Riding on the Apparatus Safely
Course
Firefighter I
Unit II
Safety and
Orientation
Essential
Question
Who is
responsible
for the safety
of those
involved in
apparatus
response?
TEKS
§130.299(c)
(17)(E)
Prior
Student
Learning
-Types of fire
service
apparatus
and their
uses
-Firefighter
death and
injury
statistics
Estimated
Time
4 hours total
Rationale
The hazards associated with riding on apparatus safely are among the
greatest threats to a firefighter’s survival. Each member of the crew is
responsible for the safe transport of firefighters to and from incidents. The
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show that responding
to and returning from alarms are two of the leading causes of firefighter
deaths. Most of these incidents can and should be prevented.
Objectives
The student will be able to recognize the procedures for using equipment
such as seat belts, ear protection, eye protection, and other safety equipment
for protection while riding on apparatus.
Engage
Lead the class in a discussion about firefighter safety/survival, and the
dangers inherent in responding to and returning from emergency scenes. Use
the following questions for the discussion and the Discussion Rubric for
assessment:
 What safety procedures should be in place, and what, if any safety
devices are built into fire apparatus to make them safer?
 What are the crew members’ responsibilities to themselves and their
teammates?
 What can be done on an individual basis to make riding on apparatus
safer?
Key Points
I. It is a firefighter’s responsibility to put safety first
A. Driver responsibility
1. To maintain the apparatus assigned to him or her in the safest
condition possible
2. To conduct daily, weekly, and monthly checks for the following
a) The braking system
b) The electrical systems (including the lighting and sirens)
c) Visual checks for system leaks
B. Individual responsibility
1. To understand what can be done to minimize the dangers inherent
in riding on apparatus
a) The four riding positions on modern fire apparatus are listed
below, beginning with the safest
(1) Enclosed cab, secured in a seat belt
(2) Open cab, secured with a seat belt
(3) Back step or side step, secured with a restraining device
(4) Back step or side step, wearing no restraining device
b) Firefighters should choose the safest position possible when
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given an option
c) Current standards disallow firefighters from riding on the sides
or rear of an apparatus; this rule should be strictly enforced
even if the apparatus has side or rear steps
C. Moving apparatus
1. Firefighters should only climb on or off an apparatus while it is
stationary
2. Firefighters should mount the apparatus only after donning their
protective clothing
3. When everyone is safely on the apparatus, the driver may proceed
to the destination
4. It is important to remember that firefighters have been injured
and/or killed jumping on and off of moving apparatus
II. Operating at Emergency Scenes
A. Operating on the roadway
1. Oncoming traffic is the greatest danger when operating at a car fire
or vehicle extrication, not flames or flammable liquids
2. The greatest threat is speeding drivers crashing into the rear of a
parked apparatus and crushing the firefighters to death
3. Warning signals should be placed to help protect the firefighters on
the scene
a) The first should be
(1) Placed 350 feet from the apparatus
(2) Positioned to be visible to oncoming traffic at least 350
feet beyond that
(3) This gives drivers 700 feet to stop their vehicles
b) If there are curves in the road, the warning devices may need
to be placed farther away to give more notice
B. Operating at intersections
1. Some departments require that apparatus should stop at all
intersections not regulated by a traffic control device
2. Some departments require that apparatus be slowed enough to
stop if traffic fails to yield the right of way to the apparatus
3. Apparatus drivers should always respond with the lights, the
sirens, and any other safety device designed to notify traffic of their
presence
4. Apparatus drivers should drive “defensively” through all
intersections
III. Negotiating Narrow Spaces
A. Parked vehicles
1. These accidents
a) Are the most common collisions involving fire apparatus
b) Generally occur when there are vehicles parked on both sides
of the street or if a vehicle is double-parked
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c) Usually do not involve injuries, but they can put responding
companies out of service
(1) Require backup for the initial response
(2) Can be a life safety issue at the scene of the fire
because of the delayed response
B. Responding on restricted roadways
1. Ask the double-parked vehicles to move in order to allow the
apparatus access to the roadway
2. Firefighters can assist the apparatus driver through the restricted
roadway by determining if there is sufficient space
a) You may have to shut off audible devices to be able to
communicate with each other
3. Dispatch should be informed of any delay in response because of
a restricted roadway
4. Remember that a delayed response serves the community better
than no response; take the time to not have an accident
IV. Operating Apparatus in Reverse
A. Accident responsibility
1. The right side of the vehicle is most often assigned to the officer
2. The left side of the vehicle is most often assigned to the driver
3. Moving in reverse is usually attributed to the firefighters other than
the driver
a) Firefighters should never ride on an apparatus that is
operating in reverse
b) They should be off of the apparatus assisting the driver who is
backing up the unit
4. Firefighters should be careful exiting the apparatus to avoid being
struck by oncoming vehicles
B. Backing into the station
1. All traffic must be stopped first
2. A firefighter should be posted near the station door (on the side
opposite the driver) to extend the driver’s field of vision and to stop
pedestrians from walking into the path of the reversing apparatus
3. Firefighters should face oncoming traffic with traffic control devices
(such as flashlights at night)
4. Firefighters should be aware and ready to jump to safety in case
they encounter drunk or reckless drivers
5. Traffic may be allowed to proceed when the apparatus is
completely out of the roadway
V. Safety on Apparatus
A. Hearing protection
1. NFPA 1500 requires firefighters to wear hearing protection while
they are inside an apparatus with engine noise levels that exceed
90 decibels
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2. NFPA hearing protection equipment includes earplugs, earmuffs,
or radio communication headsets
B. Seatbelts
1. NFPA 1500 requires firefighters to sit inside closed cabs with their
seatbelts fastened before the apparatus moves
C. Protective clothing
1. Many departments require that firefighters be fully dressed in all of
their protective clothing prior to entering the apparatus
2. Other departments allow their apparatus operators to wait until
they are at the emergency response scene to don their coats and
helmets
Activities
Mounting and Dismounting the Apparatus. Have students simulate mounting
an apparatus for incident response and dismounting an apparatus at an
emergency scene. Have the students wear full protective clothing if available.
Use the Mounting and Dismounting the Apparatus Checklist for the activity
and for the assessment.
Assessments
Riding on the Apparatus Safely Quiz
Mounting and Dismounting the Apparatus Checklist
Discussion Rubric
Research Rubric
Writing Rubric
Materials
Riding on the Apparatus Safely computer-based presentation
Full protective clothing (optional)
Resources
0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th Edition), International Fire Service
Training Association (IFSTA), 2008
1428339825, Firefighter's Handbook: Firefighter I and Firefighter II (1st
Edition), Delmar Cengage Learning, 2008
0912212233, Safety and Survival on the Fireground, Vincent Dunn, Fire
Engineering Books Department, 1992
http://tkolb.net/tra_sch/FireTruckCrashes/TruckCrash.html
Do an Internet search for the following:
 Four Injured in Pasadena Car Accident Involving Fire Truck
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, students will read an article about an accident including a
fire apparatus. To find an article do an Internet search for the following: Four
Injured in Pasadena Car Accident Involving Fire Truck. Then they will write
the circumstances that they believe could and could not have been changed
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to avoid the accident. Use the Writing Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, students will write a research paper about line of duty deaths
in the fire service involving vehicle (apparatus) accidents. The following
website may be used for research. Use the Research Rubric for assessment.
 http://tkolb.net/tra_sch/FireTruckCrashes/TruckCrash.html
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.299. Firefighter I (One to Two Credits).
(17) The student describes the handling of different types of
accidents and hazards. The student is expected to:
(E)
recognize the procedures for the use of equipment such
as seat belts, ear protection, eye protection, and other
safety equipment provided for protection while riding on
apparatus.
College and Career Readiness Standards
Cross-Disciplinary Standards
II. Foundational Skills
B. Writing across the curriculum
1. Write clearly and coherently using standard writing conventions.
2. Write in a variety of forms for various audiences and purposes.
3. Compose and revise drafts.
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Name________________________________
Date__________________________
Riding on the Apparatus Safely Quiz
1. _____ The position a firefighter takes when riding on a fire apparatus may determine
his or her chances of survival during an accident. Some riding positions are
safer than others.
a. True
b. False
2. _____ What should a firefighter do when stopping traffic?
a. Use a flashlight at night
b. Never turn his or her back to oncoming traffic
C. Be ready to jump out of the way if the traffic doesn’t stop
d. All of the above
3. _____ Where should a firefighter be when a fire apparatus is backing up?
a. Seated and seat belted
b. Prepared to get off the apparatus
c. Off the apparatus assisting the driver backing up
d. None of the above
4. _____ The most common collision with a fire apparatus occurs
a. At intersections
b. Squeezing through double-parked cars
c. Turning out from fire stations
d. Backing into quarters
5. _____ Some fire departments require apparatus drivers to bring the apparatus to a
complete stop at every intersection when responding.
a. True
b. False
6. _____ When flares or other warning devices are placed 350 feet from the fire
apparatus, how many additional feet must they be visible for oncoming traffic?
a. 350 feet
b. 400 feet
c. 450 feet
c. 500 feet
7. _____ When is it safest to board a fire apparatus?
a. When it is moving slowly
b. When it is stationary
c. While it is backing up
d. Any of the above
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8. _____ What is the most serious consequence of a “squeeze through” accident?
a. Expensive damage to the apparatus
b. Traffic citations to the apparatus driver
c. A delayed or failed response
d. Upset citizens
9. _____ What is the greatest danger to firefighters operating at a vehicle fire on an
interstate highway?
a. Exploding gas tanks
b. Leaking gasoline
c. Smoke from burning plastics
d. Oncoming vehicles
10. ____ NFPA 1500 requires firefighters to wear hearing protection inside a fire
apparatus when engine noise levels exceed how many decibels?
a. 70
b. 80
c. 90
d. 100
11. ____ Collisions that occur when apparatus must squeeze through parked cars
generally result
a. In no injuries
b. In a delayed response
c. In a life safety issue
d. All of the above
12. ____ When traveling on roadways restricted by double-parked cars, or cars parked
on both sides of the street
a. Firefighters can assist the apparatus driver by determining if there is
enough room to drive the apparatus through
b. The apparatus driver may have to shut down all audible devices on the
apparatus
c. Both answers a and b are correct
d. Neither answer a or b is correct
13. ____ Current standards disallow firefighters from riding on the sides or rear of
apparatus.
a. True
b. False
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14. ____ Warning signals should be placed to help protect firefighters on the scene by
effectively giving drivers how many feet to stop their vehicle?
a. 350
b. 400
c. 500
d. 700
15. ____ Firefighter A says it should be a common practice for all fire apparatus to stop
at all intersections not regulated by a traffic control device. Firefighter B says
all apparatus should be slowed significantly enough to stop if traffic fails to
yield the right of way to the apparatus. Who is correct?
a. Firefighter A
b. Firefighter B
c. Both are correct
d. Neither are correct
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Riding on the Apparatus Safely Quiz Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
A
D
C
B
A
A
B
C
D
C
D
C
A
D
C
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Name: _________________________ Date: __________________________
Mounting and Dismounting the Apparatus Checklist
Directions: While wearing full protective clothing, you will simulate mounting an
apparatus for an incident response. After completing this task, you will simulate
dismounting an apparatus at an emergency scene. You will begin on my instruction to
start. Time will stop when all identified steps have been accomplished and you put your
hands in the air to signal that you are finished with this skill. Do you understand these
instructions?
2 pts.
each
Performance Objectives
Have students describe and demonstrate the following tasks:

Don their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Mount the apparatus using the handrails and steps

Sit in the cab and fasten the safety belt

Wait for instruction, then unfasten the safety belt and
prepare to dismount the apparatus

Dismount the apparatus using the handrails and the steps
Total points possible - 10
Instructor’s Signature
Date
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Research Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Question/goal
Student identified and communicated a question
or goal of the research
Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Conclusion/Summary
Student drew insightful conclusions and
observations from the information gathered.
Information is organized in a logical manner
Communication
Student communicated the information gathered
and summary or conclusions persuasively.
Student demonstrated skill in the use of media
used to communicate the results of research
Reflection
Student reflected on the importance of the
research and its potential application
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
12
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
The writing has all required parts from
introduction to conclusion in smooth
transition.
The writing is interesting, supportive,
and complete.
The writing demonstrates that the
writer comprehends the writing
process.
Accurate spelling, grammar, and
punctuation
The content of paragraphs
emphasizes appropriate points.
The writer shows an understanding of
sentence structure, paragraphing, and
punctuation.
All sources and references are clearly
and accurately documented.
Total Points (28 pts.)
Comments:
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