I. Scope:

 

This standard applies to the driver of an emergency vehicle owned or operated by the department while responding to an incident.  It was created to establish safety guidelines during emergency responses.

 

II. Categories of Response:

 

A.   Emergency:  Those incidents that pose a significant risk to life and property.  Emergency response requires the use of all audio (siren and air horns) and visual (lights) warning devices.  These devices must be in use during the entire duration of the response unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander.

B.    Nonemergency:  Those incidents that do not pose a significant risk to life or property.  Audio and visual warning devices shall not be used during nonemergency responses unless ordered by the Incident Commander.

 

III. Response Guidelines:

 

A.   Apparatus and vehicles engaged in a nonemergency response shall obey all applicable traffic safety rules and regulations and shall not exceed the posted speed limits.

B.    Apparatus and vehicles engaged in an emergency response shall at all times govern their response by the traffic, weather and road conditions present at the time of the response.

C.   The maximum posted speed of travel shall be exceeded when the emergency lights and siren are activated.

D.   During an emergency response drivers shall bring their vehicles to a complete stop when directed by a law enforcement officer.

E.    Apparatus and vehicles engaged in an emergency response shall come to a complete STOP when approaching a school bus that has its warning lights flashing. 

F.    Drivers shall proceed through an intersection only when the driver and officer can account for all lanes of traffic in the intersection.