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Policy 3310: Emergency Tenders Operations

Policy 3310: Emergency Tenders Operations

YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12

10000 ZIER ROAD

YAKIMA, WA 98908

POLICY # 3310

COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE s/b Marshia Goss, Chair

EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/06

REVISION DATE: 3/10/09

POLICY TITLE: EMERGENCY TENDER OPERATIONS

REFERENCE: Policy 2104, WAC 296-305, SOG 2-2, 7-1 and appendix B, NFPA 1901

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to define and establish code two response to emergency scenes with Fire District tenders.

2.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The response to an emergency scene shall be a code two response with any Yakima County Fire District 12 Tender.

3.0 JUSTIFICATION

Tenders are considered a mobile water supply vehicle, designed primarily for transporting (pickup and delivery) water to fire emergency scenes to be applied by other vehicles or pumping requirements. Vehicle factors such as weight, height, rate of acceleration, stopping distance, center of gravity, movement of water (live loads) and amount of water hauled, greatly increase the risk of rollover, loss of control, stopping distance, and sliding off the roadway. Tenders per NFPA 1901 are able to haul 1,000 gallons of water or more. Yakima County Fire District 12 has considered all the safety hazards of these apparatus and has made a decision to make all “Tenders” a code 2 response apparatus. Tenders are equipped with emergency lighting and sirens which are installed for the safety of the firefighters and public at the scene of an emergency, for parking along the side of a road and identifying to the public an emergency incident is present or on going.

4.0 DEFINITIONS

A: Pumper: Fire apparatus with a permanently mounted pump, water tank, and hose that meets or exceeds the requirements of the NFPA 1901 standard. The primary purpose of this type apparatus is to combat structural and associated fire. Per NFPA 1901 a pumper carries 250 to 750 gallons of water.

B: Tenders: A vehicle designed primarily for transporting (pickup and delivery) water to fire emergency scenes to be applied by other vehicles or pumping requirements and carries a minimum of 1,000 gallons or more.

C: Pumper/Tenders: Fire apparatus with a permanently mounted pump, water tank, and hose that meets or exceeds the requirements of the NFPA 1901 standard. The primary purpose of this apparatus is to combat structural and associated fires, as well as transporting (pickup and delivery) water to fire emergency scenes to be applied by other vehicles or pumping requirements, and carries 250 to 4,000 gallons of water.

D: Code 1 Response: Normal driving habits, abide all traffic laws and regulations. (Signals, speed limit, stopping at signs, lights, construction sites, etc). Emergency lighting or sirens are NOT used en-route to the emergency scene. Can deviate from dispatch location, and is available for re-assignment.

E: Code 2 Response: Normal driving habits, abide all traffic laws and regulations. (Signals, speed limit, stopping at signs, lights, construction sites, etc). Emergency lighting or sirens are NOT used en-route to the emergency scene. Apparatus are not to deviate from the dispatched location; and is committed to the incident.

F: Code 3 Response: Normal driving habits, abide all traffic laws and regulations. (Signals, speed limit, stopping at signs, lights, construction sites, etc). Emergency lighting and sirens ARE used en-route to the emergency scene; due to the nature of a true emergency time is of the essence. Apparatus are not to deviate from the dispatched location; and is committed to the incident.

The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others.

5.0 SCHEDULED EQUIPMENT CHECKS

The equipment on each vehicle will be checked to insure operational readiness on a regular and scheduled basis. Equipment found to be in need of repair shall be removed and reported to the senior officer in charge. Reference Policy 2104

6.0 FIRE APPARATUS SAFE PRACTICES

Apparatus shall be brought to a full stop when members are required to step from the apparatus. Members shall ride in full cabs. Headlights shall be on at all times when any fire and emergency vehicle is responding to a call. Reference Policy 2104

7.0 FIRE APPARATUS OPERATORS TO BE TRAINED

All operators of emergency and non-emergency vehicles shall be trained in the operation of their assigned apparatus before they are designated as a driver of such apparatus. The District shall establish a drivers training program and keep records of such training, specifically addressing the handling characteristics of District tenders. Reference Policy 2104

8.0 SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR BACKING VEHICLES

Operators shall not back vehicles without the use of a signal person (back up guide) and will signal with the horn and emergency lights. Reference Policy 2104

9.0 INVOLVEMENT IN AN ACCIDENT DURING RESPONSE

If a vehicle is involved in an accident while responding to an alarm, the member must stop and render medical assistance. If medical assistance is not needed, photographs of the scene must be taken before the apparatus may leave and one member must remain on the scene. The Washington State Patrol and/or the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall be notified if a District vehicle is involved in an accident. Reference Policy 2104

10.0 EVIP REQUIRED FOR VEHICLE OPERATORS

All members are required to complete the EVIP (Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention) program before being authorized to operate any District Vehicle. Reference Policy 2104

11.0 NON-MEMBERS RIDING IN DISTRICT VEHICLES

Only District members are authorized to ride in tenders when responding to an emergency scene. Under special circumstances non-members may be allowed to ride in tenders in a non-emergency situation when approved by the senior officer.

12.0 SEAT BELTS

All members shall ride in a seated position equipped with seat belts and or approved restraining devices. While in transit, all operators and passengers shall be protected from accidental displacement out of or off the apparatus. Reference Policy 2104