Page 78 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat

a right-of-way, rangers must utilize the level of emergency lighting necessary, from hazard
warning lights to overhead lights, to make their presence visible to other motorists. Rangers
should be aware their presence might compound traffic problems and act to minimize this by
positioning their vehicles appropriately and reducing emergency lighting.

Rangers should assume other vehicles are not aware of their presence and extend the right-
of-way to the other vehicles. Vehicles responding in emergency mode are required to travel
in the left-most traffic lane. The provisions in this section shall not protect any driver from
the consequences of reckless disregard for others’ safety; excessive speed and inappropriate
responses may result in disciplinary action.

Being aware of their duty to drive with regard for the safety of all citizens and other rangers,
emergency responders may:
• Park or stand disregarding the law;
• Proceed through a red stop signal or sign after slowing down as necessary for safe
operation;
• Exceed speed limits to the extent that life is not endangered; and
• Disregard regulations governing directions and turns.
(Refer to Colorado State Statute 42-4-108 for more information)

Only rangers who have received POST certification may respond in emergency mode.

OSMP Department policy requires rangers to activate both lights and sirens during
emergency responses. It is recommended that headlights also be turned on when
responding to emergencies to further enhance visibility and that rangers employ the “yelp”
siren frequency when approaching intersections instead of the “wail” siren to make it easier
for the public to detect a vehicle’s location. When appropriate and qualified personnel are
on the scene, rangers should assume a non-emergency response mode unless specifically
requested to continue in an emergency mode. Rangers are prohibited from engaging in
vehicle pursuits; however, a vehicle may be followed if necessary. All speed limits and
traffic regulations must be obeyed.

(Note: Rangers should understand all local jurisdiction protocols in these circumstances and take
into account the totality of circumstances in any situation before they choose to run emergency
responses.)

In life-threatening situations, emergency responses are not warranted if there are already
qualified rescue personnel on the scene (i.e., fire department paramedics, ambulance).
Similarly, emergency responses should be stepped down to “non-emergency” status if a
sufficient number of qualified rescue personnel arrive on the scene prior to a ranger.

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