Kids on Calls - Policies???

[OakLevel]

First let me say that this question is for the all-volunteer departments? Any of you have any policies regarding children responding with the parent to calls? These can be EMS or fire? I am referring to children in the personal vehicle - not apparatus...

We have a case where a dad (not a member) is beginning to complain about mom (is a member) running calls with the 9 year old in the car. We are in a very rural area and do not have any real "bad" areas. I take my daughter sometimes too. I must also mention that these two are separated and the dad is looking for part custody ideas. Just wondered what everyone else's rules are. The children are not allowed in a scene, but this is the first time I've ever heard of someone questioning them riding in a personal vehicle and staying in that vehicle while the patient is cared for, fire is put out, etc. Dad's complaint is that child sees things that she shouldn't - but if not allowed to enter the actual scene - I disagree.

Thanks for any help or ideas!

[Firefighter2230]

I'm sure a search would help you more but I will play along at my department no children at all period. And being an all volunteer department my home family comes waaay before my family at the station. Once again just my thoughts but to each his/her own if they disagree.

The children are not allowed in a scene

But they are unless this lady is parking her vehicle and hiking to the scene that kid is seeing most of everything that goes on from inside the car. And because of that she could lose her kids I would think if a custody case is going on.

[OakLevel]

After reading this thread, (http://cms.firehouse.com/forums2/showthread.php?threadid=66921) it appears I have just started another war with no way to win. Please disregard - I see that there are very strong opinions both ways.

I must say though that the dad was a member until a few years ago and responded with the same child on several occasions.

[joejarman]

I SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT

[CaptainGonzo]

It's one thing getting a "freebie" response and reporting to the station for credit on the call.

Responding to a working fire? No way, unless the child is a teenager and even then, there are possible repercussions to think about.

[hwoods]

My oldest grandson responds with me all the time on the Heavy Rescue. He's usually driving........ :p :p

OK, seriously, We don't have a policy, but then we've never had a problem either. On occasion, not very often, a member may be in the immediate area of a call and stop to see if help is needed, and leave a child in the Car. Common Sense goes a LONG way in a situation like this.

[jboczek]

Heck, i can even get in on this one. My boy went with me sometimes and he even got to spend his time in the engine until I was ready to go. No, not while the truck was responding, but after it was on scene. Of course, he was threatened with his life not to touch anything. We've got people that bring their kids to the station and leave them there while they go on the call. There's always at least 1 left behind to man the station so they "babysit". I know of a dept. in northern IL that has a day care room that grandmas take care of. Grandma even has a pager so that when the call goes out, grandma responds to the station to watch the kids. Neat idea and it lets the guys and gals with kids respond.
In this case, I wouldn't have a problem as long as mom drove sensibly while going. If the 9 YO watches news on TV he'll see as much or more than at the scene. Sounds like dad is trying to stir up some bad stuff.