Engineers driving while wearing bunkers? [Archive] - Firehouse Forums

11-14-1999, 11:45 PM

I am seeking information from departments which require or prohibit the wearing of bunkers and boots by engineers while driving. My main concern is that my department uses rubber boots and has mostly standard transmissions in our trucks. It is tough to use the clutch properly. Even with the automatic transmissions, it is easy to get the big boots on both the brake and accelerator at the same time.

[This message has been edited by DD (edited November 14, 1999).]

S. Cook

11-15-1999, 12:19 AM

We don't require or prohibit but...

We let the driver decide. If he/she is comfortable, the whole crew and the public is safer. If they choose not to wear their bunkers while driving, they still have to take them.

Capt Lee

11-15-1999, 12:24 AM

Our standard SOP is for the engineer to wear his bunker pants enroute then once on scene dress out the rest of the way, minus scba, as part of the 2 in 2 out. This way he's already dressed and just grabs his scba from the side comparment if needed. So far its worked well.

After reading the other posts I will add that all our rigs are automatics, and yes seatbelts are required. Sounds like the most trouble/ concern is with the standards.

[This message has been edited by Capt Lee (edited November 25, 1999).]

Bob Snyder

11-15-1999, 01:58 PM

I've always hated driving with bunkers on. The whole thing doesn't feel right, it's harder to find the pedals and to get a feel for the catch point on the clutch. Currently, my company requires engineers to be geared on the scene, but leaves the driving with gear issue up to the individual engineer. We do, however, recognize the value of getting people in gear before leaving the station, and some of us (myself included) have been trying to teach ourselves to drive safely in bunkers.

So far, Ive found that getting the feel for the pedal placement in the automatics isn't hard if you put your mind to it. As easy as that turned out to be is as hard as it's been to get used to the sticks. In fact, I've found that it's impossible to drive the '72 Mack with bunkers on unless I empty both my side bunker pockets. Even then, I can't take my foot completely off the clutch...there just isn't enough room between the clutch pedal and the steering wheel or the steering wheel and the door. This isn't comfortable or safe, really. If this ever becomes an SOP, that will be the last time I drive that rig.

ChapCapt

11-15-1999, 02:21 PM

Our policy is no driving in bunker boots. You may drive in coat or pants. Personally I find in uncomfortable to drive in my bunker coat. (We only have one standard transmission vehicle) The reason for the policy is that the powers that be feel it is safer to drive in regular shoes, sneakers, whatever than in the big clunky bunker boots. Drivers are required to bring gear with them. In our newest truck we actually had a compartment build specifically for the driver to stowe his gear.

DED1645

11-15-1999, 04:25 PM

Personally I agree w/ some of the replies that it is more comfortable and you do have a better feel for the pedals w/o heavy boots on, but it also is a dept's SOP that everyone must wear their gear. One of the main reasons being that our dept. had a apparatus overturn and if everyone was wearing gear some of the injuries wouldn't have been as severe. I got 68 stitches in my back from shattering glass and other objects. If I was wearing my gear I would of most likely just got a few bumps and bruses.

------------------
David DeCant
firefighter/NREMT-B
Originally Mantua,NJ
Presently Lindenwold,NJ(I'm not a member of any of this District's dept's.)

e33

11-15-1999, 05:50 PM

I usually only wear my pants and boots (leather type) because I like the unrestricted feeling of no coat. I also have driven in street clothes in a few instances. In some cases, the only thing I would make mandatory is a helmet and gloves of some type. I have had the "two pedal" experience before and it is scary. It also makes you look incompetent and foolish. The same with the clutch..i can drive a standard trans pretty well, but put me in fire boots and it all goes to poop. Shouldnt the driver be as functional as possible..to me that means no gear to restrict movement. And im not really concerned with any standards which may exist..I am looking at it from a practical standpoint. Oh yeah..seatbelts on too!

[This message has been edited by e33 (edited March 20, 2000).]

Firstin88

11-19-1999, 05:45 AM

I agree that the Engineer must be comfortable/functional, but you still need to have your gear on when at the scene. Not only for the 2 in 2 out rule, but for the safety of the Engineer. If a line were to burst or some other accident were to occur, OSHA would have a field day with your department on why you were not fully protected.

With that said, most newer apparatus have the pedals set-up for operating with your bunker pants and boots on. As well as all newer apparatus have auto tranny's now, so it makes it easier.

I pose another question to you then, what about the Engineer driving with his/her helmet on?

Thanks e33 for mentioning the seatbelts, they are far to often not used.

Stay safe out there!

Tim H.

Bob Snyder

11-19-1999, 09:35 AM

Actually, e33, you won't draw fire from me on this...as long as the engineer is going to be just that and only that for the duration of the call, he/she really doesn't need the gear most of the time. The main reason we've been moving toward gearing the engineers (I should correct my earlier post...our SOGs actually say that the engineer must have gear at the scene and be wearing at least the helmet...the rest is currently an informal "recommendation" from the Deputy Chief) is because we've been finding that we're shuffling positions a lot more than we used to.

For us, it used to be that the engineers were usually older guys who weren't likely to be doing any firefighting anyway, at least on any particular call when they drove. Now, we tend to have front line crew/officers driving initially, with some of the older engineers showing up at the scene when there is a working fire. That allows those front-line people to be relieved from the panel to fight fire soon after arrival, making it more important that they are geared earlier. Hence, our little experiment.

I still hate driving in bunkers, but I'll keep trying to get better at it if it makes operations a little more effective in some way.

rocketboy192

11-20-1999, 11:19 AM

Our department does not have an SOG about this issue. It is left up to the individual driver/engineer's preference. Our fire chief wants ALL personnel on a fireground to be dressed in PPE on the fire scene so if the driver/engineer does not dress at the station, he is supposed to dress at the scene (which is an entirely different topic because few do it). I personally do not have a problem driving with my binker pants on. Keep in mind, all of out apparatus, including spares, are Pierce custom cabs (Dash & Saber) and all have automatic transmissions so room in the cab in not an issue. I can identify with everyone on the standard transmission issue though because several of our spares used to have standard transmissions. Coupled with the fact that they had Ford cabs and chassis made space a precious commodity. I usually do NOT where my bunker pants during the day. The three driver/engineers at my station have unofficially made space in a compartment (the rear driver's side) for our turnouts, a halligan bar, a bolt cutter, our issued SCBA facemask, and an SCBA. During the day, my stuff stays in there but after 4PM (when we are allowed to change into shorts, t-shirts, etc.) I usually respond in my bunker pants because they are so quick to don. At night I always wear my bunker pants. I feel that wearing my bunker pants keeps me safer and allows me to be a bit more ready to act in the capacity of a RIT team or assist in any other emergency that may arise.

------------------
Ronald J. Tocci, II
Driver/Engineer
Engine 1 C
Mandeville, Louisiana
IAFF Local 3704

NY FIRE WATCH

11-21-1999, 11:41 PM

I personally wear bunkers when I drive. I understand everyone's problem with wearing them. Here is a suggestion, buy leather boots. This has made driving much easier. In my department, sometimes the driver maybe asked to help stretch a line in a possibly dangerous area. Also, when operating on roadways, the extra reflective clothing is much safer that a duty uniform.

RVFDCapt

11-22-1999, 12:18 AM

My dept. has a SOP that all firemen should be in turnouts when leaving the station but, I think that it must be left up to the chief and apparatus operator as to whether or not bunkers are worn when driving. Alot of good points have been mentioned here but the most critical point is the safety factor. It must be determined that the apparatus can be operated safely and properly by the apparatus driver at all times. Therefore, it may need to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Once on scene, I think engineers should be dressed in bunker pants, boots, gloves and helmet. Just in case they may need to do some type of emergency rescue, etc.

11-22-1999, 10:03 PM

Thanks to all for the replies!

Bob Snyder

11-23-1999, 01:33 PM

Update on my driving with bunkers experiment...tried to drive the (standard transmission) quint back from a call with bunkers still on on Sunday afternoon. Got my left leg pocket hung up on the door handle at one point and couldn't get on the clutch. Nearly hit two parked cars and almost blew a stop sign, but I got the whole thing under control before anything bad actually happened.

End of experiment. I don't need two near misses to recognize a bad idea.

pyroknight

11-29-1999, 01:18 PM

When you're the only one on the truck, you better be dressed for the occasion when you get there! Massive understaffing has resulted in our department requiring all firefighters to don PPE prior to departing the station. My big *** couldn't possibly wear a helmet and drive. I'd break my neck the first bump I hit. I need all the headroom I can get. I have big ole size 13 feet and I have very little difficulty in operating an apparatus. We do have one standard tranny tender which I have also managed to operate safely lights and siren with gear on. A large portion of it is just familiarity.

Our engineers are fully bunkered with SCBA at the pump panel, but if they really NEED that crap, they parked in the WRONG DAMN SPOT! http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif

Stay belted, stay safe, tell your family you love 'em.

Firstin88

12-01-1999, 09:22 AM

The reason I asked about the helmet is, we have one engineer that always wears his helmet while driving. He is a very large guy and just fits in the truck to begin with. He gets kidded all the time from us and our surrounding departments.

------------------
Stay Safe and God Bless

Tim

INDY FIRE

12-01-1999, 12:43 PM

In Indy it's up to the Engineers if they wear thier Bunker Pants or not. Some do, and some don't.

Be Safe.....

Dwight Conrad

12-04-1999, 11:19 PM

I have to agree with e33. I don't drive with my bunkers on. I do take them with me and don them after I've got my pump going and lines charged. I drive a single axle, manual trans delivery truck six days a week, and I know what it's like to use a clutch with cover-alls on in the winter. So, no way on bunkers in a engine. The engine we have at my station is a Young, and it's virtually impossible to put your foot on the clutch with a boot.

SBrooks

12-05-1999, 03:17 PM

No departmental requirements.

If I'm wearing uniform pants and steeltoed boots i'll wear those on bells calls, etc. as well as MVAs. We're not required to wear turnout pants on MVAs.

If it sounds like a fire...I try to put on my pants, and perhaps coat before we leave the station. We operate a truck and a squad, and the drivers take an active role on teh fireground--turnouts are not optional.

If it's night, I wear them. (unless it's unbearably hot and humid, I might just put on uniform pants then)

We only have automatic transmiisions, and i've purchased a set of pull on leather boots. I actually have more trouble with wearing the coat than the pants.

TYSON

12-11-1999, 11:41 AM

On our Ladder Company, we wear all of our gear on runs. We are broken up into 2 teams. The officer and firefighter go inside, the driver and tillerman work the outside. We may have to go in-service quickly, so the driver and tillerman being geared up my save some needed time.

P.S. most ffrs. in our ladder company wear some type of leather turn-out boot. They are alot easier to drive with.

[This message has been edited by TYSON (edited December 11, 1999).]

JRESCUE

12-29-1999, 01:14 PM

Our dept does not require us too,but we should always be prepared. I had the bunker boot problem too! Locked up the brakes on ice. What I went and did was purchase a pair of servus 10" leather structural rated fire boots. This way I can still do interior if need be. They make great station boots too! This way when we get a call I slip them off put on my bunker pants,and put them back on,and zip them up! They are also a lot safer to work around the fireground with!

------------------
Buckle-Up and Stay Safe!!

tmr91

01-05-2000, 12:43 PM

Our department requires the engineer to wear bunker pants at a minimum. They must take their gear and wear it if needed on scene. If going out on a service call or inspection, the driver does not have to wear his/her bunkers.

Engine508

01-08-2000, 01:39 AM

It doesnt really matter in our truck because it is an automatic and it is easy to drive. So far no one has had any problems. Sometimes the driver takes his bunkers with him or just leaves them at the station, and just wears the helmet and jacket. Depends on the fire alarm. I think its mostly the manual transmissions you have problems with. I know some companies that the drivers who drive a manaul dont wear bunkers they put them on when they get to the scene. Or being that they stay by the truck they dont wear any way all which is stupid in my opinion.

------------------
Andrew
"You Go....We Go"
"Emt's Don't Die They Stabalize"

D. Anderson

01-25-2000, 02:05 AM

Our ladder truck drivers are paired up with the tillerperson (fourperson on our one-piece Sutphens) and are involved in every part of truck operations so nearly all of them wear their turnouts on fire runs and extrications. Engine company drivers usually wear only their station uniforms in every situation except in the winter when many put on turnouts when it's realy cold. Our SOP's don't address turnouts enroute to the call but ladder drivers must wear full turnouts at fires and engine company drivers must wear at least boots and helmet when pumping, and full turnouts when on RIT team. I think the only time we're required to wear helmets on the rig enroute is when you're the tillerman, but most don't because you'd bang your head when going over bumps.

We only have three ladders that are manual transmission left, but the drivers seem to have no problem driving them with turnouts on. I'm guessing it's because they're located at the slowest spots and the drivers there all have a lot of time on and experience. All of our engines are automatics except for a few spares.

smitheps

01-25-2000, 10:25 AM

I personally believe that if an engineer is comfortable with wearing his pants and boots that he should. Especially if your department is short on manpower like one of mine is....there have been several instances where I have been the pump operator at an incident and shortly after my arrival another engineer has arrived in a POV and relieved me at the pump. Thus I am able to quickly don an SCBA to go assist my crew.

fyrgeek

02-10-2000, 04:28 PM

I just thought I would throw my two cents worth in. My dept I'm on now you will be turned out fully (all Members) prior to departing the station. Here in Alaska it is too cold most of the time not to be fully dressed. During one of our last trainings the training officer told us a story about a driver/operator that got burned at a car fire when he wasn't bunkered up and the cars fuel tank ruptured. I know you all are saying how often does it happen in my dept.? I have only seen it once and it was enough for me.

Be Safe

------------------
Dennis Kuritz
Firefighter/EMT
North Star VFD

Joseph Mowery

02-14-2000, 02:14 PM

Our department requires all crew members to be dressed. However, the operator has the
option of just taking his gear. I will dress out in bunker pants. I can't wear a helmet because of head clearance.
Before leaving the station I ask all crew member if they are dressed and belted before I will move the apparatus. Just a way to remind my crew about using seat belts.
I drive '84 Ford Pumper (auto) '95 Pierce Lance Pumper (auto), '99 Pierce Dash Tanker (auto) and a '96 Ford F350 Brush truck (auto) with no problems with the pedals using issue rubber boots. Just have to remember to pick my feet up and place them on the pedals instead of sliding my foot back and forth.

HIangleLT

02-19-2000, 03:48 AM

My fire dept has the engineer make that call himself. Although, most will drive with their bunker pants & helmet. This tends to reduce time on scene for donning equipment.

Quint1Medic

02-20-2000, 10:16 PM

Our department doesn't have any rule one way or the other about driving in PPE, but the amount of room in the fronts of our Pierce Quints with Teeny Weeny Dash Cabs *does* affect whether it's comfy or not. I do it, because I'm 135 pounds and 5'10", so my only problem is with the clunky bunker boots on my usually-skinny feet; I hit both pedals a lot. Any normal-sized human male is going to find the sides of his turnout pants against the door and the center console, with the attendant potential for problems. I haven't heard of any accidents involving tangled feet, though.

[This message has been edited by Quint1Medic (edited February 20, 2000).]

El Capitan

03-20-2000, 01:28 AM

I drove an engine for nine years. I didnt think it was safe for me to drive with bunkers then and now as a Captain for nine more years, I dont want the person driving me to wear them either. I would much prefer he get us to the scene safely. The department requires everyone to respond in full gear EXCEPT THE DRIVER!

Youre no good to anybody if you dont get there!

Bob Snyder

03-20-2000, 01:58 PM

Amen, El Capitan, Amen!!

csgos

04-05-2000, 12:03 AM

Fulton County Fire Department (GA) "SOP" dictates that personnel must have full protective gear on during a response to a fire call. This same SOP allow the driver the option as to utilization of gear, however this same driver must utilize his gear upon arrival, as he/she is part of the 2 in / 2 out team. Having been an apparatus operator for a considerable number of years (25),I personally found that with bunker boots, I did not get a proper feel of the accelerator, brake and clutch pedal. When I first started engineering and truck driving, if the apparatus was an open cab, I would wear full gear during inclement weather, which was a necessity. Wearing turnout coats to me was a hindrance to turning the wheel, even though I always ordered my turnout clothing one size larger (my weight always varies, must quit eating good firehouse food I guess).

I personally have found that on some makes of vehicles, the driver seat was/is in a position that whenever the driver's leg was pulled back from the pedal, the top part of the boot would hang on the seat edge. Especially the bench type seat.

While I am on this subject, please allow me to add something: Be real careful with your brake control valve in freezing weather, more especially if the foot brake valve is exposed to incoming winds below freezing. This was common in commercial chassis.I have operated apparatus that when the brake lever was depressed, the brake valve would freeze open, due to moisture accumulation in the valve. This in turn would cause dramatic loss of air pressure. It sure was hard to get hot water to the scene to unfreeze the valve, so that I could use my pump to apply water on a grass fire.

Ward Watson

04-10-2000, 10:38 PM

The paid department I'm on, started requiring the Diver/Operators to wear bunker pants while driving several months ago. I personally do not like it. I would like it to be up to the driver. I feel that it sometimes interfears with my driving.

FireMedic38

04-19-2000, 12:08 PM

Our department does not have a requirement. In the 15 years I have been there it has gone full circle though. At first we were required to wear full turn outs. After some complaining for obvious reasons we only needed to wear bunker pants and boots and could put the coat on at the scene. Now it is up to the engineer what he wants to do. Some don't wear the pants and boots but do wear the coat.
Personally I prefer to wear the pants and boots mainly for safety reasons when we arrive and go to work. The pants keep me drier while doing hook ups. If I need to do more, or it's cold I'll put the coat on.

------------------

ENGINE 52

02-09-2001, 10:16 PM

My dept. the drivers option if he or she wears the pants when driving. They must bring there turnout with them on all calls.

capt311

02-11-2001, 06:46 PM

I've been driving fire trucks since 1982 tried to drive with boots and bunkers and hated it with my drivers it's up to them if they want to wear them fine as long as they get to the call safe

[This message has been edited by capt311 (edited 02-11-2001).]

HAMMER14

02-11-2001, 10:19 PM

I say leave it up to the driver. Some people are comfortable driving with their gear on, others are not. If the driver is not comfortable he is more likely to make more errors. The decision to wear them or not should not be made by someone sitting in a office most of the day.
If they decide not to wear the gear, there is no question that they should take it with them, what good are they without it.

During the day I wear what I have on, unless I'm in shorts. Once I get to the scene I get dressed. if I'm getting out of bed to go on the call I drive with the bunkerpants on, much easier to get into when you are getting up in a hurry.
Most of the apparatus I drive are automatics, but one of them is a Ford LTL9000 Heavy Rescue Squad that has a 9 speed Road Ranger in it, No problem with bunkers on.

RJE

02-12-2001, 08:47 PM

On my old dept, it was driver's discretion. All other personnel were to be dressed (or dressing!) for w/f, otherwise, bunker pants and helmet was allowable. (For example, we did first response, on med calls, bunker coat was not required if you had a uniform shirt on).

We had a Seagrave custom cab-forward, I wore my pants, but not coat, as the horizontal steering wheel was hard to turn w/the coat on. On the other hand, on the old International conventional cab reserve pumper(manual tranny), I'd throw my pants in a compartment (the left front was empty for this purpose) as it had especially small pedals. But the Mack tanker (road-ranger 5&3) I drove with my pants on. If I ever drove the brush buggy (F-350) I'd go without, not because of pedals, but because of the boot tops hanging on the bench seat.

So my opinion? Check what works, and what doesn't vehicle by vehicle. Then wear the most that you can! BTW, even at 6'1", I never had a problem with my helmet, except in the brush buggy. (Man, where do you put all your stuff?)

Firekatz04

02-15-2001, 11:08 AM

Our dept. leaves it up to the driver. For me personally, either way works. I PREFER putting the bunker pants on (It takes all of about 10 or 15 seconds), putting the turnout coat and helmet in the engineers compartment, and then drive. (Have you ever done any pumping on a cold night without bunker pants... standing in snow, slush, ankle deep in water, etc. and being squirted when it's about 10 degrees out... yeah, it's REAL FUN http://www.firehouse.com/forums/rolleyes.gif ). Maybe the people that don't like driving with bunkers on can practice? We "driver train" regularly and there are numerous schools, truck maintenance, etc.

[This message has been edited by Firekatz04 (edited 02-15-2001).]

FireCity

03-09-2001, 08:17 PM

My Department, LA City Fire allows us to wear what you call bunkers and we call turnout pants, to calls. There are times when wearing of bunkers impedes the dbl clutching and especially braking and accelerating difficult.

jdfinch2

03-11-2001, 02:16 AM

In our Volenteer company most of the time our drivers are older members that perfer to just drive leaving the youngers to do most of the work. in that matter we have veterian drivers who are well experiance, we also have a variaty of crew members whom do just exterior work "goffer if you want to call them that" we do require all members to wear ppg on the fire scene. most of the drivers feel uncomfortable wearing bunker pants and boots they take them with them and don them on the scene. you have to remember that when they fought fire the just used 3/4 boots lid jacket and gloves witch were always stored on the apparatuse we never had our own personal gear. so you used what was available. now that we all have our own gear sharing isn't an issue but safety is if the driver feels uncomfortable then the passangers are uncomfortable. safety is first and if the driver doesn't feel safe while wearing gear then why should they wear it if it is going to help pervent an accident.

LtStick

03-12-2001, 12:06 AM

I believe that the driver should decide for them selves. There the ones who know what works for them. If there more comfortable driving without than that should be there option.
Hey JdFinch2 I can remember those days. They weren't that long ago. It has only been ten years since we started issuing out gear. Those were the days when it paid to be one of the first ones to the station so you could get a set of gear that would fit you. Ah those were the days of riding the tail board to calls, long coats, 3/4 boots and Philadelphia helmets. So be careful who you call old. Remember respect your elders some of us can run circles around you young pups.

xenophon13

03-12-2001, 01:44 PM

The vast majority of the time I don't drive with bunkers on simply because I am in the truck getting it ready to roll while the other guys are getting geared up. I just stow my gear on the truck somewhere at the start of my shift and take it off when I go home. That way its always there when I need it. However I am comfortable driving either in or out of bunkers and boots so it doesn't much matter.

sloepoke1

03-13-2001, 02:53 PM

My dept don't have any set sog's on this but recommends that the engineer be comfortable while driving the rigs. Personally, I've been an engineer for several years and have tried driving with and without gear, sometimes with only pants and boots other times in full gear depaending on time of year, and found that everyone was much safer with the driver not in ppe. The engineer should take his/her ppe with them and don it once on the scene.
The bulky pants with pockets stuffed full of tools and gadgets that get caught on the door handles and could possible get caught on the stick of a manual tranny {been there done that}. The sleeves on the coats can also be a problem with catching on things and cause the driver to lose control of the rig.
But these are only my opinions and one must follow your departments sog's or make your own decision. Just remember that one must protect one self first but there are others depending on the driver to KEEP them safe to and from a scene.

J.E.Beall

03-31-2001, 08:45 PM

Never wore bunkers pants/boots driving a striaght drive after seeing the results of a pumper rearend another at a fire scene in the 70's, the driver claimed his boots (old 3/4 roll-up) got hung on the edge of the seat when tryin' to depress the clutch. No injuries just a red face an some body work. I've had no problem with auto trans an air brakes and feel under dressed arriving without bunker pants on atleast.

oz10engine

04-11-2001, 09:35 AM

I think it's a bad idea for drivers to wear bunkers while driving, it cut down on mobility.

Sirene

04-12-2001, 04:42 PM

Our department has no official policy on Engineers wearing gear while driving. I think if they did this it would open up the door for a lawsuit if there was an accident which happened while the driver was wearing his/her gear.
Personally I only wear my bunker pants to alarms not turnout coat. I think the coat restricts movement to much while driving. I only wear my pants when I am driving my normal Engine company. If my company has a reserve I usually don't wear my pants because of not being familiar with the machine.

engco2432

04-18-2001, 06:07 PM

Our Dept S.O.P. says driver must wear turn out pants while driving. But Sutphen recomends not wearing firefighting boots while driving. I have had several occasions where i pushed both pedals at same time.

jpchev

04-22-2001, 08:23 PM

My Dept has no specific SOG regarding this other than driver must have gear with him. I personnally drive with bunkers on, we have both autos & a standard. The Standard is a '78 ALF Century with plenty of room, the only time I used to have trouble was with the old 3/4 boots. I can see where it could be a problem in some trucks. IMHO it should be left to driver's discretion.
John C. Capt. HJFD

Michrehf

04-25-2001, 05:49 PM

Our Department leaves it up to the Driver. When I drive the Truck, I wear the Bunker pants. This is due to the manning of our Truck Co. being at 4. The Officer & FF do FE, inside vent, S&R. The Driver & Tiller do outside vent. Once I finish setting ladders or the PPV I go to the roof to assist the tiller in opening up. I did purchase the leather boots to make it easier to drive. I am very comfortable wearing this gear but could never drive with the coat on. Bottom line is the best judge is the Driver.

------------------
Michael R. Rehfeld
Firefighter
Baltimore County, Maryland
IAFF Local 1311

Firelover

05-19-2001, 04:27 PM

I agree that it's very dificult in handling the truck with bunker gear on, but in my department, we are required to respond in full gear, that means jacket and pants. I guess that this is where training comes into play. If you train with your gear, you should be able to reach a comfort level.

------------------
Joel

If you sent us to HELL, WE'D PUT IT OUT!!

**And of course these are only my opinion and only mine. Don't take it out on anyone else but me.**

Firelover

05-19-2001, 04:30 PM

Plug-Ugly

05-19-2001, 04:52 PM

Drive with shoes and pants. Bunker up when you get there.

Firelover

05-19-2001, 05:04 PM