Earlier this week we discussed firefighter safety and areas of concern. Now we will look at how departments across the country address these concerns. All of these submissions are directly from departments across the country to VolunteerFD.org
The Ramtown-Howell Fire Department submitted their “NJ OSHA Compliant Respiratory Guidelines” to VolunteerFD.org. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/training_display.php?did=1744 ) Their word document submission outlines minimum requirements, training, fit testing, and when to wear SCBA. This program is well developed and can be adapted to departments in any state, not only New Jersey. The Ramtown-Howell fire department is being proactive and planning ahead to outline their needs and train appropriately.
The Hicksville Fire Department sent in a great outline of their mandatory training. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/training_display.php?did=440) While they focus on the firefighting topics, their submission outlines hourly requirements and minimums that all firefighters need to maintain. The other interesting thing is that they specify different training requirements for different classes of members.
The Green Ridge Fire Department’s submission caught my attention. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/training_display.php?did=1680) Their attitude is great: “This program has no choice but to be successful, because there is no other option. You either are qualified or you don’t ride. Bottom line.” The other thing that is nice is they have developed a testing process both for skills and knowledge. I was a bit dismayed to see that personal relationships dictate if someone passes the qualifications. While this is ‘normal’ in volunteer departments, there should be no room for favoritism when it comes to safety.
The Oakland Fire Department submitted their accountability system at (http://www.volunteerfd.org/training_display.php?did=330 ). They have combined their training and membership classes into different color accountability tags that state what the member can do at a scene. It also specifically states minimum hours for each tag level.
The Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department submitted their traffic control SOG to VolunteerFD.org. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/sogs_display.php?did=777 ) The program is detailed with the main theme being “Your Safety Comes First”. The program details minimum PPE and how to interact with the police department. I think the only thing I disagree with is that they state that turnout gear is ok if your trim is in good shape. Whenever working in an area with traffic, all firefighters should wear a class III warning vest. There is a huge difference.
Virgilina VFD also submitted their SOG on response to violent or suspicious calls. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/sogs_display.php?did=779 ) I found their wording very interesting… “It shall be the responsibility of the OIC to pull personnel from any scene that has become uncontrollable or dangerous.” I like that it is the OIC’s “responsibility” rather then right or option. It is the responsibility of all on scene to ensure safety, but the OIC is ultimately responsible.
The White Oak EMS submitted their entire SOG document to VolunteerFD.org. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/sogs_display.php?did=1672) There is one line that is important for this discussion: “Seat belts are to be worn at all times by driver and attendant.” I know that we always say it is impossible to wear a seatbelt while working on a patient in the back, but it is possible, and needed. When you are unrestrained in the back of a motor vehicle you become a projectile in an accident. Statistically if you are going to die in an ambulance accident, you will be unrestrained in the back, and die from a head injury.
The Camden Fire Department submitted their drug and alcohol impairment policy. (http://www.volunteerfd.org/sogs_display.php?did=1484) They have a zero tolerance, as it should be. As they say, it eliminates the question of “How much is permissible?” Furthermore, their program applies equally to emergencies, drills, and/or other functions.
As you can see, departments across the country are being proactive about safety, and your department can be also. Full SOG documents are available at http://www.volunteerfd.org/sogs.php and training at http://www.volunteerfd.org/training.php
Discuss this column at: http://www.volunteerfd.org/phorum/list.php?f=20
Yours in Service,
Jason