Description: Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) have gained wider acceptance and use in both the fire service and EMS. These vehicles can help responders take quick action with less physical exhaustion of department members. These vehicles not only help emergency responders that use them, but also benefit the people served by the emergency service organization. Adding UTVs and ATVs to an Emergency Service Operational (ESO) fleet can provide great benefits but might also present safety issues if the vehicles have not been properly trained in the operation and maintenance.

Equipment, like the UTV/ATV, that was never considered is now being moved with increasing frequency. Often this equipment is needed, but cannot be carried on traditional vehicles. To meet these demands, emergency services organizations are purchasing trailers to transport equipment. Trailers can solve these organizational issues, yet many departments lack the expertise or training to hook up and move a trailer.

This safety program was developed to provide refresher training for ESOs that utilize UTV/ATVs, and teach the emergency vehicle operator the proper techniques and procedures for towing a trailer.

Training Audience: Anyone who in their course of duty will be operating a trailer and/or an ATV/UTV

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Length: 12 Hours

Equipment Needs: Note-taking material

Pennsylvania Department of Health Continuing Education Hours: None

Course Contact: Matt Fink, Fire Training Manager, office: (610) 344-5017 or via email at jfink@chesco.org.