1. Chapter 4 Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines

2. 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.

3. Case Study
Review and discuss the case study.

4. Introduction

5. 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.

6. Terms
Policy
Procedure
Guideline
Rule
Regulation

7. 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)

8. 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?

9. 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)

10. 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?

11. 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.

12. Conducting a Needs Assessment

13. 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.

14. Suggestions to Help Attain Goal
Level of detail
Clarity and conciseness
Target audience
Flexibility and ambiguity

15. 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.

16. Items Usually Included in an SOP/SOG
Numbering system
Page numbers
Effective date
Expiration/review date
Title
Description of purpose or rationale statement
(Continued)

17. Items Usually Included in an SOP/SOG
Authority signature(s)
Scope
General procedures or guidelines
Specific procedures or guidelines
References

18. Periodic Review

19. Compliance/Enforcement

20. Adoption of SOPs/SOGs
Eligibility qualifications and certification requirements
Training schedule, expectations, and requirements
Annual requirements for maintaining certification
General conduct & obligations of drivers

21. 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

22. Adoption of SOPs/SOGs Written and maintained
Preplanned and agreed upon actions
Resource documents upon which to base training
Required anticipated actions

23. SOP/SOG Subject Areas Eligibility requirements for drivers
Testing & proficiency requirements for drivers
Emergency response procedures
Customary and/or ordinary procedures
Special situations

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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

30. 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.