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SOP's or SOG's
How do you call them and are the pretty flexible or are they to the point. Many say that if they are to the point, you open yourself for a lawsuit. Others say if they are flexible there can be some maneuverability. Just out of curiosity, how long are they. I've heard of some as high as 250 pages and others as short as 15.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joseph Giordano on
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I'm pretty sure our sops are less than fifteen pages.
All that's in it is,
If you drink don't respond
If you do drugs, don't respond
helmet decoration
hydrant dressing
and few other things
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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The problem is...
If you make them too ambiguous and loose, then they don't accomplish their purpose nor will there be any teeth in them if they are violated. You should write an SOG and then go through a validation process for that SOG. You do it for every SOG.
I have seen department by-laws that are 15 pages long.
I have seen department SOGs that are 400 pages long.
I am currently revamping our department's SOGs.
I expect to have close to 300 pages when done.
Keep in mind that more detailed operations will have several pages. Communications is an example. You may have private channel, county-wide, state-wide and even federal frequencies and protocols. Could be 15 pages alone.
Don't underestimate the importance of well written and well-executed SOGs. It might be the only thing that keeps your department from paying a large settlement for any number of reasons. Though I know many detest the role of attorney in our system of care, they need to be involved in this process.
Take care.
Art
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Permalink Reply by Firesqwasher357 on
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Our SOP's are 107 pages long. Some allow for flexibility, others are very straight on and to the point.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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We term it SOG's...as in guidelines...that leaves a little room for variances if needed...if it is "policy" and something goes amiss you are more open for liability....so we took our SOP's and made them SOG's....Stay safe and remember to Keep the Faith....Paul
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Permalink Reply by mean15 on
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The lawyer who sues you won't care what you call it, and neither will the judge. If it's written down, you don't follow it, and things go bad - you WILL still be liable.
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True to a point....and that's where people get themselves hung....Does your Department follow ALL NFPA Guidelines....? If you follow even one and you mis another they have you by the....well you know....Policies are just that...sort of a rule...guidelines are just that....something established to "guide" you in your decision making....we have discussed this with our lawyer....but to each their own....Paul
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