Many articles have been written on the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives and the Everyone Goes Home programs that were introduced in 2005. In my opinion the person with the most direct control over most of these safety standards is the person that takes the right seat of any fire apparatus — the officer. The officer is the one most directly responsible for the movement of the vehicle for any response.

Before moving the vehicle for a run, the officer should make sure that firefighters and the driver have their seatbelts fastened. If they don’t, then the officer should order the driver not to move the rig. Want to see firefighters put on seat belts quick? Hold up the rig when there is a report of a working fire. Almost simultaneously all of the members will fasten their seatbelts.

Also, the driver and firefighters should not be dressing while the apparatus is moving.

Everyone should ride in an enclosed cab — never on the back step or standing up. If you can’t ride in an enclosed cab, jump seats should have safety bars installed to prevent falling.

Hearing protection is another concern. If your department can afford hearing protection, wear it.

The officer should also have total control over the driver. This includes operation of the siren and air horns, and the speed the vehicle is traveling. If the vehicle is moving too fast, the officer should tell the driver to slow down.

These are only a few items to consider when planning your response. Develop SOPs, and have everyone trained in their use.