Remember Apparatus in Safety Stand Down

It’s that time of year again. No, not just the coming of the summer months, but the annual fire service safety stand down, which takes place from June 17-23. It’s the time when all fire and EMS agencies are asked to suspend all non-emergency activities to focus on safety.

Since my area of concern is apparatus safety, I would like to take the theme further. In addition to fireground safety, why not assign a deputy chief or line officer to cover apparatus safety?

If you don’t have readily available information to promote this endeavor, there are many organizations available to help you out. It is just a click away on the Internet; just visit the IAFC, the IAFF or the NVFC Web sites for further info.

The IAFC has developed a Web-based educational program titled “Guide to Model Policies and Procedures for Emergency Vehicle Safety,” the IAFF has promoted another Web-based program, “Improving Apparatus Response and Roadway Operations,” and the NVFC has “Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations for Volunteer and Small Combination Emergency Service Organizations.” There is also a study conducted by NIOSH on Ambulance and EMS Vehicle Crash Analysis that can be used.

One of the best reports that I have seen so far has been the “Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative” that was done three years ago by the USFA, which is available free on their Web site in print and in PDF file.

The report covers some agency profiles, apparatus safety devices, traffic control measures, highway operations, response, training, and a lot of good references in the appendix section. There is also a summary of recommendations:

• Develop a comprehensive database that tracks accidents involving emergency vehicles, and any resulting injuries/deaths to both firefighters and civilians.
• Mark apparatus with conspicuous and contrasting colors.
• Consider visibility and conspicuity when designing color and placement of additional warning lights on vehicles.
• Install contrasting colored restraints and a rearview mirror above the officer’s seat.
• Use spotters when backing the apparatus.
• Consider optical preemption to improve emergency vehicle movement through a controlled intersection.
• Always bring units to a complete stop at red lights, stop signs, and activated and controlled unguarded rail crossings.
• Position the engine at a 45 degree angle to the lanes, with the pump panel toward the incident and front wheels rotated away from the incident when conducting highway operations.
• Extinguish forward-facing emergency vehicle lighting, especially on divided roadways.
• Create a safe work environment.
• Remain vigilant during all phases of highway operations.
• Assess and code responses based on severity of incident (Lights and Siren, No Lights and Siren).
• Require driver training instructors to possess appropriate instructor credentials and first hand experience in emergency vehicle operation.
• Include hands on, theory and simulation in driver training.
• Require all emergency vehicle drivers to participate in refresher training on a yearly basis and recertify every three years.
• Require all members to familiar with all of your apparatus before taking any type of driver test.
• Work with local DOT and police departments, and other mutual aid companies to develop similar highway operation policies.
• Constantly review your SOPs to make sure you are adequately protecting you members.

So, there’s a lot of info to start with. Now, stop whining and get out and promote safety to your members. We have to do a lot of work in the fire service to get everyone on the same page. It was reported that only one-third of the fire departments in the United States and Canada have taken part in the past in the safety initiative. Wake up the other two-thirds and let’s get them going!