If a firefighter on the move is unbelted to don SCBA, what should the operator do?

If a firefighter on the move is unbelted to don SCBA, what should the operator do?

• A. Slow down and stop until secured by seatbelts
• B. Continue at safe speed
• C. Accelerate to safety
• D. Notify company officer after arrival

Answer: (A)

The priority is crew safety and proper restraint on a moving apparatus. If a firefighter needs to don SCBA while the vehicle is in motion, the operator should slow down and stop until that firefighter is secured by a seatbelt and can safely complete the donning and seal checks. Being belted prevents serious injury or ejection in a sudden stop or maneuver, and it allows the SCBA to be donned and fitted without fighting against movement or restraints. Once everyone is secured and the SCBA is properly donned, the operator can resume movement. Continuing at speed or accelerating with an unbelted crew member creates a high risk of injury, and delaying until arrival to notify the officer does not address the immediate safety hazard.

The priority is crew safety and proper restraint on a moving apparatus. If a firefighter needs to don SCBA while the vehicle is in motion, the operator should slow down and stop until that firefighter is secured by a seatbelt and can safely complete the donning and seal checks. Being belted prevents serious injury or ejection in a sudden stop or maneuver, and it allows the SCBA to be donned and fitted without fighting against movement or restraints. Once everyone is secured and the SCBA is properly donned, the operator can resume movement. Continuing at speed or accelerating with an unbelted crew member creates a high risk of injury, and delaying until arrival to notify the officer does not address the immediate safety hazard.