PURPOSE OF ORDER:
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for operating and maintaining safety while using the utility terrain vehicles (UTV) assigned to Altadena Station.
SCOPE OF ORDER:
This order shall apply to Altadena Mountain Rescue Team personnel.
ORDER:
UTV's are off-road vehicles, designed to transport people and equipment. These vehicles have the capacity to easily traverse muddy roads, soft sand, and rocky terrain, which could useful during times of critical need and/or when time is of the essence.
Prior to operating the UTV, personnel SHALL successfully complete the "four-wheel drive vehicles and equipment course" taught by certified Sheriffs Department personnel.
All safety rules and regulations shall be followed. Safety equipment, seatbelts and helmets SHALL be worn while the vehicle is mobile. While operating the UTV off-road, team uniform SAR helmets are approved for use in the UTV. The safety door shall also be utilized when the vehicle is in motion.
The UTV is equipped with an emergency lights and siren package that MAY be used on trails to alert hikers, and mountain bikers. The emergency lights and siren SHALL never be activated while operating on a public roadway in a manner which could be considered Code 3. Flashing safety lights MAY be activated to improve safety and driver visibility while operating on a public roadway.
The UTV MAY respond to local trailheads within a 4-mile radius from Altadena Station. If a trailhead is out of the 4-mile radius, the vehicle SHALL be placed on a trailer to be transported. When operating on public roadways, the UTV SHOULD be escorted by a marked LASD patrol vehicle or a street legal search and rescue vehicle that is equipped with emergency lighting equipment.
Those that have been rescued by the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team SHOULD not be transported in the UTV on an open public roadway.