[ADZE07]

Curiously, I was wondering what your policies are, if any, concerning wearing seatbelts while responding to calls on Department apparatus? Some manufaturers have built in bells and whistles which prohibit the rig from moving without all seatbelts being used if the seat is occupied. Their are other warning systems as well. What are your thoughts? What do you do?

[ride-n-fly]

worn at all times when able

[jayg359]

I always do when driving or officer, and whenever possible in the back of the bus. It just may save your life!!

[Yaaaargh]

Originally Posted by ADZE07

Curiously, I was wondering what your policies are, if any, concerning wearing seatbelts while responding to calls on Department apparatus? Some manufaturers have built in bells and whistles which prohibit the rig from moving without all seatbelts being used if the seat is occupied. Their are other warning systems as well. What are your thoughts? What do you do?

Always a good idea to be belted whenever possible. I'm very leery of something that would prevent the rig from moving though unless all seatbelts were fastened unless the system is easy to override. I hate to think of a rig stuck in the house while something burns or someone dies because one of the seatbelt sensor switches is faulty.

[Slim]

I gotta be honest. In the back of the Engine I have a bit of trouble getting my gear right while wearing a seat belt. However on a bus I usually wear a seat belt. Everyone else makes sure they do to esp. when I am driving!!!

Slim

[firstdue627]

I where it normally when officer or driver on the bus...... Don't wear it on the truck since its impossible to get fully geared up and everything, and then you accidentally unbuckle the SCBA instead of the seatbelt and its a mess......... In the back of the busy its hit or miss but never when I am caring for a patient or have one.

[halfandhalf]

Don't know what departments were there but I was at a safety seminar in April of this year at Macarthur High School in Levittown. One of the guest speakers was Chief Billy Goldfeder, a Deputy Chief with the Loveland-Symmmes Fire Department and ex-member of Manhasset-Lakeville FD. I do not know him but can tell you that he is an excellent and knowledgeable speaker. At the seminar, he spoke of firefighter accidents and I remember one case where a Chicago Firefighter lost his life when his engine rolled over in an MVA and he was ejected out of the window of the crew cab. Apparently he was not wearing his seatbelt. It makes you think...I don't wear my seatbelt in any rig unless I am driving. Why? It is hard to put your belt on over your gear, with other members getting ready, donning SCBA, etc...I wish I could say I do wear my seatbelt but I don't. I know this is bad but it is the truth. I know I could easily be that firefighter in Chicago that is no longer here but I still don't wear it. Anyone else do this? Maybe talking about it will get me or a brother/sister firefighter to wear their seatbelt.

[FDAMT]

I wear mine occasionally, not often enough though. Think about it, your in a speeding vehicle blowing red lights, stop signs, etc., your probably more likely to be involved in an MVA than you are while driving normally in your personal vehicle. Its kind of dumb not to wear your seatbelt in any vehicle, never mind a department rig. Too many people don't wear them enough, including me. Especially in the back of the ambulance with a patient, standing up, moving around. Sure you should not let your seatbelt interfere with providing care, however its still your safety before theirs. You being thrown on your patient because of an MVA is not doing any good for yourself, or your patient. What about the guys who dangle their hands/arms out the window of the engine? They will be the first ones to be ejected in an MVA.

[halfandhalf]

And what's strange is I always wear my seatbelt in my personal car, but not on a fire engine...stupid I know