Learning Objective 1
Describe the skills and physical abilities needed by the fire apparatus driver/operator.
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Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Read, understand complex written material
• Read in dark or inclement weather• Use reading or prescription glasses
if necessary
Reading and Writing Skills
(Continued)
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Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Write maintenance reports, equipment repair requests, incident reports– Must be clear, understandable, valid,
accurate– May be used as evidence
• Convey information completely, accurately in writing
Reading and Writing Skills
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Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division using fractions and whole numbers
• Extract square roots• Solve simple equations
Mathematical Skills
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DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if a driver/operator candidate is found
deficient in math skills?
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• Perform rigorous activities• Perform lifts, bends, strenuous
actions to complete tasks quickly, safely
• Pass a periodic medical examination in accordance with NFPA® 1500
Physical Fitness
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• Hear and recognize sounds and their importance
• Hear particular sounds• Contained in NFPA® 1582
Hearing Requirements
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• Mechanical aptitude• Leadership skills• Understanding of fireground tactics• Correct problems as presented• Computer literacy
Other Skills
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Discuss selection of fire apparatus driver/operators.
Learning Objective 2
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Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Most often selected from rank of firefighter
• Selection basis– Required time of service– Written or performance tests– Combination of service and tests
Career Departments
(Continued)
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• May be a promotional position• May not be separate rank, included
as duty of firefighter
Career Departments
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• May use same criteria as career departments
• More commonly, selected by chief officers or company officers
• Should use some form of examination for approval
• Must complete Fire Fighter I course
Volunteer Departments
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• Required of any driver/operator candidate
• Should include classroom instruction, practical training in the field, and testing
Training Program
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DISCUSSION QUESTION
For what amount of time should aerial apparatus driver/operators be trained?
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Identify the driving regulations and licensing requirements of the fire apparatus driver/operator.
Learning Objective 3
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Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Determined by state or provincial laws, city ordinances, and departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Subject to all statutes, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle operator
Driving Regulations
(Continued)
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Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Emergency vehicles– Defined by individual
states or provinces– May be exempt
from certain laws or statutes
Driving Regulations
(Continued)
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• Pertain to dry, open roads and clear visibility
• Most emergency vehicles are NOT exempt from laws requiring vehicles to stop for school buses when flashing red lights
Driving Regulations
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• United States — Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Canada — Transport Canada (TC)• National guidelines for licensing
drivers of trucks and other large vehicles
Licensing of Drivers
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DISCUSSION QUESTION
Must driver/operators of emergency vehicles hold a CDL?
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Summary
• Driver/operators are responsible for knowing the configuration of the aerial apparatus and working with the apparatus in a safe and efficient manner.
(Continued)
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• Various NFPA® standards are in place for the purpose of ensuring that the driver/operator is entirely qualified for the safe operation of fire apparatus.
Summary
(Continued)
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• In addition, the driver/operator must possess the required licenses or be able to obtain them within their agency guidelines.
Summary
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Review Questions
1.What are the responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator?2.Why must the driver/operator possess good reading comprehension skills?3.What assistance may be available to a potential driver/operator lacking in mathematical skills?
(Continued)
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Review Questions
4.What types of rigorous activities may a driver/operator perform?5.Why must a driver/operator have excellent hearing?6. Why should a driver/operator candidate be computer literate?
(Continued)
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Review Questions
7.How do the criteria for career and volunteer fire department selection of driver/operators differ?8.What components make up an effective driver/operator training program?
(Continued)
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