Safe Emergency Vehicle Operations
01.01 PURPOSE:
To provide the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department employees with general driving and safety regulations while
operating emergency vehicles; To reduce injuries and property damage by establishing standard procedures to
avoid vehicular accidents; To incorporate the general driving rules and regulations of the State of Florida and the
Miami Fire Department into a single policy.
01.02 POLICY:
It is the policy of the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department to provide standardized rules and regulations to
increase safety and reduce injuries and property damage while operating emergency vehicles.
01.03 PROCEDURE:
A. All members of the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department shall have a valid State of Florida driver license.
1. Drivers of all fire and rescue apparatus must possess, at a minimum, a class “E” license.
2. Drivers, within the past 3 years, shall not have been convicted of reckless driving or driving under the
influence of alcohol or controlled substance and has not had a driver license suspended under the point
system.
3. Drivers of ALS and BLS vehicles must satisfactorily complete an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course
(EVOC) to operate EMS vehicles.
B. Any member whose license has been suspended or revoked shall immediately notify the Fire Chief by memo
and shall be prohibited from driving any city vehicle. This notification does not affect the members pay status as a
driver except as outlined in OPM (Article 4 Section 5).
C. Any member who has satisfactorily completed the prescribed probationary period for a Firefighter will be
eligible to drive, operate and care for Fire Department emergency apparatus, after satisfactorily completing the
Reserve Driver Engineer Course.
1. Drivers of fire apparatus must be approved by the Driver-Engineer Instructor in the proper care, operation
and handling of the unit to which the driver is assigned.
2. In the event there is no assigned Driver-Engineer present to drive the apparatus, the Company Officer will
assign a Firefighter that he/she feels is competent to perform the required duties.
3. In an emergency, any Fire Department personnel may be assigned by a Company Officer to drive an
emergency vehicle.
D. Drivers of fire department vehicles shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of the
vehicle. When the driver is under the direct supervision of an officer, that officer shall also assume responsibility
for the safe and prudent operation of the vehicle.
E. Drivers shall inspect their apparatus on a daily basis. Items to be inspected shall include, but are not limited to:
all fluid levels, brakes, steering, tires, lights, pump operation, equipment, and overall apparatus condition.
Questions on items that may prove to be unsafe shall immediately be directed to the Fire Department Shop after
notifying the Company Officer. The Company Officer shall ensure that the On-call Mechanic or Fire Department
shop is notified immediately.
F. All personnel shall be seated in a vehicle seat and wearing the seat belt provided at all times the vehicle is in
motion whether on an emergency or routine movement. No vehicle is to be operated with more personnel than
there are seat belts. It shall be prohibited for any personnel to stand or kneel on the jump seat or ride on the
exposed positions of any Fire-Rescue vehicle when it is in motion other than the following exceptions:
1. Members actively performing necessary emergency medical care during patient transport where adherence
to the policy would compromise patient care.
2. Participation in parades where vehicle movement is under controlled conditions.
3. During hose loading operations members shall be allowed to stand on the tailboard or occupy the hose bed
only when the following conditions are complied with:
a. There shall be at least one member who has an unobstructed view of the hose loading operation and
be in visual and voice contact with the apparatus driver. If visual or voice contact is lost the driver
shall stop immediately.
b. Non-fire department vehicular traffic shall be excluded from the area or shall be under the control of
authorized traffic control persons.
c. Apparatus should be driven in a forward direction at a speed of 5 mph or less. If backing is required,
extreme caution shall be used.
d. Prior to the beginning of each hose loading operation, the situation shall be evaluated to ensure
compliance with all of the above provisions. If any provision is not met, hose loading shall not take
place.
G. Drivers shall be responsible for seeing that equipment is in its proper (safe) position, hose stowed properly,
and compartment doors are closed before moving the apparatus.
H. Where tools, equipment, or SCBA are carried within enclosed seating areas, such items shall be secured by a
positive mechanical means of holding the item in its stowed position or placed in a compartment with a positive
latching door.
I. To avoid contact with overhead doors, drivers should not:
1. Move the vehicle into an overhead door opening when the door is still moving up or down.
2. Stop or park a vehicle in an overhead door opening when possible.
3. Activate an overhead door when a vehicle is in the door opening.
4. Activate an overhead door from any position, which precludes full view of the vehicle, and the door either
by the activating party or an observer.
J. During non-emergency travel, drivers shall obey all traffic control signals and signs, and laws and rules of the
State of Florida.
K. When an apparatus is on routine movement or responding to an alarm, the donning of a helmet is optional.
L. When an apparatus is on a routine movement and other than an EMS alarm is received, the apparatus will be
stopped in a safe area, prior to response, for donning of protective clothing.
M. During emergency and routine movements, vehicles must come to a complete stop at all unguarded railroad
crossings. Caution must also be exercised when approaching and crossing guarded railroad crossings. Drivers
must ensure that it is safe to proceed in both directions before crossing tracks.
N. Fire suppression & rescue apparatus backing up procedures:
1. Fire Suppression Apparatus to include Pumpers, Aerials, Haz-Mat, TRT, Dive Team and any other
apparatus with 4 or more crew members:
Three crewmembers shall be assigned to assist the driver when backing to prevent accidents. Two
members will observe from a position at the left and right side corners at the rear of the apparatus and
must have visual contact with the driver at all times, either through direct line of vision or visually in the
mirrors. The third member shall be at the front of the apparatus, at either corner of the front bumper, in the
direct line of sight with the driver.
Note: Use safe judgment as to not put oneself in harm’s way or in traffic. For example:
High speed expressways
Directly using oneself as a block or barrier to stop traffic
Walking backwards into traffic
At all times keep your eyes moving and keep your “head on a swivel” to be conscious of your
surroundings, looking not only horizontally, but also vertically, for the Safety of:
#1 – YOURSELF
#2 – YOUR CREW
#3 – THE CITIZENS
REMINDER: All suppression units have a corded push button signaling device located in a compartment
at the left rear of the apparatus to assist the driver when backing.
When possible, the preferred method of loading 5 inch hose is by driving the apparatus in a forward
direction and feeding the hose around the rear of the apparatus.
If at any time visual contact is lost with the member at the rear, the driver shall stop the apparatus.
Standard hand signals, as defined in this policy, shall be used to guide the driver. Members may not guide
the driver from the rear of the apparatus on the tailboard. Additional personnel may be used to control
traffic or observe the front side opposite the driver when necessary, being cautious not to put themselves
in harm’s way.
2. Rescue Apparatus:
The same procedures will apply as stated above for Fire Suppression Apparatus with the exception being
that there is one less person. Two persons shall guide the driver, either both persons from the rear of the
apparatus, or one person at the front and one person at the rear. Safe judgment by the officer shall be
used as to what would be the most beneficial position for the two crew members assisting the driver. The
officer and firefighter should exit the vehicle from the officer’s side. The driver shall establish voice or visual
contact with the member at the rear of the apparatus. This person shall be located on the left side of the
apparatus in clear view of the driver prior to backing the vehicle. If both voice and visual contact are lost
the driver will stop immediately.
O. Emergency responses shall be governed by the following Florida State Uniform Traffic Control Laws:
State Statute 316.072: Authorized Emergency Vehicles.
(1) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, or when
responding to a fire alarm, but not upon returning from a fire; may exercise the privileges set forth in this
section, but subject to the conditions herein stated, except when otherwise directed by a police officer,
may:
a. Park or stand, irrespective of the provision of this chapter
b. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe
operation;
** Despite the language utilized in the above referenced Florida State Statute, it is the policy of
the City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue that drivers of all emergency vehicles, when
approaching a red or stop signal or stop sign, come to a complete stop at the intersection and
proceed through the intersection only after verifying that it is safe to do so. Violations of this
policy will result in appropriate discipline.
c. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he/she does not endanger life or property;
** Extreme caution must be used when proceeding through a school zone. The posted speed
may be “marginally” exceeded only if determined that no children would be endangered.
d. Disregard regulations governing direction or movement or turning in specified directions, so long as he
does not endanger life or property;
(2) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle specified in paragraph (1) 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 reckless disregard for the safety of others.
State Statute 316.271: Horns and Warning Devices.
(6) Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting
sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred feet and of a type
approved by the department, but such siren, whistle, or bell shall not be used except when the vehicle is
operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of
the law, in which event the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren, whistle, or bell when reasonably
necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.
State Statute 316.126: Operation of Vehicles and Actions of “Pedestrians on Approach of Authorized
Emergency Vehicle.
(1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, while en route to meet an existing
emergency, the driver of every other vehicle shall, when such emergency vehicle is giving audible signals
by siren exhaust whistle, or other adequate device, or visible signals by the use of displayed blue or red
lights, yields the right of-way to the emergency vehicle and shall immediately proceed to a position parallel,
and as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection and
shall stop and remain in position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise
directed by any law enforcement officer.
(2) Every pedestrian using the right-of way shall yield the right-of-way until the authorized emergency vehicle
has passed, unless otherwise directed by any police officer.
(3) Any authorized emergency vehicle, when en route to meet an existing emergency, shall warn all other
vehicular traffic along the emergency route by an audible signal, siren, exhaust whistle, or other adequate
device or by visible signal by use of displayed blue or red lights. While en route to such emergency, the
emergency vehicle shall otherwise proceed in a manner consistent with the laws regulating vehicular traffic
upon the highways of this state.
(4) Nothing herein contained shall diminish or enlarge any rules of evidence or liability in any case involving
the operation of an emergency vehicle.
(5) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from duty to drive
with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
P. Apparatus responding on an expressway shall use their emergency lights to warn other drivers. Siren and air
horn shall be used at the discretion of the company officer to reasonably warn others.
Q. All fire department vehicles that are responding to an emergency shall come to a complete stop prior to
passing a school bus that is loading or unloading children. After a complete stop is made, and at such time that it
is determined that no children would be endangered, the vehicle may proceed to the emergency.
1. This rule applies to both public and privately owned school buses, regardless of whether or not the bus is
properly fitted with stoplights and stop signs. If it is obvious that the bus is transporting children and is
stopped and is in the process of loading or unloading children the fire department vehicle shall abide by
the intent of the requirement.
2. Fire department vehicles are exempt from this requirement when Metro or City buses are transporting their
regular passengers; however exercise extreme caution when passing these buses when loading or
unloading passengers.
R. When following another apparatus on an emergency response, the following guidelines shall apply:
1. Maintain a four (4) second interval between apparatus traveling under 40 mph. A five (5) second interval
shall be maintained for speeds over 40 mph. This following distance also applies on routine movements.
2. Drivers should maintain a greater interval between apparatus when adverse weather conditions are
encountered.
3. No emergency vehicle shall pass another emergency vehicle responding to an incident, unless advised to
do so by the lead vehicle.
4. Drivers should be aware of motorists that may pull into their paths after yielding the right-of-way to the
leading emergency vehicle.
S. Drivers must be aware of the height, weight, and ground clearance limitations of their vehicles. When tight
clearance situations are encountered, a member must dismount and guide the driver.
T. Apparatus equipped with a Telma brake retarder cutout switch shall have the switch in the “ON” position at all
times.
U. When members are operating on or in aerial devices, they shall be secured to the aerial device by a safety
belt. Aerial ladders shall never be extended or retracted with personnel on the ladder except in life threatening
situations. An aerial operator must be at the ground control console (turntable controls) at all times when
personnel are in or on an aerial device.
V. Apparatus shall be positioned away from overhead power lines and outside of collapse zones when possible.
All aerial devices shall maintain a minimum ten (10) foot clearance between the aerial device and any overhead
power line.
W. Standard hand signals, as defined in this policy, shall be used to assist the aerial operator in positioning the
aerial device.
X. Apparatus shall be used as a shield from oncoming traffic wherever possible. The apparatus shall have visual
warning devices on, and traffic cones, warning flares, or other appropriate devices shall be used to warn
oncoming traffic.
Y. Electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, digital assistants, laptops, and other electronic communication
devices should only be used when the vehicle is not in motion. Drivers and Officer must understand that negligent
drivers will be held accountable when distracted driving results in injury, accident, and/or property damage, etc.
Z. Alpha responses and non-emergency patient transport:
1. All units dispatched on Alpha alarms shall respond “cold”. This means routine response with no lights or
siren. The officer has the discretion to respond “hot”, if necessary, due to traffic conditions or other factors
that might unduly delay the response.
2. If it is determined after arrival and evaluation, regardless of the initial dispatch response mode (Bravo,
Charlie, Delta or Echo), that the patient’s condition is non-life threatening, a “cold” transportation to a
medical facility will be used.
AA. Proper positioning of apparatus while working an emergency incident provides a safety barrier that protects
the scene, victims, and emergency personnel. Proper positioning also provides a protected work area. DriverEngineers must position their apparatus so that its use is maximized. Some general guidelines for safe and
efficient apparatus placement follow:
1. When positioning apparatus, drivers must allow for adequate parking of additional department apparatus.
2. Enough distance must be allowed to prevent a moving vehicle from striking and forcing fire apparatus into
the work area.
3. Where possible, drivers should position apparatus at a 45 degree angle from the curb. This helps to direct
motorists around the scene. Consider protecting the pump panel, if possible.
4. Warning devices (safety cones, flares, triangles, etc.) should be placed to create a merge lane for traffic.
Consider the speed of approaching traffic when determining the length of the merge lane. Start by
covering the truck (placing the first cone a couple of feet beyond the farthest point of the truck) and work at
an angle towards the curb. Do not turn your back on traffic even after placing cones! Never trust
moving traffic!
5. At intersections, two (2) or more sides may need to be protected.
6. Wear appropriate PPE. If bunker gear is not needed, then a reflective safety vest must be worn.
BB. The following guidelines have been proposed to assist drivers in determining when an apparatus needs to be
shut down (Official Notice 7/21/1998):
1. When parked on the scene of an emergency inside police lines and the vehicle is not being used to block
traffic, provide EMS care, or is left unattended, the apparatus shall have all electrical equipment turned off
and the vehicle shut down. The four-way flashers may be left on, if necessary.
2. On routine movements, when the apparatus is left unattended for a period of five (5) minutes or more, the
apparatus should be shut down and all electrical equipment shall be turned off except the four-way
flashers which may be used if parked on the side of a road.
3. On the scene of an emergency, the apparatus shall be used to block traffic and protect the crewmembers
working at the scene. The apparatus shall be in a high idle mode to prevent draining the batteries. The use
of white lights (e.g. strobes, headlight flashers) shall be limited to prevent blinding oncoming drivers and
should be manually turned off unless the apparatus is equipped with the feature that automatically turns
these lights off when parking brake is engaged. The use of four-way flashers and traffic cones is
encouraged on all emergency scenes to increase safety.
4. EMS alarms require the apparatus engine be kept running to cool the patient compartment. The apparatus
shall have the high idle activated and the non-essential emergency lights (white strobes and headlight
flashers) shall be shut off if the apparatus is parked in a safe location or to prevent blinding drivers.
5. Turbocharged engines require a five (5) minute cool down period to prevent damaging the engine. Drivers
shall ensure a five (5) minute cool down period occurs after a heavy load (e.g. pump operations, aerial
operations) has been placed on the engine.
6. The items noted above are guidelines that can be modified for a specific situation. Each situation should
be evaluated to determine the safest action. Drivers and company officers shall strive to achieve the
desired result of reducing wear and prolonging the life of the engine while providing protection and safety
for the firefighters.
The Federal Highway Official Release:
On November 21, 2008, the FHWA issued an interim final rule revising the Worker Visibility rule (23CFR
634) to create an exemption for the firefighting community. This interim Final rule allows firefighters or
other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway and engaged in
emergency operations that directly expose them to flame, fire, heat, and/or hazardous materials to wear
retro-reflective turn-out gear that is specified and regulated by other organizations, such as the National
Fire Protection Association. Firefighters or other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of
a Federal-aid highway and engaged in any other types of operations shall wear high-visibility safety
apparel as defined in this rule. The FHWA decided to issue this interim final rule to address safety
concerns raised by firefighting community. The interim final rule was published in the Federal Register
today and goes into effect on November 24, 2008.
SAFE APPARATUS PARKING
If pumping is required, protect Driver Engineer
Angle Apparatus to guide traffic in desired direction
Exception: If hose lines are needed, protect Pump Operator, angle in other direction
Park as to not expose loading of patient to traffic lane
Standardized Miami Fire Department Horn & Hand Signals
HORN SIGNALS
a. One short blast - “STOP”
b. One continuous blast - “EMERGENCY STOP”
c. Two short blasts - “GO AHEAD”
d. Three short blasts - “BACK UP”
HAND SIGNALS
RIGHT or LEFT
Point in the desired direction with one hand
and with the other hand motion in a back
and forth direction
Point in the desired direction
BACK UP
Hands up at shoulder height and motion in a
back and forth direction.
STOP
Cross arms in front of chest or above head to
indicate stop.
SWING
Point in the direction of the desired rotation.
EXTEND
Point both thumbs out.
RETRACT
Point both thumbs in.
UP
Point up with one thumb
DOWN
Point down with one thumb