Headlights and High Beams

Department policy states that headlights are Department policy states that headlights are to be on whenever operating vehicle.to be on whenever operating vehicle.

Dim headlights within 500 feet of Dim headlights within 500 feet of approaching vehicles.approaching vehicles.

Dim headlights within 300 feet of Dim headlights within 300 feet of overtaking or following other vehicles.overtaking or following other vehicles.

Keep eyes moving.Keep eyes moving.

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Vehicle Control Tasks

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Use & limitations of signaling devices.Use & limitations of signaling devices. Describe driving conditions.Describe driving conditions. Methods for checking traffic at Methods for checking traffic at

intersections.intersections. Turning methods.Turning methods. Overtaking/passing another vehicle.Overtaking/passing another vehicle. Backing operations and precautions.Backing operations and precautions.

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Vehicle Control Tasks

Emergency lights.Emergency lights. Sirens.Sirens. Urban driving.Urban driving. Negotiating intersections.Negotiating intersections.

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Sirens (Effectiveness)

Sound level of the siren and its frequency.Sound level of the siren and its frequency. Direction of the siren.Direction of the siren. Distracting noises in the area.Distracting noises in the area. Buildings and corners.Buildings and corners.

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Emergency Lights

Due regard must always be exercised, even during Due regard must always be exercised, even during the most serious of emergencies.the most serious of emergencies.

State law requires us emergency lights whenever State law requires us emergency lights whenever any of the exemptions are exercised.any of the exemptions are exercised.

Use of signaling equipment does not guarantee an Use of signaling equipment does not guarantee an operator safety, nor does it free him/her from the operator safety, nor does it free him/her from the possibility of civil or criminal liability if a mishap possibility of civil or criminal liability if a mishap occurs.occurs.

Use emergency lights when parked at scene and Use emergency lights when parked at scene and turn off headlights.turn off headlights.

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Urban Driving

Keep alert-watch for the following: Keep alert-watch for the following:

• Children.

•Alleys.

•Exhaust from parked cars.

•Crosswalks.

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Motorists Reactions

Stop dead in the middle of the road.Stop dead in the middle of the road. Try to compete (race) with the Emergency Try to compete (race) with the Emergency

Vehicle.Vehicle. Pull to the side of the road and continue Pull to the side of the road and continue

their speed.their speed. Nothing at all.Nothing at all.

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Unaware Motorist

Beware of startling unsuspecting motorists; Beware of startling unsuspecting motorists; they could respond hazardously.they could respond hazardously.

Vary pitch and duration of siren.Vary pitch and duration of siren. Use headlights and horn to get attention.Use headlights and horn to get attention. Be patient, keep signaling!Be patient, keep signaling! Never pass on the right.Never pass on the right.

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Negotiating Intersections

Come to a complete stop before proceeding.Come to a complete stop before proceeding. Look left, then right, then left again.Look left, then right, then left again. Change siren pitch or use air horns at least Change siren pitch or use air horns at least

100 feet in advance of an urban intersection 100 feet in advance of an urban intersection (200 feet in the country)(200 feet in the country)

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Passing and Backing Up

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Passing

If the decision has been made to pass and If the decision has been made to pass and conditions are okay – conditions are okay – DO NOT HESITATEDO NOT HESITATE

Stay in the passing lane shortest time Stay in the passing lane shortest time possible.possible.

Be prepared to abort actions.Be prepared to abort actions. Keep an eye out for escape routes.Keep an eye out for escape routes.

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Backing Up

In the event of a single operator, walk completely In the event of a single operator, walk completely around the vehicle before backing up.around the vehicle before backing up.

Two person or more crew – The officer shall place Two person or more crew – The officer shall place themselves at the left rear corner of the vehicle in themselves at the left rear corner of the vehicle in full view of the operators outside mirror.full view of the operators outside mirror.

Use correct and concise hand signals to inform the Use correct and concise hand signals to inform the operator of direction of travel or stopping.operator of direction of travel or stopping.

At night, use back up or rear deck lights to At night, use back up or rear deck lights to illuminate the rear of vehicle.illuminate the rear of vehicle.

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Backing Up

The drivers window shall be rolled down in The drivers window shall be rolled down in order to allow direct communications with order to allow direct communications with the driver.the driver.

If back up person moves out of the drivers If back up person moves out of the drivers field of vision, the driver shall immediately field of vision, the driver shall immediately stop the vehicle until sight is restored.stop the vehicle until sight is restored.

Back Back SLOWLY!SLOWLY!

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Backing Up

Use proper horn signals when backing:Use proper horn signals when backing:

1 1 blast…..STOP immediatelyblast…..STOP immediately

2 2 blasts….Forwardblasts….Forward

3 3 blasts….Back upblasts….Back up

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Apparatus Inspections

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Apparatus Inspections

Return in service sheets.Return in service sheets. Daily shift inspections.Daily shift inspections. Weekly inspections.Weekly inspections.

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Primary Inspection

Walk around vehicle.Walk around vehicle. Look under vehicle.Look under vehicle. Condition of tires.Condition of tires. Check engine oil.Check engine oil. Pump primer.Pump primer. Inspect cab area.Inspect cab area.

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Secondary Inspection

Oil pressure.Oil pressure. Voltmeter.Voltmeter. Amp meter.Amp meter. Water temp.Water temp. Air pressure.Air pressure. Other gauges.Other gauges. Activate exterior lighting.Activate exterior lighting.

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Secondary Inspection Cont.

Operate siren's)Operate siren's) WindowsWindows Automatic transmission fluid.Automatic transmission fluid. Power steering fluid.Power steering fluid. Brake fluid.Brake fluid. Portable equipment.Portable equipment. Ladders.Ladders.

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The End