© 2006 PSEN Conference Review Driving Emergency Vehicles

© 2006 PSEN Massachusetts Law exempting you form being required to hold a MA CDL you are still bound by the rules governing CDL Drivers in Massachusetts.

© 2006 PSEN Firefighter Fatalities Source: USFA FF Fatalities in the United States Will charts, graphic and numerical statistics change how you drive?

© 2006 PSEN Impact of Vehicle Accidents - Personal Injury or Death - Peripheral Injury or Death to Others - Vehicle and Equipment Loss - Long Term Impact - Personal Injury or Death - Peripheral Injury or Death to Others - Vehicle and Equipment Loss - Long Term Impact

© 2006 PSEN Seat Belts Not uncommon for crew to avoid using the seat belt NOT a difficult training problem to overcome Do statistics make you change? Not uncommon for crew to avoid using the seat belt NOT a difficult training problem to overcome Do statistics make you change? Thanks to U.S. Naval Safety Training

© 2006 PSEN A higher level of conscientiousness Reading your environment Foresee problems Prevent problems from occurring A higher level of conscientiousness Reading your environment Foresee problems Prevent problems from occurring Operating within the “environment”

© 2006 PSEN Inspections – Pre-Trip –Vehicle overview –Check engine compartment –Start engine and check inside cab –Check headlights, signal lights, warning lights and audio devices –Conduct walk around inspection –Check controls and indicators –Check brake system (air brakes)

© 2006 PSEN Suspension Systems 1.Axles 2.Springs 3.Wheels Vehicle Characteristics

© 2006 PSEN Role of the Emergency Vehicle Driver Battery or Batteries Coolant System Electrical System Fuel Hydraulic Fluids Braking System

© 2006 PSEN Vehicle Inspection 4/32” Front tires 2/32” Rear tires

© 2006 PSEN Centrifugal Forces

© 2006 PSEN Traffic Signs

© 2006 PSEN Identification Evaluation Control Monitor Identification Evaluation Control Monitor Busy & Congested Area

© 2006 PSEN Identification Evaluation Control Monitor Identification Evaluation Control Monitor Quiet Residential Neighborhood

© 2006 PSEN Reduce your speed Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check the blind spot on your turning side Reduce your speed Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check the blind spot on your turning side INTERSECTION SAFETY

© 2006 PSEN Changing Legal Climate Concept of public kindness King can do no wrong

© 2006 PSEN TRUE EMERGENCY A situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual or significant property loss. Legal Principles and Terms

© 2006 PSEN VICARIOUS LIABILITY Is legal liability placed on one person for the acts committed by another person. Legal Principles and Terms

© 2006 PSEN When you push the brake control “in”, air from a separate tank releases the spring brakes so you can move the vehicle in an emergency. Dual Parking Control Valve

© 2006 PSEN Front Brake Limiting Switch NORMAL SLIPPERY Limiting valves are used to reduce the chance of front wheel skidding on slippery surfaces Braking is good under all conditions Limiting valves are used to reduce the chance of front wheel skidding on slippery surfaces Braking is good under all conditions

© 2006 PSEN Purpose is to: –Prevent the tires from locking under any conditions –When making an emergency stop using an ABS the driver should maintain pressure on the brake pedal even if the pedal starts to pulsate Purpose is to: –Prevent the tires from locking under any conditions –When making an emergency stop using an ABS the driver should maintain pressure on the brake pedal even if the pedal starts to pulsate Anti-Lock Brakes

© 2006 PSEN Several different types: –Engine –Exhaust –Transmission Slows the rear axle with some type of braking mechanism, that does not involve use of the regular service brake. Several different types: –Engine –Exhaust –Transmission Slows the rear axle with some type of braking mechanism, that does not involve use of the regular service brake. Engine Retarders

© 2006 PSEN Conference Review Driving Emergency Vehicles