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Jackson Fire Department Ride-Along Program

Purpose
The Fire Department’s Ride-Along Program is designed to provide citizens with an opportunity to observe firefighters and emergency medical personnel in action, gaining firsthand experience of the daily operations. This policy outlines the guidelines, responsibilities, and safety protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both citizens and fire department personnel.

1. Eligibility Criteria

  •  Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 18 years old. Exceptions may be made for younger individuals (minimum age of 16) with parental or legal guardian consent and for approved educational programs.
  • Background Check: All participants must pass a background check to ensure no criminal history that could pose a risk to firefighters or citizens.
  • Health: Participants must be in good physical condition, free from any medical conditions that may impair their ability to safely observe emergency operations.
  • Waiver of Liability: All participants are required to sign a waiver releasing the Fire Department and the city from liability in the event of injury, death, or property loss.

2.Application and Approval Process

  •  Application Form: Participants must complete a ride-along application form, which includes personal information, emergency contact details, and an acknowledgment of the policy terms.
  • Approval: The Fire Chief or an authorized officer will review applications. Participation maybe denied for any reason, including but not limited to safety concerns, operational priorities, or insufficient staffing.

3.Duration and Scheduling

  •  Duration: Ride-Alongs are limited to one day shift, not exceeding 12 hours, unless otherwise approved. The Fire Department reserves the right to terminate a ride-along at any time.
  • Scheduling: Ride-Alongs must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Approved days and times will depend on the station's staffing levels and operational needs.

4.Dress Code

  • Participants must wear appropriate attire. Clothing must be clean, professional, and free from offensive graphics or logos. Long pants and closed-toe shoes (steel-toe recommended).

5.Conduct During the Ride-Along

  •  Safety First: Participants must follow all instructions provided by fire department personnel. They are to remain in designated areas unless otherwise directed by the supervising officer.
  • Prohibited Areas: Participants are not allowed in high-risk areas, such as burning structures or hazardous materials zones. They must maintain a safe distance from emergency incidents unless given explicit permission by a supervising officer.
  • No Interference: Participants are strictly observers and must not interfere with operations. They should not engage in any activities involving patient care, firefighting, or handling equipment.
  • Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency (e.g., an aggressive patient, hazardous situation), participants may be asked to return to the fire apparatus or relocate to a safe area as directed by personnel.

6. Liability and Insurance

  •  Waiver Requirement: All participants must sign a liability waiver releasing the Fire Department and the city from claims of injury, death, or property damage occurring during the ride-along.
  • Insurance: The Fire Department does not provide medical or accidental injury insurance for ride-along participants. Participants are encouraged to have personal insurance.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Patient Privacy: Participants must respect patient confidentiality and comply with all relevant privacy laws (such as HIPAA). They are prohibited from sharing any information about individuals encountered during the ride-along.
  • Media Restrictions: No photos, videos, or recordings are permitted during the ride-along without prior approval from the Fire Chief. Participants may not post about incidents or interactions on social media.

 8. Termination of Ride-Along

  •  Right to Terminate: The supervising officer may terminate the ride-along at any time if they determine the participant’s behavior, health, or safety is at risk, or if operational needs change.
  • Grounds for Immediate Termination: The ride-along will be terminated if the participant: o Fails to follow instructions, behaves inappropriately or unprofessionally or becomes a safety concern.

9. Safety Protocols

  • Briefing: All participants will receive a safety briefing before the start of the ride-along, covering fire apparatus protocols, emergency procedures, and safety equipment locations.
  • Protective Gear: Participants must wear a seatbelt at all times while in the fire apparatus. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided if required for specific calls. A Fire Department-provided ride-along vest to ensure visibility.

10. Indemnification

  • Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Jackson Fire Department, its personnel, and the City of Jackson from all liabilities, claims, demands, or causes of action arising from participation in the ride-along program.

 

Download Ride-Along Policy Here

Submit the application by filling out the form below.

Jackson Fire Department Ride-Along Form

First Name: 

Last Name: 

Date of Birth:  Day:  Year: 

Age: 

Driver's Licence Number: 

Address: 

City: 

State: 

Zip: 

Contact Phone: 

Email Address: 

Employer/School: 

Ocupation/Grade: 

Emergency Contact Information

Full Name: 

Relationship: 

Phone: 

Alt Phone: 

Health Information

Do you have any medical conditions that could impair your participation: 

If yes, please describe: 

Ride-Along Details

Preferred Ride Date:  Date (DD):  Year (YYYY): 

Prefered Station: 

Prefered Shift: 

Duration: 

Reason for Particiapting:

Acknowledgment of Policy & Terms

*By selecting the box, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Fire Department’s Ride-Along Policy. I understand and agree to the following:

  • I must follow all instructions given by Fire Department personnel during the ride-along.
  • I will not interfere with emergency operations, and I will remain in designated areas unless directed otherwise. 
  • I understand that participation may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to exposure to dangerous conditions, hazardous materials, and emergency situations. 
  • I agree to assume all risks associated with participation in the Ride-Along Program. 
  • I hereby release and hold harmless the Fire Department, its personnel, and the city from any and all claims, liabilities, or demands arising out of or related to my participation in the program. 
  • I understand that I must keep all information about patients and emergency incidents confidential. 
  • I acknowledge that I am responsible for my own medical and accidental injury insurance.

Waiver of Liability

*By selecting the box, I hereby release the Jackson Fire Department and the City of Jackson from any liability for personal injury, death, or property damage incurred during the ride-along program, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. I also acknowledge that I have no criminal history and am physically able to participate in the program.

Participant Acknowledgment: 

Parent/Guardian Acknowlegment (if participant under 18): 

 



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