Written 10/2005 Approved _______ Revised __________ Revised __________ Revised Revised __ ____ __ STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE DIVISION: Operations SECTION: 04 – Apparatus Operation NUMBER: 01 Introduction It is a given that the drivers of emergency vehicles are under extreme pressure to make timely responses to calls for assistance from the communities they serve. Literally, communities almost mandating a “timely” response while at the same time failing to complete a response due to a motor vehicle accident are unacceptable. For this reason, the information included within this document shall be the accepted Standard Operating Guideline that all drivers of the Astoria Fire/Rescue Department will follow when responding to or returning from alarms or other calls of assistance. Responsibility It is the responsibility of each driver to operate his or her vehicle responsibly at all times. Fire Department vehicles shall operate within the parameters of the Oregon Vehicle and Traffic laws and all applicable sections. The Vehicle and Traffic code grants special exceptions or privileges to emergency vehicles; these exceptions are only extended during times of a bona fide emergency or while transporting a patient for the purposes of emergency medical treatment to a hospital or health care facility. Emergency response does NOT absolve the driver from failure to use due regard. Oregon vehicle code 811.145 (3) This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor does this section protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of an arbitrary exercise of the right of way granted under this section. Lights and siren When responding to an emergency call, all emergency lights and a siren shall be used. Drivers clearly must understand that lights and siren simply “request” the right-of-way and do not guarantee any special privileges. It is the responsibility of the apparatus driver to make every reasonable effort to communicate the apparatus’ presence and the driver’s intended actions to other motorists and pedestrians. Despite lights and siren, drivers must drive defensively and prepare for the unexpected actions of others. 820.320 Illegal operation of emergency vehicle or ambulance; penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of illegal operation of an emergency vehicle or ambulance if the person is the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance and the person violates any of the following: (a) The driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance may only exercise privileges granted under ORS 820.300 when responding to an emergency call or when responding to, but not upon returning from, an emergency. The driver of an emergency vehicle may exercise privileges granted under ORS 820.300 when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law. (b) The driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must use a visual signal with appropriate warning lights when the driver is exercising privileges granted under ORS 820.300. Page 1 of 9 (c) In addition to any required visual signal, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must make use of an audible signal meeting the requirements under ORS 820.370 when the driver is proceeding past a stop light or stop sign under privileges granted by ORS 820.300 (1)(b). (d) A driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance who is exercising privileges granted under ORS 820.300 by parking or standing an emergency vehicle in disregard of a regulation or ordinance prohibiting that parking, stopping or standing, shall not use the audible signal. (e) In exercising the privileges under ORS 820.300 (1)(e) relating to buses and bus safety lights, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must first stop the vehicle and then must: (A) Determine that no passengers of the bus remain on the roadway; and (B) Proceed with caution. (f) In proceeding past any stop light or stop sign under the privileges granted by ORS 820.300, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must slow down as may be necessary for safe operation. (2) The driver of an emergency vehicle that is operated as an emergency police vehicle is not required to use either visual signal or the audible signal as described in this section in order to exercise the privileges granted in ORS 820.300 when it reasonably appears to the driver that the use of either or both would prevent or hamper the apprehension or detection of a violator of a statute, ordinance or regulation. (3) The offense described in this section, illegal operation of an emergency vehicle or ambulance, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c. Under no circumstances, shall a member of the Department own or display an emergency light or use an audible siren on their personally owned vehicle. All members shall obey all traffic laws when responding to the fire station and/or emergency scene. The law does provide for use of such devices but it’s our policy to prohibit this use and encourage our members to always drive exercising due regard for the safety of all citizens. 811.515 When lights must be displayed; kind of light; number; direction; use on certain vehicles. (16) Fire company warning lights authorized under a permit granted under ORS 818.250 may be used by the persons authorized under the permit while being driven to a fire station or fire location in response to a fire alarm. Fire company warning lights authorized under ORS 811.800 may be used by funeral escort vehicle or funeral lead vehicle drivers while driving in a funeral procession. The lights shall be covered or otherwise concealed when not being displayed as provided in this subsection. Speed Fire department vehicles are authorized to exceed the posted speed limit ONLY when responding to an emergency and ONLY under favorable conditions. Favorable conditions for the purposes of this document are described as light traffic, good road quality, clear visibility and dry pavement. Under less than favorable conditions, the posted speed limit is the maximum speed that may be attained. 820.320 Illegal operation of emergency vehicle or ambulance (g) The driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must not exceed any designated speed limit to an extent, which endangers persons or property. Intersections It should be understood by all apparatus operators that intersections pose the greatest hazard to emergency vehicles. When approaching an intersection where the emergency vehicle has the right-of-way, drivers will NOT exceed the speed limit and SHALL move their foot from the accelerator and cover the brake. School Bus with flashing lights Even when responding Code, emergency vehicles must stop for buses. The driver of the emergency vehicle can continue with caution when no passengers of the bus are on the roadway. 820.320 Illegal operation of emergency vehicle or ambulance; penalty. (e) In exercising the privileges under ORS 820.300 (1)(e) relating to buses and bus safety lights, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must first stop the vehicle and then must: (A) Determine that no passengers of the bus remain on the roadway; and (B) Proceed with caution. Safety in making a U-Turn Hazard Collisions in which an emergency vehicle with the lights on, will pull to the right shoulder of the roadway and make a U-Turn to get in behind a crash scene or to another type of emergency. The traffic that is Page 2 of 9 behind the unit starts to move to the left to give safe room between the emergency vehicle and the motorist. The driver of the emergency vehicle then makes a U-turn either into the side of the motorist or the motorist broadsides the emergency vehicle because the turn was made without looking to see if traffic is holding up for the emergency vehicle. The emergency vehicle operator often assumes that they ARE NEVER AT FAULT while operating an emergency vehicle with lights and siren going. Unfortunately in most of these cases, the operator of the emergency vehicle was at fault as they failed to show due safety for other motorists. In all of these cases, the emergency vehicle just passed by the motorist, then immediately pulled to the shoulder of the roadway and stopped their forward movement. This would give the impression to the motorist that it is now safe to continue by the emergency vehicle, just like ALL traffic does with police cars pulling cars over on the shoulder of the road. Records Each driver of Fire Department vehicles shall have a “drivers” file created. This shall be a manila office type file with the driver’s last and first name on the tab for filing alphabetically. Said files shall be kept in the chief’s office and shall be reviewed for content annually. The file shall include a copy of the driver’s state driver’s license and the training documents listed in the above training section of this document, to be able to demonstrate consistency and proof of completion. It is the responsibility of the driver of each Fire Department vehicle to drive safely and prudently at all times. Vehicles shall be operated in compliance with the Oregon Motor Vehicle Code. This code provides specific legal exceptions to regular traffic regulations, which apply to Fire Department vehicles only when responding to an emergency incident or when transporting a patient to a medical facility. Emergency response (Code 3) does not absolve the driver of any responsibility to drive with due caution. The driver of the emergency vehicle is responsible for its safe operation at all times. Code 3 Driver and Co-Driver Engine, truck and rescues should have two Astoria Fire/Rescue members in the front seats of the apparatus whenever possible while responding Code 3. The driver is responsible for operating the vehicle safely. The Co-driver is responsible for being a second set of eyes and ears anytime a unit is responding Code 3. Driver and Co-drivers must be focused on intersection management any time a fire department vehicle enters into an intersection Code 3. Intersection management requires the Drivers and Co-drivers undivided attention. The Co-driver in addition to the Driver should be accounting for clearance in all traffic lanes, accounting for all pedestrian traffic and announce if it is clear or not clear to proceed. Mobile Computer Terminal Enhancements Accurate response codes will be displayed on the MCT, if no response code is designated, the response will be Code 1 unless directed by a company officer. Officers and rescue attendants must press the correlating response code button on the MCT. Medical Incidents Response codes for all engines, truck and rescues will be determined by the company officer based on information received from alarm, time of day, traffic conditions, weather conditions and other factors. Rescue units will respond Code 1; they do not have the authority to upgrade their response to Code 3 unless directed by the responding or on scene company officer. When a rescue is the “first due” unit on a BLS incident they will respond Code 1 unless directed to upgrade to Code 3 by the responding company officer. Rescue crews should keep the responding company officer appraised (by radio) of excessive time delays or other conditions that may warrant an upgrade to Code 3. Page 3 of 9 Sirens and warning lights The use of sirens and warning lights does not automatically give the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle. These devices simply request the right-of-way from other drivers, based on their awareness of the emergency vehicle presence. Emergency vehicle drivers must make every possible effort to make their presence and intended actions known to other drivers, and must drive defensively to be prepared for the unexpected inappropriate actions of others. No fire department member shall use any siren and/or warning device on personally owned vehicle. Fire Department vehicles are authorized to exceed posted speed limits only when responding Code 3 under favorable conditions. This applies only with light traffic, good roads, good visibility and dry pavement. Under these conditions a maximum of 10 mph over the posted speed limit is authorized. Under less than favorable conditions, the posted speed limit is the absolute maximum permissible. When emergency vehicles must travel in center or oncoming traffic lanes, the maximum permissible speed shall be 20 mph. Intersections present the greatest potential danger to emergency vehicles. When approaching and crossing an intersection with the right-of-way, drivers shall not exceed the posted speed limit. When emergency vehicles must use center or oncoming traffic lanes to approach controlled intersections, (traffic light or stop sign) they must come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection, including occasions when the emergency vehicle has green traffic lights. When approaching a negative right-of-way intersection (red light, stop sign) the vehicle shall come to a complete stop and may proceed only when the driver can account for all oncoming traffic in all lanes yielding the right-of-way. Code 3 responses are authorized only in conjunction with emergency incidents. Unnecessary emergency response shall be avoided. In order to avoid any unnecessary emergency response, the following rules shall apply. When the first unit reports on the scene with "nothing showing" or an equivalent report, any additional units shall continue Code 3, but shall not exceed the posted speed limit. The first arriving unit will advise additional units to respond Code 2 whenever appropriate. Drivers shall avoid backing whenever possible: Where backing is unavoidable, spotters shall be used. If no spotter is available, the driver shall dismount and walk completely around apparatus to determine if obstructions are present before backing. All City of Astoria employees are required to use seat belts at all times when operating a City vehicle equipped with seat belts. Anyone riding as a passenger/attendant in a City vehicle is also required to use seat belts; i.e., rescue, engine, ladder, utility, service van, staff vehicle, etc. The Company Officer/driver of the vehicle will confirm that all personnel and riders are on-board, properly attired, with seat belts on, before the vehicle is permitted to move. All personnel shall ride only in regular seats provided with seat belts. Riding on tailboards or other exposed positions is not permitted on any vehicle at any time. During an emergency response, fire vehicles should avoid passing other emergency vehicles. If passing is necessary, permission must be obtained through radio communications, using the communications order model. The unique hazards of driving on or adjacent to the fire ground requires the driver to use extreme caution and to be alert and prepared to react to the unexpected. Drivers must consider the dangers their moving vehicle poses to fire ground personnel and spectators who may be preoccupied with the emergency, and may inadvertently step in front of or behind a moving vehicle. When stopped at the scene of an incident, vehicles should be placed to protect personnel who may be working in the street and warning lights shall be used to make approaching traffic aware of the incident. At night, vehicle mounted floodlights and any other lighting available shall be used to illuminate the scene. All personnel working in or near traffic lanes shall wear high visibility vests. Page 4 of 9 If it is not necessary to park vehicles in or near traffic lanes, the vehicle should be pulled off the road to parking lots, curbs, etc., whenever possible. The officer in charge or driver of the vehicle is responsible for the safety of all vehicle operations and managing compliance of this procedure. Emergency Response Policy Astoria Fire/Rescue vehicles shall be operated in a manner that provides for the safety of all persons and property. Safe arrival shall always have priority over unnecessary speed and reckless driving enroute to an emergency incident. Prompt, Safe Response Shall be Attained by: Leaving the station in a standard manner: - quickly mounting apparatus - all personnel on board, seated and belts on - station doors fully open Driving defensively and professionally at reasonable speeds. Knowing where we are going. Using warning devices to move around traffic and to request the right-of-way in a safe and predictable manner. Fast Response Shall Not Be Attained By: Leaving quarters before crew has mounted safely and before apparatus doors are fully open. Driving too fast for conditions. Driving recklessly or without regard for safety. Taking unnecessary chances with negative right-of-way intersections. Intimidating or scaring other drivers. Emergency Response Criteria Maximum 10 mph over posted speed limit. Traveling in center or oncoming traffic lanes, 20 mph maximum. Traveling in center or oncoming traffic, complete stop at all traffic lights/stop signs. Posted speed limit when entering intersections with green light. Complete stop at all red lights, stop signs. Oregon Vehicle Codes Relating to Emergency Vehicles 811.550 Places where stopping, standing and parking prohibited. (16) Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Exemptions under ORS 811.560 (2) and (4) to (7) are applicable to this subsection. 19) Within 15 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to a fire station, within 75 feet of the entrance. Exemptions under ORS 811.560 (2) and (4) to (7) are applicable to this subsection. 811.525 Exemptions from requirements for use of lights. (a) Public vehicle warning lights. (e) Warning lights on vehicles at the scene of an actual or potential release of hazardous materials, as described in ORS 816.280. 811.515 When lights must be displayed; kind of light; number; direction; use on certain vehicles. (16) Fire company warning lights authorized under a permit granted under ORS 818.250 may be used by the persons authorized under the permit while being driven to a fire station or fire location in response to a fire alarm. Fire company warning lights authorized under ORS 811.800 may be used by funeral escort vehicle or funeral lead vehicle drivers while driving in a funeral procession. The lights shall be covered or otherwise concealed when not being displayed as provided in this subsection. 811.265 Failure to obey traffic control device; penalty. 2) A person is not subject to this section if the person is doing any of the following: Page 5 of 9 (a) Following the directions of a police officer. (b) Driving an emergency vehicle or ambulance in accordance with the privileges granted those vehicles under ORS 820.300. 811.150 Interference with emergency vehicle or ambulance; penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of interference with an emergency vehicle or ambulance if the person does any of the following: (a) Drives a vehicle following at a distance closer than 500 feet any emergency vehicle or ambulance that is traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency. (b) Drives or parks a vehicle in a manner that interferes with the emergency vehicle or ambulance responding to a fire alarm or emergency. (c) Drives over an unprotected hose of a fire department laid down on any highway, private road or driveway to be used at any fire, alarm of fire or emergency. (2) The following exemptions apply to this section: (a) Nothing in this section prohibits a driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance from following within 500 feet of an emergency vehicle or ambulance traveling in response to a fire alarm or emergency or from driving into or parking a vehicle in the area or vicinity where such vehicles have stopped in response to an alarm or emergency. (b) Nothing in this section prevents any person from driving over an unprotected hose of a fire department if the person first obtains the permission of a fire department official or police officer at the scene of the fire, alarm of fire or emergency. (3) The offense described in this section, interference with an emergency vehicle or ambulance, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §584; 1985 c.16 §291; 1985 c.190 §1; 1995 c.383 §47] 811.147 Failure to maintain safe distance from emergency vehicle or ambulance; penalty. (1) A person operating a motor vehicle commits the offense of failure to maintain a safe distance from an emergency vehicle or ambulance if the person approaches an emergency vehicle or ambulance that is stopped and is displaying required warning lights and the person: (a) On a highway having two or more lanes for traffic in a single direction, fails to: (A) Make a lane change to a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle or ambulance; or (B) Reduce the speed of the motor vehicle, if making a lane change is unsafe. (b) On a two directional, two-lane highway, fails to reduce the speed of the motor vehicle. (2) The offense described in this section, failure to maintain a safe distance from an emergency vehicle or ambulance, is a Class B traffic violation. [2003 c.42 §2] Note: 811.147 was added to and made a part of the Oregon Vehicle Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 811 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanationaemergency vehicle or ambulance if an ambulance or emergency vehicle that is using a visual or audible signal in a manner described under ORS 820.300 and 820.320 approaches the vehicle the person is operating and the person does not do all of the following: (a) Yield the right of way to the ambulance or emergency vehicle. (b) Immediately drive to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection. (c) Stop and remain in such position until the emergency vehicle or ambulance has passed. (2) A person is not in violation of this section if the person is acting as otherwise directed by a police officer. (3) This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor does this section protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of an arbitrary exercise of the right of way granted under this section. (4) The offense described in this section, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle or ambulance, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §582; 1985 c.16 §289; 1995 c.383 §46] 820.300 Exemptions from traffic laws. (1) Subject to conditions, limitations, prohibitions and penalties established for emergency vehicle and ambulance drivers under ORS 820.320, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance may do any of the following: (a) Park or stand in disregard of a statute, regulation or ordinance prohibiting that parking or standing. (b) Proceed past a red signal or stop sign. (c) Exceed the designated speed limits. (d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions. (e) Proceed past the flashing bus safety lights without violating ORS 811.155 if the driver first stops the vehicle and then proceeds only when the driver: (A) Determines that no passengers of the bus remain on the roadway; and (B) Proceeds with caution. (2) The provisions of this section: (a) Do not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all other persons. (b) Are not a defense to the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance in an action brought for criminal negligence or reckless conduct. Page 6 of 9 (c) Except as specifically provided in this section, do not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance from the duty to comply with ORS 811.155. [1983 c.338 §757; 1985 c.16 §362; 1995 c.209 §5] 820.320 Illegal operation of emergency vehicle or ambulance; penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of illegal operation of an emergency vehicle or ambulance if the person is the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance and the person violates any of the following: (a) The driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance may only exercise privileges granted under ORS 820.300 when responding to an emergency call or when responding to, but not upon returning from, an emergency. The driver of an emergency vehicle may exercise privileges granted under ORS 820.300 when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law. (b) The driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must use a visual signal with appropriate the driver is exercising privileges granted under ORS 820.300. (c) In addition to any required visual signal, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must make use of an audible signal meeting the requirements under ORS 820.370 when the driver is proceeding past a stop light or stop sign under privileges granted by ORS 820.300 (1)(b). (d) A driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance who is exercising privileges granted under ORS 820.300 by parking or standing an emergency vehicle in disregard of a regulation or ordinance prohibiting that parking, stopping or standing, shall not use the audible signal. (e) In exercising the privileges under ORS 820.300 (1)(e) relating to buses and bus safety lights, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must first stop the vehicle and then must: (A) Determine that no passengers of the bus remain on the roadway; and (B) Proceed with caution. (f) In proceeding past any stop light or stop sign under the privileges granted by ORS 820.300, the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must slow down as may be necessary for safe operation. (g) The driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must not exceed any designated speed limit to an extent, which endangers persons or property. (2) The driver of an emergency vehicle that is operated as an emergency police vehicle is not required to use either visual signal or the audible signal as described in this section in order to exercise the privileges granted in ORS 820.300 when it reasonably appears to the driver that the use of either or both would prevent or hamper the apprehension or detection of a violator of a statute, ordinance or regulation. (3) The offense described in this section, illegal operation of an emergency vehicle or ambulance, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §759; 1985 c.16 §364; 1995 c.209 §1] 820.370 Ambulance or emergency vehicle sirens. (1) Subject to any other law or rule pursuant thereto relating to the noise of a vehicle, the Department of Transportation may prescribe required sirens or other audible signals for ambulances and emergency vehicles. The requirements established under this section may include, but are not limited to, numbers required, placement, audibility and inside indicators. (2) Enforcement of the requirements established under this section is provided under ORS 820.380. [1983 c.338 §764; 1985 c.16 §365; 1985 c.79 §2; 1989 c.782 §39] 820.380 Illegal ambulance or emergency vehicle sirens; exemption; penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of illegal ambulance or emergency vehicle sirens if the person drives or moves on any highway or owns and causes or knowingly permits to be driven or moved on any highway an ambulance or emergency vehicle that does not contain and is not at all times equipped with sirens or other audible signals in proper conditions and adjustment as required under 820.370. (2) This section does not apply to any ambulance or person operating or owning an ambulance if the ambulance or person is exempted by ORS 682.035 or 682.079 from regulation by the Department of Human Services. (3) Authority of political subdivisions to regulate sirens and other audible signals is limited under ORS 682.031. (4) The offense described under this section, illegal ambulance or emergency vehicle sirens, is a Class C traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §765; 1995 c.209 §2; 1995 c.383 §31] Page 7 of 9 VEHICLE BACKING AND SIGNALS Backing of fire department vehicles should be avoided whenever possible. Where backing is unavoidable spotters shall be used. In addition, spotters shall be used when vehicles must negotiate forward turns with restrictive side clearances and where height clearances are uncertain. Under circumstances where the vehicle is manned by only the driver, that vehicle driver shall attempt to utilize any available fire department personnel to act as spotters. Where no personnel are available to assist, the vehicle driver shall get out of the vehicle and make a complete 360-degree survey of the area around the vehicle to determine if any obstructions are present. Where engine or truck companies are backed, a crewmember will dismount the apparatus and act as a spotter. Spotter(s) should be located at as many corners as possible with at least one spotter at the left rear corner of the apparatus. Where only a single spotter is available, the spotter should be located off the left rear corner, and will act as the primary spotter. Spotters are not permitted to ride tailboard positions while backing fire apparatus. Spotters will discuss the backing plan with the engineer/driver before proceeding. The communication/warning process will be agreed upon prior to backing. Both door windows (driver and front passenger) will be in the down position to allow for maximum communication/hearing between spotters and the engineer/driver. Fire radio volumes will be turned down. The vehicle shall not be backed until all spotters are in position and communicate their approval to start the backing. Spotters will remain visible to the engineer/driver. Anytime the driver loses sight of the primary spotter, the vehicle shall be stopped immediately until the spotter is visible, and the communication to continue backing is processed. When vehicles must be backed where other vehicles traffic exists, the vehicle's emergency lights (if equipped with such lights) shall be operating and all spotters shall wear orange safety vests. The company officer is responsible for compliance with this procedure and the safe backing of the apparatus. SIGNALS STRAIGHT BACK: One hand above the head with palm toward face, waving back. Other hand at your side. (Left or right hand optional) See Figure 1. TURN: Both arms pointing the same direction with index fingers extended. See Figure 2. (Driver will advise the spotter which way the turn will be made. The spotter then assists the driver in backing apparatus. The driver's intentions must be verbally communicated to the spotter). STOP: Both arms crossed with hands in fist. See Figure 3. Be sure to yell the stop order loud enough that the engineer/driver can hear the warning. Page 8 of 9 Page 9 of 9