The RESPONDSMART program was created by Mike Dallessandro to serve as a supplement to your existing driver training program or as a special training event. Most canned EVOC programs spend a great deal of time boring your firefighters with statistical data, science and physics and a flat reciting of LAWS which most firefighters immediately tune out of. RESPONDSMART reaches into the mind of the emergency vehicle driver and makes them weigh the benefit of taking unnecessary risks vs. the long term impact on them, their department, community, family and the firefighters they may be transporting with them in the apparatus. Most participants say without a doubt this is hands down the BEST driver safety class the have EVER attended! Try RESPONDSMART as a part of your next conference event, drill or special training event.

“RESPONDSMART”

The Premier Fire Apparatus/Emergency Vehicle Driver Safety Seminar

Sample 6-Hour Class Outline

08:45-09:00  Arrive, Registration, Department Provided Coffee/Pastries

09:00-10:00  RESPONDSMART: Key lessons include introduction to safe driving, emergency vehicle accident statistics and case studies, driver responsibility, safe operation with lights and siren, speed management, intersection safety, backing, on-scene safety, blocking and shielding at scenes.

10:00-10:10  Break

10:11-11:00  Preventing Emergency Vehicle Roll Over Accidents: Additional accident data and case studies, vehicle handling characteristics, speed and the roll over accident, understanding key streets in your response area that may be more prone to roll over situations, types of loads/equipment on emergency vehicles that can help contribute to roll overs, external forces and the driver’s role in causing or preventing roll overs.

11:00-11:10  Break

11:11-12:00  Key Habits of Safe Fire Apparatus Drivers: This segment provides additional accident information and case studies coupled with import defensive driving techniques used by successful commercial drivers and drivers of emergency vehicles. Driver attitude and preparation will be discussed along with weather situations, stopping distances, braking, highway and city driving, cushion of space, following distances, curves, hills, fog, smoke, hydroplaning and driving against traffic will also be covered.

12:01-12:45  Department provided lunch

12:46-15:46  Behind-the-Wheel: Participants will demonstrate their skills operating various department apparatus on a closed course featuring exercises such as serpentine, diminishing alley, off set alley, t-box, hydrant placement, long distance backing, garage bay backing and others. This is intended to allow drivers to get to know the individual handling characteristics of your various rigs and to allow them to identify blind spots that are unique to each piece of apparatus as well as allow the driver to be better in touch with his or her depth perception and space judgment issues.

*Special one hour units can be added covering the following topics:

1)     How to train and evaluate emergency vehicle drivers or how to develop driver training programs.

2)     Fire Apparatus Accident Case Study Group activity: Participants break into groups and receive an actual fire apparatus accident case study which they read and evaluate amongst their group. Groups will then present their findings to the class. The instructor then compares their findings to those of actual accident investigators. Excellent for interactive discussion and “brainstorming”.