Maneuvering Skills

1. Maneuvering Skills Driver Development Course Fire Apparatus Version

2. Program Implementation • Site Selection and Set-Up • Check with schools and other public and private organizations for use of their parking lots during off-school/off-work times. • Select an area that can be completely secured. (A fenced or gated area is preferred, but may not be available.) • Set up a “safe” area for observers and operators waiting to participate. • Have all instructors wear the same attire – preferably bright orange vests. • Follow-On Activities • Arrange a second maneuvering session, this time introducing a time factor, so operators can refine their skills and attempt to better their prior times. • Set up competitions with other departments.

3. Loop #1 Loop #2 Loop #3 Loop #4 A C B D EXERCISE #1: TIRE SPOTTING The purpose of this exercise is to develop a better sense of the size, turning radius and pivot points of the vehicle. It also develops skill in the use of mirrors, with emphasis on proper mirror adjustment. Operator will complete four separate loops, each time stopping the vehicle with a different tire in the square.

4. EXERCISE #2: SERPENTINE The purpose of this exercise is to develop a better sense of the size, turning radius and pivot points of the vehicle. It also develops skill in the use of mirrors, with emphasis on proper mirror adjustment. Reverse Start with 34’ space between cones As the operator’s competence improves, you may be able to lessen the distance (depending on the type of vehicle).

5. 10’ 40’ EXERCISE #3: BACKING WITH A HELPER • The purpose of this exercise is to develop standard hand communication and helper positioning procedures among all department members. There are several skills to evaluate in this exercise. In addition to evaluating the backing maneuver itself, note the effectiveness of the communication between the operator and the observer (help). • All communication should be by hand signals (never verbal). These hand signals should be agreed upon in advance of the back. • Even with the helper, it is the responsibility to back safely. • The helper should be positioned out of line of travel, and where the operator can see him or her in the mirrors • The operator should not be allowed the have the windows in the down position (to force him or her to use their mirrors) • If at any time the operator loses sight of the helper, he or she should stop immediately. After the operator has mastered backing down the alley, try setting up the cones with a diminishing clearance.

6. 10’ EXERCISE #4: BACKING TO THE RIGHT & LEFT The purpose of this exercise is to emphasize the need for proper mirror adjustment, develop skills and confidence in the use of mirrors, and develop skill in using a key reference point when backing into limited space areas. Operator will not be allowed to operate the apparatus with the windows in the down position, i.e., the operator will be forced to use the mirrors. In this backing exercise, the illustrated alley width is 10 feet. You can adjust the width to simulate specific backing situations that your operators will encounter (alleys, garages, etc.) In addition to the exercise, have the operators try to place the apparatus in the middle of the “zone”, and stop 12” from the back cone.

7. B A 15’ EXERCISE #5: CURB TEST The purpose of this exercise is to develop the operator’s ability to park out of the traffic lane – which might be used by other emergency vehicles or motorists passing the site – with the vehicle parallel to the curb. The exercise also develops a sense of vehicle size, front and rear tire location, and vehicle turning radius. The operator should complete the exercise without the rear of the apparatus hitting cone “A”. The operator should stop the vehicle within 1-3 feet of the curb, with the rear tires directly across from cone “B”.