They may not admit it, but most veteran firefighters still get a thrill from responding full lights and sirens to emergency calls. It’s true, firefighters joined this profession to help those in need, but that doesn’t mean we must ignore the simple fact that a shiny red fire truck, covered in LED lights, racing its way to a fire is a thing of beauty. No matter how beautiful or poetic we find these moments, we all know responding to emergency calls – weaving in and out of traffic, rolling through red lights and pushing our apparatus to its limits – comes as a price.
When examining firefighter line-of-duty deaths, most tend to think of disoriented firefighters calling a mayday, sudden cardiac arrests, or even those lost through a hole in the first floor or roof of a residential dwelling. The reality is that apparatus crashes are the second-leading cause of on-duty firefighter deaths, with the Department of Homeland Security estimating that 20-25% of all LODDs are a result of accidents involving fire apparatus. This statistic is alarming to say the least.
So, how can fire department leaders effectively reduce the number of apparatus-involved crashes within our agencies? The answer: stricter policy, better driver training and regular apparatus checks.
Where to begin: Policy
Accidents involving fire apparatus don’t just happen when responding to fires. They happen during non-emergency situations, parades and especially while operating as a blocker on accident scenes. Any time fire department personnel get behind the wheel, they must understand the power of the machine. Vehicle dynamics, classification, weight distribution, stopping or slowing lengths and times, overall width and height limitations all play a huge role in how safely one can operate this big equipment. It is safe to say there is a large gap between the operation of a half-ton pickup and a 25-ton aerial. It all starts with policy.
Policies are a deliberate system of guidelines to guide decision-making and achieve rational outcomes. Many fire service policies are based on past practices or critiques that we have experienced within our own agencies. An agency’s driver training policy should be based on NFPA 1002: Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, which outlines the minimum job performance requirements for those who wish to operate a fire apparatus.
Furthermore, as with all policies, it is smart to include an intermittent policy reevaluation to determine the success of the policy. Many agencies capture this action item in their 5-year plan to ensure that all their policies are updated and represent the current standing of their department.
Policies should not be deviated from without sign-off from a chief officer – and such deviation should only occur under unique circumstances.
Policies can be broad or very specific based on the format used and the desires of the chief officer. Regardless of detail, basic driver training policies should have, at a minimum, the following:
- Seat belt Requirement Sub-Policy
- Specific Response: Emergency, Non-Emergency, Special Detail Guidelines
- Railroad Crossing Sub-Policy
- Intersection Navigating Sub-Policy
- Passing/Overtaking Vehicle Sub-Policy
- Backing/Spotter Sub-Policy
- Basic Driver Training Sub-Policy
- Advanced Driver Training Sub-Policy
- Use of Warning Lights Sub-Policy
- Vehicle Inspection Sub-Policy
- Reporting of an Accident Sub-Policy
Writing and implementing a good policy should start with identifying the underlying issue and granting it further attention. Policy writers can begin to formulate the first draft of policy based on the specific course of action needed to mitigate the core issue. At this point, additional input from others may be helpful to transition to the implementation phase where the new policy is put into action. Again, a policy is only effective if occasionally reevaluated for success by examining its impact on your agency and outcomes as they relate to the core issue.
Training time
While driver training is specific to each agency, it is important to note that NFPA 1002 does have a section directly related to driver training. Using the “free access” button on NFPA’s website, any chief can locate, research and print the standard and ensure their department is in compliance. At a minimum, a driver training program should include the following:
- Possess Correct Rated Driver’s License
- Defensive Driving Techniques
- Familiarization with Apparatus Size, Weight, Classification
- Driver Training Practice Hour Log Sheets
- Understanding of Maps/GPS
- Understanding of Emergency Lighting
- Proficient in Operating Apparatus Components (pump/aerials)
- Understanding of all Departmental SOP/SOGs
It is also worth noting that while many new firefighters would jump at the opportunity to drive bid red fire trucks, they must be trained on the pump as well and know how to place the aerial into operation. The operation of the truck should be a huge consideration. Fire scenes are difficult enough; playing musical chairs because a driver cannot pump a vehicle makes accountability a logistical nightmare. To ensure fire agencies are safe, it is imperative that a driver training program is developed, implemented and followed.
Maintenance woes
One of the biggest issues plaguing departments is the inability to replace outdated or broken-down apparatus. An apparatus accident is often not the result of lack of policy or training but rather the poor condition of the vehicle itself.
Countless hours get spent on SCBA checks, starting small engines and washing turnout gear, as well it should; however, how many hours are spent checking the wheel bearing of the tender, ensuring lug nuts are tight on the ladder, or rotating the tires on the engine? Many apparatus mechanical issues could be found during preventative maintenance or mechanical apparatus checks. Funding resources may be able to help offset the cost of a new or used apparatus or even provide a full replacement.
Final thoughts
While all apparatus crashes are unpleasant, many can be prevented by ensuring that fire departments have policies in place that outline the manner in which these machines are operated. An in-depth driver training program can provide quality learning material to the prospective operators. Finally, by implementing a mechanical check sheet, agencies can identify mechanical safety issues and mitigate them before they turn into an apparatus accident.
