HomeMy WebLinkAbout604.003 - Ride Along Qualified Requirements Section 604.003
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FIRE EXPLORER MANUAL
POST ORGANIZATIONS
604.003 RIDE-ALONG QUALIFIED REQUIREMENTS
EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 2018
Current Revision Date: 3/01/22 Next Revision Date: 3/01/25
Author’s Name/Rank: Kerri L. Donis, Fire Chief Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Annette M. Grieser,
Executive Assistant ADA
PURPOSE
In order to provide an opportunity for Explorers to acquire fire suppression experience,
the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) has established a program that
permits qualified Explorers to accompany fire companies during routine and
emergency activities.
APPLICATION
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OPERATIONAL POLICY
1. While in the station for ride-along activities, the Explorer will take part in
appropriate station activities. This includes station and equipment
maintenance, training, fire prevention activities, and limited emergency medical
service. However, at no time will the Explorer be exposed to any hazardous
situation or engage in any unsupervised emergency fire suppression activities.
This program will be on a volunteer basis for all participants.
2. All Officers will ensure that Explorers comply with all safety precautions and
requirements of the FFD.
3. An Explorer may not be assigned to any form of reoccurring ride-along
schedule. Ride-along assignments should be with different crews and different
apparatus to provide a well-balanced learning opportunity for the Explorer.
Approval by the Post Advisor and Designated Chief Officer is required for any
exceptions.
4. While the Explorer is assigned, he/she should take part in all station activities,
including housework, drills, fire prevention inspections and limited emergency
medical services. At no time will the Explorer be outside the direct supervision
of the Company Officer or his designee.
Section 604.003
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5. During emergency situations, Explorers SHALL NOT get involved in any direct,
interior fire suppression activity or other situation that appears to be hazardous,
even if approved by the Company Officer or other supervisor.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1. Explorers may participate with engine and/or truck companies.
2. An Explorer should not be assigned to any form of reoccurring ride-along
schedule. Ride-along assignments should be with different crews and different
apparatus to provide a well-balanced learning opportunity for the Explorer.
Approval by the Post Advisor and Designated Chief Officer is required for any
exceptions.
3. At first alarm or larger incidents, Explorers are expected to report to the
command Post for duty assignments if they have not received other
instructions.
4. Any departure from this policy by an Explorer could result in disciplinary action
by the Post Advisor or the Explorer Committee.
5. Qualified Explorers should participate in a ride-along assignment at least once
every quarter.
PROCESS
1. Minimum Requirements for Ride-Along: To qualify, Explorers must meet the
minimum requirements and be approved by the Post Advisor as Ride-Along
Qualified. Explorers will, by demonstration (i.e., written, and/or verbal
examination), satisfactorily perform each of the requirements listed below:
a. Be a member in good standing in the Post.
b. Attend all meetings unless they submit an Absence Request Form.
c. Attend one community service event, if scheduled, per month.
d. Be at least 16 years of age to ride along for up to 12 hours; 18 years for
a 24 hour shift.
e. Complete each of the following Individual Performance Evaluation in
accordance with the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures
Manual, Sections:
Section 604.003
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316.002 - Deploy a Pre-Connected Hose Line
316.008 - Deploy a Large-Diameter Hose Supply Line
316.011 - Carry and Raise a Straight Ladder
316.012 - Carry and Raise a 10-Foot Extension Ladder
316.017 - Basic Knots
316.018 - Tie Tools Aloft
316.020 - Service and Operate a Chainsaw
316.022 - Operate Forced Air Ventilation Equipment
316.023 - Daily Inspection for a Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus
316.024 - Don a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
316.025 - Operate a Generator and Electrical Accessories
316.027 - Operate a Salvage Master
316.028 - Operate Thermal Imaging Cameras
316.032 - Operate Vehicle Extrication Equipment
316.034 - Salvage Operations
f. Pass an oral interview from a panel of Advisors.
g. Be proficient in basic first aid and maintain an American Heart CPR
certification.
2. Ride-Along Request Form: The Explorer, after receiving approval from the
Post Advisor, can submit a Ride-Along Request Form to the either the Post
Advisor or designee. Once the request is received, the Advisor will coordinate
with the Explorer the station, date, and time of the ride-along with the Company
Officer of that assignment. The Ride-Along Request Form will be electronically
submitted to the Post Advisor or designee, the Company Officer of the
requested assignment, and Designated Chief Officer.
Changes to the assignment must be communicated to all involved parties as
soon as possible. Failure to report to an assignment after approval will result
in Post disciplinary action. If any issues arise with the Explorer during the
assignment, the Company Officer will immediately contact their Battalion Chief,
and the Post Advisor or designee.
Upon completion of the Ride-Along assignment, the Explorer will submit to the
Post Advisor or designee a completed After Action Ride-Along Form within two
days. Failure to submit the form may result in Post disciplinary actions.
INFORMATION
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Section 604.003
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 316.002, Deploy a Pre-Connected Hose Line
Section 316.008, Deploy a Large-Diameter Hose Supply Line
Section 316.011, Carry and Raise a Straight Ladder
Section 316.012, Carry and Raise a 10-Foot Extension Ladder
Section 316.017, Basic Knots
Section 316.018, Tie Tools Aloft
Section 316.020, Service and Operate a Chainsaw
Section 316.022, Operate Forced Air Ventilation Equipment
Section 316.023, Daily Inspection for a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Section 316.024, Don a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Section 316.025, Operate a Generator and Electrical Accessories
Section 316.027, Operate a Salvage Master
Section 316.028, Operate Thermal Imaging Cameras
Section 316.032, Operate Vehicle Extrication Equipment
Section 316.034, Salvage Operations