Can you go to any call you want to?

[PhaedrusZen]

Old thread, but I've been looking over the Explorer forum, since I've recently been asked to help with my current department's explorer post, & thought I'd add my experience as an explorer, now that I'm years down the road.

My explorer program had various levels; Explorer I, Explorer II & Cadet. You had to meet certain criteria to advance through the ranks, and Cadet was actually a badged position with the FD, albeit a non-paid position, somewhere between explorer & volunteer. Those who made it to the Cadet rank, however, had a 100% success rate in getting hired with the FD (for as long as I kept track of it).

I was able to get my FFI & FFII certs through the explorer program & had some great experiences as an explorer. We would help patrol on New Years each year & we were often able to work in the supply warehouse and in delivering supplies to the various stations which was a good way to meet firefighters on the department. We were also used as fire watch after larger fires, with an on-duty crew in command, but usually "manning" the support RV, while we walked around the fire ground looking for hot spots. (At 3 am, I'm sure as an explorer, I was much more excited about being there than the on-duty crew was ). I can't imagine the FD putting any of our explorers inside of an IDLH, including the cadets. They did do a great job in including us in whatever activities they could. I did get my first-ever nozzle time as an explorer... I got to put out a palm tree fire!

[outdoorsman110]

From what what I've been told, and this stands for the state of Virginia, ( I don't know how other states work this ). Under the age of 18, You can't ride along unless you have the following certs: CPR/DISEASE CONTROL, HAZMAT AWARENESS, NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800, Radio Operations, and fire instructor 1. OR you can get EMT-B if that class happens to be held before fire 1. If you are over 18, then you can ride along with just a few certs.

[EP48]

My chief always told me "How are you going to learn if you don't get in there and do something?" You got to be able to experience how to use the equipment that the senior fireman are able to use. I understand that you will be a senior fireman one day and you will learn how to use the equipment, but why not learn while you are young? You'll already know how to use the equipment beforehand and thats just less training and more fun!

[EP48]

better safe than sorry

[FWDbuff]

My chief always told me "How are you going to learn if you don't get in there and do something?" You got to be able to experience how to use the equipment that the senior fireman are able to use. I understand that you will be a senior fireman one day and you will learn how to use the equipment, but why not learn while you are young? You'll already know how to use the equipment beforehand and thats just less training and more fun!

I see you are in Pa- hopefully your chief and line officers are aware of the fact that Pa. Child Labor Laws PROHIBIT you from operating any kind of power tools (engine operated, electric or hydraulic) during emergencies or in training, and also they prohibit you from entering an IDLH environment.....I'd hate to see the OSHA man fine your department.