Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator — Lesson 1 Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd Edition Chapter 1 — The Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Learning Objectives 1. List responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator. 2. List the NFPA standards that set qualifications for fire apparatus driver/operators. 3. List the skills and physical abilities needed by the fire apparatus driver/operator. (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Learning Objectives 4. Answer questions about the selection of fire apparatus driver/operators. 5. Select facts about driving regulations and licensing requirements for driver/operators. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Responsibilities Safely transporting firefighters, apparatus, and equipment Vehicle maintenance Vehicle safety checks Operating the apparatus properly, swiftly, and safely Ensuring readiness of apparatus and equipment Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Training Requirements NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (for Fire Fighter I) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Needed Skills and Physical Abilities Reading skills, used for: Reading maps Reviewing manufacturer’s operating instructions Studying prefire plans Reviewing printed computer dispatch instructions Reading and working on a mobile data terminal (MDT) (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Needed Skills and Physical Abilities Writing skills, used for: Completing maintenance reports Completing equipment repair requests Completing incident reports Mathematical skills, used for: Hydraulic calculations Equations such as those used in friction loss problems (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Needed Skills and Physical Abilities Physical fitness, including: Connnecting to a hydrant with an intake hose Stretching a supply line to a hydrant by hand Deploying a portable water tank Vision requirements, required by NFPA 1582 Hearing requirements, required by NFPA 1582 Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Selection of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operators Driver/Operators are most often promoted from the rank of firefighter. All fire departments must have an established and thorough training program for prospective fire apparatus driver/operators. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Driving Regulations Driver/Operators are regulated by: State or provincial laws City ordinances Departmental SOPs All statutes, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle operator (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Driving Regulations Some states or provinces may exempt emergency vehicles from certain laws or statutes. Driver/Operators must obey all traffic signals and rules in nonemergency driving, including when returning to quarters from an alarm. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Licensing Requirements United States — Established by federal DOT Canada — Established by TC Special requirements for licensing drivers of trucks and other large vehicles are determined by each individual state or province. Most Canadian provinces require drivers to obtain an air brake endorsement to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Summary The position of driver/operator is one that demands certain mental and physical aptitudes or skills and abilities. Driver/Operator candidates must possess the required licenses or be able to obtain them within their probationary period. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Discussion Questions 1. What are the responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator? 2. Which NFPA standards are requirements of the fire apparatus driver/operator? 3. What are reading skills used for? 4. What are writing skills used for? 5. What are mathematical skills used for? (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Discussion Questions 6. What types of physical tasks should the driver/operator be able to perform? 7. What are fire apparatus driver/operators regulated by? 8. Who determines the requirements for licensing of driver/operators in the United States? Canada? Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator