Firefighter Safety Presentation Instructor Notes Slide 1
The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 1 Recruit Firefighter
June 2013 Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program 1
Slide 2 © Patricia Marks/ShutterStock, Inc.
Fire Fighter Safety
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 3 Objectives: Slides 1-8 Fire Fighter I Objectives • List the major causes of death and injury in fire fighters. CHAPTER 2: Fire Fighter Safety • Explain how to submit a near miss report. Chapter Objectives • List the three groups whom fire fighters must always consider when ensuring Introduction to Fire Fighter Safety safety at the incident scene. Common sense tells us firefighting is • List and describe the four components of a fire fighter safety program. inherently dangerous. • Describe the 16 fire fighter life safety Fire departments must do what they can to initiatives reduce the hazards and dangers of the job Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program The incident commander (IC) has ultimate responsibility for the overall safety of every fire-ground operation. Fire departments should review and revise their safety procedures regularly. Safety must be fully integrated in every activity, procedure, and job description. The final responsibility for personal safety falls to the individual fire fighter.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 4 Fire Fighter I Objectives • Describe the connection between physical fitness and fire fighter safety. • Describe the components of a well-rounded physical fitness program. • Explain the practices fire fighters should take to promote optimal physical and mental health. • Describe the purpose of an employee assistance program. • Explain how fire fighter candidates, instructors, and veteran fire fighters work together to ensure safety during training. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 5 Fire Fighter I Objectives • Describe the steps to ensure safety when responding to an emergency. • Describe the steps to ensure safety when driving to an emergency incident. • List the four general principles that govern emergency vehicle operation. • List the guidelines for safe emergency vehicle response. • Explain how the teamwork concept is applied during every stage of an emergency incident to ensure the safety of all fire fighters. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 6 Fire Fighter I Objectives • Describe how the personnel accountability system is implemented during an emergency incident. • List the common hazards at an emergency incident. • Describe the measures fire fighters follow to ensure electrical safety at an emergency incident. • Describe how to lift and move objects safely.
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Slide 7 Fire Fighter I Objectives
• Explain how rehabilitation is used to protect the safety of fire fighters during an emergency incident. • Explain the role of a critical incident stress debriefing in preserving the mental well- being of fire fighters. • Describe how to ensure safety at the fire station and outside of the workplace.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 8 Introduction
• Firefighting is inherently dangerous. • Departments must do what they can to reduce known hazards and dangers. • The final responsibility for personal safety falls to the individual fire fighter.
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Slide 9 Causes of Fire Fighter Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and Deaths and Injuries Injuries • Each year 80 to Each year approximately 80 to 100 fire 100 fire fighters are killed in the line of fighters are killed in the line of duty in the duty in the United United States. States. Deaths occur: At emergency incident scenes In the station During training Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program When responding to or returning from emergencies Heart attack and stroke are the leading causes of fire fighter deaths. Vehicle collisions are a major cause of fire fighter fatalities. Nationally there is one emergency vehicle collision per 1000 responses. 39 percent of fire fighter fatalities in vehicle collisions involved failure to use seat belts. Seat belt use is key!
Slide 10 Causes of Fire Fighter Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and Deaths and Injuries Injuries According to the NFPA, 71,875 fire • According to the National Fire fighters were injured in the line of duty in Protection 2010. Association (NFPA), 71,875 fire Fewer than half of these injuries occurred fighters were © Joseph Kaczmarek/AP Photos while fighting fires. injured in the line of duty in 2010. Strains, sprains, and soft-tissue injuries were most common. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Burns and smoke and gas inhalation were only a small percentage.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 11 Injury Prevention Injury Prevention Every member of the team has the • Every team member is responsible for responsibility to prevent injuries. preventing injuries. The relative priority of safety on the fire • Priority of safety on the fire ground is: ground is: – Self (personal safety) – Other team members Self (personal safety) – Everyone else Other team members Everyone else present at the emergency scene Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 12 Injury Prevention Injury Prevention A successful safety program will address • A successful safety program will address: standards and procedures, personnel, – Standards and procedures training, and equipment. Standards and – Personnel – Training procedures – Equipment Personnel Training Equipment
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Slide 13 Standards and Procedures Standards and Procedures Standards and Procedures Fire service • Fire service safety is governed by: safety is governed by NFPA 1500, – NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational – State and federal agencies programs, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Safety and Health Program, and state and Administration federal agencies or programs, such as the • Every department should have standard operating procedures (SOPs). Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Every fire department should have a set of Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program SOPs or standard operating guidelines (SOGs). SOPs or SOGs cover a range of topics from uniform and grooming standards to emergency scene operations. Every fire fighter is responsible for understanding and following applicable SOPs or SOGs.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 14 Standards and Procedures Standards and Procedures The Incident Command System (ICS) is • The Incident Command System (ICS) is used in the command and control of used in the command and control of emergency incidents. Using the ICS helps emergency incidents. • Each department should have a health ensure safe operations, so it should be and safety committee. implemented at every scene. Each department should have (or consider having) a health and safety committee.
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Slide 15 Personnel Personnel A safety program is only as effective as the • A safety program is only as effective as individuals who implement it. the individuals who implement it. Working as part of a team is essential to • Freelancing is extremely dangerous and has no place on the fire ground. safe operations. Freelancing, or acting independently of orders or SOPs is extremely dangerous and has no place on the fire ground. A fire fighter who freelances endangers not Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program only himself or herself but everyone else at the scene who may need to rescue that fire fighter.
Slide 16 Personnel Personnel Incident safety officer Designated member • Incident safety officer of the fire department whose primary – Designated member of the fire department responsibility is safety. – Primary responsibility is safety. – Reports directly to the IC Reports directly to the IC. – Has the authority to stop any action deemed Has the authority to stop any action he or to be unsafe she judges to be unsafe.
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Slide 17 Training Training Training The knowledge and skills • Knowledge and skills from training are developed during training classes are essential for safety. essential for safety. • Fire fighters must continually seek out additional courses and work to keep their Fire fighters must continually seek out skills current. additional courses and work to keep their skills current to ensure personal and team safety.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 18 Equipment Equipment Equipment Fire fighters must know how to • Fire fighters must know how to use use equipment properly and operate it equipment properly and operate it safely. safely. • Equipment must be properly maintained. Equipment also must be properly • Follow manufacturers’ operating instructions and safety procedures. maintained. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety procedures. Use equipment for its intended purpose. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Do not exceed manufacturer’s safety parameters for chosen equipment. Ensure equipment purchased meets applicable standards for its intended use.
Slide 19 Reducing Fire Fighter Injuries and Reducing Fire Fighter Injuries and Deaths Deaths • Requires the effort of every firefighter Reducing Fire Fighter Injuries and Deaths • Most reported injuries and deaths are the Requires the dedicated effort of every fire result of preventable situations. fighter • The goal of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is to reduce line-of-duty In 1992 the US Congress created the deaths. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Most reported injuries and deaths are the Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program result of preventable situations. The NFFF goal is to reduce line-of-duty deaths. The Fire Fighter Near Miss Reporting System provides a means for fire fighters to learn from past situations.
Slide 20 Reducing Fire Fighter Injuries and Reducing Fire Fighter Injuries and Deaths Deaths Table 2-2: 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives The 16 Life Safety Initiatives describe the steps that need to be taken to change the culture of the fire service to help make it a safer place for all. The Fire Fighter Near Miss Reporting Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program System provides a means for fire fighters to learn from past situations. The Everyone Goes Home program raises awareness for life safety issues, improves safety practices, and promotes the goal of returning every fire fighter back to the station after a call.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 21 Safety and Health Safety and Health Introduction to Safety and Health A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, • A healthful lifestyle includes: weight training, and cardiovascular – A balanced diet exercises helps reduce many risk factors for – Weight training – Cardiovascular heart disease and enables fire fighters to exercises meet the physical demands of the job. Each department member is responsible for personal conditioning and nutrition. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 22 Slide 22 Safety and Health Safety and Health • Get adequate amounts of sleep. Fire fighters should establish a sleep • Spend at least an hour a day in physical schedule and routine to get adequate fitness training. amounts of uninterrupted sleep. All fire • Drink up to a gallon of water each day. • Avoid tobacco products entirely. fighters, whether paid or volunteer, should • Never work under the effects of alcohol or spend at least an hour a day in physical drugs. fitness training. Fire fighters should drink up to a gallon of Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program water each day to keep properly hydrated. Diet is an important aspect of physical fitness. Fire fighters should avoid tobacco products entirely for both health and insurance reasons. Fire fighters should never work under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Fire fighters who use drugs endanger their lives, the lives of their team members, and the lives of the public they serve.
Slide 23 Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) EAPs provide help with a wide range of • Provide help with a wide range of problems that might affect performance, problems including: • Fire fighters who use an EAP can do so with complete confidentiality and without Physical problems fear of retribution. Financial problems Emotional problems Substance abuse problems Fire fighters who use an EAP can do so Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program with complete confidentiality and without fear of retribution.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 24 Safety During Training Safety During Training Training According to the NFPA, an • Proper gear and teamwork are important. average of nine fire fighters are fatally • Do not attempt anything beyond your injured during training exercises every year. ability or knowledge. Proper protective gear and teamwork are as • Do not freelance during training! • An injured fire fighter should not return important during training as they are on the until medically cleared for duty. fire ground. Developing the proper (ie, safe) working habits during training courses helps ensure Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program safety later (on the fire ground). Do not attempt anything you feel is beyond your ability or knowledge. If you see something that you feel is an unsafe practice, bring it to the attention of your instructors or a designated safety officer. Do not freelance during training (or any other time)! Work as a team! A fire fighter injured during training should not return until medically cleared for duty. Slide 25 Safety During the Emergency Response Safety During the Emergency Response Emergency Response Walk quickly to the • Walk quickly to the apparatus; do not run. You do not want to apparatus; do not run. slip and become injured. • Personal protective Personal protective gear should be properly gear should be positioned so you can don it quickly before properly positioned. • Comply with all getting into the apparatus. traffic laws. Be sure that seat belts are properly fastened before the apparatus begins to move. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Know how to don seat-mounted self- contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) without compromising safety. The few seconds gained by speeding are not worth the risk created. Comply with all applicable traffic laws.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 26 Safe Driving Practices Safe Driving Practices Introduction to Safe Driving Practices The • Motor vehicle collisions are the second use of seat belts and air bags greatly leading cause of fire fighter deaths. reduces the possibility of serious injury or • Emergency driving requires added considerations. death. • Collisions consist of a series of separate Motor vehicle collisions are the second collision events. leading cause of fire fighter deaths. Emergency driving requires added considerations. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Collisions consist of a series of separate collision events.
Slide 27 Laws and Regulations Governing Emergency Laws and Regulations Governing Vehicle Operation Emergency Vehicle Operation • Emergency vehicle operators are subject Laws and Regulations Governing to traffic regulations. Emergency Vehicle Operation Emergency • Exemptions are legal only when operating in emergency mode. vehicle operators are subject to all traffic • Operator can be found liable. regulations unless specific exemption. • An exemption does not relieve the driver Exemptions are legal only when operating from reasonable care. in emergency mode. Even with an exemption, operator can be Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program found criminally or civilly liable. An exemption does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with reasonable care.
Slide 28 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Personal Vehicles for Personal Vehicles • The use of personal vehicles to respond to SOPs for Personal Vehicles The use of fire and Emergency Medical Services personal vehicles to respond to fire and (EMS) calls constitutes a fire department function. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls • Fire departments should have SOPs that constitutes a fire department function. dictate the use of personal vehicles. Fire departments should have SOPs that dictate the use of personal vehicles.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 29 Safe Driving Begins With You Safe Driving Begins With You Safe Driving Begins With You The attitude • The attitude and ability of the vehicle and ability of the vehicle operator are major operator is a major factor in vehicle factors in vehicle crashes. crashes. • Know the state and local laws relating to Know the state and local laws relating to motor vehicle operations. motor vehicle operations. • Emergency driving requires good Emergency driving requires good reactions reactions and alertness. and alertness.
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Slide 30 Vehicle Collision Prevention Vehicle Collision Prevention Vehicle Collision Prevention Safe driving • Anticipate the road and road conditions. practices will prevent most vehicle • Make allowances for weather conditions. collisions. • Be alert for other emergency vehicles. Anticipate the road and road conditions. • Drive with a cushion of safety. Make allowances for weather conditions. Adjust your speed to accommodate storm conditions. When operating an emergency vehicle, you Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program are not exempt from the laws of physics. When the speed of a vehicle doubles, the force exerted by the vehicle increases by a factor of four. Higher speeds require more braking power and distance. Be alert for other emergency vehicles. Drive with a cushion of safety.
Slide 31 The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance It • It is important to perform regular is important to perform regular maintenance on fire department vehicles maintenance on fire department vehicles and your personal vehicle. and your personal vehicle. Regular maintenance should include: Engine Transmission Brakes Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Tires Suspension system Steering system Windshield wipers and washers Headlights, taillights, and turn signals
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 32 Safety at Emergency Incidents Safety at Emergency Incidents Fire fighters should never charge blindly • Wait for the officer in command to “size- into action. up” the situation before acting. The commanding officer will “size-up” the – Follow the officer’s instructions. – Do not freelance. situation and evaluate conditions. Wait for the officer in command to “size- up” the situation before acting. Follow the officer’s instructions. Do not freelance. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 33 Teamwork Teamwork Teamwork Maintain a minimum of two fire fighters in each team. • Maintain a minimum of two fire Never work alone. fighters in each If one member of the team needs to leave team. • Never work alone. the structure, the entire team must leave together. Maintain visual, vocal, or physical contact with each other at all times. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Team members should check each other’s personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure it is on and working correctly before they enter a hazardous area. At least one member of each team should have a portable radio.
Slide 34 Teamwork Teamwork A back-up team needs to be in place any • A back-up team needs to be in place any time fire fighters are in a hazardous area in time fire fighters are in a hazardous area. case the entry team has to be rescued. • A designated rapid intervention team should be outside the hazardous area. A designated rapid intervention team should be established and positioned outside the hazardous area.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 35 Accountability Accountability Every fire department should have a • Accountability system should record: personnel accountability system to track – Individuals assigned to each team personnel and assignments on the – Assignments for each team – Team’s current activities emergency scene. • Provides an up-to-date accounting of The system should record: everyone who is working at the incident. The individuals assigned to each team The assignments for each team The team’s current activities Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program The purpose of a personnel accountability system is to provide an up-to-date accounting of everyone who is working at the incident and how they are organized.
Slide 36 Accountability Accountability Fire fighters must learn their department’s accountability system, how to work within • Fire fighters must learn department’s it, and how it works within the ICS. accountability Acceptable personnel accountability system – How to work within systems include: it Paper-based systems – How it works within the ICS Display boards Laptop computer systems Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program “Passport”-type systems Accountability tag systems
Slide 37 Incident Scene Hazards Incident Scene Hazards Fire fighters must be aware of their • Be aware of your surroundings. surroundings when performing their • Always operate within established assigned tasks at an emergency scene. boundaries and protected work areas. Always operate within established • Changing fire conditions will affect safety. • Do not let down your safety guard. boundaries and protected work areas. Changing fire conditions will also affect safety. Because the chance for injury increases Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program when you are tired, do not let down your safety guard even though the main part of the fire is over.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 38 Using Tools and Equipment Safely Using Tools and Equipment Safely Learn how to use tools and equipment • Learn to use tools and equipment properly properly and safely before using them at an before using them at an emergency. emergency incident. • Practice doing basic repairs on tools and equipment at the fire station until you can Use protective gear, such as PPE, safety perform them quickly and safely. glasses, and hearing protection, when they are required. Equipment should always be in excellent condition and ready for use. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Practice doing basic repairs on tools and equipment at the fire station until you can perform them quickly and safely on the emergency scene.
Slide 39 Electrical Safety Electrical Safety Energized power lines may be present on • Always check for overhead power lines the fire ground. when raising ladders. Always check for overhead power lines • Electric power supply to the building should be turned off. when raising ladders. • A downed line should be considered During any firefighting operations, the energized until confirmed dead. electric power supply to the building should be turned off. Park apparatus outside the area and away Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program from power lines when responding to a call for an electrical emergency. A downed power line should be considered energized until the power company confirms that it is dead. Do not use water to suppress fires near downed power lines.
Slide 40 Lifting and Moving Lifting and Moving Do not try to move something that is too • Do not try to move something that is too heavy alone—ask for help. heavy alone—ask for help. Prevent back injuries by always bending at • Prevent back injuries by always bending at the knees and using the legs to lift. the knees and using the legs to lift.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 41 Working in Adverse Weather Conditions Working in Adverse Weather Conditions Dress appropriately for adverse weather • Dress appropriately for adverse weather conditions. conditions. Watch your footing on slippery surfaces. • Watch your footing on slippery surfaces.
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Slide 42 Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Fatigued fire fighters are • Provides periods of rest and recovery more prone to making mistakes and for emergency workers becoming injured. • Personnel should Rehabilitation is a systematic process to not be released until they are provide periods of rest and recovery for rested, refreshed, emergency workers during an incident. and ready for another work cycle. Rehabilitation time can be used to replace SCBA cylinders, obtain new batteries for Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program portable radios, and make repairs or adjustments to tools or equipment. Personnel should not be released from rehabilitation until they are rested, refreshed, and ready for another work cycle. Any fire fighter exhibiting signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or chest pain or discomfort should stop and seek medical attention immediately.
Slide 43 Violence at the Scene Violence at the Scene Violence at the Scene Fire fighters must • Do not proceed to the scene until the sometimes contend with violent scenes. police have declared it safe. Do not proceed to the scene until the police • If confronted with a potentially violent situation, do not respond violently. have declared it safe. If the scene is not secure and there is any threat to personal safety, slowly back away from the emergency scene to a safe distance and ask the police to secure the scene. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program If you are confronted with a potentially violent situation, do not respond violently.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 44 Mental Well-being Mental Well-being Fire fighters involved in difficult or • Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) emotionally traumatic calls may be provides a forum for personnel to discuss encouraged to meet with a counselor or anxieties, stress, and emotions triggered by difficult calls. attend a critical incident stress debriefing • Some departments have CISD staff (CISD). available 24 hours a day. CISD provides a forum for firefighting and EMS personnel to discuss the anxieties, stress, and emotions triggered by a difficult Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program call. Most departments have qualified, designated CISD staff available 24 hours a day.
Slide 45 Safety at the Fire Station Safety at the Fire Station Fire fighters will spend much of their shift • Be careful when working with: time at the fire station. – Power tools Injuries that occur at the firehouse can be – Ladders – Electrical appliances just as devastating as those that occur at an – Pressurized cylinders emergency incident scene. – Hot surfaces Be careful when working with power tools, ladders, electrical appliances, pressurized cylinders, and hot surfaces. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Slide 46 Safety Outside Your Workplace Safety Outside Your Workplace Outside Your Workplace Follow safe • Follow safe practices when you are off-duty. practices when you are off-duty. An unintentional injury, regardless of • An unintentional where it happens, can end your career as a injury can end your fire fighter. career as a fire fighter.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 47 Summary Summary Every fire fighter and fire department must • Every fire fighter must have a strong have a strong commitment to safety and commitment to safety and health. health. • Fire fighters must always consider their personal safety and the safety of team and Each year, on average, 80 to 100 fire everyone else at the scene. fighters are killed at emergency incident • A successful safety program must have scenes, in fire stations, during training, and standards and procedures, personnel, training, and equipment. while responding or returning from an emergency. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program When ensuring safety at the scene, fire fighters must always consider their personal safety, the safety of other team members, and the safety of everyone at the emergency scene. A successful safety program must have four major components: standards and procedures, personnel, training, and equipment.
Slide 48 Summary Summary Safety and well-being are directly related to • Safety and well-being are directly related personal health and fitness. to personal health and fitness. EAPs are available to provide fire fighters • Employee assistance programs are available to provide fire fighters with with confidential counseling, support, or support or assistance. assistance in dealing with a physical, • Four general principles govern emergency financial, emotional, or substance abuse vehicle operation. problem. Four general principles govern emergency Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program vehicle operation: Emergency vehicle operators are subject to all traffic regulations unless a specific exemption is made. Exceptions are legal only when operating in emergency mode. Even with an exemption, the emergency vehicle operator can be found criminally or civilly liable if involved in a crash. An exemption does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with reasonable care for all persons using the highway.
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The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 2 Recruit Firefighter Program Lesson 2.1.2 Presentation Instructor Notes Chapter 2 - Firefighter Safety
Slide 49 Summary Summary • Emergency driving requires good reactions Emergency driving requires good reactions and alertness. and alertness. • Safe driving practices will prevent most vehicle collisions. Safe driving practices will prevent most • The accountability system tracks personnel and assignments at the scene. vehicle collisions. • A critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is a forum in which firefighting and EMS The accountability system tracks personnel personnel can discuss anxieties, stress, and emotions. and assignments at the scene. • An unintentional injury can end your Emergency driving requires good reactions firefighting career. and alertness. Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Safe driving practices will prevent most vehicle collisions. The personnel accountability system tracks personnel and assignments at the emergency scene. A critical incident stress debriefing is a forum in which firefighting and EMS personnel can discuss anxieties, stress, and emotions triggered by a difficult incident. An unintentional injury, regardless of when or where it happens, can end your firefighting career.
Slide 50 NEVER FORGET
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