I say a minimum of 4. 1 driver/operator, 1 Officer and 2 firefighters. Of course more would be better and would allow multiple operations to occur. However, in my areaour minimum is 4 for this reason. If the call does not require the driver/operator to remain with the unit, then you can make at least 2 two man crews for vetilation, etc.
JUST LOOK AT THE BIG CITIES (N.Y.,LA,NJ,BOSTON ETC.) MOST HAVE 6 MAN LADDERS BUT GO DOWN TO 5 MAN MIN. WHY SAFETY & WORK LOAD. NFPA HAS PROVEN THAT WITH SMALLER CREWS COME MORE INJURIES. MY DEPARTMENT ONLY RUNS A 3 MAN LADDER! SAD PART IS IT'S ONLY USED AS AN ENGINE(QUINT) NOT A TRUE TRUCK CO. BE SAFE......
Just out of curiousity-- how many ff's do you have to man a truck? Four should be the min. but I have seen surrounding dept.'s use as little as two on the truck and hope to meet up with an extra crew from an available squad. I guess it's up to how you can juggle your platoon to a ratio that fits your needs. Stay safe.
4 Man Minimum. If the main bed ladder is not in service , the crew is split into 2 two FF crews, which includes the driver/operator. Then any interior and/or exterior duties can be handled at the same time.
3 man crews are an invitation for disaster.
If the driver/operator is committed to the aerial device, The officer and and the other 2 FF should pick the most pressing need and do it as a 3 FF crew. The 2nd due truck would be assigned to pick up the slack.
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