Driving Time

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Permalink Reply by Larry Lasich on October 8, 2010 at 10:44pm

8 hrs drive time, 6 hrs pump time (to include drafting attack and relay engines), NFPA apparatus course and an EVOC course as it is given. All truck stuff is with a certified officer and D'Os are picked by the Chief and Capts (to insure they have passed the maturity test).

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Permalink Reply by Denise Everhart on October 9, 2010 at 9:10am

My questions is, should we do the 8 hours drive time per apparatus? Or once you are certified per type (i.e., engine) should you just have to demonstrate your ability to drive a different engine (we have a 2002 Pierce, A 1992 Western States and a 1984 Pierce).

Larry Lasich said:

8 hrs drive time, 6 hrs pump time (to include drafting attack and relay engines), NFPA apparatus course and an EVOC course as it is given. All truck stuff is with a certified officer and D'Os are picked by the Chief and Capts (to insure they have passed the maturity test).

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Permalink Reply by Larry Lasich on October 9, 2010 at 12:03pm

Our Rescues are 2 and 4 door light pumpers (like a type 6 wildland) with EMS and air packs. Those should be close enough to say "got one, got 'em all". But we also have custom and commercial cab Engines, those are different enough to require separate training. Also, if there is an accident, it would be nice to say that the driver was well experienced with whatever rig he was driving.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Bricault (ret) on October 10, 2010 at 3:05pm

-We have a Driver School that all drivers and upgradable drivers must attend before being able to function in the capacity of a driver/operator.
-Driver School is 80 hours of classroom and drill field operations for apparatus. Classroom time includes understanding hydraulics and calculations, theory, design and function of apparatus; operation, proper spotting and safe driving; and most importantly LEAGAL requirements and obligations of the driver. Far to many driver/operators drive the apparatus like they're race car drivers.
-The school also includes an extensive driving course and pumping of engine apparatus as well as driving the course and operating aerial apparatus.
-Only after successful completion of Driver School the firefighter has 30 days to complete 20 hours of Code 1 documented road driving of apparatus. Code 1 driving is all the firefighters does at this stage and never more than 2 hours per day to spread out the experience.
-After completion of this 30 day phase the firefighter returns to the academy in order to complete a test designed to evaluate the skills of the driver as well as their retention of the Driver School curriculum.
-If you think you might be interested in implementing our Diver School program please let me know. We have distributed our curriculum to many FD's and have even provided the initial training.

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Permalink Reply by Mike France on October 10, 2010 at 8:30pm

We have the Following
Min of 6 hrs Drive time on the engine and tanker
12 hrs of Pump time

Truck - 6 hrs drive time, 6 hrs of pumptime, Ladder class 12 hrs

Rescue- 6 hrs drive time 4 hrs cascade and tower lighting

Utilities 3 hrs each drive time

21 yrs of age / 1 yr service in the Dept,

POV/ Winter Driving Ops/ Backing ESIP on line training min Grade 80 on each

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