Drivers with or without coats

[Blackwood84]

I have an article to write for an officers class and I pose this question for all of you.

In your dept is the driver required to wear his turnout coat?

what are some pros/cons?

What does NFPA say about this, if they say anything at all?

Thanks for your feedback

Stay Safe
-Lt Urso
www.blackwoodfire.org

[jonnyirons2]

They can have it either way, just not allowed to use thumb/wristlet attachment as it could restrict movement.

[Weruj1]

no

dont know of any

and Nothing.

[johnny46]

It's at the driver's discretion.

[ndvfdff33]

Driver's decide if they want to wear it or not.

[lieut1sc]

We don't have anything saying if you should or shouldn't. We leave it up to the driver. I personally don't when I drive. I don't like how it feels when I'm wearing a coat when driving. I also don't wear one when driving my POV anthing over 5 miles. Thats just me.

[dday05]

We don't require the driver to wear their coat but it should be near them or be ready to be put into action (90 % of the time the driver does wear it). We run with 4 on a shift. We usually trade a spot with the driver when we have good workers as to give some of the guys a break. There has also been some fires where the truck arrives on scene and had to perform rescue activities. Therefore the driver had to assist with full gear and what not.

[mfdbenji]

On our department no one is required to be in full gear on the truck only bunker pants (unless the truck is about to leave then you hop on with your gear and get dressed when arrived on scene)

Most times though persons will be bunked up w/ the exception of there helmet.

[NismoFire]

We do not allow our drivers to wear ANY gear what-so-ever. Chief sees it as a safety problem, as the gas/brake pedals are close together on our rigs, and the coat restricts movement.

Once on scene, when the driver has time, they can put on their PPE.

Even in "civilian" clothes, anything wider than a tennis shoe (or sneaker, depending on what part of the country you're from) will hit both pedals if your foot isn't centered on a particular one, so it makes sense to me. We are 100% volunteer, and respond from home. We run 300 calls a year and cover 73sq mi.

[FireDawgEMT22]

My proximity to that station has me driving often, and it really is hit or miss as to if I wear my coat. I guess it depends on the weather to be honest. I prefer to not wear my coat only because I feel thinner, lol. and I feel less restricted in movement, however I havent had an issue wearing it restricing my movement really. As Weruj1 said, we dont require it, and it is up to the driver

[Geinandputitout]

No while responding. Then while on scene they are supposed to wear full T/O gear and helmet - I know it's dumb.

[jerry4184]

Never while I'm driving. Some of our guys do though, and some don't. I just don't like the restriction in movement when I'm driving. On scene, I grab it out of the compartment, or cab (whichever one I stowed it in), and throw it on while getting set up.

[hwoods]

The only rule here is that when operating any Open Cab vehicle, you must be wearing your Coat and Helmet. It will be a moot point in another year or so, after our last couple of Brush Jeeps are retired, they're the only open cabs left. Other than that, Drivers Don't wear gear while driving.

[RFDACM02]

They can have it either way, just not allowed to use thumb/wristlet attachment as it could restrict movement.We have the same rule, but it was due to the lack of "gripability" on the wheel with the wristlets.

[Bones42]

No while responding. Then while on scene they are supposed to wear full T/O gear and helmet Ditto. I don't believe it's dumb though.

[PAZ711]

Our drivers can wear whatever they show up in. All our rigs have spare hip boots and jackets in the engineer compartment if they want extra protection on-scene.

[FireMedic049]

Our drivers have the option as to whether or not they wear gear when driving. If it's a "non-fire" type call (EMS assist, wires call, etc.) many don't wear any gear to drive. Most will wear their pants/boots for other call types and then finish dressing on scene. Very few drive with their coat on.

[TheFNG]

As I live relatively far from our station (all volunteer), I almost never drive anything other than a POV. This moring though - I took an engine to an MVA. On the way out - no coat. On the way back, I had the coat on. Simply put, I was cold and wanted a jacket for the return trip.

We don't have any SOG's on this to my knowledge.

[Geinandputitout]

Ditto. I don't believe it's dumb though.


I wish their was more flexibility in the policy.

[fyrmnk]

I have an article to write for an officers class and I pose this question for all of you.

In your dept is the driver required to wear his turnout coat?

what are some pros/cons?

What does NFPA say about this, if they say anything at all?

Thanks for your feedback

Stay Safe
-Lt Urso
www.blackwoodfire.org

No, not required.

[Dave1983]

SOG is no PPE while driving. No exceptions...

[firefighterMV]

My department requires full gear for ALL personnel even while enroute. We run typically 3 man companies or even 2 man when we are slim. This means to follow the NFPA standard for 2-in / 2-out that the 2-out must be in standby gear. All of our apparatus are set up so that the pump panels are "set it and forget it" ready. We have digital rpm/pressure regulators so we can set the pressure and then the driver can get a pack on and either be part of the standby when the Command unit arrives (he will bunk up and pack up if necessary initially if needed also) or if a two man company, will pump water to the nozzle and then get to the nozzle to make entry when the next 2 personnel arrive...and one of these next two arriving will then become the pump operator on the initial attack engine...sounds complicated but works when you cover 55 sq. miles and your next unit is a ways out and want to make quick entry as soon as the next unit arrives.

[CaptainGonzo]

Driver's discretion here. They are expected, however, to don their gear once they arrive at a scene.

[snowball]

No rule here either way. Personally, I do not wear my coat while driving, too restrictive.

[Lifeguard911]

Our Department has no rule about it. I prefer not to wear a coat while driving as it restricts arm movement.