Emergency Vehicle Laws, SOPs, and Scene Safety
Emergency vehicle privileges come from state or provincial law, not from NFPA, and they are discretionary. The operator must drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property, and the exemption typically applies only while the vehicle is operating with both audible and visual warning devices, as permitted by law and local policy. Warning devices do not create an absolute right of way - they request it. You still must slow and verify that cross traffic has actually stopped before proceeding through a red light, stop sign, or negative right-of-way, and you may still be required to stop for a school bus or a railroad crossing. Local SOPs often require non-emergency response when returning to quarters or when the call is cancelled, which removes the exemptions.
Scene safety is the operator's parallel responsibility. Perform a 360-degree size-up on arrival, set the parking brake, chock wheels, and position to shield the scene. Wear high-visibility retroreflective garments and full PPE consistent with the incident. Establish traffic control upstream per traffic-incident management guidance - taper, buffer, and work space - and never turn your back on moving traffic. Maintain accountability and keep the apparatus ready to move if conditions deteriorate.
Traps: assuming lights and siren grant the right of way, following another emergency vehicle closely through an intersection, and treating NFPA recommendations as enforceable statutes. Rule of thumb: if you would not do it in a personal vehicle without the exemption, you need to be certain the exemption truly applies before you do it in a fire apparatus.