7
Pumper
Operations
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Knowledge Objectives (1 of 2)
• Describe the role that the driver/operator
plays in promoting safety, educating crew
members, and promoting team building.
• Describe the driver/operator’s
responsibility maintaining a safe work
environment.
• Describe the functions and limitations of
the fire apparatus and its equipment.
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Knowledge Objectives (2 of 2)
• Describe the driver/operator’s role when
responding to an incident.
• Describe the driver/operator’s role when
returning from an incident.
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Skills Objectives
•
•
•
•
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•
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Identify dispatch information.
Perform a 360-degree inspection.
Start the fire apparatus.
Perform the serpentine exercise.
Perform a confined-space turnaround.
Perform a diminishing clearance exercise.
Back a fire apparatus into a fire station bay.
Shut down and secure a fire apparatus.
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Introduction (1 of 5)
• Driver/operator has obligations to self,
crew, and community
– Internal and external expectations depend on
the ability to perform and complete initial
response assignments and extra duties at the
scene.
– Driver/operator is responsible for preventing,
managing, and rectifying problems at the
scene.
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Introduction (2 of 5)
• Driver/operator must understand and accept
the responsibilities that come with the job in
order to be successful.
– Driver/operator still has frontline responsibilities.
– Driver/operator plays a greater role in crew’s
efficiency and success.
• Preventative maintenance
• Regular inspections of the apparatus and equipment
• Adherence to jurisdictional operating guidelines
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Introduction (3 of 5)
• New driver/operators may not realize the
responsibilities of the position.
– Driver/operator must acknowledge hazards
associated with the position and accept
responsibility to prevent hazards
– “Lead by example”
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Introduction (4 of 5)
• Driver/operator makes other crew
members confident when completing
regularly scheduled fire apparatus and
equipment inspections.
– Apparatus and equipment will function when
needed
– Confidence in own abilities and in reliability of
fire apparatus and equipment creates a
manageable situation.
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Introduction (5 of 5)
• Despite inspection and maintenance
efforts, equipment will fail.
– Foundation of knowledge, experience, and
skill provides backup and alternatives for
completing assignments.
– More knowledge offers more options, leading
to better outcomes.
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The Many Roles of the
Driver/Operator (1 of 3)
• Driver/operator: teacher, mentor, vital crew
member, and safety advocate
– Expected to fix what is broken, offer
alternative methods, maintain constant
readiness, and support every function that the
apparatus can provide
– Has duty to educate other crew members on
roles and responsibilities
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The Many Roles of the
Driver/Operator (2 of 3)
• Crew members may not understand
problems created from small, insignificant
actions during the response and return
phases of the assignment.
– When fire fighters remove a tool from the
apparatus and do not tell anyone, the
driver/operator does not account for it when
the apparatus leaves the scene.
– Bring problems to light so everyone can share
in the success.
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The Many Roles of the
Driver/Operator (3 of 3)
• Build crew confidence and efficiency by
demonstrating a commitment to the
department, crew, officer, and community.
– Follow operating guidelines and applicable
laws and regulations.
– Create and maintain a safe work environment.
– Follow sound risk management principles.
– Team synergy begins with confidence and
trust from driver/operator’s words and actions.
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Promoting Safety (1 of 4)
• Several roles driver/operator must play
– Safety is the first priority.
• Consider the events prior to the response.
– Were required preventive maintenance
actions taken?
– Is the apparatus in a proper state of
readiness?
• Driver/operators can take steps to support
a safer work environment.
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Promoting Safety (2 of 4)
• Many departments utilize SOPs to maintain
work-safe environments.
– SOPs are developed to prevent injuries, establish
uniformity, and serve as a foundation for effective
operations at the incident.
• Seat belts are often underutilized by crew
members.
– Driver/operator should be the first to buckle up.
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Promoting Safety (3 of 4)
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Promoting Safety (4 of 4)
• Equipment carried on the apparatus is often
stored in areas that present risk to fire
fighters.
• Heavy equipment, despite storage location,
presents a safety problem for fire fighters.
– Proper removal and lifting techniques
• Driver/operator (safety advocate) influences
future apparatus and equipment purchases
and modifications to existing equipment.
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Educating Crew Members (1 of 3)
• Educate crew members on
potential hazards
associated with apparatus
and equipment.
• Knowing “why” makes “how”
come easy.
• Driver/operator must
address rider positioning to
crew members.
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Educating Crew Members (2 of 3)
• Riding assignments used by many
departments
– Each seat or position represents a specific task
or function.
– Ensure that critical functions are designated
before arrival.
• Extend responsibilities of riding positions by
explaining the response and return hazards
of driving the apparatus to crew members.
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Educating Crew Members (3 of 3)
• Communicating on the fire ground or en
route to the scene can be difficult.
– Educate crew members on the distractions
that hinder effective communications.
– Some crews use a vehicle intercom system.
• Driver/operator must be familiar with SOPs
regarding emergency communications.
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Trust and Team Building
• Crew synergy is strongest when the crew knows
about the driver/operator’s roles and
responsibilities.
• Stay focused for a more effective effort.
– Crew members must believe in the driver/operator’s
abilities.
• Time and patience build a solid team.
• All crew members must perform assignments
without reservation or hesitation.
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Maintaining a Safe Work
Environment (1 of 6)
• Experienced driver/operators should start
training future candidates early.
• Educating crew members is a major
responsibility for the driver/operator.
– Teach them to recognize operational errors or
equipment malfunctions at emergency and
nonemergency events.
– Help crew members understand the stressors
that challenge a driver/operator regularly.
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Maintaining a Safe Work
Environment (2 of 6)
• Safety is embedded in all aspects of
firefighting.
– Driver/operator is responsible for inspecting
apparatus and equipment and undertaking
basic preventive maintenance.
– Inspections and checks ensure the reliability
of the apparatus and equipment.
– Routine inspections must be taken seriously.
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Maintaining a Safe Work
Environment (3 of 6)
• Complete daily inspections of the
equipment and apparatus systems to
actively promote a work-safe philosophy.
• Other informational sources used during
the inspection and maintenance processes
include operating and general service
manuals.
– Manuals are key tools for the maintenance
and service program.
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Maintaining a Safe Work
Environment (4 of 6)
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Maintaining a Safe Work
Environment (5 of 6)
• Educate crew members at the station on the
importance of using safety equipment.
– Demonstrate how to pre-set, start, and operate
specialized equipment.
– Teach how to troubleshoot problems in the field.
• Give crew members something to remember
as a tool to help execute procedures.
– Write the acronym on the top of the device.
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Maintaining a Safe Work
Environment (6 of 6)
• Driver/operator may discover other roles
and responsibilities charged to the
position.
– Prepare for additions and changes in the role
to maintain consistency and reliability by
completing assignments.
• Lead by example.
– Adhere to SOPs.
– Colleagues will follow your example.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment:
Functions and Limitations (1 of 5)
• Successful driver/operators understand the
primary function and recognize the limitations
of the apparatus and equipment.
– Regardless of function, the driver/operator must
know the expectations of the crew and fire
officers.
– Missing or not completing an assignment properly
is not an option.
– Communicate immediately if a problem arises
that cannot be managed in the field.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment:
Functions and Limitations (2 of 5)
• Have training and answers to questions
before arriving at the fire ground.
– Take out the apparatus and practice flowing
water with the equipment.
– Try out different scenarios that may arise.
– Complex knowledge and skills are needed to
be proficient in the driver/operator position.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment:
Functions and Limitations (3 of 5)
• Driver/operator must know the functions
and limitations of the equipment and
onboard systems.
– Know the answers or where to find them
quickly.
• Operating manuals are the best sources.
– Educate crew members on the manufacturer’s
equipment limitations.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment:
Functions and Limitations (4 of 5)
• Not all restrictions are associated with the
apparatus’s equipment and systems.
– The apparatus itself presents challenges.
– Know the height and weight restrictions for
each apparatus.
– Vehicle dynamics are critical to safe
operation.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment:
Functions and Limitations (5 of 5)
• Driver/operator should know the fire
apparatus, equipment, and systems that
support operations.
– Driver/operator is the crew’s “go-to” person.
– Education, training, and repetition will support
ability and enable the driver/operator to
develop alternatives during critical situations.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment
Inspections (1 of 2)
• Routine inspections include all onboard
systems and carried equipment.
– Equipment not routinely used may be
forgotten.
• Start with complete inventory of apparatus
• Cleaning equipment is another inspection
method.
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Fire Apparatus and Equipment
Inspections (2 of 2)
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Safety Across the Board (1 of 2)
• Many apparatus are used in fire service.
• No matter what the apparatus is used for
or what it responds to, all apparatus are
operated two ways.
– Emergency response: starts with dispatch and
ends when fire apparatus is back inside the fire
station
– On-scene operations: operation of any of the fire
apparatus-mounted equipment at the incident
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Safety Across the Board (2 of 2)
• Both operations are critical components of
fire services and dramatically affect the
incident outcome.
– Driver/operator’s response sets the tone for the
team.
• At the scene, effectively operate the
equipment.
– Driver/operator must be able to operate alone.
– Driver/operator’s job is not done upon arrival at
the scene.
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Emergency Vehicle Response (1 of 6)
• Dispatch
– Process of sending out emergency response
resources promptly to a location for a specific
purpose
– Communications center gives emergency
information.
– Must have at least two separate ways of
notifying each fire station
– Most departments use verbal message to
units responding to the incident.
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Emergency Vehicle Response (2 of 6)
• When dispatched for an emergency, the
driver/operator should listen for:
– The type of emergency
– The location of the emergency
– The description of the incident
– Other responding units
– The assigned tactical radio frequency
– Additional information from the dispatcher
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Emergency Vehicle Response (3 of 6)
• Maps
– Can take years to
learn a response
area so the
driver/operator must
be familiar with maps
– Most metropolitan
departments have a
map that
driver/operators use
to locate incidents.
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Emergency Vehicle Response (4 of 6)
• Department maps may be accessed in
different ways.
– Most common map is found at the fire station
– Usually a large paper map is placed around
the station.
– Maps may have a grid to divide the response
area into more specific areas.
– Smaller version of the station-mounted maps
may be on the apparatus.
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Emergency Vehicle Response (5 of 6)
• Never try to read the map while
responding to an emergency.
• Some departments use a map on the
MDT, which may be able to pinpoint the
exact location of an emergency.
• Whichever map the department uses,
select a safe and efficient route for the
call.
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Emergency Vehicle Response (6 of 6)
• 360-degree inspection
– Quick check of the apparatus and
surroundings to ensure the apparatus is
prepared for an emergency or nonemergency
response
– If the apparatus is responding from inside the
station, the first step in the inspection is to
open the door.
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Starting the Fire Apparatus (1 of 3)
• After the 360-degree inspection, enter the
cab and initiate the sequence to start the
apparatus.
– Modern apparatus are usually diesel
powered.
– Before starting the apparatus, ensure that
unnecessary electrical loads are off.
– Verify that the parking brake is set.
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Starting the Fire Apparatus (2 of 3)
• If the apparatus has automatic
transmission, it should be in neutral.
• Turn on the battery selector switch.
– Some apparatus will have a prove-out
sequence.
• Once the prove-out sequence is complete,
the apparatus is ready to start.
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Starting the Fire Apparatus (3 of 3)
• Adjust seats and mirrors during daily fire
apparatus inspection.
– It is dangerous to make changes while
operating a moving vehicle.
• Before leaving for the incident, look over
the instrument panel.
– Fuel gauge
– Air pressure gauges
– Oil pressure gauge
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Seat Belt Safety (1 of 2)
• Before the apparatus moves, check that all
members are wearing a seat belt.
– NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program,
requires the driver/operator not move the
apparatus until everyone is seated and
secured with seat belts in approved riding
positions.
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Seat Belt Safety (2 of 2)
• NFPA 1500 recognizes instances when
fire fighters need to be unsecured
– When providing necessary emergency
medical care
– When loading hose
– During tiller training
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Getting Underway (1 of 4)
• Once members are secure in the cab,
verify that all exterior compartment doors,
ladder racks, telescoping scene lights, and
other apparatus-mounted equipment is
secure.
– Some apparatus are equipped with
compartment-door indicator lights.
– Others have digital display showing open
compartment doors or other damaged
equipment.
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Getting Underway (2 of 4)
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Getting Underway (3 of 4)
• Secure interior compartment doors.
– Items stored in the compartment may fly out if the
apparatus is in an accident.
• Let the engine warm up before the response
begins.
– Operating a cold engine and transmission under
hard conditions may damage the engine.
• Turn on headlights whenever the apparatus
is moving, not just at night.
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Getting Underway (4 of 4)
• Once the overhead door is fully open,
drive the apparatus out.
– Be aware that other apparatus may be leaving
at the same time.
– Do not exceed 5 mi/h (8 km/h) while pulling
out of the station.
• Look to both sides of the apparatus to
ensure that cords and extractor are clear.
– Close doors after clearing the building.
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Driving Exercises (1 of 7)
• Excitement of driving the apparatus should
not make the driver/operator lose sight of
his or her task.
– Transporting apparatus and members to the
emergency scene safely and efficiently
– Do not drive the apparatus faster than
conditions permit or at a speed greater than
can be maintained with safety.
– Use common sense and good judgment.
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Driving Exercises (2 of 7)
• A speedy response is achieved through safe and
efficient operation, not unnecessary risks.
• The driver/operator might have to maneuver the
apparatus around objects blocking access to the
preferred location.
– Maneuver at a reduced speed emphasizing safety of
pedestrians, other objects, and the apparatus.
– NFPA 1002 requires all driver/operators to complete a
serpentine exercise simulation.
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Driving Exercises (3 of 7)
• Performing a serpentine maneuver
– Uses at least three marker cones in a
line 30 to 38’ (9 to 12 m) apart
– Space on sides of cones must be
adequate for apparatus to travel freely
– Drive the apparatus to the left of the
cones in a straight line.
– Stop with the apparatus just past the
final marker cone.
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Driving Exercises (4 of 7)
• Performing a serpentine maneuver (continued)
– Back the apparatus to the left of marker cone 1,
right of marker cone 2, and left of marker 3.
– Once the apparatus front is past marker cone 3,
drive the apparatus forward between the cones by
passing to the right of marker cone 3, left of marker
cone 2, and right of marker cone 1.
– Cones should not be struck, apparatus should
move in a continuous motion
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Driving Exercises (5 of 7)
• Performing a confined-space turnaround
– Driver/operator may inadvertently pass the
street where the apparatus should have
turned.
– Apparatus enters the area through an
opening no more than 12 (3.6 m) wide.
– Apparatus proceeds forward, turns around
180 degrees, and returns through the same
opening.
– Apparatus must remain in the marked
boundary and move in a continuous motion
except when changing direction.
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Driving Exercises (6 of 7)
• Performing a diminishing clearance exercise
– At the scene, the driver/operator may have to
operate the apparatus in tight quarters.
• The most common obstruction is parked cars.
– While moving the apparatus forward and in
reverse, a vertical crossbar prop is positioned to
determine the driver/operator’s ability to judge the
apparatus height.
– Apparatus should proceed at a speed requiring
quick judgment.
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Driving Exercises (7 of 7)
• Performing a diminishing clearance
exercise (continued)
– Apparatus moves forward down two
rows of marker cones forming a lane
75 (23 m) long.
– Driver/operator must proceed without
striking the marker cones.
– During the exercise, the apparatus
must remain within marker cones and
move in a continuous motion except
when changing direction.
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Returning to the Station (1 of 2)
• Operating an emergency vehicle on the
roadway can be dangerous, even when
driving back from a call.
– Driver/operator may be fatigued and unable to
react appropriately.
– Civilian drivers may stop in front of the apparatus.
– Be cautious of other drivers.
– Do not let anyone force the apparatus into traffic.
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Returning to the Station (2 of 2)
• When the apparatus is near a station, let
the engine cool down as much as
possible.
– Do not force the engine to overwork while
driving back to the firehouse.
– If the apparatus is driven hard everywhere
and does not have time to cool down, the
power train may be damaged.
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (1 of 9)
• Most apparatus accidents are related to
backing up the apparatus.
– Every department should have SOP covering
apparatus backing procedures.
• Most stations have drive-through bays so
apparatus do not have to back into the
station.
• Emergency lights should be on and a
spotter should be used for assistance.
7
Reversing the Fire Apparatus (2 of 9)
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (3 of 9)
• Driver/operator’s responsibility to ensure
all spotters know expectations, where
apparatus will be backed up, and signals
to be used
– Roll down windows and turn off audio
equipment to ensure spotter’s orders are
clearly heard and understood.
– Spotter may use a portable radio to
communicate.
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (4 of 9)
• Suggested procedures for spotters
– Rear spotter must stay behind and to the left
of the apparatus.
– Any spotter can give a loud “Stop!” order to
the driver/operator when necessary.
– All verbal signs must be loud and clear.
– All hand signals must be large and simple.
– At night, spotters should use flashlights.
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (5 of 9)
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (6 of 9)
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (7 of 9)
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (8 of 9)
• Spotter must understand that the
driver/operator usually can back up the
apparatus without direction.
– Spotter is responsible for ensuring that the
driver/operator does not hit anything or
anyone.
• NFPA 1002 requires that all
driver/operators complete a simulation of
backing an apparatus into a fire station.
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Reversing the Fire Apparatus (9 of 9)
• Apparatus may have to be backed up
without a spotter during an emergency.
– Driver/operator should do a preliminary
inspection for obstructions, vertical and
horizontal clearances, and power lines.
– Ensure all compartments, doors, latches, and
gates are closed.
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Shutting Down the Fire Apparatus
• Properly shut down the apparatus
once it is inside the station.
– Turn off all electrical loads.
• Shift the transmission into neutral
and engage the parking brake.
• Turn ignition and battery switches
off.
• Driver/operator is responsible for
the readiness of the apparatus at
all times.
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Summary (1 of 3)
• A successful driver/operator understands
and accepts job responsibilities.
• The driver/operator has many obligations
to the crew and community.
• The driver/operator has a duty to educate
other crew members on their roles and
responsibilities.
7
Summary (2 of 3)
• Lead by example.
• Compliance with SOPs and guidelines is
essential.
• Use maps to locate emergency incidents.
• Complete a preliminary inspection before
the apparatus is ready to depart for a
response.
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Summary (3 of 3)
• NFPA 1002 requires the driver/operator to
complete exercises to prove his or her skill
in managing situations.
• Use spotters to assist with backup
operations.
• Follow the standard sequence for shutting
down the apparatus.