This page shall serve as the official Policy for Driving and Vehicle Operations within the San Andreas Fire Department:

Last Updated:  03/07/2023
By:   Kidd B.

6.1- Purpose:

Emergency vehicle response is the basis for the success or failure of all other SAFD emergency operations. These expensive vehicles carry the emergency equipment in addition to personnel. Having sound emergency vehicle response guidelines in place helps assist the SAFD in providing sound direction to our driver-operators. 

SAFD owns and operates a wide variety of emergency vehicles. Certain vehicles in the fleet require specialized training, beyond what is listed in this SOP. Such vehicles will only be operated by certified personnel who have gone through the appropriate training for those vehicles and have obtain the necessary certification for their operation. A list of vehicles and who may operate them is located in the bottom of Section 3 (vehicles). 

SAFD places a great deal of responsibility on our emergency vehicle drivers. Not only must you provide prompt conveyance of the vehicles, equipment and personnel to provide service to those in need, but as importantly, must accomplish this task in the safest and most prudent manner possible. As an emergency vehicle driver in our organization, you have in your care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by this organization (the vehicle, portable equipment, personnel). 

Emergency vehicle drivers also have a higher standard of care to provide to the general motoring public and must make every attempt possible to provide due regard for the safety of others. Drivers must constantly monitor and reduce the amount of risk and exposure to potential losses during each and every response. Safe arrival at the destination remains the first priority of all vehicle drivers. In order to accomplish this enormous task, it’s important for emergency vehicles drivers to become familiar with, and abide by the following policies and procedures. 

6.2- Emergency Vehicle Operator Requirements:

• Firefighter within the San Andreas Fire Department in good standing 

• Must have a valid driver’s license

• Must have successfully completed training for operation of the apparatus based on Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications (Trainee drivers may operate apparatus when under the supervision of Command Staff or an FTO) 

• Must have have satisfied their probationary period

6.3- Safe Driving:

State and local laws may provide certain exemptions for authorized emergency vehicles from regular traffic laws when responding to emergencies. However, neither state or local laws nor these guidelines are intended to absolve an emergency vehicle driver of the responsibility of due regard for the safety of others on the road. The following sets expectations for SAFD personnel when operating vehicles in the performance of their duties:

6.3.1- General Guidelines:

• The driver shall be responsible for the safe and prudent operation of the vehicle at all times

• The driver shall maintain a speed that is safe under the prevailing conditions

• The driver shall Obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices when driving SAFD vehicles under ordinary travel conditions. Any driver observed breaking any traffic laws or driving any vehicle in an aggressive manner will be subject to disciplinary action including, suspension of driving privileges

• Any member of the Fire Department who is involved in an accident while responding to an incident shall remain on the scene of the accident and immediately notify the proper authorities and Fire Chief

6.3.2- Warning Devices:

• When responding to a true emergency, audible and visual warning devices will be operated at all times regardless of time of day and/or traffic conditions. Understand that warning devices are not always effective in making other vehicle operators aware of your presence. Warning devices only request the right-of-way, they do not assure the right-of-way. 

6.3.3- Vehicle Control and Right-of-Way:

• Attempt to maintain control of the vehicle in a manner that provides the maximum level of safety for both the passengers and the general public. 

• Be aware that civilian vehicle operators may not react in the manner that is expected or felt to be appropriate. 

• Make an attempt to have options available when passing or overtaking vehicles. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver cannot force the right-of-way, nor can they assume the right-of-way, therefore, they do not have the right-of-way until the other vehicle yields to them. 

• The driver or an authorized emergency vehicle may disregard regulations governing the direction of movement and turning in specific directions as long as he/she does not endanger life and/or property 

6.3.4- Intersection Practices:

• Take extreme care when approaching any intersection as they are the locations responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles. Drivers are required to practice the organization’s intersection operating guidelines during all emergency responses

• Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic

• Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the drivers’ foot. Continue to scan in four directions (left, right, front, back)

• When approaching a traffic signal, be aware of “stale” green lights or yellow caution lights, begin to slow and prepare to stop as these will be turning red

• Change the siren cadence not less than 200’ from the intersection or use air horn

• Scan the intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.)

• Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible 

• Consider using the lane of least resistance that is consistent with your intended direction of travel

• During emergency response, bring the vehicle to a complete stop for the following:

  1. When the driver cannot account for visible traffic in the lanes of traffic in an intersection

  2. When directed by a law enforcement officer

  3. Negative right-of-way intersection  

  4. When other intersection hazards are present 

6.4- Exiting Fire Station:

• The driver will ensure:

  • All apparatus compartment doors are securely closed

  • All personnel are wearing seat belts

  • Ensure apparatus bay door is raised fully and enough clearance is available to clear apparatus height 

  • Ensure proper clearance of civilian foot and vehicular traffic when entering the roadway

6.5- Entering Fire Station:

• A Spotter should be used when backing, if driver is unable to back safely

• Consideration must be taken for the possibility of pedestrians within the fire station

• Emergency Lights shall be activated when apparatus is in a backing motion to alert nearby pedestrians/vehicles 

6.6- Backing:

• A Spotter should be used when backing, if driver is unable to back safely

• The spotter(s) is/are responsible for guiding the Driver and ensuring that any potential hazards are avoided

• The spotter shall position themselves to have an unobstructed view and be in visual and voice/radio contact with the apparatus driver 

• Spotters shall not ride the tailboard while backing the apparatus 

• If the Driver loses visual contact with the spotter(s), the Driver shall stop the apparatus immediately

• Vehicle mounted cameras or other devices are not a substitute for a spotter

• In situations where assistance is not available and the apparatus must be immediately moved, the Driver shall first walk completely around the apparatus before backing to ensure no obstructions will interfere with vehicle operation 

6.7- Riding Policy:

• The driver of any Fire Department vehicle or apparatus shall be directly responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle

•  When the driver is under the direct supervision of an officer or acting officer, that officer or acting officer shall also     assume responsibility for the actions of the driver

•  Drivers shall not move fire department vehicles or apparatus until all persons are seated and secured with seat belts in approved riding positions

•  All persons riding in fire department vehicles or apparatus shall be seated and secured by seat belts or safety harnesses at any time the vehicle is in motion

•  Riding on tail boards, side steps, running boards, or in any other exposed positions, or standing while riding shall be specifically prohibited

6.7- Locking all SAFD Vehicles:

• SAFD vehicles shall be locked at all times when not occupied by SAFD firefighters in the drivers seat

• SAFD members shall always lock the vehicle they are driving immediately upon exiting

• SAFD members shall test and ensure the vehicle is locked before walking away

• SAFD does not condone members of the department leaving their vehicle doors open 

  • • Reason being theft of emergency personnel vehicles. See: Nodus Rules

6.8- SAFD Vehicle Accidents:

• SAFD personnel and vehicle involved in accidents shall stop and remain on location of incident

• Personnel shall notify, if able, dispatch of accident 

  • Dispatch or OIC shall dispatch a replacement vehicle to original emergency incident

• Vehicle involved in accident shall switch to a different radio channel as to not interfere with emergency incident

• Personnel shall ensure activation of helmet cameras and obtain any necessary civilian IDs for documentation purposes

• SAFD personnel, if able, shall assess the scene for any patients and request appropriate EMS resources

  • • If no EMS is available, SAFD shall attempt to render aid

• Notify PD if necessary via a '/911' call with any pertinent information

• Notify Command Staff as soon as possible and provide camera footage 

• Complete a SAFD Vehicle Accident Report Form