Some fire departments have a dedicated position for a driver or engineer to operate the apparatus. In other fire departments, this role is filled on a rotating basis by each firefighter—thus, each firefighter needs to be able to operate the fire apparatus.
Whenever operating a fire apparatus, there are some basic concepts that need to be adhered to ensure it is safely operated. The following points listed below are what we should be concerned with on a consistent basis.
- Fireground Pump Operations: Mastering the Panel
- Pump Operation: Training for Success
- On the Line: The Dependable Driver/Operator
- Back-to-Basics Firefighting: Driver Duties
Clean the Doghouse
When we are driving the fire apparatus, having a clear unobstructed view is essential to the safe delivery of the personnel that we are carrying. Having an obstructed view will hinder the driver’s ability to safely navigate through traffic with not being able to see other vehicles, road obstructions, and other hazards. One area that can be a huge obstruction is inside the cab of the apparatus on top of the engine (photos 1 and 2). This area is commonly referred to as the doghouse, as it covers the diesel engine. On top of the doghouse is where we will often place a small bookshelf to house important binders or books that are needed by the officer. This small bookshelf can take up a lot of room. Accompanying the bookshelf will be gear, helmets, and other items that are being carried by the members inside. The piling up of gear around and on top of the doghouse will block the driver’s view of the passenger-side mirror and parts of the passenger window. If you are the driver and find that there is clutter on the doghouse obstructing your view, make mention of it to your officer so that they can ensure the area is clear for you.
Strap Them Down
Inside our fire apparatus, we have many items that are stored, carried and brought with us that are required for our job. Many of these items are stored in compartments designed for quick access with roll up doors or straps of some type or in other areas such as our seats with our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). No matter what the item is, it needs to be secured within the apparatus so that it does not become a flying projectile. In a worst-case scenario, we would agree that items can become projectiles when an apparatus is overturned, is hit by another vehicle, or hits another vehicle. But what about the times where we have driven over a small bump in the road, hit a road pot, take a turn too sharply, or stop too fast? Items that are not secured can easily become projectiles. A common item seen in many fire apparatus is the helmet of the firefighter. This helmet is sometimes seen sitting on the front dash resting against the windshield or on the doghouse next to the seat. No matter where it is, it has the potential to move when deceleration takes place. Look around the cab and see what needs to be secured.
Pass on the Left
When we are responding to a call for help with our lights and sirens on, we need to make sure that we always pass vehicles on the left side. Drivers when being taught how to drive will be instructed to pull over to the right whenever they see and hear an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction. Sometimes drivers will stay right where they are or stop in the middle of the road when they see an emergency vehicle approaching. No matter what the driver is doing, we need to pass them on the left, since drivers will sometimes at the last minute pull over to the right. If you are navigating the fire apparatus around vehicles on the road and decide to go around them on the right because of convenience, there is a good chance that a collision can occur. Cars darting over at the last minute are hard to avoid when you are driving at a good rate of speed and in a heavier vehicle. Take the time and exercise patience when driving and pass them on the left.
Keep an Eye on Traffic
Many of our calls for response involve vehicle accidents on roadways. These roadways can be two lane roads right up to major interstates. Regardless of the size of road, there are two common denominators–the driver and speed. We are depending on drivers to recognize the work zone ahead and slow down to exercise caution when passing by. If being directed by law enforcement, then they will usually act accordingly as directed. It is our responsibility to control the workspace to produce a safe working environment, and that includes using our fire apparatus to act as a blocker when working on roadways. Even when these blockers are in place, we still need to take personal precaution and keep an eye on traffic as vehicles pass by. Drivers are distracted when they see flashing red lights and will want to look at what is going on. This distraction can cause them to drive into the incident scene. They can also be distracted by other media such as texting or emailing and not be paying attention to the roadway. Regardless of what they are doing, distracted drivers are out there and firefighters must keep an eye on them.
Drive in Accordance with Conditions
Weather patterns can change at a moment’s notice and our driving patterns need to change along with that as well. Driving a fire apparatus is much different than driving a small car or pickup truck. The added weight of the vehicle lends to the stopping distance required to come to a complete stop as well as the amount of time needed to stop. The braking systems on a fire apparatus are mostly air operated and operate in a different manner than do hydraulic brakes. The center of gravity is also higher, allowing the fire apparatus to overturn easier when turning to fast or swerving to avoid another vehicle. When weather conditions change, firefighters need to drive to the conditions – slowing down is a start. Driving too fast in weather that is wet, rainy, slippery, freezing, windy, or snowy can always lead to problems. Taking our time will allow for a safe arrival and make our operational efforts all that more effective.
Mark van der Feyst has been in the fire service since 1999 and is a firefighter with the Fort Gratiot (MI) Fire Department. He is an international instructor teaching in Canada, the United States, and India, and at FDIC. He is also the lead author of Residential Fire Rescue (Fire Engineering Books & Video). He can be contacted at Mark@FireStarTraining.com.
