Operating Emergency Vehicles

Operating Emergency Vehicles

Sugar Land Fire DepartmentDriver/Operator—Pumper AcademySpring 2003

Operating Emergency Vehicles Collision Statistics & Causes Driving Regulations Starting & Driving the Apparatus Stopping, Idling, & Shutting Down

the Apparatus Safe Driving Techniques Backing the Apparatus

Operating Emergency Vehicles Defensive Driving Techniques Weight Transfer & Skid Control Auxiliary Braking Systems Passing Other Vehicles Adverse Weather Warning Devices & Clearing Traffic

Collision Statistics & Causes Overweight, unstable, “homebuilt”

vehicles with high centers of gravity and worn out chassis.

Improperly baffled water tanks, which cause liquid surge when partially filled

Poor maintenance of apparatus, particularly of brake systems

Collision Statistics & CausesTime of Day # of collisions

Daylight 108 (51%)Dawn/Dusk 23 (11%)Night 58 (27%)Unknown 23 (11%)

IUP study

Collision Statistics & CausesRoad Conditions # of Collisions

Dry Road 130 (61%)Wet Road 22 (10.5%)Snow/Ice 28 (13%)Muddy Road 1 (0.5%)Unknown 32 (15%)

IUP study

Causes of Driver/Operator Error Insufficient Training Unfamiliarity with the Vehicle Overconfidence in One’s Driving Ability Inability to recognize a dangerous situation False sense of security because of a good

driving record Misunderstanding of apparatus capabilities Lack of knowledge about how to operate

apparatus controls in an emergency

Driving Regulations Regulatory agencies that govern fire

apparatus driver/operators Federal laws State or provincial motor vehicle codes City ordinances NFPA standards Departmental Policies

Driving Regulations Unless specifically exempt, emergency

vehicles are subject to the same rules, regulations, and ordinances that govern any motorized vehicle operator.

In some jurisdictions, statutes may exempt emergency vehicles responding to an emergency from driving regulations that apply to the general public: direction of travel, direction of turns, parking etc.

Driving Regulations When exempted from general public

regulations, the driver/operator must exercise great care for the safety of others and must maintain complete control of the vehicle

All traffic signals and rules must be obeyed when returning to quarters from an alarm or during any other nonemergency driving

Driving Regulations

Starting & Driving the Apparatus Always consult the manufacturer’s

operating manual, supplied with each vehicle, for instructions specific to the vehicle

Start the vehicle as soon as possible so that it is warmed up when the rest of the crew is assembled and ready to respond.

Starting & Driving the Apparatus Let the apparatus idle as long as possible

before putting it into road gear—for nonemergency response this could be 3 to 5 minutes, for an emergency response it may be only a few seconds.

Take the time to review the incident location and consider important factors that may affect the response such as road closings and traffic conditions.

Starting & Driving the Apparatus

Manual Shift Apparatus Make safety checks before moving

the apparatus: seatbelt fastened, all aboard, mirrors and seat adjusted, battery on, etc.

After releasing the parking brake, shift into a low gear that will allow the vehicle to move without undue wear on the engine.

Manual Shift Apparatus Release the clutch slowly when

starting from a standstill, taking care to avoid vehicle rollback before the clutch engages.

Keep the apparatus in low gear until the proper speed or revolutions per minute (RPM) is reached for shifting to a higher gear.

Manual Shift Apparatus

Automatic Transmissions

Automatic Transmissions Do not attempt to jump more than

one gear at a time. Once the apparatus is moving,

accelerate the vehicle gradually Do not try to reach rated speed in

the low gears.

Automatic Transmissions Stay in the highest gear that allows

the apparatus to keep up with traffic and still have some power in reserve for acceleration.

Attempt to maintain engine rpm control through correct throttling

Avoid over throttling, which results in lugging.

Automatic Transmissions Do not allow the engine rpm to drop below

peak torque speed if lugging does occur. When ascending a steep grade, and

momentary unavoidable lugging takes place, select progressively lower gears.

Do not allow the engine to over speed because of improper downshifting or hill descent; instead, choose a gear that cruises the speed at 200 or 300 rpm lower than recommended rpm

Stopping, Idling, & Shutting Down the Apparatus Stopping the Apparatus

Before braking, consider the weight of the apparatus and the condition of the brakes, tires, and road surface.

If the unit has a retarder become thoroughly familiar with all the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding its operation prior to use.

Stopping, Idling, & Shutting Down the Apparatus

Do not disengage the clutch until the last few feet of travel, particularly on slippery surfaces, because an engaged engine allows more control of the apparatus.

Engine Idling Shut down the engine rather than

letting it idle for a long period of time.

Stopping, Idling, & Shutting Down the Apparatus

When the engine must be left to idle for an extended period of time because of extremely cold weather or during floodlight operations, set it to idle at 900 to 1100rpm rather than at lower speeds.

Familiarize yourself with and follow your department’s SOP for times when the apparatus may be forced to idle for an extended period of time.

Stopping, Idling, & Shutting Down the Apparatus Engine Shutdown

Never attempt to shut down the engine while the apparatus is in motion

Never shut down immediately after full-load operation; instead, allow the engine temperature to stabilize by idling it 3 to 4 minutes before shutdown.

Driver/Operator Attitude

Train yourself to be safety conscious and calm

Do not drive recklessly or aggressively

Do not demand the right of way although you may legally have it.

Be prepared to yield the right of way at all times in the interest of safety

Driver/Operator Attitude

Drive as you would during nonemergency situations, and take advantage of the room that clears for you on the road.

Consider the fire department’s public image and do not drive recklessly, make degrading gestures, or verbal assaults toward members of the public.

Driver/Operator Attitude Refrain from blaring sirens and air

horns at 3 a.m. on deserted roads (unless required by law or department SOP)

Rider Safety Guidelines Know that you are responsible for the

safety of all personnel riding on the apparatus

Make sure that all riders should don their protective gear before boarding the apparatus.

If you (as the driver) are not comfortable driving the apparatus wearing fire boots or bulky protective coat, you may don your protective clothing at the scene.

Guidelines for Backing Apparatus If two spotters are used, only one should

communicate with the driver; the second spotter should assist the first one.

If you do not have spotters or cannot see the spotters behind you, do not back the apparatus.

Ensure that all of your department’s apparatus are equipped with an alarm system that warns others when the apparatus is backing up.

Weight Transfer & Skid Control

Weight Transfer & Skid Control Methods of avoiding loss of control

due to weight transfer. Use only as much steering as needed to

keep weight transfer to a minimum Use smooth and continuous steering. Drive slowly on curves and turns. Do not drive on slopes too steep for the

particular apparatus


Equip apparatus with baffled water tanks.

Drive the vehicle only when the water tank is completely empty or full.

Weight Transfer & Skid Control Common Causes of Skids

Driving too fast for road conditions Failing to properly appreciate weight shifts of

heavy apparatus. Failing to anticipate obstacles Improper use of auxiliary braking devices Improper maintenance of tire air pressure Improper maintenance of tire tread depth

Weight Transfer & Skid Control Antilock Braking System (ABS)

Purpose—Minimize the chance of skidding when the brakes are applied forcefully

Operation—A digital onboard computer monitors each wheel and controls air pressure to the brakes, maintaining optimal braking ability

Weight Transfer & Skid Control Guidelines for controlling skids

When driving a vehicle equipped with an ABS, maintain a steady pressure on the brake pedal (rather than pumping the pedal) until the apparatus is brought to a complete halt.

Remember that with air brakes, there is a slight delay between the time the driver/operator pushes down on the brake pedal and the time that sufficient air pressure is sent to the brake for operation.


When driving a vehicle not equipped with an ABS, release the brakes, allowing the wheels to rotate freely.

No matter what braking system, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels face the direction of the skid.

When driving standard transmission apparatus, do not release the clutch until the vehicle is under control and just before stopping the vehicle

Weight Transfer & Skid Control Once the skid is controllable,

gradually apply power to the wheels to further control the vehicle by providing traction.

Auxiliary Braking Systems Engine Retarder

Saves wear on the service brakes and makes the apparatus easier to manage on hills and slippery roads.

Is activated when pressure is released from the accelerator

Allows the driver/operator to limit the use of the service brakes to emergency and final stops

Auxiliary Braking Systems Front brake-limiting valve system

(dry road/slippery road switch) Is intended to help the driver/operator

maintain control of the apparatus on wet, slippery surfaces

Is activated when switch is moved to the slippery-road position

Auxiliary Braking Systems Reduces air pressure on front steering

axle by 50% thus preventing the front wheels from locking up and allowing the driver/operator to steer the vehicle even when the rear wheels are locked into a skid

Is not overly effective or safe because with the switch in the slippery-road position, braking capabilities are actually reduced by 25%

Auxiliary Braking Systems Should be placed in the dry-road position and

disconnected as recommended by IFSTA Interaxle differential lock

Is intended to provide greater traction for each axle

Is activated with a switch in the cab of apparatus with tandem rear axles

Allows for a difference in speed between the two rear axles, while providing pulling power from each axle, and providing improved traction.

Auxiliary Braking Systems Automatic Traction Control (ATC)

Helps improve traction on slippery roads Reduces drive wheel over spin by decreasing

engine speed as needed until traction is acquired to move the chassis.

Has no switch for the driver/operator to select; automatically turns itself on and off.

Is engaged when a green indicator light on the dash illuminates

Auxiliary Braking Systems ATC snow-and-mud switch

Increases available traction on extra soft surfaces and may be used to “rock” an apparatus out of a particular spot

Is activated with a switch and engaged when an indicator light on dash flashes continuously

Should be deactivated (by pressing switch a second time and turning off vehicle ignition) when normal traction is regained.

Interaxle Differential lock Leave in unlocked position under normal

conditions; move to the locked position only when approaching or anticipating slippery-road conditions.

Lift your foot from the accelerator when activating an interaxle differential lock

Do not activate this switch while on or more of the wheels is actually slipping or spinning; damage to the axle could result.

Interaxle Differential lock Do not spin the wheel with the

interaxle differential locked; damage to the axle could result.

ATC—how it works When a drive wheel starts to spin,

the ATC applies air pressure to brake the wheel. This transfers engine torque to the wheels with better traction.

When all drive wheels begin to spin, the ATC reduces the engine torque to provide improved traction.

Passing Other Vehicles Whenever possible, avoid passing

vehicles that do not pull over to yield the right-of-way to the fire apparatus.

Always travel on the innermost lane on multilane roads.

Avoid passing vehicles on the right Make sure you can see that the opposing

lanes of traffic are clear of oncoming traffic if you must move in that direction.

Passing Other Vehicles Avoid passing other emergency

vehicles Always coordinate by radio when

passing emergency vehicles Flash your high beam lights to get

the driver’s attention when preparing to pass.

Adverse Weather Adjust apparatus speed according to

the condition of road surfaces. Decrease speed gradually before

entering curves. Know and anticipate areas that

become slippery first: Bridge surfaces, northern slopes of hills, shaded spots…

Adverse Weather Test the brakes in an area free of traffic Use the windshield wipers and defrosters

to keep the windshield clean and clear. Snow tires or tire chains reduce the

stopping distance but increase starting and hill climbing traction on snow or ice.

Adverse Weather Increase the safe following distance

between vehicles. It takes 3 to 15 times more distance

for a vehicle to come to a complete stop on snow and ice than it does on dry concrete.

Warning Devices & Clearing Traffic

Civilian drivers respond better to sounds that change pitch often.

Take care not to “outrun” the effective range of siren

Operate warning devices from the time the apparatus begins its response until it arrives on the scene.


Use some discretion in the use of sirens when responding to sensitive situations such as psychiatric emergencies.

Limit use to true emergency response situations according to your department’s SOP’s.

If not contraindicated by department SOP’s, turn off all warning devices and proceed with the normal flow of traffic when driving on limited-access highways and turnpikes


When more than one emergency vehicle is responding along the same route, travel at least 300-500 feet apart.

Use the radio to communicate between responding units when approaching the same intersection.

Always take precautions to ensure a safe, collision free response.

Traffic Control Devices Traffic signals in front of the fire

station Multiple traffic signal control OpticomTM System SONEM 2000 System

Good Driving Practices Remember that speed is less important

than arriving safely at the destination. Slow down for intersections, and stop

when faced with a red light or stop sign. Anticipate the worst possible situation

Drive defensively! Expect that some motorists and

pedestrians will neither hear nor see the apparatus warning devices

Good Driving Practices Be aware of the route’s general road and

traffic conditions. Remember that icy, wet, or snow-packed

roads increase braking distance. Do not grind the gears on manual

transmission vehicles Do not use the clutch pedal as a footrest

Good Driving PracticesGood Driving Practices Do not exceed 10 mph when leaving the Do not exceed 10 mph when leaving the

stationstation Do not race the engine when the Do not race the engine when the

apparatus is standing still.apparatus is standing still. Always use low gear when starting from a Always use low gear when starting from a

standstill.standstill. Keep the apparatus under control at all Keep the apparatus under control at all

times.times. Taking NOTHING for granted!Taking NOTHING for granted!

Operating Emergency Vehicles

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