CIRMA's Defensive Driving for Firefighters and EMTs

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Learning Objectives

Many lives depend upon firefighters and emergency responders arriving safely at the scene: their own, others on the road, and those at the scene of the emergency. Tragically, vehicle collisions are the second leading cause of fire fighter deaths; collisions also account for 20% of nonfatal injuries to firefighters.

This CIRMA program provides valuable training for all fire and emergency response personnel. In it, you will learn the techniques of defensive driving and the regulations surrounding emergency vehicle operation.

You will learn to spot the common types of driving errors that contribute to collisions and accidents involving emergency vehicles. You'll review the driving skills and techniques that help prevent collisions and violations. You'll also be taught how to make safe and legal turns, how to evaluate and overcome the hazards of passing, and how to avoid a head-on collision. This training program teaches techniques that you can use to maintain control in adverse driving situations.

Training program topics include:

• Common causes for fire apparatus collisions.
• Recognizing road hazards.
• NFPA 1500 Requirements for operating traffic stops.
• How to prevent backing accidents.
• Danger of excessive speeds.
• Personal responsibility; siren syndrome.
• Common causes of accidents and road conditons.
• Special considerations, including lack of training on vehicle and lack of preventive maintenance.

Audience

• Firefighters
• Risk Managers
• Executive leadership