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Best regards, Rant Boss.
We're discussing Should there be physical standards?
The volunteer fire department of Nassau is open for most people. People of all different ethnicities, genders, and physical statue. Should their be a physical standard though? Almost like you should pass a hands on physical to be able to be a member? Would this be discrimination in anyway?
YES there should if you cant get a pack on on your own and you need help, YOU SHOULD NOT BE WEARING A PACK. and if you can hold you own and your going to more of a risk to your fellow firefighters then a help, well then im sorry but we dont need you, or you should not be interior
PWTRUCKIE62,,,,, not to get into an arguement but those words "we don`t need you" they can be very damaging. We all belong to a volunteer organization here and we can use what ever help we can get. We all have members in our Depts that have never seen the inside of a fire building or any dangerous conditions, but to tell someone they are not needed because they can`t do somethings is almost a form of discrimination, isn`t that the reason why most depts started firemedic programs to eas the load on the frontline firefighters. We all should welcome members whom are willing to share their valuable time helping out the fire service in many different ways, no matter what they may be
ok so maybe the guy who cant put a scott pak on and touch his toes can write some pretty mean Federal Grant papers...money for trainings, equipment, whatever you need....
but because hes not physically able to do what your able to do...doesnt mean you should turn him away from a volunteer org.
gotta get the people in the FD's...and use them for what they are good at...whether its softball, racing, firefighting, organization skills, throwing darts, drinking, shooting people in the ass with a paintball gun....whatever....
Excellent topic! From a "left coast" perspective....we've learned the following:
All combat/line firefighters and EMS personnel must pass a job related, physical agility test. This applies to firefighters, officers, driver/operators, etc. In our world....just as I'm sure it is in yours...all crew members of any apparatus are mandated to be "combat ready" for any assignment. They could be assigned to anything from attack duties, to vent, to RIT/RIC/FAST, or whatever. Those who are not or are in question......go to see the dept. doc who either lays out a plan for them....or we change their combat status. This is strictly for everyone's safety.
You all have made great points! We have "non-combat" personnel who will pickup equipment, do various tasks, transfer apparatus, etc. They may not be able to perform combat duties...but they certainly fulfill valuable tasks on a regular basis. We can always use the additional assistance and the help comes in "all shapes and sizes". BUT...for the safety of the line personnel (their own and their crew)...they need to be physically capable.
We operate a pretty aggressive program (combination department)....just as I am sure most of you do, also. FF safety is paramount and part of this comes in the format of being capable to "do the job". For those who may not be capable or are no longer capable to perform the strenuous tasks.....wow....there is always a ton of projects and/or work to be completed! Many of these folks have specific talents that we need in "the department".
gotta get the people in the FD's...and use them for what they are good at...whether its softball, racing, firefighting, organization skills, throwing darts, drinking, shooting people in the ass with a paintball gun....whatever....[/quote]
UMMM...NO! You are joining a Fire Dept. you had some good points about grant writing etc. but as soon as you posted the list above you missed the mark, Yes there are other jobs that need to be performed within the FD organzation that a person can do besides being a line firefighter but it does not include being a softball player or on the racing team, dart team, bowling team, drinking team those activitys are perks for members who perform fire supression or support services not for someone to join for one of thoes perks on the tax payers dime. And for what to say the FD has X number of members???
Anyone who is going to be fighting fire; Line officer, firefighter etc.. Should be taking some sort of CPAT test!!! I know this is a volunteer organization, but that don’t mean the standards should be set LOWER than a career department. We all do the same job. From what I am told, Cardiac Arrest is the biggest firefighter killer. Let’s open our eyes and do the right thing!!!! It will only benefit everyone on the fire ground.. JMO..
PWTRUCKIE62,,,,, not to get into an arguement but those words "we don`t need you" they can be very damaging. We all belong to a volunteer organization here and we can use what ever help we can get. We all have members in our Depts that have never seen the inside of a fire building or any dangerous conditions, but to tell someone they are not needed because they can`t do somethings is almost a form of discrimination, isn`t that the reason why most depts started firemedic programs to eas the load on the frontline firefighters. We all should welcome members whom are willing to share their valuable time helping out the fire service in many different ways, no matter what they may be
well no because i know equal rights but when is that becoming more of a danger to you, if they are going to hurt you, and they are a risk, we dont need people who will hurt rather then help, you know what if you want to help thats great, go do EMS (no offense to the medics) where you are not in a high risk environment. just the same if you are two big or two small, i am all for women in the fire house, if they can do the work. if they are goign to complain and just not put the effort going "im a girl i cant do that", then we dont need them eather. dont forget we are her to save people the same reason we should not drive like assholes to calls (ya i know i do it two sometimes but its not right), because if we become the victim then how are we helping?
personally think we need everyone we can get and shouldn't be turning down anyone. Just because someone isn't physically fit to perform the duties as and interior firefighter doesn't mean they cant me a driver or be an exterior firefighter or hit the hydrant. JMO
And trust me i would be the first to say if someone is out of shape i dont want them coming in with me and being a danger to me and the rest of the crew
thats what i am saying im sorry if it got mis understood but i did say high risk environment, so ya they can be exterior i thought this thread was about interior FF's.
We are in a day in age where there are no longer waiting lists to become members. We are also not paid organizations where we can pick and choose who we want. Some people may not be able to become interior, however, they can still be a vital part of the fire house. These people can run EMS, be the OV team, hit the hydrant or become the financial secretary. Whether your in the s*it or helping outside on the front line....your doing a job. In a perfect world everyone would be in perfect shape...but we dont have that luxury. But that doesnt mean that we just push these other people to the side.
And Truckie...."you guys"....you just got SCBA qualified last week? And speaking of physical shape...how would you feel if I said to you....."your a risk, I dont want you coming in with me"
Your not exactly the poster boy for Men's Fitness.
Lots of good discussion here. When I first joined, I felt that i could do almost anything, but we all get older and can't do what I used to. BUT, I still go when the radio goes off. We are volunteers, and to have an annual physical from doctors. BUT, here's where our class 1, 2 or A, B and so on come in. The OFFICER has to take into account WHO is on the rig before calling the 21. I feel we really can't say no to anybody who wants to join the service. BUT, I also agree 100% that you join to be a firefighter. To ME, the racing, softball and social parts of the FD are extras AFTER you fulfill your responsibilities as a firefighter. Now for the person who is good at getting grants, fund raising and all that stuff I feel does have a place with us. This is important too. There are Departments who do have administrative personnel. Maybe something we need to start looking at...
Should there be physical standards?
