ADO-A Chapter 01

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook

2nd Edition

Chapter 1 — The Driver/Operator

Learning Objective 1

Describe the skills and physical abilities needed by the fire apparatus driver/operator.

1–2

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)

1–3


• 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

1–4


• Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division using fractions and whole numbers

• Extract square roots• Solve simple equations

Mathematical Skills

1–5


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if a driver/operator candidate is found

deficient in math skills?

1–6


• 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

1–7


Vision Requirements

1–8


• Hear and recognize sounds and their importance

• Hear particular sounds• Contained in NFPA® 1582

Hearing Requirements

1–9


• Mechanical aptitude• Leadership skills• Understanding of fireground tactics• Correct problems as presented• Computer literacy

Other Skills

1–10


Discuss selection of fire apparatus driver/operators.


1–11


• 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)

1–12


• May be a promotional position• May not be separate rank, included

as duty of firefighter

Career Departments

1–13


• 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

1–14


• Required of any driver/operator candidate

• Should include classroom instruction, practical training in the field, and testing

Training Program

1–15


DISCUSSION QUESTION

For what amount of time should aerial apparatus driver/operators be trained?

1–16


Identify the driving regulations and licensing requirements of the fire apparatus driver/operator.


1–17


• 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)

1–18


• Emergency vehicles– Defined by individual

states or provinces– May be exempt

from certain laws or statutes

Driving Regulations

(Continued)

1–19


• 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

1–20


• United States — Department of Transportation (DOT)

• Canada — Transport Canada (TC)• National guidelines for licensing

drivers of trucks and other large vehicles

Licensing of Drivers

1–21


DISCUSSION QUESTION

Must driver/operators of emergency vehicles hold a CDL?

1–22


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)

1–23


• 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)

1–24


• In addition, the driver/operator must possess the required licenses or be able to obtain them within their agency guidelines.

Summary

1–25


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)

1–26


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)

1–27


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)

1–28


Review Questions

9.To what statutes, laws, and ordinances are fire apparatus driver/operators subject?10.Who establishes basic requirements for licensing of drivers in the U.S. and Canada?

1–29


Education

ADO-A Chapter 01