Refusal to utilize seatbelts

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Permalink Reply by Dottie Garrett on July 13, 2009 at 9:07pm

WHY do they HAVE TO WEAR SCBA's in the unit? If they are slow in getting them on at the scene, they need to practice on that issue or just practice using the seatbelt more effeciently with SCBA's.
In California ANYONE not wearing a seat belt is subject to a hefty fine, even Firefighters!
Do they not realize that they also put YOU at risk. As a projectile, their bodies and those SCBA 's will inflict
severe injuries, if not death, on those hit. What does your S.O.P.'s say about this? Who's the ranking officer?
Firefighters preach and teach SAFETY, they must practice what they preach! They should think of their families
too. Something as important as a seat belt, is not a decoration but a safety device!

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Permalink Reply by Dottie Garrett on July 13, 2009 at 10:25pm

Liability and Insurance is also a big factor I forgot to mention. Being put in harms way because
it's uncomfortable is not an excuse.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Stomber on July 13, 2009 at 10:05pm

In the state of New Jersey the police will watch you and if they see u pulling up with no seabelt on they will write you up. My area is now doing is that you have to call in before you leave and tell how many pople are on your pice and they all have thier seatbelt on. Also it is not that hard to put the SCBA on when you get on location. Thoes exter mintue to see whats going on before running in. The time poeople change thier mines is when something happen and some gets hurt or dies.

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Permalink Reply by Brett Smith on July 19, 2009 at 10:34pm

I am guilty of not wearing my seat belt but i have been making a good effort to. I want to come home to my wife &son. And i am reminding my brothers to buckel up too becouse we all want to come home safe.

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Permalink Reply by Chaplain Mike on July 24, 2009 at 10:47am

Jeff-First i applaud your effort on wanting to be safer and step up your game of being more responsible, KUDOS TO YOU !!!! Second, shame on your fellow officers. By not making everyone buckle up they are putting everyone in danger. In Michigan it is a state law that you wear seatbelts-"Click It or Ticket" is the motto. Our Engines don't get put into drive until every member is in their seat and buckled up. and yes, you can put your SCBA on with a seatbelt on-its easy once you practice it a few times! There is a video out there made by Phoenix FD on this subject and they walk you thru step by step-try youtube.com and Just like anything else we do we have to try different ways of doing something-improvise, adapt and overcome! Tell the other officers that they are directly responsible if something happens to their crew! The courts WILL come after them and hold them accountable to their training level and SOG's. Check out the National Fallen Firefighters website and Everyone Goes Home website, they both have great info and resources. Also check out firefighterclosecalls.com And there is a seatbelt pledge on one of those sites for your members to sign stating that they will wear their belt on every run to make themselves and each other safer. Jeff-Good Luck in making your team safer-if you need any assistance don't hesitate to ask, Mike.

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Permalink Reply by NFFF on July 24, 2009 at 11:01am

Thanks for posting our resources, Mike. It is ridiculous the number of firefighters that die each year because of something so stupid as not wearing a seatbelt - it is unacceptable. How can you help if you don't get to the scene??
Our seatbelt pledge. And please don't let your officers dissuade you or make you feel that you are being 'paranoid' or 'overcautious' - over 10 firefighters die each year from this. Don't allow the other firefighters to have died in vain; learn from their mistakes.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Gaudio on July 25, 2009 at 5:13pm

Thank you NFFF.
Just trying to do my best with safety for my guys. It's tough to do so being the lowest officer in the company.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Gaudio on July 25, 2009 at 5:04pm

Thanks Mike. I appreciate your advise and help.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda Cherry on July 24, 2009 at 11:26am

Humm..they say it's IMPOSSIBLE to put on an SCBA and their seatbelt!!!?? Where did they get that from?

This is a link to an awesome Denver Fire Department Training Video on You Tube that shows a great way of putting on your seatbelt and SCBA. Try showing this to them & then ask how impossible it is.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=56862989088&h=wVABt&a...

Way to take the initiative and make an effort to enforce this important and life saving step. Don't let them tell you they won't wear their seatbelts.

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Permalink Reply by FireMedic-NC on July 24, 2009 at 11:29am

While my current FD has always been pretty good about seatbelt usage, we started a policy about 18months ago that the apparatus does not leave the bay until EVERYONE chimes in that their seatbelt is securely fastened. We no longer stand and get geared up on the way to calls... All turn-out gear is put on before getting in the unit or waits until we arrive on scene. SCBA donning is reserved until arriving on scene.
As for my full-time job (Paramedic), I find MANY of my co-workers riding around in the front of the unit unbelted and seemingly caring less about being belted-in. I try to strongly encourage them to belt up. I've been in the business far too long to not see the benefits out-weigh the discomforts!!!

Be safe out there my Brothers & Sisters...
Respectfully yours in service... JPM

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Permalink Reply by Rusty Hampton on July 24, 2009 at 11:31am

I agree. Don't move the truck until everyone is seated. The driver is responsible for the safety of all riders even if they are not looking out for their own well being.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Wintermute on July 24, 2009 at 11:39am

I think you should absolutely refuse to move the apparatus unless everyone is buckled in. As far as putting an SCBA on while responding I really don't feel this is need, since it only takes a second to put it on when oyu arrive. That being said I have seen a video online where they show how to put an SCBA on while belted in and responding. If I can find the link I will post it. "Everyone Goes Home" is an empty statement, if you don't take all aspects of firefighter safety serious. Good luck in promoting seatbelt use in your department, stand your ground. Stay Safe!
I see someone already posted the link to the video, it was Denver FD.

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