University of Extrication
Standard Operating Guideline (Sample)
I. Purpose and Overview
A key value of the Fire Department and its members is our willingness to assist our citizens and our customers in any way possible. This assistance has traditionally included assisting entry into locked vehicles where such actions can be taken safely, efficiently, and without risk of damage to the vehicle or occupants. Unfortunately, the continued development of anti-theft devices, side airbags, and other technological developments have created a situation where risk to the safety of Fire Department personnel, the vehicle occupant, and even the vehicle itself exceeds our ability to provide an effective, safe service. These risks include, but are not limited to:
- Possibly assuming liability for immediate or future damage to the vehicle or occupant.
- Damaging insulation or wiring that may short and cause an immediate or future fire.
- Disabling or damaging wiring for side airbags.
- Disabling or damaging wiring for power door locks and windows.
- Other damage to the vehicle or its finish.
The purpose of this procedure is to establish the criteria in which emergency entry into a vehicle will be performed.
II. Dispatch Policy for Locked Vehicles
Fire Department Units will be dispatched to reported locked vehicles in the following situations, which may be "emergencies:"
- Person(s) locked in vehicle that is incapable of unlocking the vehicle and is in immediate danger due to heat or other medical condition.
- Pet(s) locked in closed vehicle without air conditioning.
- Vehicle locked and running INSIDE of a closed structure producing a hazardous atmosphere. Note: A vehicle in a garage with the garage door up would not be a hazardous situation unless there is evidence of overheating.
- Other situation where the locked condition of the vehicle is an obvious threat to the safety of persons or property.
III. Call Handling Procedures
Upon receipt of a reported lockout, the Communications Center operator shall determine if the situation meets the criteria for an "emergency" as listed in Section II. An "inconvenience" is not an emergency and being "late to work", "late to a ball game", etc. are not to be considered emergencies by fire or Comm Center personnel.
A. If a True Emergency exists, the call will be dispatched following standard communications procedures. The nearest engine company will respond Code 3. If call information reports a child locked in a vehicle in direct sunlight and the vehicle is NOT running, an ambulance shall be dispatched.
B. If the call is NOT an emergency, the caller will be:
1. Advised that Fire Department lockout policy precludes entry assistance in non-emergency situations for the protection of the vehicle and its future occupants.
2. Advised of our willingness to contact a locksmith on their behalf from the "yellow pages" which will be at their expense, or to provide them with the telephone number of a "yellow page" locksmith that can assist them.
C. If it cannot be determined whether or not an emergency exists, Fire Department personnel will be dispatched and will respond to make an "on-scene" determination of the appropriateness of forcible entry.
IV. Fire Department Response and Entry
The Fire Department will respond to all vehicle emergencies as defined in II, above. Upon arrival at the scene, the Fire Department Officer shall observe the situation and make the determination of whether or not an emergency exists.
A. If a situation exists which poses a threat to life or property, Fire Department personnel will make entry by taking the following actions:
1. Advise the person responsible for the vehicle that an "emergency entry" is being made.
2. Advise the person responsible for the vehicle that the safest and most economical way of gaining entry will be to break a windowpane. Explain that "through the glass entry" avoids possible damage to airbags, electric door locks, and window operating mechanisms.
3. That the City cannot be responsible for any damage to the vehicle under the emergency conditions present.
4. Select an appropriate window away from the occupant inside the vehicle. A door window is preferred over a rear or small quarter glass.. A passenger side front door window is most desirable.
5. If time permits, apply a grid of duct tape or a sheet of contact paper to the outside of the window to minimize glass shattering as it breaks.
6. Remove the window by fracturing the glass with a center punch.
7. Unlock the door and stabilize the emergency.
8. After the emergency is stabilized, assist the person in control of the vehicle by removing all loose glass from the vehicle to the extent possible.
9. Advise the owner or occupant that glass fragments may sometimes be wedged between seats, window frames, etc. It is suggested that great caution be used until a professional glass company replaces the window and the interior checked for any residual glass.
NOTE: As we are only making entry in "EMERGENCY" situations, we will no longer require the completion of a liability release prior to breaking glass to enter the vehicle. However, the nature of the emergency, the reason for utilizing forcible entry, and the method of entry and any subsequent damage must be clearly explained in the Fire Department Incident Report narrative.
B. If an emergency as defined herein DOES NOT exists when Fire Department personnel arrive at the scene, Fire Department personnel will not assist in making entry, but will attempt to assist the customer as follows:
1. Explain our policy to the customer, with emphasis on the potential of causing dangerous "hidden" damage to the vehicle locking mechanism, side impact airbags, or window mechanisms.
2. Offer the customer the use of our apparatus cellular telephone to call a locksmith or other local person of his/her choosing such as a friend or spouse with a spare key, etc. Explain to the customer that most locksmiths will require payment at time of service via cash or credit card.
3. Offer to have our dispatcher contact a locksmith at random from the "yellow pages" and insure that customer understands the payment system required by the chosen locksmith.
4. Wait with the customer until assistance arrives. (Note: During heavy call volume times, the FD unit may be relieved by a PD unit until the arrival of the locksmith).
5. Consider offering a ride to the citizen to their home or office if it is within your District and a spare set of keys is available. During normal work hours, a member of the administrative staff may also be available to assist in transportation of the citizen.
6. Document completely the situation found and the action taken on the Incident Report.
Related:
|
