Ride-Along and Observation Program

Ride-Along and Observation Program

Are you considering a job in the fire service? Do you wonder what firefighters do when they aren't fighting fires or responding to medical emergencies? Perhaps you want to learn more about the emergency medical services we provide in the field. If so, you should consider signing up for our Ride-Along Program.

The Sheffield Village Fire Department encourages community involvement in the operation of the Fire Department. This allows interested citizens and student interns to ride as observers with the fire department personnel for legitimate civic or educational reasons. The program is to provide the public and students the opportunity to observe activities of Fire and EMS services to gain a better understanding of the duties and responsibilities for fire and EMS personnel. 

Elegable Pearticipants

• All persons wishing to participate in the ride-along program must be pre-approved by the Fire Chief or designee.
• Participants must be 16 years of age or older and have no physical limitations of a nature which would jeopardize the safety of the individual or others.

Approval and Assignment Process

1. All requests for riding on department apparatus should be made in writing to the Fire Chief and or his designee, utilizing the Department Ride-Along application. Any request should be submitted as far in advance as possible, at minimum five business days prior to the requested ride-along date.
2. Upon approval, the individual will be required to read and sign the Ride-Along Program HIPPA Privacy Agreement, Waiver of Liability and Rules of Conduct forms for the period the individual will be riding.
3. The original signed forms shall be maintained on file with the fire department. A copy of the forms shall be forwarded to the appropriate station captain.
4. The Station Captain shall be responsible for the placement of the participant and ensure each ride-along/observer receives a safety briefing on general Safety guidelines, Infection Control, patient confidentiality and has an understanding of Rules of Conduct.
5. The fire department administration will maintain all records relating to the ride-along program, to include the original request and release forms of all ride-along participants for two years.

Participant Restrictions and Responsibilities 

Ride-Along Hours/Standards

1. Emergency service observation hours shall be limited to 0800 – 2000 hours
2. Under NO circumstances shall ride-along/observer(s) stay overnight at the Fire station.
3. Ride-Along/Observer(s) are restricted from entering any sleeping quarters at the Fire station.
4. Ride-Along/observer(s) are limited to the following Ride-Along(s) per year:
5. This time limit may be waived for the purposes of student / provider awareness. The Department has the authority to approve or deny any request for participation in this program, or alter such request in the best interest of the department. Students enrolled in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class will be given special consideration.

• General Ride-Along/Observer – One (1) every six (6) months
• Emergency Service Personnel – Four (4) per year
• Collegiate Mentoring Programs – Four (4) per year
• EMS Students – Evaluated according to student needs and requirements.

1. With the exception of limited EMS awareness, Ride-Along participants shall act as observers, that is, they must not become physically or verbally involved in an incident, unless directed to by a firefighter/EMS provider
2. Ride-Along/observer(s) shall not attempt to assist firefighters with any aspect of routine duties or emergency operations. Observer(s) shall remain in cab during initial stages of any fire fighting activity to eliminate impeding operations and safety concerns.
3. Under no circumstances will a Ride-Along/observer be permitted to enter a building that is on fire
4. The Officer in Charge (OIC), or designee, shall take reasonable care to prevent the ride-along/observer from becoming physically involved in or assisting in the following types of incidents:

• Crime Scenes
• Violent patients
• Patients with known infectious diseases
• Fireground operations
• Situations involving or likely to involve the display or use of firearms
• Other activities or situations that is likely to increase the participant’s risk or exposure.

1. If the OIC, or designee, receives a potentially hazardous call or realizes they may become immediately involved in a potentially hazardous situation, the ride-along/observer should be instructed to remain in the apparatus. It is acceptable to leave the individual at the fire station.
2. At the discretion of a released EMS provider / EMS preceptor, EMS student ride-alongs may practice limited skills under direct observation and/or supervision. These skills shall correspond with the scope of practice and training guidelines associated with the student’s education program. The released EMS provider shall be responsible for all care given by the EMS student
3. Student/Observer under the direction of the officer in charge may assist crew members as needed with minor cleaning, re-stocking of supplies and carrying equipment to and from incidents.
4. Failure to follow the directions of the OIC or designee, Rules of Conduct, fire department policies and procedures will result in removal of the privilege to participate as a Ride-Along/Observer.

Dress and Appearance

1. Ride-Along/Observer shall be neat and clean in appearance. Their personal hygiene and grooming must be acceptable to the shift and station commander. While participating in the Ride-Along Program, the Rider is, in effect, representing the Fire Department.
2. Ride-Along/Observer shall wear suitable attire. Dark pants and light plain shirts are recommended (no jeans). No writing or artwork is allowed on clothing, except small brand logos are acceptable. The following clothing items are prohibited: open toe shoes, sandals, high heels, shorts, tank tops, garments with offensive messages, garments that are excessively loose, and/or excessive loose jewelry with the exception of a ring and a watch.
3. Ride-Along/Observer must wear flat, closed-toe shoes (steel-toed is strongly recommended).
4. Jacket: Dark solid color recommended.
5. Ride-alongs from agencies outside of Sheffield Village may wear their agency uniform with prior approval. Student ride-alongs may wear their class uniforms with prior approval.
6. Hair: Long hair shall be pulled back and tied so as not to interfere with activities.

Rules of Conduct

1. No firearms or other weapons may be brought onto department property or carried during the ride along.
2. No alcoholic beverages or drugs are to be brought onto city or department property nor consumed prior to the ride. The smell of alcoholic beverages or marijuana, etc., on the breath will prohibit you from participating.
3. Participants shall wear a seat belt as per State Law and department policy.
4. Participants shall carry a valid Driver’s license or identification with them during the ride along at all times.
5. At no time will observers be permitted to take pictures, use a video camera or any other audio-visual recording device while on the scene of an incident. Requests for media ride-alongs will be dealt with separately through the Fire Chief.
6. Ride-Along/Observer(s) will treat private health information as strictly confidential. Disclosure of private health information outside of the organizations who are working with the patient is strictly forbidden. No response documents or copies, on which individually identifiable information such as name, address, SSN, etc shall be removed, disclosed or transmitted off site.
7. Use of tobacco products is not permitted in any station or vehicle.
8. Ride-Along Participants will be responsible for bringing his/her own meals or can make arrangements to buy-in for meals with officer in charge.

To schedule a Ride-Along contact Captain BJ Huge at 440.949.6032 or email at bjhuge@sheffieldvillage.com

Be sure to download and complete the following documents

SVFD Ride-Along application

SVFD HIPPA Privacy Agreement

SVFD Waiver of Liability

SVFD Rules of Conduct