Chapter 4 Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines
Objectives List the difference between a policy, procedure, and guideline. Identify the reasons that written SOP/SOGs are important to operating an effective driver training program. Identify the subject areas for written SOP/SOGs that impact the certification, operations, recertification of emergency vehicle drivers. Identify written SOP/SOGs which impact emergency and related vehicle response procedures.
Case Study Review and discuss the case study.
Introduction
Introduction According to NIOSH, fire departments should develop standard operating procedures as they relate to responding to or returning from an alarm and monitor to ensure their use.
Terms Policy Procedure Guideline Rule Regulation
Ask the Following Questions Regarding Policy Is it founded on sound judgment? Is it reasonably attainable? Is it within legal and/or regulatory boundaries? (Continued)
Ask the Following Questions Regarding Policy Is it definite, positive, and clear? Does it need further definition or explanation to those affected? Is it applicable to all organizational units?
Ask the Following Questions Regarding Policy Is it flexible? Should it be flexible? Does it reflect the general thinking and enforcement philosophy of all levels of personnel? (Continued)
Ask the Following Questions Regarding Policy Will or must it be supported by procedures, guidelines, rules, and regulations? Can it be enforced? Will it be enforced?
Example Policy—Go from Point “A” to Point “B” Procedure—Begin at Point “A” go to Point “B” by following the prescribed directions Guideline—Begin at Point “A” go to Point “B” but does not give explicit directions as a procedure. Rules and Regulations—Do not cross any line, do not backtrack.
Conducting a Needs Assessment
Formulation Procedure Inform the membership as to the need to develop, adopt, and implement SOP/SOGs, and how the process is undertaken. Build the development team.
Suggestions to Help Attain Goal Level of detail Clarity and conciseness Target audience Flexibility and ambiguity
A “Cardinal Rule” of SOP/SOGs They must be “DOABLE!” Simply put, SOP/SOGs must be written in a format so those individuals expected to comply can do so in a easy, practical way.
Items Usually Included in an SOP/SOG Numbering system Page numbers Effective date Expiration/review date Title Description of purpose or rationale statement (Continued)
Items Usually Included in an SOP/SOG Authority signature(s) Scope General procedures or guidelines Specific procedures or guidelines References
Periodic Review
Compliance/Enforcement
Adoption of SOPs/SOGs Eligibility qualifications and certification requirements Training schedule, expectations, and requirements Annual requirements for maintaining certification General conduct & obligations of drivers
Adoption of SOPs/SOGs Not a guarantee of compliance Indication of organizations intent to follow applicable laws SOP/SOG examples: Compliance with organizational rules & requirements Compliance with legal jurisdictions Compliance with other professional standards
Adoption of SOPs/SOGs Written and maintained Preplanned and agreed upon actions Resource documents upon which to base training Required anticipated actions
SOP/SOG Subject Areas Eligibility requirements for drivers Testing & proficiency requirements for drivers Emergency response procedures Customary and/or ordinary procedures Special situations
Key Topics When Developing SOP/SOGs Recommend local AHJ review any pertinent written SOP/SOGs for compliance. Legal counsel and local governing body should review policies prior to adoption. AHJ shall have written policies governing speed and the limitations to be observed during all facets of the response including inclement weather and various road and traffic conditions.
Key Topics When Developing SOP/SOGs At no time shall driving regulations be less restrictive than state motor vehicle laws. Drivers of ESO vehicles shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Responding emergency vehicles shall stop at all railroad crossings.
Key Topics When Developing SOP/SOGs The driver shall obey all railroad crossing signals. Vehicles should not be driven around railroad crossing gates. The driver shall maintain a distance in front of the vehicle that is at least equal to the minimum travel distance necessary to stop the vehicle without contacting another object.
Key Topics When Developing SOP/SOGs ESO vehicles following each other shall maintain an adequate distance to avoid rear-end collisions. Every ESO should identify the types of responses that will be made in a nonemergency mode.
Key Topics When Developing SOP/SOGs Driver shall maintain a distance in front of the vehicle that is at least equal to the minimum travel distance necessary to stop the vehicle without contacting another object. ESO vehicles following each other in shall maintain an adequate distance to avoid rear-end collisions.
Summary Organizational leadership must: Understand the importance of what is expected of them Develop policy for compliance Educate personnel on policy and safe defensive low force driving Hold staff accountable Reward good behavior Remediate as warranted
Summary Sound administrative policy supported by clear, concise, doable SOP/SOGs that are followed and enforced will set the stage for safe, effective, and efficient operations.