Tips for Writing Response SOPs

Smarter response is the key

Summer’s almost here, and with the longer days and lots of fun outdoor activities, it’s easy to let our safety focus slip. Maybe that’s why Safety Week is happening right now! Maybe we should also use this time to remind our crewmembers about safe operating procedures (SOPs) related to fire apparatus.

Although I probably sound like a broken record talking about the need for safe apparatus operations, the reminders clearly aren’t getting out there to everyone—or maybe they are out there, but people just aren’t listening. Too many of us are still responding too fast and not wearing seatbelts, and firefighters are being killed or seriously injured as a result.

I never thought the day would come that I would be preaching to everyone not to respond fast. What I really mean is that we must be smarter when responding. Some of us older (or should I say wiser?) firefighters were taught that a fast response would get us to a fire where we could make a rescue and head off a fire before it got too bad. Although speed is of the essence, what good does it do if you don’t get there at all?

If you haven’t written SOPs dealing with responses in a while, then you’re way overdue. There are many publications and Web sites that can help you perform this task. You can even contact me and I’ll help you get started.

Some common guidelines to consider:

1. Operate your fire apparatus like your family was riding with you. After all, your fellow firefighters are family.
2. Reduce your speed. Slow down and stop at all intersections and red lights, and only proceed when the intersection is clear and other vehicles have given you the right of way. Even vehicles and intersections equipped with traffic-preemption devices should be treated with the same care.
3. Stop at all railroad crossing, and do not travel around gates.
4. Make sure you, your officer and other firefighters are wearing their seatbelts. The officer should instruct the driver not to move the vehicle until everyone is belted in.
5. Park safely at the scene, and don’t blind other vehicles with your headlights. Park away from hazardous areas if possible.
6. Backing your vehicle into quarters might seem like no big deal after a fire or emergency, but don’t let your guard down during this time. Always use a spotter to make sure no one is at the rear of the vehicle.
7. Don’t ride the back step or side of the vehicle under any circumstances. This goes for the pump panel area on a top mount pumper, too. While we’re on this subject, don’t do this during parades, training and community events count.
8. When on a highway, follow NFPA 1500 standards for reflective vests and gear. The new NFPA 1901 standard is out and covers this area of concern.
9. Never operate an emergency vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs no matter what the situation is.

Take the time to write your own SOPs to cover every aspect of your emergency response in your department.

Bob Vaccaro has more than 30 years of fire-service experience. He is a former chief of the Deer Park (N.Y.) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office, The New York Fire Patrol and several major commercial insurance companies as a senior loss-control consultant. He is a life member of the IAFC.