Basic Responsibilities & Requirements Sugar Land Fire Department Driver/Operator—Pumper Academy Spring 2003

Basic Responsibilities & Requirements

Objectives: Basic Requirements Mental & Physical Skills Selection of Driver/Operators Driving Regulations & Licensing Requirements

Basic Requirements Qualifications Mature Responsible Able to maintain a calm, “can do” attitude under pressure

Skills Standards Usually determined by each jurisdiction NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications for Fire Fighter I. Basic Requirements

Reading Skills Maps Manufacturer’s Operating Instructions Prefire Plans Computer Dispatched Instructions Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)

Writing Skills Maintenance Reports Equipment Repair Requests Fire Reports

Math Skills Hydraulic Problems Friction loss Basic math problems

Physical Fitness Rigorous Physical Activities (lifts, bends, strenuous actions) Medical Evaluations per NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program Vision NFPA 1582 Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighter

Physical Fitness Recognizing Different Sounds Focusing on Particular Sounds Hearing per NFPA 1582 Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighter

Other Desired Skills Making Mechanical Adjustments and Repairs Supervising Others

Selection of Driver/Operators Career Departments Vs Volunteer Departments

Career Departments Promoted from rank of firefighter Based on time in service, testing, or combination of time and testing Should be based upon Skill and ability rather than simply upon seniority or rank

Volunteer Departments May be same as career departments Chief Officers appoint who they feel are ready, then train them May have to pass examination before approved May have truck driving experience All departments need an established and thorough training program.

Driving Regulations & Licensing Requirements Fire Apparatus Operators are regulated by State laws, City Ordinances, and Department SOP’s Driver is subject to all statutes, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle operator Most laws concerning motor vehicle operation are maintained at the state or provincial level Individual states may define emergency vehicle exemptions

Driving Regulations & Licensing Requirements Driver/Operators are subject to penalty and/or liability Most driving regulations pertain to dry, clear roads. Not exempt from stopping for school busses flashing red signal lights. Must obey all traffic laws when not responding to an emergency

Driving Regulations & Licensing Requirements May be subject to criminal and civil prosecution if involved in collision Both the driver and the fire department may be held responsible if involved in a collision The Department of Transportation establishes the basic requirements for licensing (In U.S.)