Page 77 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat

in tactical situations requiring a quick exit from the vehicle. Fuel levels in rangers’ vehicles
should not drop below half a tank in the event of a possible emergency response, and rangers
may not take their vehicles home with them unless for standby duties or otherwise authorized by
the operations supervisor.

Although rangers are expected to assist motorists stranded at trailheads, the assistance they may
render is limited. Department policy prohibits jump-starting, towing, or pushing other vehicles
with a city vehicle. However, rangers may request a tow truck or other assistance.

Non-OSMP Department employees may only be given rides in emergency situations when no
other options are available. When transporting a member of the public, dispatch should be
notified of beginning and ending mileage. And, as a general rule, rangers do not provide
transportation to the hospital or carry passengers in the bed of the truck, except during emergency
situations when transporting rescue personnel or other OSMP Department staff.

Generally, rangers should not drive or park on multi-use paths and sidewalks. However, the
department acknowledges instances when rangers may need to park or drive emergency
vehicles on OSMP multi-use paths or sidewalks while performing official duties. When doing
so, rangers should use all department equipment available to be as visible as possible.

Emergency Response Guidelines
Due to the nature of emergency calls rangers receive, the expansiveness of OSMP properties, and
the proximity to urban and residential areas, rangers should only respond to calls in emergency
mode under limited circumstances. Rangers must notify communications personnel when they
respond to incidents where an emergency response is authorized and always regard the safety of
all persons while operating vehicles during emergency responses.

Authorized Emergency Response

An emergency response is authorized under the following circumstances:
• When a ranger reasonably believes there is a threat of serious bodily injury or death, to
include life-threatening medical emergencies;
• A confirmed fire (not a smoke report);
• Circumstances when other officers or public safety agencies request an emergency response;
• When requested by a supervisor, incident commander, or officer in charge; or
• When requested by dispatch (e.g., an officer cannot be contacted and was last heard from on
a wanted party call).

Authorized Emergency Vehicle Equipment and Use

Ranger vehicles authorized for emergency responses are equipped with red-blue-white
emergency lights, sirens, hazard warning lights, and public address systems. When obstructing

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