Emergency Fire Appliance Drivers

The law requires that every vehicle shall be driven with the care and prudence of a reasonable person, being considerate to other road users. At no time must a vehicle be driven in a manner or at a speed dangerous to the public.

It should be borne in mind that attending an emergency call does not relieve a driver of the responsibility to drive safely at all times.

Most of the law affecting emergency appliance drivers will, of course, be the Road Traffic Law. The law demands the highest standard of driving and behaviour of all persons using the roads. For emergency appliance drivers however the requirements are even higher because these drivers are subject to certain exemptions in the law, which are granted because of the emergency nature of their duties. These additional responsibilities, and the added dangers, MUST be compensated by an increased skill in driving. For normal non- emergency use, the Road Traffic Law, as set out in the Highway Code, applies at all times.

Emergency Fire Appliance Drivers (EFAD) Only drivers who are EFAD qualified may drive fire appliances to emergencies.

 

Drivers of fire appliances have undertaken a very intensive driving course testing their skill as a driver in normal and emergency road conditions. Under driving instruction, during training the potential EFAD driver will, carryout numerous drives under simulated emergency conditions, using the audible and visual warning devices on the appliance. These drives are essential in the training and assessment of a EFAD driver.

 

There is no argument, as an EFAD driver there is a huge amount of pressure on the driver, to get the appliance and crew to the incident within the pre determined attendance times (PDA). Different types of calls determine how a driver will react in different circumstances. There will be less urgency to a rubbish skip on fire, than a fire involving persons or a road traffic collision persons trapped.

Speed is often a key factor in the cause of accidents, particularly perhaps with emergency driving. High speed decreases the opportunity to take avoiding actions. A more sensible attitude to speed is advantageous, speed is largely a matter of driver choice; the occasions when it is absolutely necessary to drive fast are fairly limited.

 

A Good EFAD driver is required to drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions - even in emergency conditions. Driving, (particularly emergency driving), will always be associated with some degree of risk, but a driver's attitude can greatly influence the risk involved.

 

Importance Of Driver Attitude
EFAD drivers are taught consideration for other road users is important. Selfish and aggressive behaviour increases stress levels of other drivers and increases the risk of accidents. Responding to other road users with greater tolerance can reduce the risks of accidents.