Ch.4: Operating Emergency Vehicles Flashcards
(132 cards)
1
Q
What is one of the most critical aspects of a driver/operator’s responsibilities?
A
The ability to safely control and maneuver fire apparatus.
2
Q
What does history show that 20-25% of all firefighter injuries and deaths in the US are caused by?
A
Vehicle collisions while responding to or returning from emergency calls.
3
Q
What are the five basic causes that fire apparatus collisions are grouped into?
A
- ) Improper backing of the apparatus
- ) Reckless driving by the public
- ) Excessive speed by the fire apparatus D/O
- ) Lack of driving skill and experience by the fire apparatus D/O
- ) Poor apparatus design or maintenance
4
Q
What occurrence is a large percentage of collisions?
A
The backing of the vehicle.
5
Q
What are the types of collisions that may occur due to excessive speed?
A
Control of the apparatus is lost on a curve or adverse road surface, causing vehicle to leave road surface, roll over, or strike another vehicle/object.
The D/O is unable to stop the apparatus in time to avoid a collision with another vehicle or object.
6
Q
There is a momentary lag before the air brakes commonly used of fire apparatus activate;
A
therefore, it may take slightly longer to stop a fire apparatus equipped with air brakes than a vehicle with hydraulic brakes.
7
Q
What may be attributed to a number of factors due to lack of driving skill by D/Os?
A
Insufficient training and unfamiliarity with the vehicle.
8
Q
What has been attributed to many serious fire apparatus collisions?
A
Poor vehicle design and maintenance.
9
Q
What can result in vehicle system failures that lead to collisions; particularly true of braking systems?
A
Poor maintenance
10
Q
What are D/Os of fire apparatus regulated by?
A
Federal laws, state or provincial motor vehicle codes, city ordinances, NFPA standards, and departmental policies.
11
Q
What must be obeyed when returning to quarters from an alarm or during any other nonemergency driving?
A
All traffic signals and rules.
12
Q
What must D/Os do to compensate for conditions such as wet roads, darkness, fog, or any other condition that makes normal emergency vehicle operation more hazardous?
A
Adjust their speeds
13
Q
Emergency vehicles are generally not exempt from laws that require vehicles to stop for school buses that are flashing signal lights to indicate that children are boarding or disembarking.
A
True
14
Q
Can a D/O who does not obey applicable driving regulations be subject to criminal and civil prosecution if the apparatus is involved in a collision?
A
Yes
15
Q
When climbing a hill, shift the transmission to a lower gear.
A
This provides adequate driving power and enables the D/O to keep the apparatus under control.
16
Q
On sharp curves or when turning corners, shift standard transmissions into a lower gear BEFORE entering the curve or intersection.
A
This maintains peak engine power and apparatus control.
17
Q
When fire apparatus must be driven over rough or rugged terrain, what gears should be used?
A
Lower gears.
18
Q
When driving downhill, what gear should be selected BEFORE starting downhill?
A
A lower gear, remaining in gear at all times.
19
Q
What should D/Os of apparatus equipped with automatic transmissions be aware of when placing pressure upon the accelerator?
A
It influences automatic shifting.
20
Q
When may it be desirable to operate the apparatus with the option of manually selecting a particular gear?
A
When operating at a slow speed for a long period of time or when driving up a steep hill.
21
Q
Why should the D/O avoid overthrottling?
A
Because it will result in lugging.
22
Q
What occurs when the throttle is applied while the transmission is in too high gear for a given set of conditions?
A
Lugging
23
Q
What results from overthrottling with a diesel engine?
A
More fuel is being injected than can be burned. [An excessive amount of carbon particles issuing from the exhaust (black smoke), oil dilution, and additional fuel consumption]
24
Q
What should the D/O consider before braking to come to an even stop?
A
The weight of the apparatus and the condition of the brakes, tires, and road surface.
25
When is the engine brake and retarder activated?
When pressure is released from the accelerator.
26
What can long idling periods result in?
Use of 1/2 gallon of fuel/hr.; buildup of carbon in injectors, valves, pistons, and valve seats; misfiring because of injector carboning; and damage to the turbocharger shaft seals
27
What should be done if diesel engines are to be left idling?
Set at high idle.
28
Why should an engine never be shut down while the apparatus is in motion?
Because this cuts off fuel flow from the injectors.
29
Never shut down an engine immediately after full-load operations except in what situations?
When in an atmosphere containing flammable gases or vapors
30
What results in shutting down the engine without a cooling-off period?
Immediate increase in engine temperature from lack of coolant circulation, oil film "burning" on hot surfaces, possible damage to heads and exhaust manifolds, and possible damage to the turbocharger that may result in turbo seizure.
31
What idle period is recommended if a hot engine should be idled until it has cooled?
3-5 minutes
32
What is the first element in learning to drive safely?
Develop a safety-conscious attitude.
33
What are the three exceptions to the seated and belted requirement?
- When providing patient care in the back of an ambulance.
- When loading hose back onto the fire apparatus
- When performing training for personnel learning to drive the tiller portion of a tractor-drawn aerial apparatus
34
A significant portion of fire apparatus collisions occur while the apparatus is being driven in reverse.
Whenever possible, D/Os should avoid the backing of fire apparatus.
35
What should be required when it is absolutely necessary to back fire apparatus in reverse?
At least one firefighter - and preferably two - behind the apparatus to act as spotters. One spotter should be equipped with a portable radio and be positioned on the driver side ~one vehicle length behind.
36
What are one of the most important aspects of safe driving?
Sound defensive driving skills
37
What concepts include anticipating other drivers' actions, estimating visual lead time, knowing braking and reaction times, combating skids, knowing evasive tactics, and having knowledge of weight transfer?
Basic concepts of defensive driving
38
When approaching an intersection, D/Os should slow their apparatus to a speed that allows a
stop at the intersection if necessary.
39
What is the key to safe driving?
anticipation
| Never assume what another driver's actions will be - expect the unexpected.
40
What concept refers to D/Os scanning far enough ahead of the apparatus, for the speed it is being driven, to ensure that evasive action can be taken if it becomes necessary.
Visual lead time
41
What is described as the sum of the D/O's reaction distance and the vehicle's braking distance?
total stopping distance
42
What is described as the distance a vehicle travels while a driver is transferring the foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal after perceiving the need for stopping?
reaction distance
43
What can be affected by the D/O's age, aptitude, emotions, and fatigue as well as any intoxicating substances ingested?
reaction distance
44
What is described as the distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until the apparatus comes to a complete stop?
braking distance
45
What are other possible factors that influence a D/O's ability to stop the apparatus?
- Condition and slope of the driving surface
- Speed being traveled
- Weight of the vehicle
- Type and condition of the vehicle's braking system
46
Weight transfer follows the Law of Inertia which states:
"objects in motion tend to remain in motion; objects at rest tend to remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force."
47
What driver errors do the most common causes of skids involve?
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Failing to properly appreciate weight shifts of heavy apparatus
- Failing to anticipate obstacles
- Improper use of auxiliary braking devices
- Improper maintenance of tire air pressure and adequate tread depth
48
What works using digital technology in an onboard computer that monitors each wheel and controls pressure to the brakes, maintaining optimal braking ability?
Antilock braking system (ABS)
49
In vehicles equipped with air brakes, what time-frame is the momentary delay in the time form which the D/O pushes down on the brake pedal until sufficient air pressure is sent to the brake to operate?
approximately 0.4 seconds
50
What should the apparatus driver do if an apparatus that is not equipped with an antilock braking system goes into a skid?
The D/O should release the brakes, allowing the wheel to rotate freely.
51
How does the automatic traction control (ATC) help improving traction on slippery roads?
By reducing drive wheel overspin.
52
It is BEST to avoid passing vehicles that are not pulling over to yield the right-of-way to the fire apparatus.
If need to pass is to occur, the D/O must be prepared to do it in the safest manner possible.
53
Guidelines to ensure safe passing:
- Always travel in the innermost lane on mulitlane roads.
- Avoid passing vehicles on their right sides.
- Make sure you can see that the opposing lanes of traffic are clear of oncoming traffic if you must cross the center line.
- Avoid passing other emergency vehicles.
54
What have studies shown when using warning devices with civilian drivers?
The civilian drivers respond better to sounds that frequently change pitch.
55
Above what speeds will an emergency vehicle "outrun" the effective range of its audible warning device?
50 mph
56
The use of warning devices are essential,
but it does not give D/Os the right or permission to disregard other drivers.
57
What is the minimum travel distance when more than one emergency vehicle is responding along the same route?
300 - 500 feet apart
58
What type of lights can be readily distinguished during daylight hours?
white lights
59
What type of white lights are inexpensive and an effective warning device?
headlight flashers
60
What can be used moving quickly across the back window of a vehicle to get the driver's attention?
A spotlight moving quickly
61
What can reduce the effectiveness of the reflective trim on the firefighters' protective clothing or vests?
Warning lights, combined with on scene floodlights
62
What exercise tests the D/Os ability to move the vehicle backward within a restricted area and into an alley, dock, or fire station without striking the walls and to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop close to the rear wall?
Alley dock
63
Which exercise simulates maneuvering around parked and stopped vehicles and tight corners?
serpentine course
64
Which exercise tests the D/O's ability to turn the vehicle 180 degrees within a confined space?
confined space turnaround
65
Which exercise measures a D/O's ability to steer the apparatus in a straight line, to judge distances from wheel to object, and to stop at a finish line?
diminishing clearance
66
According to NFPA, historically ______ of all firefighter deaths are caused by vehicle collisions while responding or returning from emergency calls.
20-25%
67
Approximately how many firefighter deaths per year are associated with vehicle collisions while responding to or returning from emergency calls?
25
68
The greatest number of collisions occurred during -
daylight
69
Most collisions involving emergency vehicles occurred on which type of road surfaces?
dry road
70
What is the most common cause of apparatus damage?
Collisions caused when the vehicle is backing up.
71
What type of vehicles have a high incidence of serious collisions?
homebuilt water tenders
72
Under which circumstances can the fire department D/O be exempt from certain statutes that apply to the general public?
When responding to an emergency scene.
73
Who is held responsible if a D/O is negligent and becomes involved in a collision?
The D/O and FD.
74
In a non-emergency situation the D/O should allow the vehicle to warm up for a period of?
3-5 minutes
75
When starting an emergency vehicle the first thing the D/O needs to know is?
Where the apparatus is going.
76
The first thing the D/O should do when starting a vehicle and begin the response is to?
Disconnect the ground shore lines.
77
The apparatus starter control should be operated at intervals of no more than ____ seconds, with a rest time of ____ seconds between each try if the vehicle does not start sooner.
30; 60
78
If after starting the vehicle the oil pressure gauge does not indicate any reasonable amount of oil pressure within ____, the D/O should stop the engine immediately and have the lubrication system checked by a trained mechanic.
5-10 seconds
79
When driving an automatic transmission emergency vehicle in heavy traffic the shift selector position should be?
3 or 1-3
80
When driving an automatic transmission emergency vehicle over moderate grades at moderate speeds, the shift selector position should be at?
4 or 1-4
81
When driving an automatic transmission emergency vehicle down steep grades or over rough terrain, the shift selector position should be at?
2 or 1-2
82
When the throttle application is greater than necessary for a given set of conditions, the result is referred to as?
lugging
83
The lugging state should be avoided by the D/O because
of the possibility of damaging the power plant.
84
Overthrottling a diesel engine results in all of the following:
- An excessive amount of carbon particles issuing from the exhaust.
- Oil dilution
- An increase of black smoke from the exhaust.
85
When ascending a steep grade,
momentary lugging of the engine is unavoidable.
86
Allowing an engine to overspeed as a result of improper downshifting or hill decent should
be avoided to prolong engine life.
87
By choosing a gear that cruises the engine at 200 or 300 RPM lower than the recommended RPM will have the following results:
- Reduces engine wear
- Reduces noise
- Reduces fuel consumption
88
Before braking the D/O should consider?
- Weight of apparatus
- Condition of the brakes and tires.
- Condition of the road surface.
89
It is recommended that the engine of the apparatus should be shut down rather than allowing it too idle for long periods of time. Long idling periods can result in the use of ____ of fuel per hour.
1/2 gallon
90
Long periods of idling can result in
the buildup of carbon in injectors, valves, pistons, and valve seats.
91
Long periods of idling can result in
misfiring of the engine, and damage to the turbocharger shaft seals.
92
When an apparatus must be idled for long periods of time because of extremely cold weather or during lighting operations, the D/O should set the idle at?
900-1100 RPM
93
The D/O should never attempt to shut down engine while the apparatus is in motion because?
- Action cuts off fuel flow from the injectors.
- It prevents proper lubrication of the injectors which is required anytime the injector plunger is moving.
- It can cause fuel pressure to build up behind the shutoff valve and prevent the valve from opening.
94
An engine should never be shut down immediately after full-load operation. The D/O should allow the engine temperature to stabilize before it is shut down. What is the recommended idle time in order to accomplish this?
3-5 minutes
95
The first step in shutting down the apparatus is to?
Place the transmission in the park or neutral position.
96
Who should always don protective gear before the apparatus leaves the station?
The firefighters and officer.
97
What is the role of the 'safety observer' in a hose-loading operation?
To have complete visual contact with the hose-loading operation, as well as having visual and voice communication (via portable radio) with the D/O.
98
When backing up fire apparatus, what would be considered the most desirable for insuring the highest degree of safety?
Two spotters, one with a portable radio to communicate with the D/O and the other to assist the first spotter.
99
The most likely place for a collision involving an emergency vehicle is?
At intersections
100
How should a D/O proceed through a red light or stop sign?
After coming to a complete stop and not without assuring that all lanes of traffic are yielding to the apparatus.
101
The concept that refers to the D/O scanning far enough ahead of the apparatus, for the speed it is being driven, to assure that appropriate actions can be taken if such actions become necessary is called?
visual lead time
102
The term referred to as the distance a vehicle travels while the driver is transferring his foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal after perceiving the need to stop the vehicle is called the?
reaction distance
103
The term referred to as the distance a vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until the apparatus comes to a complete stop is called?
braking distance
104
The total stopping distance is equal to -
reaction distance plus vehicle braking distance.
105
_______ occurs as a result of the physical law that states objects in motion tend to stay in motion, and objects at rest tend to remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.
Weight transfer
106
When driving apparatus equipped with an ABS braking system, and the D/O must make an immediate stop, how should he work the brake pedal?
Maintain steady pressure on the brake.
107
Automatic tire chains tend to lose their effectiveness in snow deeper than?
8 inches
108
When traveling at speeds greater than ___ an emergency vehicle may 'outrun' the effectiveness of its audible warning devices.
50 mph
109
In a study conducted by the Driver's Reaction Course concluded that a siren sounding on a vehicle traveling at 40 mph will project ____ ahead of the vehicle. At 60 mph will project ____ ahead of the vehicle.
300 feet; 12 feet
110
When should audible warning devices be used?
From the time the apparatus begins it's response until it arrives at the scene.
111
When more than one emergency vehicle is travelling along the same route, units should travel at least _____ apart.
300-500 feet
112
A spotlight moving across the back window of a vehicle will
rapidly get the driver's attention.
113
The Opticom system controls traffic lights by what method?
By sending light from special strobe lights called emitters on the apparatus to sensors mounted on the traffic signal.
114
The SONEM 2000 system controls traffic lights by what method?
By utilizing a microphone on the traffic light that 'hears' the siren of the apparatus and in turn sends a signal to the traffic signal controller.
115
If two pieces of apparatus are approaching traffic signal equipped with the Opticom system what will be the result?
The vehicle that triggers the systems first will receive the green light and the other vehicle will receive a red light.
116
Written exams intended to test the knowledge of D/Os may include questions pertaining to what areas?
- Departmental regulations and/or SOPs
- Hydraulic calculations and operational questions regarding pumping
- All applicable driving regulations for emergency and non emergency situations
117
The _____ tests the D/O's ability to move the vehicle backward within a restricted area without hitting the walls and to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop close to the rear wall.
alley dock exercise
118
The exercise that tests the D/O's ability to turn the vehicle around 180 degrees within a confined area is called?
confined space turnaround
119
The exercise that measures the D/O's ability to steer the apparatus in a straight line, to judge distance from wheel to object, and to stop at a finish line is called?
diminishing-clearance exercise
120
The exercise that stimulates maneuvering around parked and stopped vehicles as well as tight corners is called?
serpentine exercise
121
When executing the alley dock exercise the boundary lines for the restricted area should be?
40 feet
122
When executing the alley dock exercise what is the width of the space the D/O must back into?
12 feet
123
When executing the alley dock exercise what is the depth of the space the D/O must back into without hitting the wall?
20 feet
124
In the apparatus station parking maneuver, an apparatus bay is simulated by allowing a ____ foot minimum setback from the street that is ____ wide.
20; 30 feet
125
When setting up a serpentine course the markers should be spaced between ______, depending on the size of the apparatus being used.
30-38 feet
126
The confined space turnaround is performed in an area that is at least ___ wide and ___ long.
50; 100 feet
127
Along the length of the diminishing-clearance course the lane narrows from a width of ___ to a diminished clearance of ____.
9' 6"; 8' 2"
128
When concluding the diminishing-clearance test the D/O must stop the vehicle with the front bumper within ___ of the finish line.
6 inches
129
NFPA 1002 says that any road test that leads to certification must include:
- 4 left and 4 right turns.
- A railroad crossing.
- One underpass, low-clearance bridge.
130
When operating fire apparatus with standard transmissions on sharp curves or when turning corners, the D/O should shift into lower gear _____ entering the curve or intersection.
before
131
When is it permissible to ride on the tailboard of the apparatus?
Never
132
What hazards do warning lights on apparatus as well as flood lights pose to firefighters, once the apparatus has reached an emergency scene?
The reduce the effectiveness of the reflective trim on firefighters' protective clothing and vests.
