Thanks or the response we received on checking you SCBA when arriving for shift. We received several notes of encouragement asking us for more so we will work to get it done.
The First thing we are going to share is arriving for duty. This fits no matter if your paid or volunteer. If you are going to pull a duty shift or just hang at the firehouse for a bit, there are several things that should happen:
1. Get to the firehouse 30 to 45 minutes early. As a firefighter you need to get a general impression of the apparatus as well.
2. Stow your bag and ensure you are in the proper uniform for the day.
3. Inspect your turnout gear and report any questionable areas to your supervisor.
4. Let the person whom you are relieving know your ready to take their spot and get a turnover from what happened with them the shift before.
5. We covered checking your SCBA, and those goes along with inspecting your turnout gear as well.
6. Inspect the tools on the apparatus and make a game plan on what needs to be serviced or possibly taken out of service.
7. Now find your supervisor if you do not have a roll call, and find out your plan of the day. Let him/her know what you have found in the morning, so that they can incorporate that in to their plans.
8. Tell your officer upfront the things you need to work on training wise
9. Knock out your daily chores.
10. Be ready to train, and most importantly be ready for calls for service.
These are just a few items, I’m sure others will add more, and are welcome to.