Why Firefighters Sit Outside in Their Trucks Before Going to Calls

Every fire department, whether volunteer or professional, has its unique methods and routines to ensure the swift and efficient dispatch of resources during emergencies. In a typical scenario, when a fire department receives an alert, there is often a protocol for who responds first and how they prepare the fire apparatus. This article delves into the reasons behind the common practice of firefighters sitting outside their trucks before responding to a call.

Introduction to Fire Department Operations

My involvement with a local volunteer fire department has provided insight into the complexities of emergency response, especially in departments where there are no permanent paid members. Typically, a fire house operates mostly empty, with no one on standby to immediately jump into action upon receiving a call. This means that in many instances, the first person to arrive at the firehouse is the only one available to activate the apparatus.

The Preparation Process

Letrsquo;s examine the typical process in such departments. If the call is within the departmentrsquo;s district, it involves the driver (also referred to as the engineer) and the rest of the crew. Assuming the call is an urgent one like a structure fire, and that one person is two minutes away with the engine, which seats six individuals, the first responder would do the following:

Start the truck and move it to the driveway Close the bay doors to secure the apparatus Allow the rest of the crew to board the truck after they arrive

The first responder would not wait for the entire crew to arrive; instead, the apparatus would start moving before the rest of the firefighters are seated. This allows for a faster response as the truck is already in motion by the time the full crew boards.

The Challenges of Sitting in Fire Truck Seats

Apart from the logistical issues, there is another reason why firefighters prefer to sit outside their trucks before the call: the uncomfortable nature of the vehicle seats. Unlike a passenger car, the seats in a fire truck are designed to securely hold the firefightersrsquo; breathing apparatus (SCBA) during transit. This means the seats themselves are not designed with comfort in mind. Here are the details:

Uncomfortable Seat Design: The seats have a large cavity in the middle, making them significantly uncomfortable to sit in for any length of time. When an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) is installed, the seat supports the SCBA, making the seating even more uncomfortable. Lack of Recline and Cushioning: The seating position is vertical and does not recline. There are hard parts of the seat that press into the firefighter from all angles, making prolonged sitting in these seats a less than ideal experience.

Even when the shoulder straps for the SCBA are fastened, the firefighter is still in an uncomfortable position. The priority is to ensure everyone is correctly seated and strapped in, which involves multiple steps and cannot be achieved before the SCBA is fastened.

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

Just like in any vehicle, ensuring safety and readiness is a top priority before leaving the station. In a fire truck, this means the following:

Seat Belts and SCBA: While the seat belts need to be secured, the SCBA must be donned first due to safety protocols. The SCBA is essential for providing self-contained air supply in an emergency situation. Map and Route Preparation: The driver may be reviewing a map to locate hydrants or planning alternative routes to the incident, which is a crucial task that cannot be completed until the first responder is ready to depart.

The focus on preparation and safety ensures that firefighters are ready to respond efficiently and effectively. The practice of sitting outside the truck before the call aligns with the need to be both prompt and prepared, reflecting the critical nature of their role in emergency response.

Conclusion

The practice of firefighters sitting outside their trucks before the call is not unique to my department but is a common occurrence in many emergency response situations. Despite the discomfort of the seats, the emphasis on safety and efficient response makes this a necessary and logical step in the process. Understanding this practice can provide insight into the dedication and preparedness of emergency service personnel in their efforts to save lives and property.